Highlights – 11 December

We could never tire of tales where people put good management to good use. Tony Bowen CMgr FCMI works in transport but volunteers with HM Coastguard. In this week’s newsletter, we learn how he employs the same skills whether he’s coordinating rail replacement buses or racing to the sand dunes of Norfolk to rescue a snakebite casualty. 

And Tony is no isolated case. Quality management is a subject that resonates in all corners of the working world. Our research into better management is still making waves everywhere from the tech and financial pages to Air Cargo Week. Our data showing the correlation between highly trained managers and effective organisations was referenced recently in articles from AOL, as well as The Roanoke Times and over 60 other outlets across the US. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Daily News has reported on the region’s CMI Communities Live event, which included the presentation of certificates for new Chartered Managers and Fellows. The headline: “Rising above uncertainty”. 

Ace leaders

As managers, it’s our job to maintain effectiveness even as our workplaces evolve. 

Also in this week’s newsletter, we learn how Simon Takel CMgr FCMI used his experience in becoming a Chartered Manager to design the ACE Leader Programme at Exeter College. Simon reflects on the impact the course is having on both individuals and his organisation, and calls it “one of the most rewarding projects of my career”.

Innovating to succeed

The coming year is sure to present even more opportunities for evolution, both in organisations and in management. Tracy’s blog has cited CMI chief executive Ann Francke OBE’s opinions on the power of hybrid working. Beyond increased digital integration, the growing prominence and capability of artificial intelligence is bound to bring about more change. So too are the ongoing drive towards sustainability and the expectations of your clients, which will no doubt adjust accordingly. 

In our exploration of these trends and how they will affect independent consultants, we found that remaining agile and innovative will be key to success.

If you want help with your own agility and innovation, the Management Publication of the Year 2024 shortlist may be a great place to start. This new national prize, a collaboration between CMI, the British Academy of Management and the Chartered Association of Business Schools, celebrates impactful books, blogs or podcasts offering cutting-edge research and innovative thinking. Two titles are in the running for the Social Enterprise and Innovation Award: The Engaged Business School and Men Stepping Forward. You can learn more about both here.  

Bad hangovers

From men stepping forwards to organisations moving backwards. ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ bosses were the subject of a recent article in Italy’s Donna Moderna, which cited a 2023 CMI poll that found one in three people have left a job due to bad company culture. 

One simple yet effective way to help ensure a strong company culture is to make a habit of celebrating people’s good work at the end of the year. 

As Ann Francke OBE writes in her latest column in The Times, it’s best to ensure everyone is on board with the annual shutdown. Meanwhile, a good old company knees-up can be invaluable for bringing people together – especially as our working lives become increasingly fractured. Yet as we’ve learned through our research into inappropriate behaviour at such events, you may need to take certain steps to prevent it from backfiring…

Enjoy these last working weeks of the year and, from all of us at CMI, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Best,

Matt Roberts CMgr FCMI

Director of membership and professional development, CMI

Image: A recent Strathyclyde event, CMI