Rasheed Ogunlaru's Blog, page 24

Anniversary, NHS leadership & 10 Downing St – A coaching week

It’s been quite a special past seven days or so. In fact every day is special and I’m very fortunate to do a ‘job’ as a coach, speaker and author that I deeply love and through which I can make a rich contribution. There’s something about the last week that highlights all that so here’s a very quick round up of the last seven days:

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Last week began with the 3rd Anniversary of my book Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business.

It’s been quite a wonderful 3 years and I’ve been very touched by the stories of people who have read the book, bought the book, recommended the book and been on a journey with it. I want to thank you for your support, publishers Kogan Page and the editor Liz Gooster.

I wrote more about the journey behind the book over on my Soul-Trader.biz website and do check out the site if you’re on the journey of being you’re own boss because it’s full of free articles, videos, webinars, podcasts  – and my coach yourself programme to help you on your own path.

At 3 years old the book is still very young but has brought bundles of joy as those early years do. I look forward to how thee book will grow, develop and flourish even further.

[image error]The week was busy with coaching, workshops and the usual types of activity and really peaked with a very full day on Thursday. Thursday day was filled with my first day coaching some of the amazing staff at West London NHS Mental Health Trust on the leadership programme for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff. It’s always amazing when you meet people who are so passionate about their work and serving others. It’s something I’ve experienced over and over again, when I’ve been coaching staff at health trusts from Brighton and Sussex, and East Sussex on the coast through to at Barts her in London where I’ve been running a career development staff which is drawing some wonderful initial feedback from the amazing participants on it. So it was a joy to start with the staff and West London on Thursday. Tomorrow that journey will continue as I work with a handful of staff at Broadmoor – one of the most well known locations of all.

[image error]At the end of the back-to-back sessions in West London I had to dart back across into central London for the first Black History Month event in my calendar which just happened to be a reception at 10 Downing Street.

It was my first time in Downing Street. I only just about made it and there was a bit of scenic route getting in – which added to the adventure. It was fascinating going into a space that in some ways we all have a connection with through the years and decades of seeing leaders come, go, visit – run their premierships. What actually struck me most was the wonderful energy that the actual street of Downing Street has as well as the impact of 10 Downing street and it’s famous staircase lined with images of all the Prime Minister incumbents who’ve held the post.

It was a reception of leading black British entrepreneurs, entertainers and those in community life. It was nice seeing  many people I’ve met over the years and many who have played an important role in the cultural fabric of our society.

It was a nice moment to gently reflect and appreciate my first decade as a coach and speaker and to appreciate that journey and to focus on the work that I’m doing at the moment – and the work yet to come.

All in all it’s been wonderfully full week in a full couple of months between now and the end of November with a real rich blend of working with individuals and teams. It’s especially a joy working with a variety of people from entrepreneurs, entertainers, those who work in our key public services and members of the public.

For example I was touched when pretty much my last call of her day was from an accomplished sportsperson / athlete who has begun a new career as pundit and commentator on TV. It’s quite amazing when people seek out your counsel and input into their careers and performance. But really above all this the real win is when you see people flourish and see their ow potential. Just this morning I read a feedback email from one of the staff the Career Development Programme I’m running at Barts NHS Trust. It’s when I read  an email like that of someone sharing how they have grown personally, professionally, in themselves and in confidence – it is that that is the reward and it is that that reminds you (if you every needed any reminding) why you do the ‘job’ that you do.

It is about living the mission that you speak of. It is about being and contributing as best you can. The fruits will emerge in their own way at their own time.

 

 

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Inspiring Entrepreneurs 6.30pm 27 Oct: Join me & a panel of top black British Entrepreneurs

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Join me, Rasheed Ogunlaru 6.30-9.30pm on Tues 27 October at the British Library as I host an “Inspiring Entrepreneurs” event with some of the UK’s leading black creative entrepreneurs including:

 

*Kanya King, CEO and Founder of the MOBO Awards

*June Sarpong MBE, TV presenter and founder of Lipgloss Productions

*Yinka Ilori, Designer

*Levi Roots, Reggae Reggae entrepreneur and MOBO nominated musician

The event, held in association with MOBOs is part of the MOBO Month ‘Rise with Us’ Season will celebrate the achievements of diverse talent across the arts and entertainment sectors, and will inspire the next generation of emerging talent. The event will be complemented by a drinks reception and a private view of our West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song exhibition.

 

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Back to work!

Ok the summer holidays are over, autumn is arriving and it’s back to school, back to business and and back to work. How do you feel about it? How do you feel about your job? Raring to go? Desperate to leave? Feeling stuck and want to move on up?

This article and the videos here on this page will help you to progress professionally and personally.

Back to work, Ready, set, go

Ok first things first let’s take stock, plan and get ready to move ahead. The video above shares my ready, set, go approach.

1) Ready: ensure you’re rested, clear the decks, clear your desk, clear your emails. Get organised, energised and systemised.

2) Set: goals for your career / home life; put a timetable in place to support/ structure you; set aside time for you / love ones.

3) Go: give 100%; do a great job; go after the promotion or new role. But it may also be time to leave and move on.

Hate your job? … find one you love

The reality for you – as with thousands of others too – is that this new season and return to work tell you that it’s time to move on and do something that you truly love. It can be energising or deeply daunting but these steps will help you make that journey to career fulfilment. The video and tips below will help you on your way.

Top ten tips

1. Give yourself space and time to discover what you really want

2. Reconnect to nature: a walk in the park helps make change more of a ‘walk in the park

List what you’re passionate about. This will begin to point you to what you should do
List your personal / professional skills talents and accomplishments — this will help too
Get tips from those you respect, who’ve been there and the wise – it will guide you
Network online and in person — huge amounts of jobs and opportunities emerge here
Follow your heart and trust yourself– but also set a survival budget and be practical
Update your CV, write a strategy, use agencies/ contacts, web sites and get networking

9. In meeting and interview be clear, crisp, compelling and shine

Be personable, passionate, proactive and yourself -your heart will lead you to your new job / career.

Taking charge of your career

Whether you stay or go. You are the key to your career growth – not your boss, not the HR department, not the learning and development team, not friends or family.

 

Business dreams…Got what it takes to be your own boss?

 Perhaps like many you’re tired of being employed, or have been made redundant and perhaps feel that it’s time to be your own boss. If you are on that path then there’s lots of resources on my www.soul-trader.biz site. But do you have what it takes to succeed in business. This video will help you consider if you have the mindset, skill set and readiness for the journey.

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life coach, motivational speaker and business coach. He is author of Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business.

Visit www.rasaru.com and www.soul-trader.biz

Twitter: RasheedOgunlaru Check out Rasheed’s new “Networking for Success” event held monthly at the British Library http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/networking/index.html

 

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Using social media… strategically, mindfully & kindly

The world has changed. We’re now deep into the social media age. There’s few areas of our lives that have not been affected by the internet, social media and online tools and technology. Tools like Facebook, Linked In, YouTube, Google, blogs and popular apps have changed the way we live personally, professionally and in business.

While I’m not an expert on social media – I am an expert on media, public relations, reputation, publicity and performing. In fact when I started in business as a life coach I knew next to nothing about business but I did know a lot about about how to connect and impact with people and how to promote myself. I used all I knew – the media, building relationships with people / networking – and then social media to build my profile. Because I understood the personal brand I started coaching many business owners who needed to be effective in person, when giving pitches, when networking, when engaging with staff / contacts/colleagues etc – that was the birth of my coaching business owners.

When it comes to social media – most of us have a sense that we should be doing it and using it but we don’t always know how to use these tools as strategically, mindfully and wisely as we might. For me as someone with a background in media / PR and as a singer it’s all about communication, understanding your audience, authenticity, finding your voice and using it. But it is also crucially about managing your reputation and being very clear on how, where and when to use your voice. Consistency is absolutely key.

Are you visible online? If I was to search for you what would I find? Which social media do you use personally and professionally and why? The range and nature of social media and other tools can be overwhelming and it’s not always clear what the purpose, point or profit from using the is. To me it is about a few things 1) visibility 2) authority 3) credibility 4) connectivity and 5) impact / authenticity.

In the video above I share 3 simple tips on using social media wisely, mindfully and kindly. Practically speaking it may be that you’re very familiar and comfortable with social media and that perhaps you use Facebook at home with friends and family, Linked In to progress your career and perhaps you may use other tools like What’s App, Instagram, Skype, blogs, chat rooms and various sites for al sorts of social or professional reasons. Or it may be the case it’s all new and bewildering for you. Or maybe you are very effective (or at least present) on these platforms personally but are perhaps missing a trick or falling down when it comes to using these tools professionally. One of the challenges may be that you are using social media for differing audiences and purposes. That will mean that across the board you need to be mindful of your use across all your social media. The employer looking at your impressive Linked In profile may also see your not so shrewd of Facebook, Twitter or other tools that you may be just using recreationally but you need to be mindful of all this with regard your reputation.

I hope you find this video of use. Speaking for social media here are some of the places you can find me:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ogunlaru + Soul Trader YouTube Channel

Twitter: twitter.com/RasheedOgunlaru   + twitter.com/soultraderbiz

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RasheedOgunlaru.coach.speaker.author + www.facebook.com/SoulTraderBiz

Instagram:  instagram.com/rasheedogunlaru/

 

 

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Discover the magic that you already possess

“See your magic, use your magic, trust your magic and know that you are a manifestation of life’s magic” – Rasheed Ogunlaru, Coach – Speaker – Author

From teenage through to adult life we tend to see ourselves through a lens of lack. We look at life through the lens of what we don’t have and what we need to work on. It’s something and an approach that will consume you and keep you try busy. It will also – if left unquestioned – keep you far from the joy, fulfilment and happiness that you seek and that you probably feel that achieving x, y and z will bring you.

But here’s a thought: do you ever rally appreciate all the magic that you already possess. The video above may all strike a chord with you. When coaching individuals and running workshops with groups and teams I often get the to list their strengths and qualities. Most really struggle – for the reasons above and because additional pressures that may have been placed on them by others and then themselves.

But it’s absolutely key that you do begin to really explore who you are, what your gifts are and what your magic is. Because then you can really make headway on the things that you feel are important. Or perhaps you might let go of some of them as they are not important to who you truly are, to your true self worth or to what you truly are about.

As you begin o embrace your gifts you will begin to fully embrace life and bringing the magic that you have fully into the world. Bu this time from a (deeper) place of joy, energy and gratitude.

 

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Rest, relax & happy holidays

Is it time for you to rest, relax, re-charge, re-group, refocus and re-energise?

If so the chances are that you’ve really earned it. Here’s my special summer break best wishes  video

 

 

 

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Interview with a life coach: Meet Rasheed Ogunlaru

I just was clearing through some old files and articles and found this interview that I gave to a magazine several years ago about life coaching which thought might be of use. I just updated the answer to the question I was asked about the cost of life coaching and the short biography at the end.

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Interview with a Life Coach

Rasheed Ogunlaru is one of the UK’s leading life coaches. His clients include entrepreneurs, performers, the public and businesses and he regularly writes and speaks on personal success in the media. Here for he lifts the lid on life coaching and how it can help you.

 

Tell us a bit about the roots of coaching?

For years athletes and entrepreneurs seeking to be the best have hired top coaches to help them achieve fulfil their goals and dreams. Now thousands of people of all walks of in the UK are beginning to too.

Life Coaching isn’t new and has its roots in a wide range of places including in sports coaching, mentoring, psychology and good old personal development.

It first emerged in the U.S.A in the 1970s, grew through the 80s/90s and now larger numbers of individuals and organisations are benefiting from it.

 

So what is life coaching?

Basically coaching is a means to help you identify, action and achieve your goals in all areas of your life, step by step working with a professional coach.

It’s holistic and covers whatever areas are important to you in your life, career, health, money, relationships, health and personal happiness, free time and interests, and any other area that’s important to you. I liken it to having a personal fitness trainer, but a life coach helps motivate and support you to achieve your ideal in all areas of life.

 

What’s involved and how does it work?

Usually series of regular sessions by phone or face to face with your life coach. For example I coach my clients over a series of weekly sessions over a month or more.

 

Does a coach sort out my life for me and what’s their role exactly?

A life coach helps you to become master of your life and destiny. They don’t tell you what to do. In fact coaching is about you uncovering your self belief, taking action and achieving your goals. Just like having a personal trainer you’re the one who shows up, puts in the effort and gets the result.

The skill of the life coach is to facilitate the process. Just like a personal trainer, a life coach has a good range of tools, skills, and insights to help you clarify and achieve your goals. A coach will help motivate, focus you and crucially help you overcome the ‘limiting belief’s that tend to stop people from achieving their goals. A coach helps put you on track and helps you stay there.

 

Why would I need a life coach?

It’s not a case of having a need. Just like athletes do, the value in having a coach is to help you reach your full potential. Many people achieve more than they would imagine, far faster than they ever might by themselves through partnership which gives you the space to achieve what you want in your life. Having a clear motivating vision, belief and taking action is the basis of success in all areas be it getting fit to running a successful international company. This is what coaching helps you develop.

 

So what makes it work? And what tools do coaches use?

A good life coach has a range of skills that will help you identify who you are, what’s important to you, where you want to go and how to get there. Many   coaches, including myself, use a range of traditional coaching goal-setting insights and tools and NLP skills (Neuro Linguistic Programming). NLP helps us understand and effectively live life using how think, feel, act, behave and use language and communication. Ultimately what makes coaching work is the connection, trust and empowering space created by the coach and client. For this reason I also work on a direct instinctive heart and soul level with people.

 

Can anyone benefit and will I get results?

Yes anyone who wants to move ahead and take action will benefit and get results. The more you want to move ahead the more you’ll achieve.

 

What’s the difference between coaching and counselling?

Coaching is focused on the present and future – and on putting you in charge of your life. It’s suited to people who are ready and willing to take action to move ahead in their lives.

 

How can it help me?

If your looking to move ahead in your job or career, relationships, health, personal fulfilment or in any other areas of your life.

 

What sort of people have a life coach?

Anyone. All sorts from single parents to politicians.

 

What type people do you life coach, Rasheed?

I coach people of all backgrounds. My clients include the public, performers, entrepreneurs, healers, teachers, other life coaches, wellbeing professionals, high achievers, politicians and young people.

 

What made you decide to become a life coach?

I’ve always had a passion for life, people and our possibilities. I’ve always been involved with people through my various careers in media, training, as a volunteer and singer-songwriter. I never intended to become a life coach it just happened. Whilst I was pursuing my music career I met so many singers, actors who struggled with confidence, career progression, direction, life balance, happiness and so on that that struck me. I wanted to help people become masters of their own destinies. I trained as a life coach. First I worked only with performers – now I help people of all backgrounds.

 

Tell us about your approach to life coaching and your specialist area?

Yes lasting fulfilment is my specialist area and it’s the starting point for everything else: career, health, relationships and so on. Everything points to inner fulfilment. Basically most people seek either greater success or fulfilment in life. People only seek success because they believe it will bring fulfilment. We’re led to believe that success leads to fulfilment. This is fundamentally flawed as it suggests that you are not whole already. This is why so many people have low self esteem, feel unfulfilled whatever they ‘achieve’…and why many fail under the pressure to achieve success. In truth fulfilment brings ‘self defined success’. Success is meaningless without fulfilment. We’ve been led to pursue success and fulfilment in the wrong order. It is a fundamental flaw in modern thinking; that x,y or z will make you whole and your life complete. You are already whole, complete and full. Happiness is in essence innate. So I help people ‘become who they are’, by brushing away all the fears and ideas of things that they’ve been led to think they are think they should be. This is what frees your potential, self belief and enables you to do the things that resonate with you in all aspects of your life. It enables you to achieve fulfilment in all areas of your life and career and enables richer relationships. It also leads you to achieve a deeper understanding and compassion for yourself and others.

 

You sound passionate about your work, why?

 Millions of people drift through life too afraid, nervous, or unsure of themselves to live life as they wish to live it.

What’s more from birth we’re conditioned with all sorts of ideas about ourselves and the world. As a result many people end up carrying negative beliefs that they are too: tall, short, fat, thin, smart, dumb, old young, talented and untalented the list goes on and on. It’s these beliefs that are the main hurdle to success and happiness.

But it is possible to ‘become who you are’ and move beyond these fears and ideas and to find fulfilment in all you do.

Top 5 reasons you might approach a coach:

Job / career change and progression
Gaining life direction / self belief
Improve health and fitness
Enhance relationships
Work-life balance / overcoming stress

Top 5 key benefits

Self belief, confidence, direction
Making positive life changes (career, health, financial, relationships)
Happiness, balance and fulfilment
Taking action, self-empowerment
Focus / staying on track

What does it cost and is it worth it?

Typically anything from around £50 to over £150 per session depending on the coach. Cost is not necessarily directly related to experience or quality. However coaching can have life changing benefits. For the cost of holiday it may improve all areas of your life: career, finances, relationships, health etc.

 

How do coaches help you get results?

Coaches use a range of skills, insights, questions and tools to help set goals, take action, overcome negative beliefs and get the results you want. I use a range of coaching skills together with NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) which if you like the applied science of human excellence. Like a personal fitness coach I also help motivate and inspire and enthuse clients.

 

Where can I find one and what should I look for in a coach?

Coaches can be found on the internet, including coaching directories, through to the phone book and here on this website. Most people reach me and other coaches I know via word of mouth. Ask your potential coach what training and qualifications they have, how they work, how they’ll help you achieve your goals and ask for references. Above all trust you instincts and only select a coach if they seem right for you.

 

What kind of successes have people you’ve coached gone on to have?

I’m constantly thrilled by what my people achieve. People I have seen have worked with have got fitter, healthier, passed exams, overcome nerves, boosted their income and have gone on to positions in their careers they didn’t think possible. Many, including those who’ve had ‘successful careers’ have improved their relationships, enjoy their home life, loved ones and have a better life balance. Many people are running their own businesses. Some are enjoying successful careers in areas like music, acting and politics. Above all it’s wonderful seeing people achieve inner happiness and deeply appreciating themselves – this is my real passion and it’s the essence lasting fulfilment and success.

 

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life coach, business coach and motivational speaker. He is author of Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business and a range of inspiring books, videos and audio talks. He helps people of all backgrounds achieve lasting fulfilment in all areas of their lives..Rasheed regularly appears in the media – including several appearances on ITN News and regular appearances on BBC London 94.9fm. Rasheed coaches by phone, Skype in person and runs motivation talks and seminars. For further information visit www.rasaru.com,

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Your success stories – meet Maureen

Guest Blog Maureen E Tuitt

A counsellor for 15 years I set out on a new business venture. I decided to attend a networking workshop facilitated by Rasheed. Later I signed up for his monthly newsletters and podcasts that helped me learn excellent business skills. Rasheed provided me with valuable tools giving me step by step business support. He has also helped me with the courage and the confidence to step out. I am the founder of Insight Clinical Negligence Therapy Service.

Here’s my story:

I was one of the unlucky ones I went into hospital for a procedure that should have taken a day or two. The operation went wrong and I ended up staying for 6 weeks. This affected me both physically and emotionally. I stayed in the hospital to heal physically and did eventually but the emotional pain continued, even worsened, long after suffering clinical negligence. This experience took me to a low place and I needed help but had nowhere to turn.

A counsellor for many years, I was now in need of empathy, compassion, care and support. However, it proved impossible for me to find someone who could support me after the devastation of neglect. I literally changed chairs from counsellor to client. Eventually with my faith and support I learnt to “live again”.

My experience led me to want to help others so they did not have to be alone but get immediate support. I therefore created a highly specialised counselling service. At Insight Clinical Negligence Therapy Service (ICNTS), we work alongside solicitors and with clients who need help and support to manage the emotional fall out of clinical neglect. Issues include depression, anxiety, isolation, confusion, emptiness, grief and loss all can follow such a devastating experience. Clients need to feel safe, heard, understood and validated ensuring recovery in all areas, not just crisis. I therefore truly listen, acknowledge their individual story and work together towards setting realistic short and long term goals towards emotional wellbeing. I support clients on the road to emotional recovery to “live again” healed.

I have learnt that Life’s interruption is about, resilience, personal growth, gaining strength, passion, care and compassion. I now serve others to find hope and to heal within. Insight …Change begins within.

 

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5 Things that will transform your life overnight

Here are 5 things that will change your life for the better forever. None of them will cost you a thing but they may save you a lot of time, trouble, tears and turmoil.

Gratitude: We tend to live life from a place of lack – constantly seeking more possessions, power, love, knowledge …you name it. Instead of this start from focusing on whatever it is you do have: friends, family, a home, health, abilities…. the list will go on. Keep this in mind and build from it.


Acceptance: Is one of the most under-appreciated, underplayed and powerful qualities. Far from being a passive thing acceptance is about recognising what is, coming to peace with it and moving on. If you deny, ignore or block out what is happening you are likely to get stuck, stressed or frustrated. Acceptance boosts your wisdom, learning and ability to move and flow. It is the quality that moves you from fighting life to being at one with it.


Generosity: Like gratitude this is a quality that will immediately boost your energy, empathy, state of mind and wellbeing. I’m not talking about giving away your worldly possessions I’m inviting you to be generous of heart and spirit. Be kind, giving, encouraging, give others rich feedback, share useful information, connect people to others that can help them, share, signpost and support. Give others a little of your time, expertise. Growth cannot happen without this – yours and that of everyone else you meet. Generosity is a key line between you and the world that nourishes both.


Awareness: I have a saying “until you are clear nothing will be clear – once you are clear everything will be”. Awareness is the quality of being still, silent, centred, watchful and mindful. It comes from listening and being attuned to yourself and to life itself. Awareness is a quality that emerges naturally as you adopt the other of these qualities featured here. It becomes your most powerful asset; awareness brings alertness, insight, foresight and vision – and enhances your ability to plan, be prepared and to act.


Compassion: Perhaps the most profound and potent quality of all. Compassion first toward yourself and then to others will change your life and will radiate out to warm the hearts of all around you. Love, understanding, kindness, caring, mindfulness and empathy and its constituent parts. Foster these qualities and watch it bring comfort, kindness and a higher quality of connectedness to all concerned.

 Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life coach, motivational speaker and business / corporate coach. He is author of Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business and The Gift of Inner Success

 

 

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10 Steps to Establishing Effective Staff Networks

 Leading life / business coach & speaker Rasheed Ogunlaru author of Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business shares his Top 10 Step Guide to building an effective network that serves and empowers BME staff.

Whether you seek to establish a strong network for the first time or looking add impetus, engagement or effectiveness to build or develop an existing one you need to strategic, effective, creative – and also authentic, valued and needed.

Here are my Top Ten Tip which I’ll be delivering in a few hours time at the National NHS BME Network conference in London where the issue of building, starting and improving existing staff networks is especially key as concerns of ethnic minority staff facing poor career progression, discrimination and even racism are very high agenda.

Context:

First of all you need to step back and look at the big picture: Who are you? What is your organization? What are its aims – and whom does it serve? Where is it at? What’s working and what’s not? What are the broader political, social, cultural, economic and technological factors that are at play within your organization and in the community, wider world in which it operates?

The need / issues:

Now step back again and specifically is it that you are trying to achieve, who / what for and why – and how might one and all benefit? Before you act explore: What are the issues for staff and the organisation? What are the specifics? Where’s the evidence? Research and map this out produce a short paper on this. You may need to qualitative (real life individual cases) and quantitative (overall facts and stats). Is there info out there already for example in staff surveys, staff groups, HR, union reps. Survey, research and evidence are key. Take a reading of where staff are at and what they want and need. Do not assume. Now develop a ‘business case’ you’re your network based on the costs (not just financial) and benefits of developing a staff network. Money talks days lost and money spent on stress, absence, disciplinaries, harassment may be part of it – and the benefits of what you propose may bring in terms of engagement, talent development and productivity are key.

People & players:

Ultimately everything is about people, influence and relationships. Who are the leaders, staff, management and personalities? What’s the organizational structure? What are their desires, fears and drivers? Who will shape/create this network? What leadership, accountability and constituency is required? Who do you need in your network, with what skills and in what roles – based on points 1-3 above?

Scope, structure, skills, strategy, sign-up:

Based on all we’ve already explored you need to consider scope this, set it out in a document. You and your emerging team – as it should be now – need to specifically identify the role, purpose, responsibilities, structure, financing, independence, support and management of your network and how it slots in with and works with the organisation. Governance and terms of reference and engagement need to be considered and developed.

Support and buy in:

Without this you network will be like a drifting ‘rescue boat’ that is itself lost at sea. You need endorsement, support and buy in (ideally all three) from the top Chief Exec, board, HR, the organisation – and vitally the staff …especially those who you are serving. You will need to be strategic, resourceful, courageous, tough, tenacious, persistent and charming to achieve this from the start and throughout. Tap into best practice from other successful networks, organisations, resources, experts and the organization itself –as appropriate – to help you. Be mindful, considered and wise about how you go about it. 

Service / delivery:

Your network will only succeed if you serving your BME members and delivering on what say and set out to do. What will be the range of services and support you provide: meetings, talking shop, signposting, staff development and representation etc. It should be in line with scope/strategy. But then you need a clear timetable and programme.

Leadership, Engagement and empowerment:

Your network’s core team will need leadership, membership and team apt to the task. You need people with the right skills, abilities, personalities, values, mindfulness and heart set out from points 1-6 above. The key is gathering a team of people with differing skills, personalities but on the same page heading to same place for one/all. You need stars not divas when it comes to leadership.

Communication/ information:

The nature, quality, extent and intent of communication is the breath or death of any relationship – and any endeavour involving two or more people.

Your network must clearly, crisply and compelling set out who you are and what you do, why and what the benefits are for its members – and the entire organisation. You must effectively use he apt messages, mediums, how often, the right blend: email, reps, intranet, road shows, presentations at staff meetings (don’t rely on one method). Be imaginative, innovative and resourceful.

Equality, ethics, evolution:

Look within and reach out. Ensure that you have a clear set of values, ethics and principles that guide how you do what you do. It may be very powerful to articulate these widely. Many staff networks are about enabling and supporting equal opportunity. To evolve don’t remain inward looking but instead reach out, make connections in organization, in other organisations as and to other networks. Much can be achieved with partnership, sharing best practice and collaboration. The events you run and attend may be an opportunity for this.

Review, refine, review, and resources:

 Gather, monitor and assess your feedback and progress. Don’t be afraid to ask your members and others how they and the Network are doing and how it and the blend of services that you provide can be approved. But also be sure to celebrate and communicate success, progress and developments. Be reflective as well as progressive. Step back in order to see where you’re at, where you’ve been, the big picture and to move forward. Everything will change: members, staff, the organization, your environment, the economy, the political landscape, society and technology – accept this, embrace it, anticipate it and flow with it. If you do then your network will continue to have a purpose, place and value to your staff and your organization.

Rasheed is a leading life coach, motivational speaker and business / corporate coach. His clients include Chief Executives, entertainers, entrepreneurs, organisations and the public. He is also author of Soul Trader –Putting the Heart Back Into Your Business. Visit: www.rasaru.com and www.soul-trader.biz Twitter @RasheedOgunlaru

 

 

 

 

 

 

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