Touchstone Consulting Newsletter

If you have trouble seeing the content of this email, click here for the web version

TOUCHSTONE NEWS:
In the past we have described our unique approach to using total immersion business simulations as a management development tool. Later this month we shall be working with our strategic partner Organizational Systems International of San Diego to deliver a pilot simulation to a large international service company. As the economy on both sides of the boarder recovers, interest is growing in large scale simulations that incorporate both the management skills of finance and business acumen with the leadership skills so necessary for success.

SUCCESSION PLANNING:
It seems that even companies that have succession planning systems in place often struggle when it comes time to fill key management positions. This article focuses on the most common reason for this, and looks at the three simple components of a successful succession planning process. (more)

ARE YOU AN OPTIMIST?
In general we tend to assume that taking an optimistic approach to life is a good thing. And it is - to a degree. This article examines the concepts of optimism/pessimism, and how each can have advantages to career and life success. (more)

Development Tips #3: “The Blame Game”
In each of our last two newsletters, we featured a short article describing a development tip, something that seems very simple but can substantially improve communication and your interpersonal skills. In the first article we discussed the potential damage done by the word “but”. In the second, we described the antithesis of effective listening; something we called “highjacking”. In this third article in the series we'll discuss empathy and it's nemesis, something we call the "blame game." (more)

A timely topic as we emerge from the recent recession will be addressed at a Conference Board of Canada HR Summit. "Trust, Engagement and the Bottom Line" focuses on confirming the strong link between employee engagement and financial success, and it does so in the context of the nascent economic recovery. Check it out at www.conferenceboard.ca If you're interested act quickly because it takes place in Toronto on October 5-6

For further information on these subjects contact Bob Power

We hope you find this email information useful but if you'd prefer not to receive it anymore you may use our
safe unsubscribe link here.

The Touchstone Consulting Group is a Vancouver, BC based company that for the past 20 years has worked with local and international clients in areas of organizational and management development. As part of the Silver Alliance we network with consultants in other North American locations to provide a full array of consulting services.

Visit the Touchstone Consulting website to learn more about what Touchstone can do for your organization.

The Sim-Select Approach
One welcome harbinger of fiscal recovery is that many organizations are again turning attention to promoting high potential employees, selecting new employees, and active succession planning. In these areas a continuing challenge is identifying a candidate's potential in those areas in which they have little or no experience. For example, how can we predict how well a candidate will lead others if he/she has never had a formal leadership position. A unique selection tool that provides such information is our Sim-Select Approach which uses simulations to provide accurate predictions of potential performance.

For more information e-mail bob@touchstoneconsulting.ca or call 604-228-1097