June may mark the onset of winter in New Zealand, but there’s a spring in the step at The Icehouse. Our programmes and workshops return to physical locations this month, and we’ve just announced the launch of a new product.
It’s a positive move towards normal working conditions and a chance to do what we do best – providing learning, opportunities and advice to enable Kiwi businesses to meet their ambitions.
Three of our programmes and workshops are happening in June at physical locations in Auckland (Leadership Development Programme 39 and Building Sales Structure & Skills) and Christchurch (Knowing Your Numbers) – naturally, all within safe and secure environments. And our customer growth partners are slowly getting used to getting out and about again, visiting clients for face-to-face conversations.
| Taking your business forward
This activity follows on from the recent news release surrounding Taking Your Business Forward – our first-ever virtual learning programme, so we have all your bases covered.
Announcing the launch in late May, Liz Wotherspoon, Head of Growth at The Icehouse said, ‘Owners of NZ small businesses are facing unprecedented times. We want to support these owners and their businesses to survive and thrive during and after the COVID-19 crisis by offering something unique, tangible and, of real lasting value. And we want it to be accessible no matter where in NZ you are.’
| Leadership, sales and finance initiatives
The Leadership Development Programme is designed specifically for managers in privately-owned businesses who want to refine their leadership skills and contribute more to the success of the business.
Building Sales Structure & Skills is a two-day workshop to help business owners and senior leaders develop innovative sales strategies and a comprehensive understanding of consumer behaviour.
Knowing Your Numbers gives participants a detailed understanding of financial reporting to develop better budgeting and cash flow management. You will be able to read, forecast and manage the numbers behind the business.
Each of these programmes and workshops helps develop key skills in specialist areas for the good of you and the business, while also providing participants with a toolkit to tackle the new and specific challenges that have emerged during the COVID crisis.
‘Adapting employees’ skills and roles to the post-pandemic ways of working will be crucial to building operating-model resilience,’ says McKinsey.
‘Now is the time for companies to double down on their learning budgets and commit to reskilling,’ it adds.
| Post-COVID leadership imperatives
Strong, confident and empathetic leadership and decision-making is critical at present to satisfy nervy employees looking for reassurance and customers and clients desperate for a return to business as usual.
‘Only 15% of executives have confidence in their top leadership to successfully manage disruption,’ says Human Resources Director online.
‘While 85% of executives believe the CEO has the most critical role to play, 40% expressed doubts that the person in the top role will manage disruption well over the next five years, according to a study by Odgers Berndtson.’
Forbes.com has outlined the eight job skills required to succeed in a post-C19 world and ranks ‘leadership’ high on the list, stating: ‘Professionals with strong skills in leadership, including how to bring out the best and inspire teams as well as encourage collaboration, will be in demand.’
Check out our dedicated resource for businesses impacted by COVID-19. It’s full of useful information and resources, support and offerings, funding opportunities and partnership and coaching details.
For more business ownership and leadership advice and the latest discussion around COVID-19, check out more of our blogs.