Much has changed in the world lately – two of the most startling changes; the election of Barack Obama and of course, the implications of the global economic downturn.

These two events, will impact on each one of us in a variety of ways and affect how we approach our current business and personal environments. Many people will view these times with trepidation, fear and uncertainty. Others will see great opportunities and as we have been told from a variety of sources – many new and innovative businesses will emerge from these times. (Refer Embedded.com)

For me, the most common theme is that of CHANGE. Why? Because, basically we have no choice. If we do not approach the current situation with a different mindset, openness and the capacity to ‘think’ differently, we will not either survive or progress in the manner in which we may want.

A recent Harvard Management Update (www.harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu) The Balance Needed to Lead Change referred to one of the difficulties in leading change was the tension set up between business management issues; and people management issues. It said that although many managers are adept at the business side of leading change: ‘they are trained to deal with structural and operational issues, and they are evaluated on and rewarded for their ability to innovate and to deliver business results’. But it’s what’s happening on the human side of the organisation where many leaders fall short. The result is ‘A destabilized organizational culture, an erosion of trust, insufficient buy-in, and fear and scepticism among employees at a time when a loyal, productive, and enthusiastic workforce is essential for success’.

It is precisely at these times and in this environment that the human side of the organization requires the most attention. Sadly, it is often the side that is forgotten or disregarded. The primary focus becomes management of resources and related services; with human resource skills - learning, education, and training, often falling off the agenda. In fact, HR divisions and staff are often dispersed or disbanded at these times. A destabilized culture produces an erosion of trust, lack of staff buy-in and fear and scepticism and in these times we need all the assistance we can muster from our loyal, productive and enthusiastic workforce.

At The Paige Group – we work in and on, the human side of organizations, and during these challenging times, we will be working even harder for our clients to assist them to gain the assistance and buy-in from existing and new staff to help them manage and excel.

In terms of CHANGE, as you can see – we have rolled out a brand new look for our newsletter. We hope the layout helps you to easily locate articles of interest. Don’t forget to go back to the other segments however, as we ‘connect people, ideas and processes under the one banner’.

We hope that you like this format, and would be pleased to receive your feedback on info@thepaigegroup.com.au.

Helen Paige
Founder and Director

Have a hankering for rustic Italian cooking?

Well that’s just one of our ‘hands –on’ culinary events available through Fun Food Focus. Let’s whet your appetite further by holding the event in the picturesque gardens of a leading Adelaide Hills Winery; throw in some premium wines and you have the perfect corporate, group or social occasion.

Held recently, guests at this particular corporate ‘fun’ event got well into the spirit of things producing some outstanding Italian specialties including spicy Italian meatballs, calamari fritte and spinach & ricotta filled pasta shells. The final nosh up was a tremendous group activity for the client (Mutual Community) with guests requesting a repeat event.

Our ‘client chefs’ for the day declared it to be “a 10/10 event”, “it was a terrific day – gorgeous venue and wonderful team building”, and “simply the best function we have ever had, thank you”.

At Fun Food Focus we offer a wide range of culinary experiences matched with a variety of venue options for your event. Whether your aim is business aligned to motivate or reward staff or purely a social gathering, we will tailor an unforgettable event to suit your individual needs. Hear more from our satisfied clients at www.funfoodfocus.com.au

For more information on the flexible range of FFF events, please contact us on 82711173 or 0403 374 183.

We all need to be creative, to express ourselves, to learn and experience something new; well in 2009 why not join a cooking class to relax, enjoy and stimulate the mind, soul and stomach!
 
Available to individuals or groups, the classes are run on the 2nd Saturday of every month at our city location.
 
Our Classic Pizza Making has long been a favourite and if our March class is anything to go by you will have to get your booking in quick smart for the next one on April 18. This year we have a new time and an exciting new venue to share with you.
 
Come with a friend or make new one’s there, but don’t miss a fabulous fun class that will have you producing pizzas with real pizzazz.
 
If you have already mastered the pizza, try one of our other popular cooking classes:

• Exotic Thai
• The Art of Chocolate Making
• Japanese Sushi
• Healthy Eating
  

For your diary –
2009 cooking class dates are: June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14 and December 12.
 
For more information and to book cooking classes please call 82711173 or 0403 374 183.
 

Gift Ideas: You can cook in style at home too with our Fun Food Focus hats, aprons and t shirts. All beautifully manufactured and fully gift wrapped they make perfect gifts on their own or teamed with a cooking class for that very special or hard to buy for person! Log on to order now www.funfoodfocus.com.au

Recognising the huge potential and value of harvesting knowledge from within an organisation, businesses such as Coffey International have seen direct benefit in using World Knowledge Cafes to assist their Strategic Planning Processes.
 
Following on from the successful Knowledge Café run in Manilla last year, Helen was invited by Coffey International to facilitate a further Café in Adelaide.
 
The knowledge contributed and shared by employees during this session produced more than 400 ‘ideas for action’. With Helen’s facilitation, the information was collaboratively summarised and formalised into processes to assist with developing new organisational plans for the company.
 
Helen was also in New York to facilitate a Gurteen Knowledge Café titled “The Impact of Social Networking Tools in Organisations” for Dr Suzanne Roff of CompassPoint and Director of Gurteen Knowledge Cafes in New York City. Hosted by Perkins Eastman Architects on Fifth Avenue, the Café produced lively and enthusiastic debate amongst the group of more than 25 attendees. While the group were divided on the use of social networking tools in the workplace, Suzanne was thrilled with the outcome.
 
“Your presence at the KCafe was exceptional. Thank you Helen for reaching out and delivering a memorable Knowledge Café. I truly believe that the attendees will be stimulated to return and grow our Café given your kind words and encouragement,” Suzanne said.
 
In the next issue Helen reports on her attendance at the KM for Experienced Practitioner Conference in Melbourne.

Want to learn more about how a Knowledge Café can assist your business both financially and in employee motivation? Please log on to www.funfoodfocus.com.au/akn.htm or contact Helen at Advanced Knowledge Networks on 82711173 or 0403 374 183