Sales Survey: Requirements for an effective initial sales interview in the retail banking environment

We will be pleased if you are a sales official / representative in the retail banking environment to take part in this survey. Just click on the link below. The survey results will be used for a Field Study, in order to obtain a MBA degree through the University of the Free State, South Africa.

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3 Tips for handling surprise criticism

3 Tips for handling surprise criticism

Criticism is tough to take, especially when it is unexpected. Unforeseen negative feedback can be unsettling, but also incredibly valuable. Next time you are blindsided by what someone has to say about your behaviour, take a deep breath and try doing these three things: •       Move beyond your feelings. You're likely to feel hurt and angry. Notice those feelings and then put them aside so they don't negatively influence your reaction. •       Look beyond the delivery. Giving feedback is really hard and very few people are skilled at it. Don't dismiss the feedback just because it wasn't delivered well. •       Collect the data. Don't respond right away. You'll likely regret how defensive and angry you sound. Instead, listen. Take in the criticism. Once you've had time and space, you can decide how to react and whether to change.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from Harvard Business Review brought to you by Edwin van Wyk via Harvard Business Review.

Be a Realistic Optimist

Be a Realistic Optimist

If you believe you will succeed, you will. Right? Not quite. Research has shown that optimism and the confidence it brings will help you reach your goals, but there is no guarantee. In fact, if you believe that success will come easily to you, you are more likely to disappoint. This is because you'll fail to put in the necessary work. You need to think positively but also be realistic about what achievement entails. Knowing that success is hard won forces you to put in the necessary effort. Don't spend too much time visualizing the end result only. Instead focus more on, envision the steps you will take to get there. In essence, it should still be done not dreamed.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Be an Optimist Without Being a Fool" by Heidi Grant Halvorson brought to you by Edwin van Wyk via Harvard Business Review.

3 Don'ts of Persuasion

3 Don'ts of Persuasion

In today's business environment, it's not enough to tell employees to do something. You need to also explain why they should. This is why people who've mastered the art of persuasion rise to the tops of the ranks. When trying to influence others, avoid three of the most common mistakes: The hard sell. Being insistent and exuberant at the outset gives potential opponents something to grab on to. Use finesse instead of brawn. Resisting compromise. Compromise does not equal surrender. Listen to others and when possible, integrate their ideas into the solution. Assuming you have one chance. Persuasion is a process, not a one-time event. Get results over time by listening, proposing a position, testing it, and then refining it.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from Harvard Business Review on Communicating Effectively brought to you by Edwin van Wyk via Harvard Business Review.

3 Ways to Get the Most from your Team

3 Ways to Get the Most from Your Team

Contrary to popular belief, teams are not always the best way to get work done. Problems with coordination, competition, and motivation can undermine even the most well-designed and expertly-managed team. Here are three ways to give your team the best chance of success: Designate a naysayer. Groupthink is a dangerous byproduct of teamwork. Ask someone to play the role of devil's advocate to be sure ideas get challenged. Avoid double digits. Teams should be as small as possible—never have a team of more than nine people. Keep the team together. Avoid swapping members out. Established teams work better than those whose composition frequently changes.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from Harvard Business Review on Building Better Teams brought to you by Edwin van Wyk via Harvard Business Review.

2 Ways to Spot Industry-Changing Trends

2 Ways to Spot Industry-Changing Trends

All leaders want to know what trends will shape the future of their industries before they happen. To spot them early, you can't mingle with the usual suspects at industry events. You need to interact with the peripheries of your industry. Here are two ways to do that: Spend time with peripheral customers. Every industry has cutting-edge users that know—or are even setting—the trends. Find these customers (hint: they are often the younger, technology-focused ones) and tap them for their insights. Investigate peripheral companies. Be on the lookout for interesting startups or established companies that could one day edge into your market. Don't be limited by traditional industry demarcations. Investigate companies solving similar problems that you solve for your customers.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Trend Hunting on the Periphery" by Scott Anthony brought to you by Edwin van Wyk via Harvard Business Review.

Defy the "Always On" Mindset

Defy the "Always On" Mindset

Study after study shows how important rest is to the human brain. Yet, the world of work seems to get busier and more demanding every day. This means you have to make even more of an effort to disconnect and find the time to relax. Try leaving your phone at home on your next family outing. Make a to-do list on Friday and hide it (physically and mentally) until Monday morning. If this seems like a waste of potentially productive time, remind yourself that moments of quiet are critical. After focusing intently on a project or problem, the brain needs to fully disengage and relax to be creative. Only after a break can you have a breakthrough.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Go Ahead, Take that Break" by Whitney Johnson Brought to you by Edwin van Wyk via Harvard Business Reveiw.