Suzi Colless

Compassionate accountability fosters a balanced environment where teams are both supported and challenged to meet their goals. With a thoughtful approach, leaders can maintain high standards without sacrificing trust or morale. Learn how to implement accountability with care in your organisation. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gnpqhyAn #TeamLeadership #CompassionateManagement #WorkplaceSuccess

11

What is very important for Interim Executives is undertaking meaningful work.  Meaningful work, in an organisation where values are aligned to the individual executive, is becoming a non-negotiable. One respondent of Watermark’s 2024 Interim Executive Survey said, “My tolerance for misalignment between values and work is lower”. Another respondent is “seeking values-aligned colleagues”, while another is building a career consisting of a “blend of paid work and passion projects”. Meaningful work is the key to longevity as we all live and work longer. To read more about this, please download Watermark’s 2024 Interim Executive Survey here -https://lnkd.in/ewr3FJXg Jacinta Whelan Francesca Conquest Chris Grant Jen D'Arcy-Smith Caroline McAuliffe Alex Brown Pip Westhoff Suzanne Mulvihill Madeleine Stuart-Wright Lizzie Wynter Bronte Pickard David Evans Robert Atkinson Philip Whelan Daniel Nicholls Claire Crawford Jocelyn Santosa #interimexecutive #interim #survey #australiandata #longevity #currency 

48

6 Comments

MJD's monthly newsletter has just been released. If you're not on the mailing list then I'd suggest subscribing using the link below - Lots of useful tips coming out every month!

1

It was great to work with Jo Knox at HR Daily on this article that encourages employers to take a more strategic approach to enterprise bargaining. With a significant increase in the number of employees covered by enterprise agreements over the past 12 months, employers who take a proactive approach to enterprise bargaining will be much more likely to achieve a positive result. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gV6a84VP #EnterpriseBargaining #EnterpriseAgreement #AustralianEmploymentLaw

26

2 Comments

I’ve been exploring the latest research on self-regulating wellbeing in the workplace, and the insights are both eye-opening and exciting. There’s a clear shift happening, organisations are adopting proactive, structured, and collaborative strategies to boost workforce health and resilience. From fostering psychological safety to leveraging technology, these strategies are transforming the way we approach employee wellbeing. As much as I’m excited about the progress, I’m also eager to hear from you. 💬 I’d love your thoughts on this: 1. What wellbeing strategies have made a real impact in your organisation? 2. Are there any technologies or approaches you’ve found particularly effective? 3. How can organisations integrate these practices into their culture for long-term success? Your insights would be incredibly valuable! 👇 #WorkplaceWellbeing #EmployeeHealth #WellbeingTech #Innovation #EmployeeEngagement

9

1 Comment

Episode 5 just dropped on our Podcast. This fortnight's topic is: Empathy is a Verb! When people are asked to describe or define the term empathy, a common response is “Looking through someone’s eyes” or “Walking in their Shoes”. Realistically, this is only part of it. The real key is what you do with this new-found understanding to add value to yourself and others. In this podcast, Amanda shares her personal, professional journey and her thoughts on the value that can be created when you begin to understand the people around you, and what drives their behaviour. Listen now at https://hubs.la/Q02v2lwz0

3

Cognisance, cultural intelligence, collaboration, commitment, courage and curiosity. Excellent short webinar today with over 400 other HR practitioners on the 6 signature traits of inclusive leaders hosted by Family Friendly Workplace's Emma Walsh with Alison Hernandez interviewing global leader Dr Juliet Bourke GAICD. Some takeouts: The leadership shadow as an inclusive cultural influencer takes years to build and moments to destroy. "Hold the space for a little bit longer so you can sit on the edge of discomfort" (Dr Bourke on describing how leaders can cultivate curiosity and comfort with ambiguity, thus evolving the right culture that supports discretionary effort and individual performance). 3 success factors: You must have to have the CEO on board (commitment) and you have to have investment in leadership. You also have to have DEI built in KPIs. Best take out was "you can't be too woke (regarding DEI leadership and promoting good DEI practice). Don't look behind you only to see that noone is there." I probably haven't done the summary justice but what an excellent session.

71

9 Comments

At BespokeHR, we transform businesses by putting people first. Whether it's recruitment, HR support, or building a thriving workplace culture, we're your dedicated partners in success. Let's elevate your organisation together. Email us at [email protected] or comment below to learn more about our services and how we can assist your growing business.🌟🤝 #HRExcellence #PeopleFirst #BespokeHR #BusinessGrowth"

6

"People and Culture". Hire the right people, get closer to a great culture. Phillip Di Bella shares another strategy that worked at Di Bella, and I'd have to agree with the concept - after seeing many smaller employers recruit people with very little (to none) thought and design of the role or person to fill the role. #TheHRCartelPodcast #BusinessPodcast #HR #People #Culture

1

It’s been over 10 years and we are back in the cycle of layoffs. This article is a good reminder of the humanity that is needed as organisations enact changes for cost reduction or capability change. In 2012 as Head of HR Strategy, I oversaw a project with Toyota where we made 300 roles redundant in one day. That’s 300 people whose lives were changed forever. We started the project with respect and dignity in mind. It took 3 months of planning to execute so that every individual had a one on one conversation, time to ask questions, interpreters, psychologists, managers who were trained to handle the reactions and questions that were inevitable. Productivity did improve after that day, but we didn’t do the follow up research to know if that was out of fear or some other motivation. If we need to do layoffs, let’s ensure we keep the human element top of mind. P.S. When talking to employees who are fearful of losing their job I have often counselled that everyday is their chance to build insurance against the impact of such action. Keep learning, keep adding new achievements to your resume, keep building the network, make yourself valued. It makes you less likely to be laid off, but if you are let go, you won’t be as afraid about finding the next role. Often when one door closes, a better one opens. https://lnkd.in/gidzD6WX

16

3 Comments

Catching up for coffee with my friend and former colleague, Andrea Webb-Jolly. We enjoy nutting out challenges and Andrea has a great ability to see both strategic opportunities and practical solutions. Andrea is currently seeking her next challenge in Organisation Development or Strategic HR (contract or permanent). So, if you're looking for someone who can strengthen your HR strategy while keeping people at the heart of change, Andrea should be on your radar. Reach out if you'd like to explore how Andrea's experience could benefit your team. #OrganisationalDevelopment #StrategicHR #PeopleAndCulture #HRStrategy

83

6 Comments

With the upcoming implementation of the Worker Protection Act on 26 October 2024, now is the perfect time to conduct a baseline audit of your workplace's sexual harassment policies. Ensuring your organisation is compliant not only protects your workforce but also fosters a safe and inclusive environment.   Many of our clients are already ahead of the curve, utilising external survey providers like us to gain unbiased insights. Meanwhile, it seems that many companies are currently still unaware how this legislation will impact them – so spread the word!   https://lnkd.in/eqaPXfPi   #WorkerProtectionAct #HRCompliance #Leadership

11

1 Comment

We hear so much about leadership styles, But what about different facilitation styles? In my role at The Learning Wave, I'm fortunate to work alongside incredibly talented facilitators from across New Zealand and Australia. Watching them create real magic in the room is both inspiring and energising! Each facilitator brings essential skills to the table to create an inclusive environment, like: ✅ Demonstrating open body language ✅ Listening deeply to understand ✅ Giving clear instructions ✅ Managing time effectively But what truly sets them apart is their unique style—or the styles they adapt to fit each group. All styles are effective, yet each one brings its own flavour. Here are a few I frequently see (in my own words for their styles): ⚡ The Energiser Bunny – Injects fun and energy, making the environment infectious 🤗 The Nurturer – Creates a safe space, fostering openness and belonging 🎭 The Humourist – Brings energy and humour, keeping sessions lively and engaging 🤝 The Collaborator – Leverages learners' backgrounds and experiences to guide learning 🔗 The Connector – Ties conversations to core concepts, demystifying ideas for clarity These diverse styles not only make facilitation effective but also bring out the best in every learner. Here’s to celebrating the art of facilitation!

14

2 Comments

What if changing your definition of success leads to greater happiness in leadership? In this episode, Dr Tarryn MacCarthy shares powerful insights on how to become a happier leader by redefining what success means. Dr. McCarthy helps us explore how intentional leaders can challenge conventional success mindsets and find greater personal and professional fulfillment. Tune into our podcast on Spotify. Link in the comments 👇 Explore Dr. MacCarthy’s resources and insights. Details in the comments 👇 #deliberateleadership #onpurposeleadership #youarehowyoulead #leadwithintention #ritacincotta

10

1 Comment

Do you have problems with attracting or retaining the best talent? My Team help solve those gritty workforce problems. Some clients come to us because they are losing good people and after all, talent is the new cash flow, isn’t it? Turnover is also darned expensive and the lost opportunity costs are damaging too. Our experience of dealing with that challenge might help. Read about how a few simple changes can help turn the problem around.

6

A potential client asked me a great question last week - She shared that the Leadership Lift program sounded great but that she'd love to know more about 'why Jane' when she sells this leadership program to her c-suite. She asked 'What is it about you? What does Jane bring to this that someone else won't?'. I don't think anyone has ever asked me this question before. There were a few things I could share - First, they're in the financial industry and I've worked in HR in that industry before so I understand some of the dynamics, challenges and can speak their language. But when I gave it more thought, I narrowed in on two things I could share with her that makes me a bit different: 1. I take a fresh approach to leadership development that considers the current landscape of workplaces and how the expectations of employees are continuing to evolve. We're digging into what is needed from leaders today and what skills and practices leaders need to build going forward to respond to the evolving talent market and evolving expectations around how we balance performance and well-being in the workplace. 2. My goal is to bring a real spark to new and seasoned leaders that gives them the momentum to start being more intentional about the how they lead and try some new practices and strategies. I endeavour to spark a real mindset shift around how they lead, how they connect with their team and how they drive their vision forward. My favourite thing to hear from past attendees is when they share that the leadership training has left them feeling energized and motivated to move forward and take ownership of their leadership journey. So thank you to this potential client for helping me reflect and clarify the 'why me' question! Feel free to share in the comments your 'why you' answer. What makes you different or unique? #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #humanresources *Also shout out to the QNET Manitoba headshot lounge at the conference a few weeks ago for this pic! Thanks Patricia Chartier Photography.

88

4 Comments

Does uncertainty grip you? Evolve Consulting Services has developed a new model to help individuals, teams, and organisations move from uncertainty to certainty. #uncertainty #vuca #teamdevelopment #leadership #leaders

21

1 Comment

Exciting news! At Hammonds Furniture we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve taken a big step in driving our People and Culture strategy by transitioning to Workvivo - by Zoom as our new internal communications platform, replacing Workplace by Meta. This shift will significantly enhance employee engagement and collaboration across the board. After a comprehensive evaluation, we found that Workvivo aligns seamlessly with The ‘Hammonds Way’ culture goals—improving communication and recognition, and helping us connect with and celebrate our talented team nationwide. With a workforce of over 1,300 people in diverse roles across the country—whether in our factories, headquarters, design centers, installing in customer homes, working in the field, or managing remotely—keeping everyone connected is more important than ever. That’s why we’re excited about our mobile-first platform with the Workvivo app! Our entire team can now stay connected from their pockets, regardless of role or location. Fostering a unified community as we grow is key to our success. Our decision to migrate early was driven by Workvivo’s impressive features, enhanced look and feel, and a development roadmap that includes advancements in AI and analytics. This alignment with our future vision motivated us to accelerate the transition. While Meta recommended Workvivo by Zoom as their preferred migration partner, meeting the Workvivo team truly solidified our decision. They exceeded our expectations and made the migration process much less daunting. Their professional and responsive team delivered on their promise, ensuring a smooth transition with no loss of implementation work or content. As a Microsoft-based organisation, we initially had concerns about compatibility. However, Workvivo’s excellent integrations with Microsoft systems seamlessly address these issues, putting our minds at ease. Overall, despite the typical challenges of transitioning platforms, this shift has been remarkably smooth, with strong user adoption and engagement, thanks to Workvivo’s outstanding support. If you’re considering internal communications platforms, we highly recommend giving Workvivo - by Zoom a try! #workvivo #hammondsway #connect #culture #hammonds #EmployeeEngagement #Teamwork #CultureMatters #Growth #PeopleAndCulture

72

12 Comments

This article from Australian HR Institute (AHRI) struck a chord with me, not only because I am a non executive director with HR expertise but because it signals that change needs to occur, and be seen to occur, at ALL levels of our organisations. Does your Board need HR expertise? In the past I've contributed as a facilitator for Board processes as well as being an active Board member. Let's get a conversation going that leads to some change. #directorship #strategicHR #leadership https://lnkd.in/gMnyZuRw

8