Management Blog

Focusing on 'good' stress

Understanding the difference between good and bad stress can help take your career in the right direction, according to a recent management-issues story.

The article suggests good stress occurs when a person's resources meet or exceed the demands placed on a worker, a process that enhances energy levels and confidence.

However, when the demands of a job exceed an individual's resources they experience bad stress, an outcome that can result in health problems and deteriorating relationships.

Leadership consultants say it's important to identify the difference between good and bad stress and learn how to manage negative stress before a feeling of distress sets in.

Network from day one

After you receive a promotion, don't waste time thinking about new office furniture or the joys of a better parking spot, Harvard Business Online says networking should be your first priority.

The site's Conversation Starter blog says making the right connections early on in a new role can help a manager acquire the information they need to succeed in both the short and long term.

To make this process happen it's suggested managers:

1. Identify crucial links - find out who can help you, who knows what's going on and who can help you get around roadblocks

2. Meet the people that matter - contact key leaders in your field, including those who work for competitors, and organise a chat

3. Pay it forward - networking is a two way street, when you meet new people share useful information and contacts

Capturing the sweet smell of success

In a world saturated by non-stop imagery, noise and activity, could scent be the edge marketers need to more effectively communicate their brand messages?

There can be little doubt scents make us think of particular images or feel certain emotions. Even just reading about the smell of a spring breeze, biscuits baking in the oven, lavender scented linen or freshly ground coffee can trigger a joyous reaction.

Now imagine if you could associate your product or service with a smell that made people feel better about themselves, that harnessed scent in a positive, meaningful way. Well, apparently the technology and expertise to do so is already with us.

The process is called 'scent marketing' and it could be coming to a nose near you.

Reality TV tunes into SMEs

Optus is making three SME proprietors the stars of its new internet-delivered reality TV show 'Yes Coach', Marketing reports.

The episodes, which can be watched at BizThinkTank.com.au, follow three very different SMEs through a 12-week intensive business training program.

The three finalists featured on 'Yes Coach' include a manufacturer of identification tags, a plumber and an IT/professional services marketing company.

According to Optus, the series aims to show how practical advice can resolve day-to-day business issues and offer tips on how viewers can resolve their own SME problems.

Managers, workers believe in 'smart working'

Research out of the UK indicates over 90 per cent of managers and employees feel 'smart working' will have a positive effect on their workplaces, management-issues reports.

The term smart working refers to the trend of greater workplace freedom, flexibility and collaboration, according to study author the UK Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Yet despite the positive outlook, the Institute says smart working is still in its infancy; it's suggested most workplaces are a long way off from experiencing the smart approach.

The cure for agro emails?

A service that gives email senders an opportunity to 'turn back time' and avoid sending angry emails has been launched, Smart Company reports.

The HitMeLater service holds any messages email users think they might regret later for a predetermined time and sends them back later for a second look.

Using the service is as easy as sending an email to 24@hitmelater.com and the same message will be returned to your inbox the next day.

Or if you need even more time, you can enter a day of the week - e.g. thursday@hitmelater.com - and your email will bounce back then.

C'mon get happy

In today's business environment laughter isn't a luxury… it's a necessity, according to a recent CareerOne article on how to create positive work places.

Change consultant Cris Popp claims laughter is a sign people are working better, not worse; it can also signal an innovative environment in which staff consider alternative viewpoints.

Popp offers the following tips to managers keen to foster a happy workplace:

• Focus on positive feedback: for example, give an employee six positive comments for every criticism
• Encourage solid relationships amongst workers by being inclusive of people's views
• Get to know the names and interests of your staff; make the time to stop and chat
• Look at staff members' strengths and weaknesses in order to place them in roles that suit their skills

Workers ignore iPod rules

Is it really such a good idea to ban iPods at work?

A new study indicates 75 per cent of companies have policies in place regarding the use of personal media devices... however only 45 per cent of workers follow these rules.

The study, which was undertaken by international software developer Symantec, also suggests companies need to tread carefully when considering restrictions on social networking sites.

Reporting on the trend, Smart Company says managers need to strike a balance between controlling risk and fostering a work environment that maximises worker productivity.

Healthy, wealthy and productive

Poor workforce health and organisational productivity don't mix… but with a plethora of possible solutions available, just what is the best way for managers to help improve the health of their team?

In a recent article Entrepreneur magazine claims the best way to encourage employees to improve their health is to provide 'human support' rather than just offering financial incentives.

This could mean hiring a full time wellness coach or a focus on creating a company culture that places a high value on health and wellbeing.

Approaches taken by companies profiled in the article include turning sections of an office into a gym, quit smoking programs and regular health experiences, such as lunch-time kayaking trips.

Bringing manners back

It may seem like a quaint notion however etiquette is the key to securing a new job and getting ahead at work, modern manners guru Anna McPherson tells The Daily Telegraph.

It's suggested gum chewing, lazy handshakes, inappropriate clothing and slang are just a few faux pas that can stand in the way of a new job or networking opportunities.

To make her point McPherson offers the following colourful metaphor: "a lack etiquette was a bit like body odour - no one will comment on it but people will avoid dealing with you in future".

It appears many younger members of the workforce are well aware of the etiquette issue.

David Bray of ConnextX, a Sydney company that runs etiquette courses, says Generation X and Generation Y workers are driving demand for manners training.