It's been a pretty good weekend around the place - not done a lot, but I have done what I've wanted to do - and that makes the difference.

I changed my role when I first left the employed world. Having been a manager for over 25 years. I became a true employee with a manager breathing down my neck. It was the most difficult thing to accept. It wasn't because I could do it better (although, then again...!), more it was that I had just no control at all. And I realised that most people who have jobs are total employees and have little say in what they do or how they do it. They are 'done to' rather than deciding for themselves and getting creative and involved.

Sadly I didn't realise this until I was a manager no longer, but what I did realise and share with you now is that to be totally disempowered in your role is demoralising and depressing.

Whilst I realise that perhaps I am more creative and need space to think and 'invent', which some people may not feel quite so intensely, I don't want to assume that. I recognise that everyone needs a little involvement, at least, in what they do and how they do it. Empowerment/engagement whatever you want to call it - it makes that difference.

If I can leave you with a thought to take back into your businesses and workplaces, it is this:-

A big challenge? Maybe. But what a gift you will give to your people - and ultimately yourself and your business too.

And I got loads of stuff done in the garden, that I chose to do. And gardening is not normally what I do much at all! Interesting.

If you want more on this - there is a page on the website that tells you more. Click the link below.

Martin Haworth

Thanks for taking a look at me! I work with people to help them realise their potential and make the most of their life. I also help managers to get the very best from their people, to make their businesses, teams, departments, whatever, to be successful.

Usually this is through my 'Coaching Managers to Coach' workshops, delivered worldwide, which includes experiential and hot-seat coaching for all participants - a great, fun learning experience. Click the big green link panel on any of the website pages!

There are over 1000 hints and tips, and that doesn't include the blog, which is updated pretty well daily, if not more often!

With a background in team management of groups from 6-300 and a great ICF coaching accreditation, I reckon I'm almost unique in my experience and training to make this work for you.

So take a look, checkout my other articles and maybe even set the blog page as a favourite:-) And, you know, if you want to get in touch, give me a call. I'll talk about almost anything, but I love helping people make the best of their workplace. Or e-mail me through the contact page on the site.

Ooops, I nearly forgot, I do manager soft-skills analysis with a programme called 'Intercept' and if you just want some one-to-one business coaching, I do that too. There's also a button on the navigation bar on the website pages for that too.

Fees, well, let me see, can I say that we can work something out? That's the way I work.

Thanks for happening by!

Martin