We have begun a new season, and we have already had very educational experiences and met some quite interesting people. By the looks of it we also have some very interesting months ahead of us.
Leadership in the computer industry – a different perspective
It was fun reuniting with the management team from Zepto Computers – they did a GROW Leadership programme during 2007/08, and I had been looking very much forward to seeing them all again for a recap and brush up. Working with a group of leaders in the computer industry is a challenging job because of the special nature of their personalities – different from the type in hospitality. But they have definitely begun to develop a deeper understanding of how their interactions have an influence on each other.
Focus on the customer – creating lasting value
We have now kicked-off the 3rd module of our Service Management Diploma cohort. They spent the spring semester working on how to create value in a service organisation – this autumn we keep our focus on the customer. How do we go beyond satisfaction and create real lasting loyalty. That is the big question and we will be looking for some answers here.
If you missed our Feb 08 posting on how they got a grip on strategy take a look at this.
Growing talent the action learning way
We are in the process of designing a talent development programme – all action learning based and all very secret. The customer is one of Denmark’s leading companies, and it’s growing rapidly – partly due to their ability to constantly explore new ideas and ways of learning and we are proud to be contribute to their process.
Conference in Munich
In Munich on 1st of October 2008 I am giving at presentation at the Euro Attractions Show (EAS). The topic will be: “An enlightening and stimulating exploration of how to create and maintain outstanding service in your organisation”. If you are attending the conference or the show drop me a note.
Be prepared to integrate Integral Theory in your future plans
This autumn I have decided to study some more Integral Theory and how we can apply that practically to management and leadership. Exciting workshops will be held in october in Boulder CO in the US. You can learn more about the event here.
Integral Theory is definitely not mainstream thinking – yet – but we are going to see much more of this in the coming years. Here is a taste of what integral leadership is about. My favoured integral leader is Fred Kofman take a look for your self:
The latest trends – we’re off to Shanghai
Come November and we are off again on one of our more exotic Urban Safaris – this year we are taking 12 hotel GM’s to Shanghai to explore the latest hospitality developments. We are staying at the spanking new Renaissance and have 4 full days to explore the city.
No new trends force us to improve the existing trends
Once we get Back to Europe I head of for Manchester and will be presenting “No New Trends” at the FOOD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION on November 11th 2008. I will present my view of what I see as a flourishing creativity – the many new solutions to the well known mega trends such as individuality, health, ecology, industrialisation and automation. We see creative ideas expressed in meal shops, fast casual, co-creation, DIY-Food, minimalist buffets etc.
Wrapping up the season – from south to north and back again
End of November I have an Action Learning facilitation job in Athens, and the last stop for 2008 before I go hibernate in Marseille will be a workshop on Service Profit Chain in Helsinki.
So that’s the game plan – as I mentioned if this offers possibilities for a link up with some of you then please let me know.
Mike