Slade Group Blog
HomeTough nut or fair, but firm?
I'm often accused of being a 'tough nut'. I think I'm firm but fair. I'm frustrated by underperformers, people missing targets and sloppy work practices. Sometimes I feel I'm painted as some sort of ogre, and now finally, I know why. Apparently, nearly 50% of...
Our prized skills in education are an export opportunity
The announcement of the world's biggest education prize, worth more than $A12 million, offered by a Chinese tech billionaire, is symbolic of the surging wave of education for next gen China. Working with a group of schools myself in China recently, I have seen...
When multi-tasking feels like doggy paddling…
As our lives get busier, multi-tasking becomes a necessity to cope with life's demands. We may think that we are super human; that we can do it all with time to spare, when in reality we're struggling to keep our heads above water. So when does successful...
A healthy me means a healthy you!
Seriously, without being twee, it’s true. I admit I live a pretty healthy lifestyle: I lift weights, I eat chicken breast, love vegetables, and drink my three litres of water per day. So, when our leadership team sat down to discuss how to better look after our teams,...
Your recruiter is a tool
Well, I don’t mean tool in the pejorative! A well forged, fit for purpose tool is a valued accessory. Would you attempt a home renovation with just a hammer? In the job search process, savvy candidates realise recruiters are part of the solution – a tool in their kit...
Valuable business take-outs from (un)likely sources
Take a good hard look at yourself Australian small businesses leaders. The Prime Minister wants you to innovate but it’s even simpler than that: listen to your customers and your staff – they’ve got plenty of answers to doing better business. Today I harvested two...
Every temporary tells a story
Why do people like to temp? Over the years as a consultant filling temporary positions, I have met all kinds of candidates. Each one has a unique story and a different reason as to why they want short-term work. The obvious ones who we expect to find in temp roles are...
What did Ita say? And what’s it got to do with anemones?
I love science, I love sea anemones and I know exactly why I am doing a PhD. I want to make a difference with my work. My beautiful friend Carly has Multiple Sclerosis, as does the irreverent comedian Tim Ferguson. They are my inspiration every day. So when the going...
When filling a CEO position seems like a call out to Mars
How do you find a CEO to head up a privately owned organisation, operating from a remote part of a former Eastern Bloc country, where there is no local entity, no information about the organisation in English and the Directors and the Owners do not speak your...
Trojan horse or Pegasus? Choose your digital steed.
Are you flying high on the digital steed or do you feel you’re being covertly surrounded by a digital Trojan horse? This week I attended Harnessing the Power of Digital, a Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) event with guest speaker Amanda Gome, the...
A boomerang with many happy returns
"For employers, hiring former employees who left on good terms is a no-brainer: They know their past experience and assume they picked up some new skills to bring to the table during their time away." – Robyn Melhuish, Business Insider. What brings a former employee...
3 seconds is all it takes
Can it really be true that you can win or lose an audience in just three seconds? More on that later, but first here is my checklist for an engaging professional presentation: Strategy – be prepared and have an agenda Energy level – show interest in what you’re...