Barrier Breakers blog

Going through a change process? Struggling?

May 172013

Any change process is challenging for us, even if we know it will benefit us in the long run.

If you’re struggling with change, and would like to make the process easier, join Penelope Tobin for a FREE one-hour webinar:

Break Barriers! Take Action! Make Change Stick!

Wednesday May 22nd (10am & 8pm GMT)

Whether it’s personal or professional changes that you’re making, need to make, or would like to make — this webinar’s for you.

You’ll find out how to prepare yourself, so the whole change process is easy, enjoyable and successful.

You’ll be able to get the change you want, in a stress-free way.

If you’re in any kind of business you’ve undoubtedly come across SMART goal setting. It’s the accepted way to set goals. The basic premise is that a goal has to be Specific, Measurable etc in order to motivate you enough to achieve it.

That’s the theory.

But in practice, if you’re setting SMART goals and not reaching them, then you’re not alone.

Does the SMART theory stand up in practice? Continue reading »

Change is inevitable, but do you still resist it?

May 012013

Rationally, we know that change is the only constant. Emotionally, we’re not very well adapted for it.

A whiff of change in the air, and our instinct is to bury our heads in the sand, apparently unaware that our butts are in prime position for a kicking.

When no sand’s available, and the engine of change is hurtling towards us, then we’re liable to stick our fingers in our ears and have a hum.

If these tactics don’t work, and change ‘gets’ us, then we’re shocked by it.

7 warning signs! Are you working in a culture of fear?

Apr 242013

According to a recent report, a ‘culture of fear’ is making 93% of the UK workforce consider leaving their current job.

93%!!! 9.3% would be too much.

And this isn’t the only research to reach this conclusion, with employees across all sectors reporting that they are intimidated, demoralised or threatened by leadership.

Why is this situation not causing more of an outcry? Continue reading »

Happy sheets! Give me a smile!

Apr 082013

Happy sheets — or feedback forms — are now ‘de rigeur’ for all training programmes.

In fact, we’re hardly through any experience before a questionnaire is thrust into our hands, with a plea to complete, and our instant opinions are garnered.

This is a quick, easy way to gather data. This is how you prove satisfaction. Continue reading »

Get purpose, get happiness

Mar 272013

Happiness is big news — it was World Happiness Day on March 20th. It’s a growing field, with Happiness Economic indexes to define and measure it. Continue reading »

What barrier breakers look like…

Mar 192013

Do you know any barrier breakers? Maybe you’re one?

Here are some I’ve come across recently… Continue reading »

Are you listening?

Mar 122013

Do you consider yourself a good listener? Most of us would say “yes” without a second thought.

But how often do you feel truly heard? Continue reading »

Why most training programmes fail

Mar 062013

Lots of training fails simply because trainees don’t want to be there. They sit it out, give a smiley on the assessment sheet, get a ‘tick’ for attending, and that’s that.

Or it fails because the training isn’t any good. Or it doesn’t engage. Or it lacks relevance.

It’s understandable when training fails under such circumstances.

But many training programmes fail even when attendees have chosen to go, have invested time and money in it, are eager to learn. And when the training itself is interesting, informative, well-delivered, relevant, and inspiring.

Why?