It has been great to continue our Leadership training in Education to introduce leadership principles and framework to school students through team building tasks.
Students learn key skills in how to approach problems, skills that relate to all parts of life and through our creative team building tasks they can put into practice the frameworks taught to achieve a physical challenge. The priority being how they approach the task and work as a team as opposed to completing the task. Although the good news is on most occassions if they folllow the framework they also win the task! All achieved while having some great fun.
Get Progress expands our support… welcoming Alex Berry, the sales expert to the Get Progress team bringing important expertise to review, build and enhance your sales process and develop your sales staff.
This adds another dimension to the support Get Progress provides for your business. The sales process you work to can make a dramatic difference to the success of your business. and as with our other business foundations is easily overlooked in the early days but so important as your business develops and grows.
Selling, just like that of any other profession, can be taught. Certainly it is not a gift, a superpower or part of your DNA as some people may have you believe. It is a set of skills, knowledge and understanding that can be studied, learned and practiced like any other profession. Get Progress can help you and your team gain these skills and knowledge.
With may companies working all or partially remotely at the moment the use of collaborative software has rapidly expanded. From Microsoft Teams and Zoom through to House party all have different fortes but help us stay connected.
These applications (apps) are being continuously developed with new functions and features. In this post I will focus on MS Teams which is for many the mainstay of their Office 365 remote working. Microsoft have developed this app over many years. Subsequently it really gained traction when Microsoft acquired Skype and integrated the skype conferencing functions into MS Teams.
Now this software supports your team connectivity with voice and video calls, screen sharing and instant messaging all wrapped into one location. In addition it seamlessly integrates with your other Microsoft apps such as your outlook calendar.
Microsoft have developed lots of apps that add to the functionality of MS teams. I am going to focus on MS Whiteboard as I have found this useful in online meetings. To summarise it simply, it provides a virtual board that you can type or scribble on to record notes and comments. This helps collaboration as when you share screen with everyone on the call they can see their input being added. It is really easy to use. You can also download the app onto your device to use it as part of your normal work… combine with a stylus and your tablet becomes better than pen and paper. It also has the added bonus you can save and print whatever you create.
How to use MS Whiteboard
There are two key requirements for using Microsoft Whiteboard in MS Teams. Firstly you need to be the host of the meeting and secondly you need to schedule the meeting from the calendar menu rather than instant video call or chat.
There are 4 simple steps:
Schedule a meeting in the calendar) and then click join (for a meeting now or in the future)
Click on Share screen option on the meeting control menu
Select MS Whiteboard (on the right side of window that appears at the bottom of your screen)
You can start using the Whiteboard and all attendees can see what you add
You get more editing options including typed text and inserting images if you download the MS whiteboard app to your devise in advance of the meeting. When you get to step 3 above you will be asked if you want to use your app or the web version. Selecting use the app will allow you to use the increased functions.
Check out the Microsoft help guide on using Microsoft Whiteboard in Teams Here
When you return to office working after lockdown the environment will be different. Management will need to work out how to prepare and change the office to allow a safe return for teams.
Remote and working from home will be part of the new normal for many businesses. This is a result of health benefits and the time under lockdown reinforcing video conferencing as a reliable business tool. Remote access IT systems that have been hastily implemented will continue to allow teams to collaborate. However, there are many areas of working in an office that can’t be replaced by technology. Therefore, to effectively manage or work in a team there is still a need to have regular office meetings. Therefore we see a blended working process becoming the new normality.
COVID19 Office Planning and Priorities
Hygiene and reducing contact with others are the key factors that will form the new post-COVID 19 offices. The large open plan office design no longer fits these new priorities and dividers or screens will need to be added for protection. Cleaning will need to be more intensive and that will mean strict clear desk policies will be introduced or become enforced.
Breaking the office up into sections that provide some protection will need to be carefully planned. This will provide the safe environment but nonetheless maintain a team working capability all be it in smaller groups. Sourcing reliable supplies of cleaning materials, PPE and working out ways to allow hand washing or sanitiser will be crucial. Use of technology will also have a key role in reducing common touch points such as light switches and door handles.
If you need support working through your office re-design and planning to work in the office after lockdown then do Get in touch.
As an example of some of the screening options available can be seen at panelscreens.co.uk
At this challenging time many businesses need COVID-19 support to make changes and re-evaluate how they work.
COVID 19 is having a huge impact on businesses all over the world. Lockdown restrictions are being reduced to allow businesses to re-start and economies to begin the long road to recovery. However the virus is still out there and sadly people are still catching and spreading it.
What can be done to reduce and manage the risk when bringing staff back to work in an office environment?
Comprehensively read the govt guidance and understand the restrictions. UK Govt Advice; HSE Working safely Guide
Assess your workplace and decide what changes will be needed. Physical changes such as rearranging desks to better allow social distancing. Process changes like start times or shift patterns so certain teams work in the office on certain days. The combination of these will allow for reduced capacity and increased separation.
Review your cleaning protocols and how you will sanitize and clean the workplace.
Review shared spaces such as break out areas and kitchens – assess if these can safely be used and if not place these out of bounds.
Create and clearly document your protective measures risk assessment.
Communicate with all staff to explain your plan to create a safe workplace and involve them in getting suggestions.
Ensure health and safety notices are displayed in prominent locations. Staying COVID-19 Secure
Timetable a phased return of staff, starting on a small scale. Then assess if the measures you put in place are working and allow time for further adjustments if needed.
Need more guidance or support to help get your business re-started then please get in touch, Get Progress is ready to provide COVID-19 support.
The Government issued this COVID19 guidance on ‘Staying safe outside your home’ as part of reducing lockdown measures. This outlines the ways we can protect ourselves and our employees as we start to get businesses running again. For instance, knowing when you should wear a face mask.
