Commentivity - Supportivity - Delivering People Contribution

Beware of the being a “begrudger”

Details: Created: Friday, 16 December 2016 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

Bear with me whilst I recount a storey that might amuse you. The scenario is slightly adapted to protect the innocent.

I was having lunch with two people who work for the same company, with whom I provide people support. One individual was talking about the fact that he was taking an advanced driving test. Part of the test included a multiple-choice questionnaire, for which he had to achieve a minimum pass mark of 35 out of 40. The other person then asked what was his score, to which he replied 37. To my surprise and somewhat amusement, instead of congratulating him on his success, his response was “what questions did you get wrong?”

Talk is cheap……… Not talking can be more expensive

User Rating: 5 / 5

Details: Created: Monday, 13 June 2016 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

Those of us from an earlier generation will remember the phrase “it’s good to talk” which was an advertisement for BT phone services (analogue rather than digital).

At Supportivity, we believe that talking to your employees and engaging them in discussions will be of long term benefit both to you as a business owner and the people who work with you and for you.

Think about the consequences of not talking or engaging with your people. You won’t get to know or understand what makes them energised for a start. You will be unaware of their aspirations at work; other talents that they possess and what really drives or motivates them.

Who Puts the Cult in Culture

Details: Created: Thursday, 24 March 2016 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

I’ve been fascinated with cultures that define a company and what it means to small business owners.

If you take the word culture and take off the last three letters, you have the word cult. The cult word can take on a bit of a sinister overtone as it implies there is something about a cult that means you belong to a company which demands a type of worship and devotion.

The culture word sounds less aggressive and not as threatening – in some instances. On a positive note you can describe organisations as having a “caring culture” a “learning culture”. The less positive would be a “bullying culture” or a “fear culture”.

A Brief Review of 2015

Details: Created: Tuesday, 05 January 2016 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

Supportivity (A Brief) Review of 2015

How would I describe 2015 for Supportivity in one word? Or will one word do? Let me use two words, which are: “THANK YOU”.

I would like to thank all my supportees whom I’ve worked with over the year.

Together, Supportivity has supported business owners (and their employees) to determine their own values programme for their business and to appreciate their purpose, which they can promote to their clients.

Making An Exhibition Of Myself - Part 2

Details: Created: Wednesday, 21 October 2015 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

The weather forecast was not too promising as I set off to Biggin Hill for the Business at Bromley Expo, which took place on the 16th September. I eventually arrived at around 7.30 a.m., unloaded my gear and set myself up in my appointed area.

The exhibition was held in the large aerodrome, surrounded by fields and car parking spaces. Inside the aerodrome there were old World War 2 Spitfire planes, interspersed with private jets, the nostalgic mixed with the modern.

Look On Your Coach as Your Number 1 Supporter

Details: Created: Monday, 20 July 2015 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

Coaching is often seen as an overused word in which there are different guises and requirements. There are performance coaches, fitness coaches, business coaches, development coaches, to name but a few. In fact, there are more coaches than you would see at Victoria Coach Station (excuse the analogy). I do want to state that all coaches should have one aim in common: to support their clients in achieving their personal goals and realising their potential.

“Strike While The Iron Is Hot - What’s Stopping You?

Details: Created: Sunday, 14 June 2015 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

Whenever I attend networking events and meet with small business owners, I’m intrigued to hear them say that HR is very important, particularly when employing people. The main area of concern for SME’s is keeping on the right side of employment law. Supportivity would always agree that the need for contracts and handbooks provides clarity and certainty. Without these it would be like playing a sport where there are no rules and you make them up as you go along.

“Supportivity ….. One Year On”

User Rating: 5 / 5

Details: Created: Monday, 06 April 2015 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

Can it really be that Supportivity is now one year old? What an exciting time it has been. When I reflect on the Supportivity journey, I can see so much has happened.

New Clients

Supportivity has taken on a number of new and varied clients in the SME sector. These have included construction, air conditioning, painting and decorating, care homes and I.T. consultancies. All have different requirements, from employee development programmes, coaching and mentoring employees, to producing contracts and handbooks that meet the needs of their business.

Mediation “Can You Fix It, Yes You Can”

Details: Created: Friday, 06 February 2015 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

I’m sure we’ve all had experiences of family rifts, where relatives who were once very close fall out with each other, much to the surprise of their friends and family members.

On most occasions we don’t want to be seen as interfering, lest we make the situation worse, or to be viewed as taking sides.

Training Yes… But Don’t Forget Development

Details: Created: Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

For all you non-football lovers out there, please forgive my small indulgence.

There has always being an emphasis on training footballers so they maintain their skills and fitness. These are essential elements in a professional footballers make up.

Toolkits Are Always Handy

User Rating: 5 / 5

Details: Created: Friday, 14 November 2014 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

The Supportivity journey continues with the acquisition of a new toolkit. What type of kit might you ask? Talk to my wife and she’ll say that my DIY skills are next to none, so why bother obtaining a kit you have no intention of using.

Making an Exhibition of Myself

User Rating: 5 / 5

Details: Created: Thursday, 30 October 2014 10:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

On the 15th October 2014, I did it for the first time. Supportivity is no longer an exhibitor virgin. Yes, I booked a stand at the Bank on Business Expo and promoted Supportivity to the curious and the interested who attended the exhibition at the Cooling’s Nurseries Garden Centre, in leafy Sevenoaks, situated in the “Garden of England” (most appropriate).

Setting Up Supportivity ….. The Pain and the Pleasure

User Rating: 5 / 5

Details: Created: Tuesday, 23 September 2014 14:28; Written by Bernard O`Keeffe

For my first Commetivity blog, I decided that I would talk about the pain and ultimate pleasure of setting up Supportivity.

I had been working in a corporate environment for more years than I care to remember and whilst I developed my skills as a people practitioner and met some wonderful people…. I always had this hankering to own my own business.