Makes you proud to be British. If there is one thing that we do well as a nation it is the pomp and circumstance that surrounds a royal event. This weekend just past was a perfect example of that.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee was an out and out success - all this despite the inclement British weather (well what did you expect in June, sun?), the Consort's illness, the lack of a Dimbleby on the BBC's suggested dumbed down TV coverage and Paul McCartney playing "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" as his final number at the Jubilee concert (surely the worst Beatles track ever).
It was not always like this. It seemed to me that following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales some 15 years ago, the Royal Family had potentially lost its way. Out of touch with the public and seemingly drifting on a sea of general discontent, they needed to change tack and create a monarchy that was pulling in the same and hopefully right direction.
Creating an organisation that has focus, vision and a destination whilst desirable is not always easy. In many businesses and families, the conflicts that face the successful achievement of a goal are not confined to its relationships with the outside world. Internal conflicts and vested interests abound, and can destabilise those who have not thought through the challenges, or do not have the skills or nomenclature to handle the journey.
Over a number of years we have measured the benefits of developing the negotiation skills of individuals and publish the results regularly. Participants often report tenfold ROI benefits after attending a Scotwork programme (other skills programmes are available).
For those lucky enough to work in organisations with a negotiating culture, in which there are clearly-defined reward schemes and where there are properly planned and thought-through strategies for developing, creating and sharing value with business partners, for example, there is evidence that they seem to perform even better.
Not easy to do. But certainly do-able.
And the rewards for doing so shine through. Royally!
Alan Smith