Extensor Limited

Are They Blind or Just Stupid?

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 08:06:07 +0000

Alistair Schofield asks why is it that so many of the World's greatest product innovations have been missed by the companies that should have owned or invented them?

Ideas and Creativity

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 08:05:41 +0000

Edward de Bono draws a distinction between ideas creativity and artistic creativity and points out that the former can be learned in the same way as any other subject.

The Nucor Way

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 08:05:06 +0000

Robert Heller looks at the outstanding success one company has had by taking, what some might see as, an unconventional approach to management.

Soundbite: It's Official - There are More Questions than Answers

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 08:04:27 +0000

Rosie points out that to ask good questions, you first need to understand the outcomes you are looking for.

Work-Life Balance: The Oldest of Lessons

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 08:03:36 +0000

A crisis can often highlight the things that are important in life - but should it take a crisis to realise this?

Book Review: Talent is Never Enough

Wed, 2 Jan 2008 08:02:16 +0000

Talent is Never Enough is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited.

Unlocking the value of the overhead

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 17:10:50 +0000

Brian Plowman, Managing Director of Develin & Partners, describes an approach to cost cutting that can improve customer service, productivity and effectiveness as well as reducing costs.

Quality Management or Quality Company

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 17:10:20 +0000

Despite the popularity of Six Sigma, Robert Heller questions whether it is all it is cracked up to be.

Creative Skills and Thinking

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 17:09:44 +0000

Edward de Bono describes how creative thinking is a much broader concept than simply brainstorming.

Work-Life Balance: Saving Energy

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 17:09:08 +0000

Being "green" is all the rage, but do you use your own energy wisely?

Soundbite: How to Have More Good Days at Work

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 17:08:08 +0000

Rosie asks what the difference is between a good day and work and a bad one and offers advice on how to make more days "good" ones.

Book Review: Competitive Strategy by Michael E. Porter

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 17:07:04 +0000

Competitive Strategy is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited.

Learning to Lead

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:32:57 +0000

Alistair Schofield believes that leadership skills are natural and that all of us possess them to a greater or lesser extent. The development of leadership skills is therefore not about learning anything new, but about bringing existing skills to the fore.

Leadership and Strategy

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:32:28 +0000

Robert Heller describes how success and longevity can often breed complacency and offers a short check-list to test yourself against.

Creativity & How to Achieve It

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:31:48 +0000

Edward de Bono describes how dissatisfaction lies at the heart of the motivation for creativity and innovation.

Work-Life Balance: Do a little of what you love to do

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:31:11 +0000

Nick considers why some people, who ostensibly have a poor work-life balance, seem to have boundless energy and great enthusiasm for their work.

Soundbite: Whose standards are they anyway?

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:30:07 +0000

Gill suggests that a lot of the stress people experience comes from the pressures we impose upon ourselves.

Book Review: Go Put Your Strengths to Work by Marcus Buckingham

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:29:00 +0000

Go Put Your Strengths to Work is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited.

Ask a silly question by Alistair Schofield

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:22:42 +0000

Alistair Schofield believes that the skill of asking perceptive and searching questions is one of the most important skills of management, but that answers are not always what they appear to be

Paradoxes & the Fusion Manager by Robert Heller

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:22:14 +0000

Robert Heller is vehemently against management doctrines as the world of management has very few absolutes. Instead managers must learn to deal with endless trade-offs

Focusing on Small Ideas by Edward de Bono

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:21:46 +0000

Edward de Bono describes how thinking of small ideas can often lead to bigger things.

Work-Life Balance: Bring some "Life" into you work

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:21:18 +0000

Nick points out that the issues of work-life balance are not always about the quantity of work, time constraints and too much pressure, sometimes it can be caused by boredom

Soundbite: High Performance Moves - Lessons from sport

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:20:39 +0000

Although not a big fan of rugby, Rosie still found something of interest when she attended a presentation by members of the Wasps ruby team

Book Review: The Committed Enterprise by Hugh Davidson

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:19:37 +0000

The Committed Enterprise is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited

Who Should Decide by Alistair Schofield

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:19:07 +0000

Alistair Schofield challenges the view that one of the most important jobs of a manager is to make decisions

Management and Leadership by Robert Heller

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:18:31 +0000

Robert Heller offers a simple set of questions that he believes leaders should ask themselves on a regular basis.

A Need for New Thinking by Edward de Bono

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:17:52 +0000

Edward de Bono describes a new organization he has established to challenge conventional thinking and promote new ideas.

Work-Life Balance: Start at the Beginning

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:17:18 +0000

Nick points out that "the beginning" is not always where we expect to find it

Soundbite: Choose Your Attitude

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:16:14 +0000

Gill points out that between stimulus and response we all have choices

Book Review: Leading at a Higher Level by Ken Blanchard

Sun, 8 Jul 2007 09:14:28 +0000

Leading at a Higher Level is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited

Achieving Excellence in Customer Management

Wed, 30 May 2007 12:27:10 +0000

During its brief history, the science and technology surrounding Customer Management has acquired something of a mixed reputation, but recent research from Henley Management College may shed light on why some projects have failed while other succeeded.

Apple Shines

Wed, 30 May 2007 12:26:46 +0000

Robert Heller believes that the avoidance of mistakes can sometimes be more important than the pursuit of good decisions.

Ideas for All

Wed, 30 May 2007 12:26:19 +0000

Edward de Bono argues that the search for new ideas should be constant - even when things are going well.

Work-Life Balance: There are few real "deadlines"

Wed, 30 May 2007 12:25:54 +0000

Nick passes on some advice on how to avoid living your life by other people's deadlines.

Soundbite: Delegation

Wed, 30 May 2007 12:25:08 +0000

Rosie considers the cost of not delegating.

Book review: Why Great Leaders don't take Yes for an Answer

Wed, 30 May 2007 12:24:04 +0000

Why Great Leaders don't take Yes for an Answer is reviewed by Alistair Schofield

Interview - Robert Heller

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:27:49 +0000

Alistair Schofield speaks to Robert Heller, journalist, commentator and the author of more than 50 books on management and business strategy.

Interesting Creativity

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:27:19 +0000

Edward de Bono on why value, and not difference, creates real interest.

Opulence is the New Affluence

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:26:10 +0000

Robert Heller looks at how the Age of Affluence has given way to an Era of Opulence.

Soundbite: Enjoy Being in the Present

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:25:30 +0000

Gill considers how we live our lives thinking about the past and planning for the future, but that we often forget to enjoy life in the preset.

Work-Life Balance: The Art of Saying No

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:24:56 +0000

Nick looks at how we can improve our work-life balance and our reputation for being reliable and delivering on time, simply by learning to say "no".

Book Review: The 8th Habit: From effectiveness to greatness

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:24:01 +0000

The 8th Habit is reviewed by Gill McKay

Soundbite: Working Smarter

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:22:07 +0000

Everyone says "work smarter", but how?

Work-Life Balance: Using your subconscious to good effect

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:21:29 +0000

Nick looks at how to harness the power of your subconscious mind to make yourself more efficient.

Right and Left Brain Managers

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:20:19 +0000

Robert Heller looks at the different approach managers take to running their businesses and concludes that they need to be whole-brained.

Book review: The Four Vs of Leadership

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:18:46 +0000

The Four Vs of Leadership is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited.

Lateral Thinking & Creativity

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:17:56 +0000

Edward de Bono considers what it takes for managers to take lateral thinking and creative ideas seriously?

Leaders in London 2006

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:17:33 +0000

Towards the end of 2006 I was lucky enough to attend the Leaders in London summit. This article therefore consists of a series of "soundbites" that attempt to summarise some of the key points made by each of the speakers, followed by a synopsis of the themes that emerged from the event overall.

Interview - Daniel Pink

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:27:39 +0000

Alistair Schofield speaks to Daniel Pink, journalist, commentator and best-selling author of "A Whole New Mind".

Power and the Manager

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:27:09 +0000

Within a company the CEO is generally regarded as being all powerful, yet the fact remains that the average tenure of a CEO is less than 2 years. Against this background, Robert Heller considers the nature of the power a CEO.

Creative Thinking

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:26:32 +0000

Edward de Bono asks whether we should make creativity part of our usual thinking behaviour, or should we keep it separate and only 'switch' when required?

Work-Life Balance: Becoming Dispensable

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:25:57 +0000

Nick describes how successful delegation is not just about allocating tasks to others, it involves letting go in your mind

Soundbite: Quick fix vs. the long-term solution

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:25:17 +0000

Anna's friend goes on a diet - but will it last?

Book Review: Dealing With Darwin: How great companies innovate at every phase of their evolution

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:23:19 +0000

Dealing With Darwin: How great companies innovate at every phase of their evolution is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited.

Interview - Ian Geden

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:22:38 +0000

Alistair Schofield speaks to Ian Geden, Chief Executive of UK-based financial services company NFU Mutual, about customer service excellence.

Forty Years Later

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:22:14 +0000

Robert Heller looks back over forty years to consider what has changed.

More than Lip Service

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:21:25 +0000

Edward de Bono says too many companies talk about innovation, but do nothing about it.

Work-Life Balance: Understanding Pressure

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:20:50 +0000

As the pressures mount in the run up to Christmas, Nick looks at three different sources of pressures and offers some helpful suggestions.

Soundbite: T'is the season to be jolly!

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:19:49 +0000

Anna's suggestions will help us make the most of the festive season.

Book Review: Gung ho! How to motivate people in any organisation

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:18:14 +0000

Gung ho! is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited

Leadership, Management and the Brain

Tue, 7 Nov 2006 19:13:14 +0000

With business leaders increasingly looking for greater creativity and "right-brained" thinking, Alistair Schofield considers whether our organisations are complex logical "left-brained" structures because that's the way they need to be, or is it simply that that's the way we made them?

Sales & Marketing: Get it Together

Tue, 7 Nov 2006 19:12:45 +0000

Robert Heller believes that the perennial battling between sales and marketing reflects a grave failure to manage effectively.

Creativity and Risk

Tue, 7 Nov 2006 19:12:13 +0000

Edward de Bono considers the question of how long you should give a new idea to succeed before giving up?

Soundbite: Get out of your comfort zone!

Tue, 7 Nov 2006 19:11:34 +0000

Anna kicks us out of complacency!

Work-Life Balance: What can you do for others?

Tue, 7 Nov 2006 19:10:56 +0000

Nick suggests ways in which you can improve the work-life balance of your team?

Book Review: The Fusion Manager

Tue, 7 Nov 2006 19:08:51 +0000

The Fusion Manager by Robert Heller is reviewed by Alistair Schofield

The Fine Line Between Good and Bad

Fri, 6 Oct 2006 11:10:34 +0000

Now that the dust has settled, Alistair Schofield looks back at the collapse of Enron to consider what lessons we have learned for employment policy.

Soundbite: Focus on what really matters

Fri, 6 Oct 2006 11:09:55 +0000

Anna draws a distinction between tasks and objectives.

Work-Life Balance: What matters is what you do - not what you say

Fri, 6 Oct 2006 11:09:20 +0000

Nick considers the impact that your behaviours have on others.

Creative Focus

Fri, 6 Oct 2006 11:08:34 +0000

Creative thinking may still be needed, even if the solutions to a problem are obvious, says Edward de Bono.

The Pirates of Pay

Fri, 6 Oct 2006 11:07:50 +0000

Robert Heller believes that, despite growing criticism, schemes for enriching top managers are worsening.

Book Review: Execution: The discipline of getting things done

Fri, 6 Oct 2006 11:06:16 +0000

Execution. The discipline of getting things done is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited.

Do Women Make Better Managers?

Tue, 5 Sep 2006 09:41:39 +0000

Daniel Pink's thought-provoking book 'A Whole New Mind' encourages businesses to be more right-brained in their thinking. As women are generally regarded to be more right-brained than men, it should follow that as we move from, what Pink described, as the 'Information Age' into the 'Conceptual Age', women's performance in business should improve relative to men. Johanna Krotz considers the question of whether women make better managers?

Stepping Down

Tue, 5 Sep 2006 09:41:12 +0000

With news of changes at the top at Microsoft, Robert Heller asks, when is the right time to drop the pilot?

Designing a New Religion

Tue, 5 Sep 2006 09:40:33 +0000

With reference to his new book, 'H+ A New Religion', Edward de Bono describes how he would go about creating a new religion - one based on practical design, rather than mysticism.

Work-Life Balance: Back to work

Tue, 5 Sep 2006 09:40:04 +0000

Nick provides a simple questionnaire to get you thinking after your well-earned break.

Soundbite - What happens when you win?

Tue, 5 Sep 2006 09:39:06 +0000

What should you do when we get what we want? Anna's got a suggestion.

Book Review: Maverick! by Ricardo Semler

Tue, 5 Sep 2006 09:35:56 +0000

Maverick! is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited.

Breakthrough Thinking

Sat, 19 Aug 2006 08:50:24 +0000

At the limits of performance, the difference between winning and loosing is not just about physical or mental strength, but about changing the rules and adopting a different strategy. Alistair Schofield considers the challenge of breakthrough thinking.

Management and Psyche

Sat, 19 Aug 2006 08:49:49 +0000

Robert Heller explains why experts aren't always all they're cracked up to be.

Boxing Clever

Sat, 19 Aug 2006 08:49:00 +0000

Edward de Bono explains why sometimes thinking inside the box can be a good thing.

Soundbite: Giving Feedback

Sat, 19 Aug 2006 08:48:07 +0000

Anna looks at the key leadership skill of giving feedback.

Work-Life Balance: Balancing Our Motivations

Sat, 19 Aug 2006 08:47:25 +0000

Nick Woodeson considers the challenge of enjoying the 'journey' as well as the 'destination'.

Book Review: A Whole New Mind by Daniel H Pink

Sat, 19 Aug 2006 08:46:21 +0000

A Whole New Mind is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited.

Three Leadership Fundamentals

Sun, 9 Jul 2006 13:19:39 +0000

When Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones asked people in organisations which skills they would most like to develop, all provided the same answer: Help us to become more effective leaders.

Book Review: Why Should Anyone Be Led By You

Sun, 9 Jul 2006 13:18:47 +0000

Why Should Anyone Be Led By You is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director, Extensor Limited.

The Culture Of Business

Sun, 9 Jul 2006 13:17:52 +0000

Robert Heller suggests that business culture, properly defined and developed, is the basis for achieving outstanding success.

Constant Creativity

Sun, 9 Jul 2006 13:17:06 +0000

Edward de Bono believes that, with the use of lateral thinking, creativity can and should be learned and developed as a formal skill the human race.

Work-Life Balance: Leaving Work Behind

Sun, 9 Jul 2006 13:16:14 +0000

Nick Woodeson offers some suggestions to help us "switch off".

Soundbite: What's your profile?

Sun, 9 Jul 2006 13:15:19 +0000

Anna discovers the value of personality profiling tools.

Britain For Sale - Is nothing sacred?

Tue, 6 Jun 2006 15:10:08 +0000

With so many businesses having been sold to overseas buyers, Alistair Schofield considers the question as to whether this is a good thing or not.

Achieving Work Life Balance

Tue, 6 Jun 2006 15:09:26 +0000

Work Life balance is an issue that has gained increasing attention in recent years with numerous employee care surveys for major corporations revealing that increasing numbers of people are dissatisfied with their work-life balance.

Double Cult Folly

Tue, 6 Jun 2006 15:08:54 +0000

Robert Heller debunks the Cult of the Chief Executive and the Cult of Shareholder Value.

Learning to Think

Tue, 6 Jun 2006 15:05:28 +0000

Edward de Bono argues that the human race has done little to advance the skill of thinking in the last 2,400 years.

Soundbite: So what's your purpose?

Tue, 6 Jun 2006 15:04:53 +0000

Anna suggests that to be satisfied, we all need a purpose that is greater than ourselves.

Book Review: The Art of Possibility by Zander & Zander

Tue, 6 Jun 2006 15:03:14 +0000

The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life is reviewed by Gill McKay, Director, Extensor Limited.

Do we have anyone capable of doing the job?

Fri, 5 May 2006 06:04:30 +0000

Should the next England Manager be English?
Following the debacle surrounding the announcement that the FA's preferred candidate for the England job was 'Big Phil' Scolari, Alistair Schofield considers the parallel decisions in business.

Do the employee's feelings matter?

Fri, 5 May 2006 06:04:01 +0000

Following Patricia Hewitt's assertion that the NHS has had its "best year ever", Alistair Schofield considers why people in positions of authority make such faux pas.

Soundbite: Stagefright?

Fri, 5 May 2006 06:01:42 +0000

When giving presentations, Anna's advice is to not to try to be a perfect speaker, but to be yourself.

Complicated Management

Fri, 5 May 2006 06:00:58 +0000

Robert Heller suggests that new, high-tech management tools must be used for old and non-technical situations.

Value Appreciation

Fri, 5 May 2006 05:59:41 +0000

Edward de Bono says that the key to entrepreneurship is value sensitivity

Book Review: Organisational Culture and Leadership

Fri, 5 May 2006 05:58:06 +0000

Organisational Culture & Leadership is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director of Extensor Limited.

Article: China's Future, Your Strategy

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:57:01 +0000

The Asian Development Bank has forecast that China could be the world's largest economy as soon as 2025. Given that this is less than 20 years away, what are the implications for British businesses and how should we be responding?

Book Review: Living in the Corporate Zoo

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:54:57 +0000

Living in the Corporate Zoo by Richard Scase is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director of Extensor Limited.

Soundbite: Do you feel poorer every day?

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:53:55 +0000

Anna suggests that we could all benefit from doing less.

Measuring Management

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:53:10 +0000

Robert Heller of suggests that scandalous rewards are working against the performance of top managers.

The Insufficiency Of Intention

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:52:04 +0000

Edward de Bono explains why he believes that it is not enough just to have the intention to be creative when new ideas and new concepts are needed.

Book Review: Beyond the Team

Mon, 6 Mar 2006 14:56:52 +0000

Beyond the Team by Meredith Belbin is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director of Extensor Limited.

Soundbite: So where is the money coming from?

Mon, 6 Mar 2006 14:56:12 +0000

Anna suggests placing a value on your business relationships to help you prioritise your time.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Mon, 6 Mar 2006 14:55:39 +0000

Bennet Simonton, the author of "Leading People to be Highly Motivated and Committed", describes how leaders must be alive to the irrefutable law that actions speak louder than words.

Founders Keepers by Robert Heller

Mon, 6 Mar 2006 14:55:01 +0000

Robert Heller examines how far founders can take a business.

Time for Thinking by Edward de Bono

Mon, 6 Mar 2006 14:53:53 +0000

Edward de Bono argues that we should spend time watching thinking in action and puts forward the concept of Thinking Clubs.

The Design of Entrepreneurship

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 09:10:18 +0000

Edward de Bono believes that entrepreneurship needs an effective design as well as new ideas.

Drucker's Legacy

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 09:09:34 +0000

Robert Heller says the late Peter Drucker's ideas have influenced all managers, whether they know it or not.

Brandspirit

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 09:09:03 +0000

While many companies spend millions on brand advertising, only some succeed in establishing strong and lasting images. Marc Cox, a Director and co-founder of a company called "Brandspirit", considers what gives strong brands an on-going competitive edge?

Soundbite: February Blues

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 09:08:22 +0000

What happened to your New Year resolutions? Anna offers sound advice and encourages persistence.

Interview - Ian Plover

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 09:07:31 +0000

Alistair Schofield speaks to a former HR and Business Change Director who specialises in assisting companies with large-scale change projects.

Book Review: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Fri, 10 Feb 2006 09:05:42 +0000

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A leadership fable by Patrick Lencioni is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director of Extensor Limited

When Things Are Good Enough

Tue, 6 Dec 2005 23:51:35 +0000

Edward de Bono tackles the problem of improving on the excellent.

The Entrepreneur

Tue, 6 Dec 2005 23:51:04 +0000

Robert Heller looks at the types of people who succeed as entrepreneurs.

Peter F Drucker (1909~2005)

Tue, 6 Dec 2005 23:50:29 +0000

On the 11th November 2005, the man who was revered as the father of modern corporate management died. Alistair Schofield looks back at his life and influence with the help of Robert Heller, who knew Peter Drucker personally.

Leadership & time: Lessons from the Maasai

Tue, 6 Dec 2005 23:49:45 +0000

John Scherer describes a leadership lesson he learnt while helping build a school in a Maasai village in Kenya.

Prioritise

Tue, 6 Dec 2005 23:48:48 +0000

Anna Barez-Brown suggest how to free up more of your time to focus on your priorities and develop your staff at the same time.

Book Review: First, Break All The Rules

Tue, 6 Dec 2005 23:47:32 +0000

First, Break All The Rules by M Buckingham & C Coffman is reviewed by Gill Mckay.

New Ideas Need Time

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 20:06:28 +0000

Edward de Bono suggests that, when assessing new business ideas, you should consider the length of time it takes for the benefits to show.

The dot.com Boom Rides Again

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 20:05:28 +0000

Robert Heller believes that new challenges await managers in the latest round of the dot.com frenzy.

Thinking INSIDE The Box To Balance Creativity And Accomplishment

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 20:03:36 +0000

We're frequently encouraged to "Think outside the box!" Experts assure us that unrestrained thinking will force our creative juices to flow, unleashing a flood of new ideas and inspirations. But take this advice too much to heart, and you may find yourself generating more ideas but less success.

Interview - Graham Ryan of NXT speaks to Alistair Schofield

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 20:03:06 +0000

Alistair Schofield speaks to Graham Ryan, Chief Commercial Officer of NXT, one of Britain's most innovative companies.

Soundbite: Why does everything always take so loooonnnnnnng?

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 20:02:48 +0000

Anna Barez-Brown points out that persistence is a key ingredient in most people's success.

Review: Leading Change by John P. Kotter

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 20:02:06 +0000

Leading Change by John P Kotter is reviewed by Alistair Schofield.

The Challenge of Change

Mon, 3 Oct 2005 21:57:54 +0000

Robert Heller explains why new challenges in a high-tech world demand a lowtech revolution in management.

Motivation for Creativity

Mon, 3 Oct 2005 21:57:21 +0000

Edward de Bono explains why everyone should make an effort to be creative, even though creativity is full of risks and uncertainties.

Book Review: Who Moved My Cheese

Mon, 3 Oct 2005 21:56:20 +0000

Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson is reviewed by Alistair Schofield.

Soundbite: Got that Monday morning feeling?

Mon, 3 Oct 2005 21:55:37 +0000

Anna Baréz-Brown considers the Monday morning blues and concludes that others feel just the same.

How To Get A Head

Mon, 3 Oct 2005 21:54:48 +0000

Martin Wood, Managing Director and founder of one of Britain's most successful Interim Executive agencies, addresses the questions; what is Interim executive management? What do Interims do? When should organisations use them? And how do they differ from management consultants?

Is HR Irrelevant?

Mon, 3 Oct 2005 21:54:04 +0000

David Jackson, the author and businessman, asks why, at a time when businesses claim that people are their most important asset, do so few HR Directors sit on the Board?

Frameworks and Thinking by Edward de Bono

Wed, 7 Sep 2005 08:58:08 +0000

Edward de Bono explains why intelligent people are not always better thinkers.

Marvelling at the Mavericks by Robert Heller

Wed, 7 Sep 2005 08:57:37 +0000

Robert Heller suggests that all managers need to grasp the value of the 'maverick'.

Innovate to Survive by Alistair Schofield

Wed, 7 Sep 2005 08:56:54 +0000

The relatively low costs of labour in the emerging economies, combined with the ever-increasing pace of change, makes continued innovation an imperative for western companies, writes Alistair Schofield.

Corporate Culture: Project Managers' blind spot

Wed, 7 Sep 2005 08:56:08 +0000

After 17 years experience as a project manager, working in a wide range of organisations and industries, Dr Andrew Wright realised that corporate culture is rarely, if ever, discussed in a project context yet addressing it effectively is pivotal to success.

Book Review: Value Based Management: Developing a systematic approach to creating shareholder value

Wed, 7 Sep 2005 08:54:12 +0000

Value Based Management by James A Knight is reviewed by Alistair Schofield.

What comes first, action or strategy?

Mon, 1 Aug 2005 23:13:47 +0000

What comes first, action or strategy? The textbooks would have us believe that strategies are conceived at the top and cascaded downwards. But organisations don't stop, activity is carrying on all the time that can affect and influence the strategy. Alistair Schofield therefore asks the question; what comes first, action or strategy?

Interview - Alistair Schofield speaks to Ben Simonton

Mon, 1 Aug 2005 23:12:36 +0000

Alistair Schofield speaks to the author of 'Leading People to be Highly Motivated and Committed' about the leadership lessons he learned from his 25 years service in the United States Navy.

Ideas - New & Improved

Mon, 1 Aug 2005 23:12:02 +0000

Edward de Bono says that you can never have too many new ideas, as long as they are good.

The Joys of Teamwork

Mon, 1 Aug 2005 23:10:59 +0000

Robert Heller considers the meaning of the word "teamwork" and finds the dictionary definition somewhat lacking in clarity.

Listening, the Doorway to Employee Commitment

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 11:09:03 +0000

The skill of listening is every executive, manager and supervisor's doorway to employee commitment. But to understand the true power of listening we must first understand "putting in our two cents", a stimulant known to cause brainstorming.

Book review: Good to Great by Jim Collins

Mon, 1 Aug 2005 23:14:32 +0000

Good to Great by Jim Collins is reviewed by Andrew Wright of Dynamic Technologies Ltd.

Exploring the Future.

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 11:08:14 +0000

Joel Barker, the first person to popularise the concept of paradigm shifts for the corporate world, argues that future thinking is a vital skill for organisations and organisation leaders.

Soft Management and Hard Management

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 11:07:39 +0000

Robert Heller looks at the rise of "Soft Management".

Four Teams

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 11:07:09 +0000

Edward de Bono explains how a rigid four-team creative structure can clarify thinking.

Review: The Wisdom of Teams

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 11:09:40 +0000

The Wisdom of Teams: Creating the High-Performance Organisation by Jon R Katzenbach and Douglas K Smith is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director of Extensor Limited.

New Words, New Thinking

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 15:06:36 +0000

Edward de Bono explains why the English language needs to be developed and makes a suggestion of his own.

The Watchdog Bites

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 15:07:51 +0000

The Watchdog Bites In a world in which the CEO is no longer the sole person responsible for the decisions of a business, Robert Heller as the question "Who is in charge?"

Offshore for a Better Future

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 15:09:09 +0000

With major organisations such as Prudential, Aviva, BT and the NHS "offshoring" thousands of jobs to India, Alistair Schofield considers whether this is a positive or negative trend.

Interview with Peter Jones

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 15:08:33 +0000

Alistair Schofield speaks to Extensor Associate Peter Jones, previously Argos Retail Group's Operations Director, about his new venture in the recruitment industry.

Review: Flight of the Buffalo

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 15:09:35 +0000

"Flight of the Buffalo: Soaring to Excellence, Learning to Let Employees Lead" by James A. Belasco, Ralph C. Stayer is reviewed by Alistair Schofield, Managing Director of Extensor Limited.

The Interactive Workforce

Tue, 5 Apr 2005 07:55:44 +0000

The Interactive Workforce. The interactivity that modern technology provides means that the process of decision making, that was once the preserve of management, is now something that can take place at all levels in the organisation.

Working for Nothing - Corporate lessons from nonprofits.

Tue, 5 Apr 2005 07:54:48 +0000

It is estimated that roughly £40bn of GDP is attributable to voluntary work, with nearly half the population devoting some time to a variety of good causes each year. Dr Patrick Dixon considers what lessons businesses can learn from this growing phenomenon.

Innovation

Tue, 5 Apr 2005 07:54:00 +0000

Edward de Bono of implores business to create a climate in which there is a willingness to try new things and explore new possibilities.

Decline

Tue, 5 Apr 2005 07:49:51 +0000

Robert Heller considers whether it is inevitable that organisations that have grown, succeeded and reaped the rewards of corporate success should then enter periods of stagnation, decline or even disappear completely?

Book Review: Complete Leadership

Tue, 5 Apr 2005 07:00:34 +0000

Alistair Schofield reviews Complete Leadership by Susan Bloch and Philip Whiteley.

Management & Leadership - What's the Difference?

Tue, 1 Mar 2005 10:41:17 +0000

Having frequently been asked what the difference is between management and Leadership, Gill McKay decided to put pen to paper.

Interview: Trevor Dann speaks to Alistair Schofield

Tue, 1 Mar 2005 10:38:21 +0000

Trevor Dann, the BAFTA award winning producer of Live Aid speaks to Alistair Schofield about his distinguished career in radio and television.

Corporate Social Responsibility - The Next Frontier

Tue, 1 Mar 2005 10:37:13 +0000

Environmental legislation, changes in taxation and customer/client demands have required most organisations to consider the environment in the way they do business. Now, just as businesses are getting to grips with how to respond to these challenges, a new doctrine is beginning to take hold – Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Good and Bad Management

Tue, 1 Mar 2005 10:35:27 +0000

Robert Heller considers how to judge success in management.

A Different Focus

Tue, 1 Mar 2005 10:32:50 +0000

Edward de Bono looks at the rewards of finding new ideas where there are no known problems.

The purpose driven organisation

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 19:53:02 +0000

The desire to give back something to help those less fortunate than us has always been a driving force for humanity. This drive remains true in our business lives where there are many examples of organisations defining a higher purpose for their activities above the traditional accumulation of profit. David Smith, Chief Executive of The Global Future Forum, argues that this may be of competitive significance in the very near future.

Death by email - Survival strategies

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 19:54:30 +0000

With more than 31 billion e-mails being sent each and every day, it is hardly surprising that many people are beginning to feel completely overloaded by the sheer quantity of emails they receive. Alistair Schofield suggests a number of strategies to leave you in control.

The Importance Of Being Effective

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 19:53:33 +0000

Robert Heller explains why effectiveness is foremost among the attributes that all managers should strive to develop.

The Need For New Ideas

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 19:55:58 +0000

Edward de Bono examines the necessity of knowing when you need a new idea and judging if your new idea provides a better answer to the one you already have.

Book Review: Business Beyond the Box

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 19:20:06 +0000

Alistair Schofield, Managing Director of Extensor reviews Business Beyond the Box: Applying your mind for breakthrough results by John O'Keeffe, ex-Group Vice-President of Procter and Gamble

Interview with Father Christmas

Thu, 2 Dec 2004 08:31:43 +0000

In a surprisingly candid interview Father Christmas speaks exclusively to Alistair Schofield about his background the pressures of the job and reindeer.

Beyond the pyramid

Thu, 2 Dec 2004 08:31:09 +0000

The combination of process automation and outsourcing is having a profound effect on both the way in which we work and the way we manage work. Alistair Schofield considers the implications for the traditional hierarchy and the purpose of management in a world where the supervision of labour and production is no longer a primary objective.

Fat man versus thin man

Thu, 2 Dec 2004 08:30:23 +0000

Edward de Bono considers the difference between analysis and design.

Sad lessons from Shell

Thu, 2 Dec 2004 08:29:15 +0000

Robert Heller of lifts the kimono on Royal Dutch-Shells "radical modernisation".

Absenteeism - problem or symptom?

Mon, 1 Nov 2004 10:48:49 +0000

Alistair Schofield argues that while tackling absenteeism by direct action may alleviate the problem in the short-term, addressing the causes of the problem will provide long-term benefits.

Short-termism is killing us!

Mon, 1 Nov 2004 17:43:50 +0000

As the pace of change increases, so too does the need to plan ahead. Yet the reality is that many of us assign far too much importance to short-term tasks rather than long-term priorities.

Economic Review - November 2004

Mon, 1 Nov 2004 15:36:31 +0000

David Kern argues that global economic growth has slowed markedly in recent months and the business environment has become distinctly more difficult. Fears of recession are still unwarranted but a further marked slowdown in the pace of growth is highly likely and business risks are worsening.

Interview with Robert Levering

Fri, 19 Nov 2004 08:28:37 +0000

Alistair Schofield speaks to Robert Levering the author of seven books on workplace issues and co-founder of the Great Place to Work® Institute.

Interview with Bob Mason

Fri, 15 Oct 2004 08:27:15 +0000

Alistair Schofield speaks to Bob Mason who through roles in BT London Underground and the NHS has become one of the UK's most senior and experienced HR Directors.

Recruitment errors cost Britain £12b

Thu, 14 Oct 2004 08:26:30 +0000

Alistair Schofield looks at the costs of recruitment errors and at making the process of filling vacancies more effective.

Danger! - New ideas approaching

Wed, 13 Oct 2004 08:25:51 +0000

At the time of year when many of us are producing our plans for 2005 David Smith Chief Executive of The Global Future Forum challenges us to consider whether we have really considered the future or whether our plans are simply and extension of the past.

Interview with David Smith

Sun, 12 Sep 2004 08:24:31 +0000

Gill McKay speaks to David Smith Chief Executive of The Global Future Forum.

Pulse - The report of The Global Future Forum

Wed, 1 Sep 2004 08:23:08 +0000

The report is based on the assessment by an international body of experts business commentators and professional of a variety of future scenarios famed in the near future 2008. It is designed to build a consensus of opinion as to how various trends might impact future conditions and practices within economic and industry sectors.

Has project become a dirty word?

Sun, 5 Sep 2004 08:22:30 +0000

With the press full of stories of project failure you could be forgiven for thinking that "project" is a dirty word in many organisations. However Tony Teague argues that success is not difficult to achieve if we learn the lessons of the past and apply a few basic rules to all new projects.

Does training work?

Sat, 4 Sep 2004 08:21:47 +0000

Much training investment is wasted on activities unrelated to business need. Gauging effectiveness may be difficult - but that is no excuse for ducking the challenge says Susanna Mitterer

Rightsizing bizspeak proactively

Sun, 8 Aug 2004 08:21:16 +0000

A light-hearted look at the damage business jargon can do to the clarity of communication along with an invitation to play "Business Buzzword Bingo!"

Interview with Nick Hewson, CEO of The Hewson Group

Thu, 5 Aug 2004 08:20:06 +0000

Alistair Schofield interviews Nick Hewson CEO and founder of the Hewson Group.

Improving the Return on Training Investment

Thu, 5 Aug 2004 08:19:12 +0000

Alistair Schofield argues that a large proportion of the money spent on training programmes is wasted but that the return on investment in training can be dramatically improved by adopting a different approach.

Economic Review - August 2004

Wed, 4 Aug 2004 08:18:19 +0000

David Kern formerly NatWest Chief Economist argues that Britain's short-term economic prospects are unusually positive but careful strategic planning is needed to exploit opportunities and cope with risks & pitfalls.

The director's new profession

Sun, 4 Jul 2004 08:17:12 +0000

Professor Bob Garratt argues that in the post-Enron era the debate has now moved on from 'Board Conformance' to 'Board Performance'.

Networking for success

Sat, 3 Jul 2004 08:16:10 +0000

Alistair Schofield argues that networking ought to be built into all leadership development programmes and Rowan Gormley describes the importance of external points of reference to Virgin Wines.

Is Regulatory Enforcement of operational issues the way forward?

Fri, 2 Jul 2004 08:13:32 +0000

In May 2004 the DTI announced a short consultation period on the shape and substance of an Operational and Financial Review OFR which will enter company law early in 2005 and which will require UK listed companies to provide information that is way beyond the scope of anything they have provided before. By David Harvey and Nick Hewson.

Interview with Rowan Gormley, CEO of Virgin Wine

Sun, 4 Jul 2004 08:00:38 +0000

Philip Whiteley speaks to Rowan Gormley Chief Executive of Virgin Wines about the Virgin approach to entrepreneurship and risk management.