Why I joined the Business Chicks, Business Club
Jo Hands writes about why she joined the Business Chicks, Business Club. She explains - “I’ve always loved the Business Chicks events – they are always inspiring, give you perspective and a great way to connect. The Business Chicks brand is strong and it has a strong ability to bring out the best in people.“
Image Credit: businesschicks.com
I’ve always loved the Business Chicks events – they are always inspiring, give you perspective and a great way to connect. The Business Chicks brand is strong and it has a strong ability to bring out the best in people.
Whiteark was launched in July 2020 in the middle of Covid19 and I am lucky to have an amazing Co-founder who is so supportive of me and everything we are co-creating through Whiteark. We have a great team here and 2020 was our foundational kick-off.
In January 2021 I was reflecting on finding some like-minded people that would give me connection, perspective, different experiences and an opportunity to grow. I research and joined Business Chicks Business Club.
The induction session was expectational – inspiring to see so many ladies doing great things for them and looking like me for an opportunity to connect, learn and grow. The fire side chats and virtual events have been great and I’m so excited about attending the offsite in early May 2021. An opportunity to reflect, connect, challenge and really help support each other as we grow our businesses.
In your life, you need to find your kind of people.
People how lift others higher. Who bring out the best in you. Who teach you, who support you and that always know they have your back. What I have learnt about myself from joining Business Chicks Business Club:
People genuinely looking for support / connection
Women are amazing at running their own businesses and juggling so many other commitments
It’s an environment where people want you to be successful and they are interested in you and how to support and help you
In Corporate life, it’s disappointment that it’s normally the more senior women that have made it that don’t provide the support for the women coming up the ranks, why is this? Maybe’s it’s why women go and start up their own thing and do something bigger / better for themselves. I’m passionate about supporting women – helping them find their voice, work through the things that are holding them back and giving them the opportunities to prove to themselves how amazing they are.
If you are looking for your kind of women, people to raise you up, support, connect and provide a sense of tribe – and we are in this together – look no further than Business Chicks Business Club. I’ve only just started but I feel like it’s just what I need right now and probably forever.
Need support in your organisation? Reach out.
Whiteark is not your average consulting firm, we have first-hand experience in delivering transformation programs for private equity and other organisations with a focus on people just as much as financial outcomes.
We understand that execution is the hardest part, and so we roll our sleeves up and work with you to ensure we can deliver the required outcomes for the business. Our co-founders have a combined experience of over 50 years’ working as Executives in organisations delivering outcomes for shareholders. Reach out for a no obligation conversation on how we can help you. Contact us on whiteark@whiteark.com.au
Article by Jo Hands, Co-Founder Whiteark
How to make change stick
Colin D Ellis explains how to make change stick. Organisations talk a lot about change and transformation, but in general most aren’t very good at doing it. A recent SAP survey found that of the 84 per cent of organisations that started transformation initiatives in the past year, only 3 per cent had actually successfully completed one.
Organisations talk a lot about change and transformation, but in general most aren’t very good at doing it. A recent SAP survey found that of the 84 per cent of organisations that started transformation initiatives in the past year, only 3 per cent had actually successfully completed one.
Thoughts from Colin D Ellis
One reason for this is that while senior managers get very excited about smarter, faster ways of doing things when they’re pulling their business plans together, they forget that to achieve them they have to stop doing some things and redefine the way they get others done.
Cultural evolution is frequently cited as the biggest enabler of successful change, yet very few organisations ever take it on, opting instead for quick-fix training solutions, restructures, operating model changes or (as is currently en vogue) promises of hybrid working.
It’s not that any of these things are wrong, it’s just that in order to deliver transformation and make change stick you need to establish a new foundation upon which to build them. Those foundations contain the following:
A sound business case for change. This will answer the ‘why this and why now?’ questions from staff and stakeholders alike as it’s not good enough to simply say ‘we need to transform’, there has to be a sound and logical rationale for doing so
A redefined culture. This is the activity that almost all teams or organisations forget to do and yet it’s the most important. Without redefining the vision, behaviours and collaboration principles expected of each other you have nothing to transform to
Public accountability. There needs to be a senior executive within the business who is prepared to throw their reputation, energy, money and effort behind the activity to ensure it delivers what was promised in the case for change. This person will also encourage all the other executives do their bit to ensure that the change happens.
Clear, unambiguous communication. This should focus not only on the activities required to complete the initiative, but also on the personal change required to achieve success. I don’t mean an email or poster, in Comic Sans font, pinned up on a noticeboard, but regular effort from those accountable for the transformation.
With an appropriate level of justification, definition, accountability and communication, culture change or transformation isn’t as hard as some would have you believe. If you’re not prepared to do these things, then your staff would like you to stop talking about transformation as if you mean it. However, if you are, then you can guarantee then they’ll be up for it too and that will make everything stick.
Colin D Ellis is an award-winning speaker, facilitator and best-selling author of Culture Fix: How to Create a Great Place to Work. You can find out more about him and the work that he does at www.colindellis.com
Key considerations for building connection across the organisation post Covid-19
Phoebe Reid writes about the key considerations for building connection across the organisation post Covid-19. Companies are finding themselves in unfamiliar territory as their employees return to the office post Covid 19 and are learning how to work together again. Building connectedness is an important part of working together successfully and links closely to employee engagement and ultimately meeting business goals.
Companies are finding themselves in unfamiliar territory as their employees return to the office post Covid 19 and are learning how to work together again. Building connectedness is an important part of working together successfully and links closely to employee engagement and ultimately meeting business goals.
For this to happen, leaders need to lead! Behaviour needs to start at the top and it will flow, employees want and need to have purpose and great leadership will support this happening. Spend the time with your team, have regular check ins, discuss and review/set their KPIs and goals, chat about how they are going, and generally be there for them.
Connection, growth and belonging are all key to a company’s success. Humans naturally enjoy each other’s company and being able to work collaboratively, so it’s often the corridor or kitchen conversation where you really get to understand what is going on. It is about finding the right balance between flexible work from home and time together in the office.
Some initiatives and areas that impact connection building in the workplace are;
Connectedness Initiatives
Having fun at work has been missed by many, it might be the Friday night drinks, bring your pet to work day or the monthly birthday celebrations, people have missed the opportunity to connect. Make sure this is a priority, put together a calendar of fun events, ask your team members what activities would make them feel more connected to each other and actively create an informal environment to reconnect.
Team lunches with employees from different departments are a way to get employees interacting with people from across the business and further promotes connection. Employees will benefit from having team activities like a volunteer day where the team can go and help at a charity. When implemented properly, these activities can be excellent for cultivating a sense of unity and belonging.
Promote the benefits of the office like being able to collaborate in person, informally bounce ideas off each other, the coffee machine and of course Friday night drinks! Set up wellbeing information sessions, often your employee assistance program provider can run these. Organise fitness in the park or at a nearby gym for your employees. For some, the office offers a sense of calm and control over their day and fewer distractions than at home, these people will be key to connecting those that are feeling more anxious about being back in the office. Schedule your team meetings on a day that everyone is in to promote face to face time.
To help employees focus and reengage with your strategy, run cross functional sessions on your strategy and 5-year plan, discuss what’s working well and get feedback on what you can be doing better. Sessions on behaviours and values could also be considered. Consider joint departments leading regular town halls to; share what is going on, interview new starters, share good news like record sales or new business and also acknowledge specific achievements of team members.
Having the right Flexible Work Policy supports connectedness. In developing your policy seek feedback to see what employees preferences are around flexible work. As with any successful change, seeking feedback and employee input will result in a more effective outcome. Employees are working from home in a variety of combinations from 1-5 days per week. Finding overlap days where the majority of the team are in the office is important. Having team meetings on these days and organising fun activities described above to connect people will help with this. Ensure that you have the flexibility to review your policy as things change or if the current arrangement isn’t working.
Employee Engagement
Employee engagement represents the levels of enthusiasm and connection employees have with their organisation. It’s a measure of how motivated people are to put in the extra effort for their employer and is often a sign of how committed they are to staying.
Now would be a good time to run an employee engagement survey. Tailor your questions to get constructive feedback for your business and ask questions about what initiatives will help them in feeling more engaged and connected to your business and their colleagues. Then use this feedback to run cross functional focus groups, then develop an action plan and actually implement it. Too often employees take the time to fill in the survey and provide feedback and nothing is done, this can be demotivating.
This article has described just some of the ways that you can build connectedness across your business post Covid 19. Please get in touch if Whiteark can help you with developing your business and people plans.
Being true to your values
Jo Hands, Whiteark’s Co-founder & Director, writes about what it means to be true to your values. She explains, “When growing up, we learn to understand the impact core values have on driving our behaviour and activity, as well as attracting those you work well with because you share similar values.”
When growing up, we learn to understand the impact core values have on driving our behaviour and activity, as well as attracting those you work well with because you share similar values. Your values are critical, they are at the heart of everything that you do.
I attended a Brene Brown course called “Dare to Lead” in 2020 - it was a chance to consider what kind of leader you want to be and understand your values.
My core personal values are:
Connection - I value having strong connections with people and I'm a connector. It drives me and my thinking. I genuinely love people
Achievement - I love to do a great job, I put 100%+ into everything I do
Passionate - I'm passionate about helping people / companies to deliver the best outcome. I have energy and drive to help people find their passion
Company values
Most companies have a set of values but unfortunately most don't live by them – it’s frustrating and impacts the culture of companies.
Company values and alignment with executives / co-founders and employees is important. Data, research suggests that companies where leaders align culturally and on values are 63% more successful than companies that don't.
Having a clearly defined set of values helps your stakeholders to understand what you stand for. Your values provide guidance to your employees in delivering their work and creates a sense of unity and belonging. Your set of values encourage your employees to make decisions that help them achieve the company’s vision and mission.
Whiteark
Once upon a time, in a land (not so) far away, two values aligned human beings came together to collaborate. The result? Whiteark was born. Whiteark is committed to bridging the gaps within organisations and making a lasting difference.
At Whiteark, we have spent the last 6 months refining and aligning on our Vision, Mission and Values before we launch with you all!
Our values are important to us and are at the core of everything we do, who we partner with, who collaborate with, and who employ to be a part of our team.
Here are our values that we live and breathe 😊
Leadership
Shaping the future.
Passion
Energising, engaging and inspiring.
Excellence
Achieving ambitious goals.
Value
Data drive outcomes.
Fun
Doing things differently.
Our values underpin our Vision and Mission and why we wake up every day, excited and ready to help our clients and our networks.
Watch the video that James and I put together for our value launch to understand what these mean to us.
If our values resonate with you and you'd like to have a conversation about working for us, working alongside us or if we can help you, please reach out.
The Importance of Connection
Jo Hands, Whiteark’s Co-founder & Director, writes about the art and inherent need for connection. Connection is defined as a relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else - and it’s important, probably more than you’ll know. But did it have to take a global pandemic, border closures and state lockdowns for us to realise just how important connection really is?
Connection is defined as a relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else. Connection is important. Did it have to take a global pandemic, border closures and state lockdowns for us to realise just how important connection really is?
If you’re feeling lonely, know that you’re not the only one. You don’t have to live in isolation. We live in a world with over seven billion people, and we all need connection.
The importance of human connection
What do you do from day to day to care for yourself? Most would say that to be healthy, you need nutritious food and exercise.
But what about your social connections?
Research shows us that loneliness is on the rise, and that a lack of human connection can be more harmful to your health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.
In today’s age, we live busy lives, trying to strike a balance between work, school, hobbies, self-care and more. Often, our social connections fall by the wayside. But connecting with others is more important than you might think. Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our health at risk.
The reality is that we’re living in a time of true disconnection. While technology seems to connect us more than ever, the screens around us disconnect us from nature, from ourselves, and from others. Wi-Fi alone isn’t enough to fulfill our social needs – we need face-to-face interaction to thrive. Technology should be enhancing our connection to others, not replacing it.
Our inherent need for human connection doesn’t mean that every introvert must become a social butterfly.
Having human connection can look different for each person. If you’re not sure where to start in finding meaningful connection, that’s okay.
Here are some ideas to help you out:
• Join a new club, or try out a group activity
• Reach out to an old friend you’ve lost touch with
• Volunteer for a cause you care about
• Eat lunch in a communal space
• Introduce yourself to your neighbours
• Ask someone for help when you need it
• Do a random act of kindness
Human beings are inherently social creatures. As far back as we can trace, humans have travelled, hunted, and thrived in social groups and for good reason. Humans who were separated from their tribe often suffered severe consequences.
Social groups provide us with an important part of our identity, and more than that, they teach us a set of skills that help us to live our lives. Feeling socially connected, especially in an increasingly isolated world, is more important than ever. The benefits of social connectedness shouldn’t be overlooked.
Social connections have four science / research backed benefits;
1. Improve your quality of life:
If you’ve ever moved away from your social “home base” then you have a good idea of just how much social connections shape your everyday life and well-being. One study showed that social connection is a greater determinant to health than obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure. And social connection doesn’t necessarily mean physically being present with people in a literal sense, but someone’s subjective experience of feeling understood and connected to others. One scale that experts use to determine a person’s subjective level of loneliness is the UCLA Loneliness Scale.
2. Boost your mental health:
Friendships offer a number of mental health benefits, such as increased feelings of belonging, purpose, increased levels of happiness, reduced levels of stress, improved self-worth and confidence. A study conducted at a free health clinic in Buffalo, New York found that respondents with insufficient perceived social support were the most likely to suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
3. Help you live longer:
Research has shown that social connections not only impact your mental health, but your physical health as well. A review of 148 studies (309K participants) indicated that the individuals with stronger social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival. This remained true across a number of factors, including age, sex, initial health status, and cause of death.
4. Decrease your risk of suicide:
There are a number of factors that put people at higher or lower risk for suicide. One of these factors is connectedness, which the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines as “The degree to which a person or group is socially close, interrelated or shares resources with other persons or groups.” Relationships can play a crucial role in protecting a person against suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
If you’re not sure how to begin forming social connections start by looking inward. What are your interests or hobbies? What kind of personalities are you naturally comfortable around?
Devote time to becoming active in your community, volunteering, or joining a club or social organisation and if you meet a potential friend, create an opportunity to spend time together.
Remember that social connections that impact your overall health and well-being may begin with lattes or a shared meal, but they require time and effort. Forming strong, healthy relationships with others means opening up, actively listening, and being open to sharing what you’re going through. These relationships can change the course of your life.
““Never underestimate the empowering effect of human connection.
All you need is that one person, who understands you completely, believes in you and makes you feel loved for what you are, to enable you - to unfold the miraculous YOU.””