We're experts on all things Management & HR
Applying management science to everyday events
Written by John Berry on 29th December 2020. Revised 6th January 2021.
1 min read
A series of blogs for 2021, designed to be consumed as podcasts, but using a single overview slide. Each is on a single management topic or everyday event. Each takes less than three minutes to consume. Just click to view the list and get the latest.
Choice of law in employment contracts
Written by John Berry on 25th February 2020. Revised 3rd January 2021.
6 min read
Many firms want to contract with foreign workers working in foreign countries. There is much debate about whether it is right for the UK employer to issue a UK employment contract to those foreign workers. We would generally say not and here’s the rationale. We argue that the choice of law in employment contracts should always be local law (unless work is done in many countries).
A concise leadership model for managing day-to-day
Written by John Berry on 28th May 2019. Revised 28th December 2020.
1 min read
• Defining leadership and the practical effects of manager intervention on staff motivation.
• Understanding that managers lead and that leadership is a management role.
• Setting out the difference between leadership approaches and leadership styles.
• Introducing some practical leadership interventions for managers.
• Introducing leadership approaches and how to select the right approach.
• Discussing how to do leadership day to day.
SME Career Management
Written by John Berry on 1st May 2017. Revised 16th November 2020.
4 min read
Career management in the SME has huge benefits in engendering commitment to the firm and engagement with the job. But top management must first commit to the concept. There are many approaches. Here's how.
Develop or dismiss: balancing costs and benefits
Written by John Berry on 6th October 2017. Revised 16th November 2020.
5 min read
Whilst the argument in favour of developing staff is strong, it’s not universally accepted. As this article shows, the argument rests on the various costs and benefits and ultimately on the ability of staff to ‘make the grade’. Both sides of the argument must be considered. To understand what’s needed in your own firm, you need to be able to determine market need for skills and knowledge in each job and jobholder and from the need, determine the capability you’ll put in place. Then plan and execute.
Objectives and Appraisal: two links in the continuum of strategy
Written by John Berry on 3rd May 2017. Revised 16th November 2020.
12 min read
Intuitively we know that it’s worthwhile telling our staff how we think they are getting on. Intuitively too, we believe that we should all be tasked through objectives so that we strive for excellence. We know too that appraisal and objectives are linked – without the former, the latter would not be achieved. But what’s that link and how does it affect the staff and managers in an SME as they go about their business day to day? How do they both link to the firm’s strategy?
