Frequently the job of leading the company can be a lonely one.
One to One is a series of supportive conversations where you are given the opportunity to think deeply about where the business is going and to consider some of the more sensitive issues in the business such as:
- Reflecting on the board, the senior team and on certain individuals.
- Considering and planning longer term strategies including exit.
- Succession.
- Weighing up the changes that are required in management.
It also provides the time out to get a breather and to gather your thoughts for the continuing joys and demands that come with the territory.
“In these confidential conversations I have gained great insight into the motivations, hopes, doubts and desires of many, many people. I’ve shared the ups and downs of the growth and development of their businesses. Helping them and knowing that the difficult decisions have been fruitfully tackled is hugely satisfying. The relationships that have been forged through these one to one’s are of great personal value.” Eric Flannigan
Eric’s involvement has helped us grow a stronger development team which can now focus on the key areas that will have the biggest impact and which add the highest level of value to the business.
That sounds simple but it has involved looking at how we get the best from our people , where our key competitive strengths lie , how we can put together a strategy for growth and most importantly ensuring that we are action orientated. Eric’s involvement in all of this has been as a mentor, coach, source of information, confidant and friend. All of which a lonely Managing Director needs at times.
I’ve found that the one to ones always leave me motivated, very focused and very clear about what I need and want to do. The language that Eric uses is not management speak, it is language that is understandable and that I can use!
Looking back over the past two to three years since I started using this, I can see how much I and we have changed but it’s been subtle, over time. It’s all to the good.
