I am just going to paste the link on - and invite comments...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/your_say/article5773179.ece
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Monday 23 February 2009
Jumping on the bandwagon - is this professional??
Like most other people, I have been saddened to hear of Jade Goody's fate, and wish her well in earning as much money as possible to provide for her sons, before she dies. It is her decision and she is being very brave.
I also wish her well in trying any therapy, treatment or activity, that makes her last weeks as comfortable and bearable as possible.
However, I was astonished - if not angry - to see Jade's "Life Coach" being interviewed on Sky News on Saturday evening. I know that Jade has endorsed this woman's services in the past. (I'm not going to mention her name as I don't want to give her any further publicity). But my initial reaction was "What is this woman doing: discussing treatment that she's CURRENTLY giving Jade???" Isn't there a confidentiality agreement - written/spoken or otherwise, when someone is being treated or being coached?? This woman was discussing the work she is doing with Jade Goody at the moment and appeared totally unethical that she should be discussing this. Also, it was the most vulgar, unacceptable method of self promotion: discussing the support being given to a dying/suffering client.
The woman concerned appeared on Sky: being interviewed outside the studio. She mentioned the positive thinking she develops in clients and preparation for positive outcomes. "I'm working with Jade on positive outcomes" was her mantra. Yet when the Sky journalist mentioned that Jade was dying and how could this be a positive outcome - our life coach suddenly (conveniently) couldn't hear the question and then continued rabbiting on about unblocking negative thoughts with crystals. The Sky man asked this question a few times then finished the interview (in exasperation probably).
As I said before - whatever someone needs to support them facing what Jade's facing - just go for it. BUT, for someone to be cashing in on a tragedy in this way is obscene. What do you think?
I also wish her well in trying any therapy, treatment or activity, that makes her last weeks as comfortable and bearable as possible.
However, I was astonished - if not angry - to see Jade's "Life Coach" being interviewed on Sky News on Saturday evening. I know that Jade has endorsed this woman's services in the past. (I'm not going to mention her name as I don't want to give her any further publicity). But my initial reaction was "What is this woman doing: discussing treatment that she's CURRENTLY giving Jade???" Isn't there a confidentiality agreement - written/spoken or otherwise, when someone is being treated or being coached?? This woman was discussing the work she is doing with Jade Goody at the moment and appeared totally unethical that she should be discussing this. Also, it was the most vulgar, unacceptable method of self promotion: discussing the support being given to a dying/suffering client.
The woman concerned appeared on Sky: being interviewed outside the studio. She mentioned the positive thinking she develops in clients and preparation for positive outcomes. "I'm working with Jade on positive outcomes" was her mantra. Yet when the Sky journalist mentioned that Jade was dying and how could this be a positive outcome - our life coach suddenly (conveniently) couldn't hear the question and then continued rabbiting on about unblocking negative thoughts with crystals. The Sky man asked this question a few times then finished the interview (in exasperation probably).
As I said before - whatever someone needs to support them facing what Jade's facing - just go for it. BUT, for someone to be cashing in on a tragedy in this way is obscene. What do you think?
Thursday 12 February 2009
It's all in the preparation!
Perhaps I'm being over protective of my creative cousins: actors - but I have an expectation that they will be mentally prepared for any media opportunity - particularly an award ceremony. After all, if we believe the press, most of them take hours to get ready - and that's just the men; the actresses apparently have botox injections in their arm pits to avoid nasty sweat marks and weeks of wardrobe planning. So why is it that some actors let themselves down when they have to open their mouths - during acceptance speeches? Surely they are masters or mistresses of conveying words and will have prepared a response - however 'humble'.
Could it be that too much energy has been put into the appearance of said actor, or that their 7 day starvation diet, to look fantastic on the red carpet results in a fuzzy head when combined with champagne and adrenaline?
Some are great acceptance speeches: others are = well - emotional. The links below: learn from their mistakes!
Could it be that too much energy has been put into the appearance of said actor, or that their 7 day starvation diet, to look fantastic on the red carpet results in a fuzzy head when combined with champagne and adrenaline?
Some are great acceptance speeches: others are = well - emotional. The links below: learn from their mistakes!
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article5696225.ece?&EMC-Bltn=NMUC7A
Thursday 5 February 2009
Positive Stories from the 'High Heel and Lipstick Memo' story at the Bank of England
As a business woman I could not fail to be surprised - well horrified by the headlines and story of women finance workers at the Bank of England receiving a memo instructing them to wear heels and lipstick in the office. Here is the link from the Telegraph report.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4421656/Women-workers-told-to-wear-lipstick-and-two-inch-heels-in-Bank-of-England-memo.html
The publicity was somewhat 'unfortunate' given the present profile of the finance sector, and it did nothing to reverse the myth (?) of sexism in the city. However, it did focus on the importance of 'image' within an organisation. It is usual for consultants to focus on the impact of physical appearance as a way to create an image. This is correct and it makes huge sense to have another person - professional or not, give you advice on the visual image you are portraying.
However, audio image - your voice - is equally important and the most important skill when you are on the telephone.
18 months ago, I worked with a dynamic Tyne side based estate agency. The majority of their business was with wealth investors from the South East, who were purchasing re-development projects and increasing property portfolios for £1M + figures. The enthusiastic staff had all had a 'make over' and they now wore a corporate 'uniform'. However, they had received feedback from
clients saying that they were put off by 'the manner' of the largely female employees. I did some research before working with them, and when calling the office, I could hear laughter, swearing and general 'horseplay' behaviour in the background. The receptionist also called me 'Pet'.
Now I spent three happy years in the North East at University, and I know that people from Tyne side are warm, friendly individuals. 'Pet' is a friendly term and not derogatory in any way. However, to a high powered business man who is wanting to invest serious money, this greeting is not welcome - and viewed with concern!
I also accompanied employees on viewings, and their interaction with potential clients was friendly - but again, not considered appropriate for the type of business relationship.
Through working with this fine group, we were able to establish an appropriate 'Speaking style' for the office: with clients and on the telephone. The employees were able to understand that in the same way as we wear work clothes, we have to adopt a particular type of 'work' behaviour and speech. We also created a framework of how to answer the phone, and awareness of behaviour in the office - to ensure nothing inappropriate was heard on the phone! Whilst not wishing to dampen the natural warmth and friendliness of the employees we were able to create a more positive, professional image that was appropriate for their business and the type of client they were attracting - and wishing to attract. As this work was conducted as a workshop: with everyone involved and valued, the whole team took ownership of this.
As a result, the employees felt they had received guidance on how to behave: the professional image they needed to adopt. For some, they had received no guidance on this before and was an invaluable skill to acquire. From the company's perspective, this changed their image in the eyes of it's employees, customers and competitors in a positive way.
So, although we can sniff at a headline about Image, it is worthwhile considering the image - visual as well as vocal, that we are projecting to our clients and competitors.
To have advice on how you can manage your vocal image, call 0844 576 3015 or email susan@executivevoice.co.uk
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4421656/Women-workers-told-to-wear-lipstick-and-two-inch-heels-in-Bank-of-England-memo.html
The publicity was somewhat 'unfortunate' given the present profile of the finance sector, and it did nothing to reverse the myth (?) of sexism in the city. However, it did focus on the importance of 'image' within an organisation. It is usual for consultants to focus on the impact of physical appearance as a way to create an image. This is correct and it makes huge sense to have another person - professional or not, give you advice on the visual image you are portraying.
However, audio image - your voice - is equally important and the most important skill when you are on the telephone.
18 months ago, I worked with a dynamic Tyne side based estate agency. The majority of their business was with wealth investors from the South East, who were purchasing re-development projects and increasing property portfolios for £1M + figures. The enthusiastic staff had all had a 'make over' and they now wore a corporate 'uniform'. However, they had received feedback from
clients saying that they were put off by 'the manner' of the largely female employees. I did some research before working with them, and when calling the office, I could hear laughter, swearing and general 'horseplay' behaviour in the background. The receptionist also called me 'Pet'.
Now I spent three happy years in the North East at University, and I know that people from Tyne side are warm, friendly individuals. 'Pet' is a friendly term and not derogatory in any way. However, to a high powered business man who is wanting to invest serious money, this greeting is not welcome - and viewed with concern!
I also accompanied employees on viewings, and their interaction with potential clients was friendly - but again, not considered appropriate for the type of business relationship.
Through working with this fine group, we were able to establish an appropriate 'Speaking style' for the office: with clients and on the telephone. The employees were able to understand that in the same way as we wear work clothes, we have to adopt a particular type of 'work' behaviour and speech. We also created a framework of how to answer the phone, and awareness of behaviour in the office - to ensure nothing inappropriate was heard on the phone! Whilst not wishing to dampen the natural warmth and friendliness of the employees we were able to create a more positive, professional image that was appropriate for their business and the type of client they were attracting - and wishing to attract. As this work was conducted as a workshop: with everyone involved and valued, the whole team took ownership of this.
As a result, the employees felt they had received guidance on how to behave: the professional image they needed to adopt. For some, they had received no guidance on this before and was an invaluable skill to acquire. From the company's perspective, this changed their image in the eyes of it's employees, customers and competitors in a positive way.
So, although we can sniff at a headline about Image, it is worthwhile considering the image - visual as well as vocal, that we are projecting to our clients and competitors.
To have advice on how you can manage your vocal image, call 0844 576 3015 or email susan@executivevoice.co.uk
Monday 2 February 2009
Positive and energising activities for this present time of doom and gloom
Last week the world class musician, Benjamin Zander led the DAVOS Conference in a performance of Happy Birthday. The conference had featured various economists and leaders spreading doom and gloom. Was each speaker trying to out-do the bad news??
Benjamin Zander blew away the black clouds that had descended by energising the delegates and leaving them with more positive feelings - and the energy to explore 'possibilities' rather than 'prepare for the recession'.
How did he do this? Through music! He invited everyone to sing Happy Birthday in a variety of ways - engaging everyone to contribute, laugh and feel part of a community. Everyone left feeling uplifted and willing to consider changing the current economic situation.
Zander is not the only person to run such a positive presentation within a conference or away day: Executive Voice regularly deliver 'icebreaker' presentations and workshops to energise delegates and teams.
This is what some of our clients have said:
"It's the best team building exercise; it reduces tension and is extremely uplifting. I thought it was a fantastic idea and definitely something I would like to use at some point in the future. I've talked about you to a number of people.! Deb Leary, CEO Forensic Pathways Ltd - at the WEConnect Conference 2008
“The vocal workshop was amazingly restorative”
“The activity had the potential to build upon later in the programme as an example of active team working”
“The vocal workshop was a really nice touch”.
“Thanks again for yesterday. The Ladies all enjoyed your presentation; the event was buzzy from the word go and was a great success.” Sally Brett, BDO Stoy Hayward LLP
“I am writing to thank you very much for entertaining the attendees of our Ladies’ Dinner last week. It was a great idea to do some singing and generally wake us all up after all that sitting, eating and beverage consumption. I know that others enjoyed themselves, it was good fun and something a little different to the usual run of the mill. It was a pleasure to see you last week and thank you once again for your contribution in making the evening such an entertaining event.”
Veronica Cooper, Hertfordshire Institute of Directors October 2007
So: if you want your conference or away day to make a genuine change to the way your employees or delegates think - consider using Executive Voice's Services to make a REAL change.
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