I often get asked the question “Why do you offer Women specific courses?” and my response is “Because we need more women growing businesses and more women in senior management.”

The recent Chartered Management Institute report ‘The Benefits of Management and Leadership development’ clearly demonstrates the link between L and M development and increased productivity (up 22%) and sets out the preferred methods of L and M development by gender. Women prefer coaching, management courses provided by an external trainer and accredited leadership qualifications.

Take a look at Role’s website and that’s exactly what we offer.

In addition, there are concrete economic arguments for increasing the number of women in business and leadership roles.

If women in the UK were starting businesses at the same rate as in the United States, it would create 150,000 more businesses per year, creating £23 billion. Put into context that’s 25% of the NHS budget.

For existing businesses, research since 2007 by McKinsey, Credit Suisse, EY and others proves again and again that companies with more than 30% female representation on their boards, outperform others by an average of 48% on profits and 37% on share value, in addition to higher staff retention rates and customer satisfaction.

Role’s Women Aiming Higher programme is a combination of one to one coaching, experiential leadership development and business growth master classes. Delegates can also access mentoring from some of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs.

The next programme starts 3rd March and there are 12 fully funded places available for Lancashire business women, trading B2B, who are in their first 3 years of business. (If your business is over 3 years old, don’t worry, we have some funded mentoring available too.)
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If you would like more information, please contact wendy@role.uk.com

Today – it’s a month since Christmas Eve. Has it passed in the blink of an eye or have you already worked such long hours that you really can’t remember how good that break felt? If it’s the latter, now might be a good moment to have a ponder.

Consider this. In the last few days, Theresa May has announced her plans for Brexit and an Industrial Strategy for the UK that promises a 'helping hand' for business, based on location appropriate, sector specific support.
With investment in technical skills high on the agenda to tackle our looming skills gap and a new Industrial Strategy Challenge fund supporting cutting edge innovation, there appear to be some powerful promises in the green paper.

But….. there is an underlying problem in the UK that needs addressing, that of productivity; with our value created per hour (GDP per head divided by average number of hours worked per individual) at a miserable £18.64 per hour compared to £45.71 in Luxembourg. Interestingly, countries with a shorter working week, tend to be more productive, but then, it’s no secret that working long hours continuously, affects innovation, creativity and health.

So, if you and your team are working long hours, your goals don’t seem to be getting any nearer and you’re already feeling shattered, just 3 weeks into 2017, it's time to STOP.

Take some time out to stand back and have a good long hard look at your business or your role. Preferably, look at it with someone who can give you independent and constructive advice.

Spending some time now with a coach or mentor, will give you a different perspective and an experienced sounding board. You may find yourself saying “Why didn’t I see that? – it’s obvious.”

Well it is - but not when you’re standing too close.

Role works with businesses who know that in order to move forwards, they need to Stop. To Re-focus, Re-evaluate and Re-plan.

Make your own powerful promise. Do something different.