Most of you reading this will be involved in business in some shape or form.
Perhaps you manufacture something or provide a service. You might work for a small, local firm or a multi-national.
However, there is invariably THE common denominator in every business.
People.
Employers bring in people to work for them, work alongside them and to work with other people to deliver their products.
Employees are brought in to work for people and work with other people for reward and recognition.
All of which is absolutely fine…but there is one proviso.
Are those people the right people for each other?
“We’ve all been in a situation where it can go horribly wrong where it soon becomes obvious that you’ve appointed or end up working alongside the wrong person,” says Jim Lister, Regional Director and Business Coach for People Puzzles. “You’re then faced with the problem of what do about it…how to resolve what can potentially become a very difficult and often disruptive situation. Wouldn’t it have been better if the issue hadn’t arisen in the first place? That is what we aim to do here at People Puzzles – help get the best culture fit for all parties.
Over the last 12 years, we’ve worked with more than 1,000 mainly SME businesses across the UK who knew they could be more successful but were being held back by their people puzzles.
We know that when everyone is pulling in the same direction, the result is efficiency, success and ultimately, increased profit. We have a proven process that delivers results and enables our People Directors to start adding value immediately.
And I’m delighted to say that we are increasing our presence here in the North East. We already have a sizeable portfolio of firms we work closely with in this region, but we are now in a situation where we can really push forward and help a lot more firms…small and large… make the most of the right people to benefit employers, employees and customers.”
Of course, when it comes to dealing with people, it’s always handy to have experience. As well as the ‘people’ successes, let’s be honest we’ve also made mistakes in business, and as long we learn from those experiences, it can actually turn out to be beneficial and help to make better future decisions.
And experience is what you get from the People Puzzles team.
Take Jim Lister for example.
“Since the age of 27 I’ve always run my own business and fully understand the push to be successful and be master of your own destiny. I’ve learnt how important it is to value the people you work with and to make them into a cohesive team. You also need to constantly share your vision with them. And yes, if you have the right people around you and if they fully understand what you’re aiming for, there is a very strong chance that your business will be successful.
All you have to do is look at any successful football team, (although as a Hull City fan I know I’m on shaky ground here!) A winning team has people who know their role, where they fit in and who work together. I also know that everyone gets a buzz when you see the results coming through. If you have a leader who can share their dream and enthuse everyone, I see no reason why that business can’t flourish.”
So, what about People Puzzles extending their reach here in the North East?
“I’m really excited about this,” adds Jim. “Our footprint is across the UK, but our next area for growth is across this region. We work in a variety of sectors….traditional manufacturing, engineering, personal and financial services as well as the emerging sectors like internet technology, cyber security and bio technology.
I’m also looking forward to it for a personal reason. My in-laws family is from Newcastle… Byker and Jesmond areas…and 3 generations, my wife, her Mum and my daughter, all went to Newcastle University and loved it. I wouldn’t say I’m an adopted Geordie…but I’m getting there!”
And the good news is that Jim will be sharing more information about People Puzzles in future editions of Northern Insight. He’ll be outlining precisely what People Puzzles does for its clients and how it can impact North East businesses.
Watch this space.