Thank you to our speakers on the day who shared some of the measures that they have taken to make improvements in their business.
Musings on Leadership and Teams
Tourism is one of the country’s most important industries and the UK’s third largest service export. Productivity in this sector however is hampered by traditional peak seasons and it is reported that labour turnover can be very high, as much as 30%, and these factors can pose significant challenges.
This presentation focused on how the organisation is tackling these challenges by offering guaranteed employment all year round and building a team which in turn, is reducing employee turnover. This has supported the organisation to achieve a place in the top 20% of recommended tours on Trip Advisor and being awarded an exceptional 91% Quality Assurance 5* Tour award from VisitScotland for over 10 years recognising the highest levels of excellence – outstanding customer care, hospitality, and commitment to development and training.
The related discussion focused on the need for investment in leadership and management training and development, building trust within a team, investing in the team and the power of entering awards to benchmark activities.
There are always better ways to do things
Digital technology can be a driver for increased productivity. The presentation focused on a tool which could assist with streamlining an expense system.
The related discussion allowed others to share other systems and tools which they had employed to increase productivity with digital technology.
What does culture look like?
A survey in 2017 by Mazars, the INSEAD business school in Paris and Board Agenda magazine found that, despite culture being in the top three priorities for company boards, only 20% of directors and board members surveyed reported spending the time required to manage and improve it.
The presentation challenged delegates to consider their own definition of a productive culture and shared some of the initiatives deployed in the UK’s largest photo and film service production company including a commitment to their values, company charter, happiness meetings and happiness hours.
The related discussion focused on investment in staff engagement and well-being and how a company can support, and most importantly ensure culture is a continuous priority.
Comments from delegates
Great mix of people and enjoyable presentations.
Great opportunity to hear challenges and successes of a variety of businesses.
Loved the openness to sharing thoughts and feelings.
So important to be to able to share and explore ideas.
