“It’s actually been fun.”
The story so far – Dale discusses the first five days of the project, from missing GU deserts to juggling his busy schedule. Dale shares his thoughts from Week One of the #LivingBrandProject
Category: BLOG
Day 5: Embracing new technology
Between the parallels
It’s Friday and I feel great about the week. I have been enjoying better sleep and more focus.
However, today took a twist as I was presented with a new Apple Watch so that my performance can be tracked. To ensure that we can monitor the incremental accomplishments and be able to set goals and measures for the future, this data is key.
From my perspective, I feel daunted by yet another new electronic system that I have to learn. As if our new CRM was not enough this week – now I have one on my wrist.
Even though data and attention to detail on the numbers is not my forte, it must be part of all organisational transformations.
Setting appropriate benchmarks and measurements allows for better insight into what worked best and a clear view on the investment.
How can we know if we are getting to where we want to be if we don’t know where we’re starting from?
Day 4: Falling back in love
Between the parallels
As today ends, I am reflecting more and more on the habitual behaviour that I have fallen into and some habits that no longer benefit me.
With my new focus on healthy eating, and With Sharn’s support on ensuring that my fridge and cupboards are filled with the right food, I have been creating and cooking some amazing dishes.
When I look at this through the lens of a company transformation, it reminded of the number of times I heard employees say: “Ahh, we used to do that! It was fun, but we don’t do it anymore.”
From team lunches to collaborative meetings, the stuff that we once enjoyed is just not there to support our healthy workplace.
I have loved cooking, but the one thing that I have been missing is sharing my new creations.
However, I have to remind myself that it does not all happen at once and this week is about me establishing new ways, and it is for myself to feel the joy of my ‘me time’
Day 3: Be ready for the unexpected
Between the parallels
This was a surprise day – so with any transformation project always be on the ready for the unexpected!
Tom, my personal trainer threw in a one-hour session today. The time was set aside in my diary, so I just had to roll with it and do it.
I have to say that this was a great session – maybe because I had not spent loads of time preparing myself to fail like the first one! With all transformation programmes, we have to be on the ready and work in real time.
I have also started to see how this project is bringing the Bridge team together and this shows the importance that all companies need to rally around a common purpose.
This is not one person’s journey; it is that of all who participate in it.
So far it has been okay, but I guess there is a side of me that errs on the side of caution and is waiting for something to hit hard…
Day 2: Breaking Habits
Between the parallels
Today started with Yoga at 7am, and both the time and the physical exercise was a challenge.
If step one of any transformation is recognising the problem, then I think step two should be about breaking habits.
I was surprised when I saw that Max had put this in my diary; at the time I was not sure if this was payback for something mean that I had done or just him wanting to give me the kick that I needed!
Either way, I am glad he did, as with all change we need to hit the ground running and not passively look at change as something that will be happening under the radar – I found myself needing to transform because I let it all slide for so long.
So like all change programmes – come out with a bang. Break some habits early one and make them public! Also do not be scared to look a little foolish, as at this stage the introduction of new stuff is most important.
Day 1: The start of a new chapter
Between The Parallels
Today was the start of the 30-day challenge, and I have to say: it was somewhat like any normal day!
I look at this against the backdrop of some of the large transformation programmes that I have worked on and after all the prep, the big day arrives and it just runs to plan. I guess this is a good thing.
I did have my strength test today – something I have been putting of for a week and now the clock has run out and it had to be done. If I was to find a positive from this, it is that I can only go up from here. I knew that it would be hard, but have to say that I have been living in a bit of a blind spot when it comes to just how unhealthy I have become.
Onward and upward!
Bridge Conference: 2017 Video Highlights
31 January 2017
Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, London
Bridge Talks: Liggy Webb on Resilience
Liggy Webb, behavioural skills expert, author and founder of The Learning Architect, an international consortium of behavioural skills specialists, joined BridgeTalks on January 26, 2016 to talk on “Service Excellence: The Human Driver”.
The talk was opened by Dale Smith, Director of Creation at Bridge Training & Events. Dale introduced the topic with some of his own experience with resilience.
Focusing on Resilience, Liggy shared findings from research for her latest book, “Resilience – How to cope when everything around you keeps changing”.
Liggy first introduced the idea of living in a VUCA world (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) and turning this around to be full of Vision, Understanding, Clarity and Agility.
The audience came to an agreed definition of resilience (including ‘staying calm’, ‘stickability’ and ‘confidence’) before Liggy moved on to the idea of a “Boomerang” vs a “Doom-erang” and how being resilient is about letting go.
Through her research, Liggy found that the three constant characteristics of a resilient person are:
– Accountability – the ability to take responsibility for a situation
– Agility – the ability to learn and relearn
– Attitude – keeping a positive mindset
Liggy went on to share the top 10 key strategies for building resilience.
Delegates enjoyed drinks and canapés at the networking reception following the talk in the Courthouse Hotel bar.
Interview with Rebecca Robertson of Dunnhumby
Rebecca is Global Events and Engagement Manager for Dunnhumby. She attended BridgeCon in 2015.
One of our values at Bridge is, Keep it Real and Fun – what was the experience like for you at last year’s BridgeCon event?
Last year’s event was an exciting mix of various companies with differing issues, all of which they had tackled boldly and successfully. It was really inspiring to see how a well-planned campaign could have such a great effect on a company, and turn engagement around 180 degrees to ensure a happy, healthy workforce. It was great to see real examples and case studies rather than theoretical learning, and they presented with creativity and humour which kept it entertaining.
Thinking about all the learning that you took away from the conference last year – what was one unique idea that you utilised back in your organisation.
It’s not unique, however the idea of having a strong core purpose was heard loud and clear so we worked with our global leaders to produce a strategic narrative they all agreed on and endorsed which was then cascaded globally at a series of live events to our people to ensure they knew their place and purpose in our global strategy.
Success Stories: Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
For keeping it real and fun, we wanted to share a little insight into one of our most fun projects – one that was Eau-mazingly successful, because of its realness and authenticity.
In recent years, there has been a shift toward luxury 5 star boutique hotels and the UK-based Lewis Family Trust (known for their global property portfolio and owners of River Island) wanted to move into this market with their property in Palm Beach, Florida.
For 10 years, the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa property was managed by Ritz Carlton with an established market position, returning guests and high employee loyalty. In mid-2013, the Lewis Family Trust took on the management of the property with the directive to create a unique, new-fashioned luxury experience.
In moving to this new name with its own style of luxury, (oft described as ‘whimsical’) the Eau Hotelier population were worried – how could they bring this new and unfamiliar brand to life, whilst still achieving the 5-star, 5-diamond ratings they had previously scored?
We started with the launch of the new values: Hoteliers, Integrity, Authentic, Intuitive and Goosebumps and an Eau-mazing staff event – think infused water, colourful cupcakes, team activities and the celebrity treatment for all staff.
After this, we explored the values, one at a time, across the entire population. ‘Hoteliers’ looked at empowerment and personal responsibility. ‘Integrity’ was about delivering on promises. ‘Authentic’ connected the Forbes standards to their greater purpose; infusing that Eau new-fashioned-luxury touch in achieving the rating. ‘Intuitive’ looked at how asking the right questions and being attentive (in the right kind of way) could help guests feel at home and offer a seamless experience. Culminating in ‘Goosebumps’; Bridge worked with the team to put all the values into action to create unique, personalised ‘goosebump’ moments for each guest experience, leaving a long-lasting impression and leading to guest loyalty.
Why was this project so fun? By tapping into the stories, talents, hobbies and uniqueness of each and every Hotelier, we were able to bring their individual authenticity to the table as part of the guest experience. And Eau-mazing characters they were – see our video below!
In 2016 Bridge Training & Events won silver at the UK Employee Experience Awards for Business Change or Transformation for their work at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.
The hotel’s short-term goal was achieved within the first full year of operation, when they received the coveted #1 ranking on the Condé Nast Top 25 Resorts in Florida Readers’ Choice Awards.
Contact me on sharn@insidebridge.com for a copy of the case study.