We are still in the grips of an incredibly tough trading climate yet one of the positive things to come out of these times is our focus to challenge existing practices and explore better, more cost effective and simpler ways of working. Please share your stories with us and others so that we can all make the difference that will help us steer a stronger, more sustainable course in  the future.

If we reflect on the conversations about Bankers, their part in the recession and indeed in its recovery, what can we learn as managers and family members about decision making and how we can make the most robust and proactive decisions possible.

Here are just a few things I have been thinking about:

1. Go with your gut feel if you sense something is going to happen, take action immediately – read Malcolm Gladwell’s book ‘Blink’. This will help you understand more about how and why intuition is an important part of the decision making process. You can get this on Amazon and also look at the reviews here http://bit.ly/cErAVb
2. Plan for tomorrow and not just today and remember to add a contingency
3. Remember for those of you who are managers, that even though we are clawing our way out of the recession, your staff may still be anxious – communicate widely about any changes that are taking place in the company and help them see how they are valuable to you and the organisation
4. Members of your team may have been deeply effected by the recession – perhaps a partner or family member has lost a job, perhaps their level of debt is too high and perhaps they are begin chased by creditors. You need them to focus whilst at work so do whatever is in your power to help them. The first step is to notice subtle changes in their attitude, energy and focus and to ask gentle questions to determine if this is a problem for them
5. Rather than focusing on stopping using post its and closing down spend start asking a new set of questions that help the business to thrive. E.g. “how can I get £5 value out of every £1 I spend?”

And for you personally, some additional thoughts:

1. Budget, budget, budget! Go to www.moneysavingexpert.com great savings and templates
2. When you buy things go for quality goods that will last.  Buy the best that you can, it’s likely to last longer
3. Save first for what you want rather than buy on credit that may be difficult to pay back later. If you still want it after you have saved for it, it is likely you will enjoy it more and certainly appreciate its value more
4. When buying presents for close family or friends who are under 18 always give a cheque it’s a double whammy they can’t spend it immediately and it encourages them to think about saving. (they might think you are boring but trust me when they are older they will thank you)
5. Always ask for a discount.  I negotiated a 40% discount on an item I really wanted recently. Another item I got a 25% discount. All because I asked. Don’t be afraid to ask – you have nothing to lose

This weeks task is all about getting the job done …but interestingly the way we can do that most effectively is by taking a balanced approach to our goals and targets.

The balanced scorecard approach encourages us to consider financial goals, delivering to our customers, looking at our systems and procedures and supporting our people and to link these firmly to our overall business mission and vision.

So how are you doing with your actions? They were:
1. Create a greater balance in your own objectives and targets so you are focussing on all elements of delivering
2. Being consistent in your words and actions so your team know what is expected of them

Let us know how you’re getting on and have a great week

The Leaps and Bounds team

Glad you popped in. By now you will have received your first email and will have planned in when you are going to complete your tasks.

Why not use this space to share your successes and challenges with your fellow travellers – there are around 200 of you in total! Just click on comments and tell us what you did and the impact it had, ask for some advice about something that stumped you, or share a top tip that everyone could try out.

We can all learn more when we learn together so lets get sharing!

The Leaps and Bounds team