The environment in which we are running our businesses continues to present us with improvement opportunities. Low wage economies, fuel prices and legislation, plus the pace of change all seem to conspire to test our resolve to succeed. Many of these factors are out of our control. What we do have control over are the internal workings of our businesses which are managed through planning, co-ordination, control and organisation.

The moment we bring people into the equation management becomes leadership - the art of directing and inspiring good performances. Many of the businesses we work in seem long on management and short on leadership. A high percentage of those that manage at all levels, from Team Leaders to senior levels, have achieved their status either through long service or good technical ability. Very few are in post following planned training and development even in the basics of management principals, especially People Management.

Next month's blog - Team Briefing