"Great managers reduce turnover more effectively than any other role in your organization."
According to Gallup, managers are the single greatest route to engagement... and that means day-to-day conversations are VITAL to get right. They don't just lead to happier employees, they also build productivity.
We help managers build their skills so that no matter what the topic - feedback, compensation, poor behaviour and many more - they feel prepared and confident every time.
How are we different?
All our facilitators have previously held in-house positions at senior levels in global organisations. This means we:
📌 Look at your needs from an in-house context and bring genuine understanding.
📌 Know what it’s like to juggle tight budgets, multiple stakeholders, and lack of time.
📌 Understand that workplace conversations are based on developing strong two-way working relationships, not just top-down.
📌 Our experience means delegates can raise any concern and receive best-practice guidance. Our easy-to-use tools and frameworks have been tried and tested by thousands of managers.
Our languages include English, Cantonese, French, German, and Mandarin.
And why "Oil in the Engine"?
Because engines need oil to perform at their best, and people are no different. Performance conversations provide that oil.
Performance reviews, Feedback, Appraisals, Goal setting, Motivation at Work, Tough conversations, REAL conversations that motivate, How to set up a great working relationship, Compensation conversations, Coaching on-the-job, Leading progress reviews, How to manage team conflict, Development and career conversations, Performance management skills for employees, Facilitating workshops and presentations, Communication skills at work, Boardroom and c-suite impact, and Mentoring
Feedback is a critical component in improving performance organisation-wide. However, giving effective feedback can be a tough and daunting task for many managers.
One framework we recommend when it comes to giving effective feedback conversations is the CEDAR™ Feedback Model, designed by Anna Wildman. CEDAR™ uses questioning techniques to engage, motivate, and establish effective communication channels.
Check out our manager's guide to giving effective feedback and download our CEDAR™ worksheet to try for yourself!
Let us know how you get on in the comments below 👇
https://lnkd.in/dWswprSu#feedback#development#managers#performance#peoplefirst
Making difficult workplace conversations easy | Creator, CEDAR feedback steps | Author, NOW You're Talking! | BSI committee International Human Resource Management
Tools almost ready!
Hugely looking forward to joining HR Vision conference in London tomorrow afternoon for a workshop on how to build a great feedback culture. Lots of materials to take away, and a fantastic opportunity for in-depth sleeves-rolled-up discussions with your peers.
If you're an in-house L&D or HR professional and available to drop in, I have two complimentary tickets, just drop me a dm.
See you there! 😃
#HRVision#FeedbackCulture#NowYoureTalking#CEDARfeedback
Supporting Colleagues During Ramadan 🌙
Ramadan is a time of reflection, community, and fasting from dawn to sunset, and knowing how best to support colleagues - especially when in a multi-cultural team - can make a huge difference.
🌙Be mindful of schedules – If possible, offer flexible working hours to allow employees to adjust their day around Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking fast).
🌙Consider meeting times – Where possible, schedule important discussions earlier in the day when energy levels may be higher.
🌙Respect prayer needs – Ensure that quiet spaces and breaks are available for prayer and reflection to help colleagues stay connected to their faith.
🌙Be inclusive – A small gesture, such as acknowledging Ramadan and checking in with fasting colleagues can really help. Being hungry or in need of a coffee can make it hard to concentrate!
🌙Be thoughtful – Avoid scheduling team lunches or dinners during this period
All of us at Oil in the Engine would like to wish those observing a blessed and peaceful month. Ramadan Kareem!
Making difficult workplace conversations easy | Creator, CEDAR feedback steps | Author, NOW You're Talking! | BSI committee International Human Resource Management
I'm delighted to join the BSI committee for performance management, ISO 30442.
Our focus is clarifying effective performance principles, tools, and processes, including goal planning, monitoring, evaluation, feedback, and digital management.
With 36 participating countries and many more observing it will be fascinating to explore many different perspectives. And possibly never a more exciting time given how much change is happening.
Having a framework like this will be a terrific guide. And ultimately, of course, help accelerate growth, strengthen business, and deliver benefit to the increasingly wide range of stakeholders we all have now.
I'm very much looking forward to it!
Anna Wildman, Director of Oil in the Engine will be a speaker at the HR Vision London!
Anna is an expert in leadership communication, specialising in equipping managers and leaders with the skills and confidence to lead high-impact performance conversations.
Her former experience includes four years as global director for L&D in KPMG, a senior management role with Cathay Pacific Airways in Asia, and ten years in the Royal Navy warfare branch. It’s this experience that led her to write the widely acclaimed book "NOW You’re Talking!" and create the CEDAR Feedback Model. Anna is also currently supporting the development of the international ISO in performance management.
We are happy to see you at the HR Vision, Anna!
Learn more about the event and join us https://bit.ly/40ZfHw0#HRVisionLondon#FutureOfWork#HRLeadership#TalentAcquisition#HumanResourcesILP Events
Making difficult workplace conversations easy | Creator, CEDAR feedback steps | Author, NOW You're Talking! | BSI committee International Human Resource Management
Ever had to let one of your team know they have body odour? It can feel super-embarrassing.
The trick is to raise the topic simply and in a matter of fact way. No 'I'm telling you this as a friend', or worse, 'Perhaps you have a medical problem'.
Instead, tack it onto a routine private chat and say something like,
'Just one extra thing, I know it can get really hot around here sometimes. Just to let you know your deodorant seems to have stopped working. Might be worth picking up a new one on your way home.'
No drama, simple message.
Hope this helps.
#NowYoureTalking#Difficultconversations#AnnaWildman
Making difficult workplace conversations easy | Creator, CEDAR feedback steps | Author, NOW You're Talking! | BSI committee International Human Resource Management
'Sorry, there's no pay rise.'
When budgets are tight, as a manager there's not much you can do to magic up more money. But HOW you lead this discussion with your people can significantly impact the outcome.
Introducing my new 'tough conversation' guide for managers, covering four different 'no pay' situations, with examples of what to say.
It looks at four of the most common scenarios:
– Their performance didn’t reach the level required.
– Their compensation is already at the top of the salary range.
– The organisation does not have the available budget.
– Your team member comes to you saying, “Hey, boss, this internet data says I’m underpaid….”
Designed to provide practical examples and insights to help you enhance your leadership skills and foster constructive discussions with your team.
Access the guide free here: bit.ly/4hEzEij
Wishing you great conversations!
Anna
#NowYoureTalking#CEDARfeedback#Difficultconversations
Super to see the team at Arqiva delivering great workshops using our materials.
We know the content works because we've delivered it ourselves to thousands of managers. Nothing like lived experience!
Making difficult workplace conversations easy | Creator, CEDAR feedback steps | Author, NOW You're Talking! | BSI committee International Human Resource Management
Lead your own EXCEPTIONAL feedback skills workshop.
So fantastic to see the results that are possible. If you'd like to facilitate feedback skills with confidence get in touch.
Brilliant for building your managers' capabilities, plus you also get to develop your own skills as a facilitator.
Includes video examples, facilitator's step-by-step guide, slides and handouts.
#CEDARfeedback#NowYoureTalking#Facilitationskills
I help companies and candidates interview successfully.
Interview Coach | Interviewer & Recruitment Trainer | Career Coach | Talent Development Consultant
I’m delighted to share that I am finally taking a leap of faith to create ‘Interview for Success’.
Here, I offer one-to-one interview coaching for anyone daunted by an upcoming interview and wanting to improve their chances of success.
I also offer interviewer training to HR teams and hiring managers where I help you align your recruitment goals to your interview process, avoid common pitfalls in making hiring decisions and gain consistency and clarity in the way you interview.
Finally, I offer outplacement support to teams undergoing a period of uncertainty where I can help with areas such as CV and interview guidance.
With almost 20 years of experience in recruitment and development in professional services, and the past five years as an interview coach and trainer, I have sat on both sides of the interview desk. Whether you’re a candidate aiming for your dream role or a manager looking to hire the best talent, I will help make the process seamless and successful.
My website is live, thanks to the fabulous Sarah Wood at Creative Sauce Designs and I’d love to have a chat about how I can support you.
Either message me on LinkedIn or through my contact form on my website. Please share with anyone who you think might like this.
I’m excited to see how I can help.
https://lnkd.in/er4gWQCC
'Leading' feedback is a difficult expression, trapping us into thinking we should in fact be taking charge of the discussion.
Instead, a great approach is simply to say,
"Let's take a look together at how X is going, both what's working well and where the challenges are".
No finger pointing about past behaviours. No 'you versus me'.
Easier for your team member and a TON less stressful for you.
#CEDARfeedback#NowYoureTalking
Our episode with Anna Wildman on the Team Check-In podcast was one of our favorites!
Take a look at this snippet from the workplace feedback masterclass that this episode was and see for yourself! To listen to more from the episode 👇
🔗https://lnkd.in/dzKFDwUD#HR#Feedback
