Season 3 – Episode 016: With Richard Rolls Risk management—it’s the corporate equivalent of eating your greens. You know it’s good for you, but sometimes you’d rather scoop your eyeballs out with a teaspoon than sit through another risk workshop. Yet, as this episode of A Job Done Well reveals, risk management isn’t just about spreadsheets, buzzwords, and endless meetings. It’s about stopping bad things from happening, so you can actually get on with your job. Joined by risk expert Richard Rolls, Jimmy and James dissect why risk management often feels like a bureaucratic nightmare, why people hide problems instead of addressing them, and how middle managers can use risk frameworks to … [Read more...]
Unlocking the Power of Analysis
Season 1 – Episode 32: We All Need to Understand the Data Welcome to Unlocking the Power of Analysis, where we explore data’s transformative potential for improving work performance. You only have an opinion without data, so analysis is critical to the workplace. In this episode, James dredges through his 20+ years of being called an ‘analyst’ to help practitioners fine-tune their skills, whilst Jimmy discusses how front-line managers, executives and board members can sharpen their skills to get the most out of data. We discuss everything from how analysis stopped a cholera outbreak in 19th-century London to the way the “Head of Colouring In” produces informative reports. Data analysis … [Read more...]
Performance Appraisals
Season 1 – Episode 22: How to Survive, Thrive in or Change Your Performance Appraisal System This week, we look at Performance Appraisals. Dating back to the 3rd century, these systems try to solve many of an organisation's performance management and leadership challenges but often destroy more value than they create. We look at the pros and cons of the process and, if you have the opportunity, discuss some of the things to consider when improving it. Most importantly, if you cannot change your organisation's approach, we discuss how you can at least survive the annual process and maybe even thrive and get the best results for you and your team. If you've got any questions or comments or … [Read more...]
The Trials and Tribulations of Transformation
Season 1 – Episode 12: Why Your Transformation Projects Fail This week, we discuss the trend for transformation. What do we mean when we talk about 'Transformation'? Whilst we agree that the need to 'transform' is a given in the ever-changing world, does this need to be done via large-scale IT projects? We bring to life some of the pitfalls and lessons we've learned from past experiences and discuss alternative approaches that may get you the outcome you need without the cost of an extensive programme. We then conclude with some hints and tips for running successful transformation programmes if that's the route you decide to take. If you have any questions, would … [Read more...]
What Gets Measured Gets Done
Season 1 – Episode 3: The Power of Numbers Jimmy and James discuss the impact of measures and how to use them. They discuss the power and pitfalls of measuring performance and progress. Ever experienced targets at work? Unintelligible coloured graphs? A metrics storm of measures and wondered why things aren't getting better. This is the podcast for you….. Transcript Episode 3: What Gets Measured Gets Done [00:00:00] James: hello, I'm James. [00:00:04] Jimmy: Hi, I'm Jimmy. [00:00:05] James: Welcome to A Job Done Well, [00:00:08] Jimmy: The podcast about the world of work and how to improve the daily grind. Well, James, how has your … [Read more...]