It’s about having the right people on board
One of my early mentors – a hugely successful and inspirational global HRD – said that this was the single most important thing. It never fails to amaze me how true this is. You can track most organisational successes and failures down to this principle. Jim Collins talked about ‘getting the right people on the bus’ and it's so true: talent recruits talent and bad people recruit bad people. As HR professionals we all know this, but I think we sometimes forget how much we have to, at times, influence our business leaders on this. This is where we can really steer organisational success or failure.
Seek first to understand before being understood
This is one of Stephen Covey’s seven, and in my view best, habits of highly effective people. In the past there have been times I’ve regretted jumping in with an answer, view or solution when I would have been better off asking more questions to fully understand the situation, the other perspective, and the unspoken needs. The most successful leaders do this naturally or learn this lesson early on. I’m still learning this lesson most weeks! If you haven’t already, get a copy of The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People book (it’s on audio too). It’s a classic, timeless text.
Take action – don’t over think
A brilliant trainer, coach and author Jamie Smart said: “There are things you will learn, discover and innovate through taking action that you will never stumble upon in the privacy of your own head.” The perfectionists out there will relate to how wise these words are. It’s easy to delay action because you want it to be perfect so just start doing it.
Our insecurities come from comparing our ‘back of house’ with everyone else’s ‘show-reel’
I learnt this in an acting class once and it’s struck me since how applicable to business this is. Most people, no matter how successful, have moments of self-doubt. As human beings we often think others are better than we are. Sometimes this can hold us back. When I realised how true these words were it made a real difference. I have since shared this quote with others I coach and mentor and it always blows them away.
Amanda Menahem is HR director at insurer Hastings Direct
