Scrabster Harbour’s Post

Did you know that Executive Assistants as Gate keepers have a lot of negotiating and bargaining power to influence situations that will yield the beneficial outcomes for their organisations? A good number of internal and external stakeholders rely on EAs for their opinion and even tips on how to proceed with certain discussions or how best to present their intentions to earn them results. EAs advise on the suitability of the setting, the tone and much more. This unique position likens EAs to consultants, as they are able to weigh both sides and advise on the most satisfactory outcome. As EAs, how do we utilize the uniqueness of where we sit? How do we leverage the opportunities and privileges within our networks? It could be in seemingly small but in immensely meaningful ways. It could be us contributing our quota to helping the business save cost by being in that position to negotiate for optimal value. We all have a role to play irrespective of our position within the organisation. We can all add value in a variety of ways; from negotiating for better value to encouraging others to do and be better. Whatever role we play, we need to be proud of our contributions😊.

In this month's The Director's Dilemma, Kevin Hall (Canada) and Julie Garland McLellan (Australia) think about how to handle a sensitive issue for a new director who lacks ‘social capital’ in the boardroom. They share practical advice and steps that can be taken to address a complicated boardroom scenario. What would you do? #directorsdilemma #boardroomdilemma #boardroom #boardofdirectors #governance #compliance https://lnkd.in/dmrAu8qA

Many organisations are looking to add value at the moment and this starts with aligning the 'third team' (Governance group plus executive team) to focus on the areas that will make a difference. Our reviews go beyond the board room and focus beyond profit to add value to all stakeholders

What a week!! We have been interviewing candidates for lawyer and clerk positions for multiple cities. The team is starting to form up nicely and it won't be long until the first file carrying lawyer and clerk arrive to start their own The Cooperators journey. We also eagerly await our AVP colleague in Alberta to join the leadership team! News on that to follow next week. We are still looking for great lawyers and clerks to join us. Do you hear that Ottawa area?! Click on my profile picture to learn more about the opportunities. Some of you may have seen a repost I shared earlier this week about a different perspective on "KPI". Key Performance Indicator is not the only meaning. As a leader, KPI's are not just for measuring colleague performance. Leaders also need to live up to these other KPI's: Keep People Inspired, Keep People Involved, Keep People Interested and; Keep People Informed. This is a challenge I'm taking upon myself as we build an industry leading team of P&C litigation professionals at Co-operators. Involved, Inspired, Interested and Informed. Join us and hold me to the standard I want to set or make it a standard you live up to with your own team. Have a great weekend everyone! (thanks to Justin Mecham & Tracy Krunic for sharing the original post)

One cannot take accountability for things one cannot control. Interesting that I see lots of COO positions (and equivalent CAO - Chief Admin officers mostly in academic institutions globally) are measured by some criteria, most of them are not in his or her control. They make the role sound like a chief coordinator with no say in OPERATIONS. Example there is a COO (aka CAO) role in a prestigious group of institution that said the COO is responsible and accountable for everything that is NOT academics. So what lever he or she has to control costs and budgets? Then you have a COO role that manages all costs but this is family run with key family members in many head of businesses. How can a COO be effective? This is a jocular role here. Even in public professional companies, I see lots of COO not given control over the business units but they need to present the summary at the quarterly investor meetings. I feel saddened to see this COO role is more like a single point of contact chief manager role for all SUPPORT functions which is NOT what it is supposed to be.

Starting a negotiation without setting ground rules can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Here are some essential rules to follow for smoother negotiations. #negotiating #negotiationtraining

Optimising Human Resources for Productivity and Growth: That was my topic at the PRAZ Corporate Governance Workshop attended by Boards, Permanent Secretaries, CEOs and Commissions in Bulawayo Distinctive Consultancy Services

Total awards have increased by £6Bn year over year, with a notable trend of a rising proportion of awards being concentrated among fewer companies compared to previous years. In the first half of this year, the top 20 contractors have secured 30% of overall awards, a significant jump from the 9% figure last year, indicating a market that is progressively consolidating. This shift stems from a mix of companies facing insolvency and enhancements in infrastructure and business development strategies. Maintaining healthy competition in any market is crucial as it drives innovation, fosters collaboration, and elevates overall performance. To stay competitive, it is essential to understand your position relative to competitors, cultivate a robust pipeline, nurture strong relationships, and evaluate if you are securing your anticipated market share. If you're interested in understanding more about whats happening in the market or how you can improve you share then have a look at Barbour ABI #contractawards #constructiongrowth #marketshare #topcontractors #barbourabi

Optimise your Council’s management: A Complete Guide for Secretariats

It’s time to Nominate! The upcoming Accounts Payable Association conference is just around the corner, and with it comes the much-anticipated awards ceremony! Being nominated for an award is not just a recognition of hard work and dedication; it's a significant morale booster. According to a 2020 study by Smith and Brown in the Journal of Organisational Behaviour, employees who are nominated for awards are 27% more likely to feel valued and motivated in their roles. This acknowledgement leads to increased job satisfaction and productivity, driving individuals to excel further. Nominations also play a crucial role in career development. A 2019 study by Davis in the Harvard Business Review found that professionals who are recognised through nominations experience 20% faster career growth compared to their peers. It's a testament to their skills and achievements, opening doors to new opportunities and advancements. For organisations, having team members nominated reflects positively on the entire company. According to another study in a 2021 Gallup report, organisations with recognised employees see a 14.9% lower turnover rate, fostering a culture of excellence and commitment to nurturing talent. The benefits include enhanced reputation, increased employee engagement, and a stronger employer brand. But hey, why wait for someone to nominate you? Self-nomination is not only acceptable but encouraged! A 2022 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 85% of employees who self-nominate feel more empowered and are more likely to take on leadership roles. Why not shout about your achievements, be proud of your contributions, and take the opportunity to showcase your hard work? Let’s be honest, no one will shout louder about you than you 😊 A huge shout out to my amazing accounts payable team at Bourne Leisure. Your dedication and excellence inspire me every day. Let's continue to strive for greatness and celebrate our successes together! Let’s get nominating. The awards are approaching Submit your nominations and join us in celebrating the heroes of AP! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gUyGYw5q #APAssociationConference #Awards #Recognition #CareerGrowth #TeamSuccess #BourneLeisure #AccountsPayable #ProudToBeNominated #CelebrateAchievements #growth #leadership #inspiration