Building on the success of CMI’s member magazine Professional Manager, Professional Manager is now available online. Providing web-exclusive journalism from the sharpest writers, interactive features and the bright, bold visuals readers have come to expect from the relaunched Professional Manager brand.

1. THE CHARTERED MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE MAGAZINE
£4.50 / FREE TO MEMBERS APRIL/MAY 2012
teaseANN SUMMERS BOSS
JACQUELINE GOLD
FLIRTS WITH
DANGER
EVERYTHING
YOU KNOW
IS WRONG
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American myths
False feminism
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3. Professional Manager April/May 2012
Chartered Management NEWS & VIEWS
Institute (CMI)
Management House, 20 05 Briefing
Cottingham Road, Corby,
Northamptonshire NN17 1TT Don’t rely on common sense, warns Christopher Kinsella
t 01536 207307 06 Feedback
e membership@managers.org.uk The Secret Staffer’s night shift – plus your letters
www.managers.org.uk 08 Agenda
Michael Skapinker’s essentials, CMI’s management
Acting Chief Executive development research – and more
Christopher Kinsella 19 View from Westminster
Director of Marketing and Let’s teach social skills, says Tessa Munt MP
Communications Simon Dolph 20 Debate
Is experience overrated?
Editor Ben Walker 58 AOB
Art Director Darren Endicott Many rules are rotten, says Simon Caulkin
Senior Sub-editor Gemma Green
Editorial Assistant FEATURES
Rebecca Kearley
Account Director Sam Gallagher 22 22 Jacqueline Gold
Publishing Director Ian McAuliffe
Ann Summers’ boss dares to dream
Advertise with us: 28 With fear, see clear
For all enquiries, contact Turn your anxiety into an asset
Michael Coulsey (t 020 8962 30 Working with the enemy
1261, e michael.coulsey@ Awful colleagues aren’t all bad, says Tom Peck
thinkpublishing.co.uk) or Kieran 34 The myth of the sisterhood
Paul (t 020 8692 1265, e kieran. Samantha Lyster says feminism is flawed
paul@thinkpublishing.co.uk) 36 U.S. and us
Time to think again about Americans, says expat Leon Walker
Professional Manager 41 The MBA equation
© 2012. Published on
behalf of CMI by Think, CPD PLANNER
The Pall Mall Deposit,
124-128 Barlby Road, 48 45 PM profile
London W10 6BL
How CMI inspired Jonathon Poyner
t 020 8962 3020
47 Ask the experts
e professional.manager@
How to stop firefighting and start strategising
managers.org.uk
48 Masterclass
www.professionalmanager.co.uk
www.thinkpublishing.co.uk
Boost your personal brand
50 Fleeting thoughts
Member of the Audit Some managers imperil their motorists, warns Peter Rodger
Bureau of Circulations 51 Personnel touch
80,948 1 July 2010 to Unfair-dismissal move won’t change much, says Alison Blackhurst
30 June 2011 52 Reviews and events
Management books rated – plus key dates for your diary
Printed on UPM Star matt.
COVER PHOTO: PAL HANSEN
Produced at a factory that
holds ISO14001, environmental
management certificate.
CMI is incorporated by Royal Charter
and registered as a charity (No. 1091035).
CMI does not necessarily agree with, nor
guarantee the accuracy of, statements
Contributors
made by contributors or advertisers or
accept responsibility for any statements
which they may express in this
publication. ISSN 0969-6695© Tom Peck Samantha Lyster Peter Rodger
The Independent’s The former The Institute of
roving reporter Times writer Advanced Motorists’
gets good things on feminism’s chief examiner on
from bad people big mistake looking after your
p30 p34 team p50
professionalmanager.co.uk _ 03
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5. GET
MORE
FROM
CMI
Christopher Kinsella, acting chief executive, CMI
As a CMI member, you have
access to a comprehensive
“Common sense,” said Albert Einstein, writes the author. In fact, he says, range of products and
“is a collection of prejudices acquired unless you pile on the deference many services, all designed
by age 18.” The great scientist’s words times over and above what you would to help you on your path
are just as appropriately applied to do on this side of the Atlantic, you risk to management success
management philosophy as they are to seeing your business deal or partnership
physics. Received wisdom is dangerous. with our American colleagues slide ON THE WEB
Indeed, in many cases it is not wisdom, into that wide, deep ocean. With free checklists, e-learning
but foolishness. The challenging thinking doesn’t modules, podcasts and an “ask
Had the scientists of history stop there. Another feature (page 30) the researcher” service at
relied on their common sense – on discovers some remarkable truths www.managers.org.uk/
what appeared to be true, but had about working with difficult people. managementresources, the latest
never been proved – we would still You may think that troublesome thinking is just a click away.
believe that the Sun orbits Earth. The colleagues are time-wasting hindrances,
appearance of our nearest star above and sometimes they are. Yet working ON YOUR CV
the horizon every morning and its with difficult people is not only a fact Enhance your professional
disappearance behind it each night of life – it can sometimes be beneficial. status with a CMI management
once led us down the wrong path. So And, while we may believe them to qualification, not to mention study
too does managing and leading based be incorrigible, this month’s analysis tips when you need them the most.
on a body of dominant information suggests that even the most challenging
without ever stopping to question it, personalities respond to their peers’ IN YOUR INBOX
interrogate it or analyse it. behaviour towards them. Keeping on top of employment
The theme of this We also hear from a law changes and management
issue is “everything card-carrying feminist updates has never been easier
you know is wrong”. (page 34) who makes with our monthly e-newsletter
The title is meant the controversial Membership Matters and e-alerts
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It prompts an women themselves
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based on sound progress in the move with confidence using
analysis of what workplace. I am our online continuing professional
works, or just acting not going to take development system and career
on assumptions? sides here, but we guidance resources.
It is worth stopping would be delighted to
to think. I was hear readers’ ON YOUR PHONE
struck by this views on
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Want answers on the move?
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(www.managers.org.uk/app)
or contact our legal helpline for
by an English we’d still believe the values is “to be up-to-the-minute advice from a
journalist who challenging”. In
three years ago Sun orbits Earth” many areas of
qualified solicitor.
began a new life management IN THE COMMUNITY
in Colorado (page 36). The author argues and leadership, that means challenging Keep the conversation going
that many notions the British hold systems to improve process and to online – through our forums –
about the Americans lead us into traps. achieve excellence, as our major research or at one of our top regional
It is generally accepted that Americans (page 10) suggests. Sometimes, however, networking events (see page 54).
are almost genetically suspicious of it means challenging oneself. Einstein
politicians and government. So common was a good mentor: discover your NOT YET A MEMBER?
sense says there would be no need to uncommon sense. Test things. Think Visit www.managers.org.uk
treat senators and congressmen with about them in a different way. Just or call 01536 207307 to
any more deference than you would a because it appears that the Sun orbits join today.
British MP. Common sense is wrong, Earth, doesn’t mean it actually does.
professionalmanager.co.uk _ 05

6. GET IN TOUCH
Send your views to professional.
manager@managers.org.uk or
PM, Think, The Pall Mall Deposit,
124-128 Barlby Road, London
Your chance to comment on management matters W10 6BL. Letters may be edited
for length and clarity
PRIZE LETTER this compares with the enhanced
subscription revenue – and
My CPD stand LETTER
PRIZE
whether the Trust’s members
are retained in succeeding years.
CPD is a key aspect of my
professional persona, and last John H Collins
month I stood up for my beliefs.
Most people leave their jobs Numbers game
because they are unhappy, they Simon Caulkin is correct in
get fired, or they receive a better cautioning against managers
offer. I, however, just quit my job. playing the numbers game
This was not because I didn’t (February/March issue, page 50),
enjoy it. Nor was it because I was but his critique should not be
fired. Nor was I poached by a limited to managers. The part
competitor. I quit because there played by the owners of the
was no commitment to CPD. The Jacky and a business is equally flawed when
organisation I worked for was companion win all they look at are numbers – and
not interested in growing the an overnight politicians as the proxy “owners”
department, let alone the skills stay at Careys of public services are particularly
of its employees. It had a nice cash Manor Hotel & prone to the malaise. Look at the
cow that it wanted to milk without
SenSpa. The present and past tinkering with
investing anything to care for it,
beautiful Careys the public sector. In the NHS,
Manor Hotel
let alone grow it. The failure of your GPs and hospitals are driven
in Hampshire
an organisation to want to grow provides an ideal
by targets that achieve the best
itself and support its employees environment cost – rather than by those that
– who also want to increase their for conferences, best suit patients’ needs. Offering that we, as the voters that elect
contribution to the organisation meetings, you choice is only choice of what these governments, have not
– is a sign of underlying problems. private dining, the service can deliver in its necessarily got that aspect
While I look for a new employer, banqueting and target limits. I worked in another of management right either.
I can, if asked, now demonstrate
team-building public service in the 1990s when Alan Moore MBA, MCMI
real commitment to CPD and not
events. The “performance indicators” were the
just huff and puff.
facilities offer
technology
latest fad, and now in my second Utility first
Jacky Rosen FCMI for groups
career, also in a public service, First of all, congratulations to
from eight to that scenario has not changed. Simon Caulkin on his excellent
Simon is right when he says good column entitled “The numbers
National bust 150 people.
www.careys management is about good game you always lose” (February/
I read with interest the item in manor.com judgement. I’d suggest March, page 50). I think all criteria
the Winter 2011/12 edition (page used as proxies to measure actual
15) about Dame Fiona Reynolds performance should carry
winning CMI’s Gold Medal. DON’T MISS OUT ON a government health warning.
Without wishing to denigrate PROFESSIONALMANAGER.CO.UK While we are on the subject of
Dame Fiona’s success in gaining warnings, I would like to appeal
l Supermum l Rugby rules
new members, I would be keen Rebecca Kearley on why How to manage
to the editor to refrain from using
to know the costs of the National mothers will quit if their the oval-ball way light text on a light background
Trust’s massive advertising work is unfulfilling professionalmanager. in Professional Manager. It can
campaign that seems to have been professionalmanager. co.uk /rugby sometimes be hard to read.
going on for about a year. Over that co.uk/supermum Prettiness should not be at the
period, I have received an average l Slow success expense of functionality.
of one or two recruitment flyers l Ethics girl How Ed Miliband’s Harold Killingback
from the Trust every month. Aggie Sutcliffe on why speaking carries a
workplace morals matter clear message
If I am typical householder, Ben Walker, editor, replies:
professionalmanager. professionalmanager.
the expense must have been co.uk /ethicsgirl co.uk /slowly
Thank you for your letter, Harold.
massive. I can only wonder how I am delighted you enjoyed Simon’s
06 _ PROFESSIONAL MANAGER _ April/May 2012

7. Letters
Tweet this
Follow the editor on MY NIGHTS WITH What did you do this lunchtime?
Eat some sushi? Go to the bank?
Twitter and share THE LIVING DEAD Go to the post office perchance?
your thoughts on
Irregular, unsociable hours can What if your “lunchtime” fell at
management topics
@BenProfManager
destroy workers – and lock them 3am or eight in the morning? You
in dead-end jobs. The Secret could forget about paying that
Staffer should know bill or sending that letter, and I
bet that spider roll is starting to
sound less appetising too.
This is the scenario that many
employees, of which I am one, find
themselves in on a daily basis.
Working antisocial hours is more
often than not the domain of the
underpaid, but far from getting
SECRET motivated by their plight, the
STAFFER timing of their hours makes it
harder for these workers to attend
interviews or even apply for jobs,
sucking them deeper into the nocturnal rabbit hole.
Remember that smart kid in your school who got a job
at the local pub washing glasses at age 16, eventually
came to fewer classes, and who you saw last Christmas
working in the bar telling punters of their as yet
unfinalised plans to “go back to college”? I rest my case.
My own experience isn’t quite as bad as that. I start
shifts at 5am and finish shifts at 11pm. I should point out
that I don’t run both brutal schedules in the same day. At
least, not usually. My hours allow me time in the day to
walk the dog and get to the shops. Yes, I say that with the
same level of enthusiasm that shopworkers are heard
saying that working Saturdays affords them a “day off
in the week” – as if that were compensation for never
being able to spend weekends with their friends. And the
irregularity of hours at my part-time job means that a
piece – it certainly carried a strong 25-hour week regularly leaves me more exhausted than
message. With regards to our use my old 36-hour, nine-to-five schedule.
of light text, we have had several The management implications of these irregular
readers point this out. From this hours are all too clear: sleep-deprived workers get less
issue, we have made the text darker work done, and probably do it less well. And no customer
to aid legibility. wants to deal with an extra from Night of the Living
Dead when they come in to make a purchase.
Bad job In contrast, I’m always amazed at the amount of work
Have some public sector the night shift – a gig from 10pm until 6am – get done.
recruiters lost the plot? I was However, they probably still have trouble running the
recently interviewed by a team logistics of their everyday lives. During cigarette breaks
from a public body – only to see with the night crew, I hear that most of them have plans
one of my two interviewers texting to get work elsewhere. Most of them never leave.
with a handheld device under Irregular hours seem counter-productive to the
the desk on several occasions company and the staff in both their working and family
during the meeting. Effectively, I lives, while night shifts cut you off from society and
had spent three days preparing, Find out more the job market. It’s not ideal for a company to have staff
travelling to and attending what The Secret wanting to quit. But with very few chances to do so, it
was a farce, not a job interview. Staffer highlights sure helps with staff retention.
Fairness, dignity and respect how the irregular
isn’t a lot to ask for. Yet it appears hours that
that certain public sector part-time work
organisations’ interviewers brings can be
– particularly in the current demotivating.
economic climate – are treating Discover tips on
their potential employees managing a part-
contemptuously. time workforce at
Chris K (full name supplied) bit.ly/parttimer The Secret Staffer
professionalmanager.co.uk _ 07
CMI_06-07_Feedback.indd 7 14/03/2012 14:39

8. For the latest management
news and views, visit
professionalmanager.co.uk
Insights from across the world of management
Management minutes
Financial Times associate editor and management
specialist Michael Skapinker lists his regular
round-up of the top 10 news items for managers
1 Radical changes to
employment law
The government launched
considered are demanding a
fee to lodge and proceed with
a claim, and higher fees for
4 One-stop criminal
record checks
Criminal record checks are a
executive bonuses
were “making
people’s blood
what it called “the most those claiming compensation source of frustration for both boil”. He
radical reform to the of more than £30,000. employers and employees. added that
employment law system for The checks can take time, some senior
decades”. Vince Cable, the
business secretary, said that
while the UK employment
3 Making redundancy
simpler
The government is also
delaying people in starting
jobs, and a fresh application
has to be made every time
executives
were “taking
money from
law set-up was one of the examining whether to reduce someone changes jobs. The the owners of
most flexible in the world, the 90-day consultation Home Office said that, from the companies and from
many employers still saw it as period for collective 2013, completed criminal pension-holders and the
a barrier to business. He said: redundancies. Among the records bureau checks will employees.” Shareholders
“We’re knocking down that issues ministers want to look be available online, allowing at present have only an
barrier today – getting the at is how much of a barrier employers to confirm that no advisory vote on pay.
state out of the way, making the current notice period is new details have been added
it easier for businesses to
take on staff and improving
to labour-market flexibility
and whether changes
since the last check.
7 Appeal from
immigrant academics
the process for when staff
have to be let go.” However, he
stressed that the government
might have an impact on
staff access to training and
alternative employment. The
6 Cameron promises
executive pay curbs
David Cameron, the Prime
A group of immigrant
academics, headed by
Professor Chris Pissarides,
was trying to strike a balance government said it wanted Minister, has said that the Nobel Prize-winning
rather than tilt the system to ensure a better system to company shareholders economist, warned that the
decisively against employees. “improve the way employers should have a binding vote government’s immigration
take people on, manage over company executive pay. policy could be “damaging
2 Reducing the number
of employment
tribunal cases
disputes and let people go”. He told the BBC that high to the competitiveness
Central to the government’s
employment law proposals 5 Sick note reform
An independent review of the
sick note system has proposed
was cutting the number
of aggrieved staff taking more flexible ways of helping
those signed off ill. Among
PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK
their cases to employment
tribunals. The government employers’ frustrations is that
is consulting on introducing most sick notes simply declare
“compensated no-fault people incapable of work when
dismissal” for firms with they might be able to do some.
fewer than 10 employees. Instead, the review called for the
The Ministry of Justice is establishment of an independent
also planning to consult assessment service to which
on introducing fees for doctors and employers could
people wanting to take their turn to ask for more advice on
organisations to tribunals. what work employees could do.
Among proposals being
08_ PROFESSIONAL MANAGER _ April/May 2012

9. News
of the UK’s science and
research sectors”. In a letter
to the Financial Times,
they criticised the policy
restricting the number of NINE TO FIVE
immigrants from non-EU
countries and forcing the THE SHERLOCK SUPREMO
majority who did arrive to Sue Vertue, the award-winning producer of TV smash hit
leave after five years. Sherlock, details a typical day in the throes of post-production
8 Immigration down due
to economic climate
The Chartered Institute of
0900 I’m at the office for perhaps
the fifth time in six months, because
Personnel and Development I’ve been in Cardiff regularly shooting
(CIPD) said, however, that Sherlock. There, a day shoot starts
immigration had fallen at 8am, and we could be on set until
because the economy was 7pm – if we’re doing nights, 7pm
weak, rather than as a until 5am. Wherever I am, much of
result of the government’s what I’m doing is making sure that
migration cap. CIPD said we deliver the programme that we
that only a small number promised, and fixing whatever gets
of employers were affected out of kilter.
by the cap “and they tended
to be global companies 1030 At Air Studios in Hampstead
predominantly based in for the recording of the strings for
London”. But CIPD warned the Sherlock soundtrack. It’s lovely;
that the UK needed to you’ve already worked with the
continue to attract composers on the detail – we want
skilled immigrants as to feel this here, it’s exciting in
the economy recovered. this bit – so by the time you get to
recording it’s a real treat. Although
9 Shell closes final
salary pension scheme
Shell became the last of the
the musicians do talk in a language
I don’t understand! 1600 I need to make time to
look at showreels, to consider
FTSE 100 companies to 1330 In London to sign off CGI new directors or editors. You want
close its final salary pension for Sherlock. We may need to add to get the best people, but it’s also
scheme to new entrants – buildings in a scene, or put in the like matchmaking. You need to put
bringing an end to an era when texting effects that appear in the show. people together who can sit in a
recruits to large companies (Can I read it? Is it spelt correctly? small room alone for hours and
were enrolled in defined You’d be surprised how often things become firm friends.
benefit schemes. Shell said aren’t.) All of that can take up to
that, from 2013, new recruits 50 hours in total per show. 1900 My husband, writer Steven
would instead join a defined Moffat (pictured above right, with
contribution scheme, 1500 Next, a “grader”. The director Vertue), and I are out a lot because
under which pensions are and I will look at how to balance actors, writers or agents want us to
determined by the investment the colour, because you may shoot see work, or there is someone in town
performance of employees’ two parts of a scene on different we need to meet. A CV is one thing,
pension investments. days, or simply want to add an but meeting someone tells you if you
element to bring out a mood. What will really enjoy working with that
10 Paid overtime
down
The number of employees
you can do now with the picture
and colour is brilliant.
person. And I only want to work with
people I like, because life is too short.
receiving paid overtime has
fallen by a quarter over the THE BOTTOM LINE
past four years, according to SHORT, SHARP AND SMART SECRETS TO SUCCESS
the Trades Union Congress
(TUC). Brendan Barber, the “Business needs to create a sense of
TUC’s general secretary, fun for it to be successful. If you can
said: “With everyone looking connect your people to the joyfulness
for economic green shoots, and playfulness of the work they are
a rise in the availability of doing, everyone achieves more.”
paid overtime would be John Bird MBE, Big Issue founder
a welcome sign.”
professionalmanager.co.uk _ 09

10. UK must learn
its way out of
management crisis
A crippling lack of operational skills in the UK economy
can be resolved by targeting management and leadership
development, reveals major research. Ben Walker reports
Only strategic spending on which is actually deemed worthwhile by right). More than half of respondents
management development can alleviate those who have undertaken it. rated MBAs and CMI’s Chartered
the severe problem of nearly half of UK Those surveyed included 300 chief Manager accreditation as among
line managers being deemed ineffective. executives and 550 HR managers. the most effective types of MLD. Yet,
More than two in five managers The survey found that only 39% in foolishly perhaps, less than a quarter
believe their own line managers to be low-performing businesses deemed of businesses invested in them. By
ineffective, a major survey of nearly their own line managers effective, contrast, 40% of businesses invested in
4,500 executives conducted by CMI compared to 80% in high-performing skills audits, conferences and workshops
and Penna reveals. organisations (see graphic, top right). – even though less than a third of
And, although there is a strong Yet businesses’ responses to respondents rated these methods
correlation between organisations with the competency crisis have been of MLD as particularly effective.
good management and business success, haphazard. Many firms continue to This misguided approach to MLD has
there is a worrying mismatch between invest in forms of MLD that are deemed serious ramifications. MLD is crucial.
businesses’ choices of management and relatively ineffective by those who have Even in isolation, leaders’ commitment
leadership development (MLD) and that undertaken them (see graphic, below to MLD alone accounted for a 21%
THE FACTS ARE IN THE FIGURES
These statistics show evidence that spending money on management development can be beneficial for businesses
Chemical experiment Strong advice Stay on the line
Drug firm records massive variance MLD programme helps advisory service Telecoms major sees staff retention boost
in performance after MLD test do more with less following MLD drive
The MLD experience at AstraZeneca was Faced with the need to handle a 45% Cable&Wireless recorded a 100% retention
a great control test. Against an across-the- increase in care cases with no increase rate among its “high potential” group
board improvement of 1-2%, areas where in staff, the Children and Family Court of managers after it launched its MLD
the MLD programme had been delivered Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) programme in 2010. As of September 2011,
recorded an improvement of 3-12%. In sales, launched its MLD programme. Result: a none of the 55-strong group had quit. A two-
where it had not been delivered, there was no 15% increase in productivity, a successful day programme was arranged for areas of
improvement. This suggests a link between absorption of the extra workload and an the business with the lowest management
MLD and management effectiveness. increase in employee engagement. scores. Manager ratings rose by 7-12%.
15 15
10 10
5
UP TO UP TO 5
0 12% 15% 12% 0
10 _ PROFESSIONAL MANAGER _ April/May 2012

11. Management research
PUBLIC SECTOR LEADS WAY GOOD MANAGEMENT PAYS
Annual MLD investment per manager by Proportion of line managers rated as
economy sector effective by performance of organisation
£2,000
£1,500
O V E R A
£1,000
L OW 3
HIGH
£500 9
%
Train to gain
80
%
L
L
£0 5
7
% Few managers are defined by
PUBLIC PRIVATE VOLUNTARY
SECTOR SECTOR SECTOR the most important thing they
do: bringing the best from
their staff. Rather, managers
difference in staff performance. When Patrick Woodman, CMI policy are more often defined by
aligned with business areas that manager. “Despite the fact that nothing what they sometimes do, or
complement it – such as performance could be more crucial to a business’s once did and do no longer.
management and leadership succession health than well-targeted MLD, many Headteachers are defined
planning – MLD accounts for as much organisations continue to use bad as teachers, yet they rarely
as 32% of the variation in people methods – or ignore it altogether. teach. Partners in accountancy
performance. Some of this variance “Those that do invest in MLD – such practices are primarily seen as
is due to MLD’s impact on employee as Chartered Manager accreditation accountants, not managers
engagement: in organisations where or MBAs – have a big advantage.” of accountants.
MLD is at its highest, employee The public sector made the biggest Management is a profession
engagement levels are 5% higher. investment in MLD, at £1,515 per in its own right, but it is
“The research makes sobering manager per year (see graphic, top left). underrated and seen as
reading for organisations who lack secondary to the line of
a strategic and clinical approach To download a copy of the report, business or the technical
to MLD,” warned report co-author visit www.managers.org.uk/mldbenefits discipline the manager is
in. This is a mistake. While
experience of a sector is
HAPHAZARD INVESTMENT crucial to developing people
Proportion of firms investing in types of MLD vs that deemed most effective within it, there are overarching
skills to management and
leadership that should be
Business school postgraduate
applied to all sectors. Sadly,
qualification (eg MBA)
UK plc is lacking in them. This
Appraisals and Professional bodies’
should not be surprising. If
skills audits qualifications
you ask someone whose skill
it is to build to then manage
builders – with little, no or ill-
targeted management training
Internal knowledge- Chartered
– you should not be surprised
sharing events Manager
if things collapse.
00 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Meanwhile, the report
raised many areas for further
research. The correlation
External conferences, Managers rate
between good MLD and
workshops and among most effective
networks development (%)
organisational performance
is just one answer to the key
question of how to bring the
Short courses on
Coaching by best out of people. Through
management/
leadership external further research, such as
On-the-job practitioners this summer’s probe into the
experience impact of qualifications, we
will strive to discover more.
TOTAL USE (%) DEEMED MOST EFFECTIVE (%) Christopher Kinsella
professionalmanager.co.uk _ 11
CMI_10-11_Agenda.indd 11 14/03/2012 14:39

12. Agenda
Beer boss adds fizz to REVIEW:
star-studded lectures
PRESIDENT’S
DINNER
22 FEBRUARY
30 PAVILION RD
The founder of Cobra Beer to appear at CMI’s prestigious event LONDON SW1
CMI President Terry Morgan’s inaugural many of our Companions are not only proud The talk was as
lecture programme – Managing and Leading of being a Companion but strongly believe in delicious as the
in a Modern Workplace – brings together a supporting the CMI by ‘giving something back’ food. The lead
selection of CMI Companions. These include and making a contribution to our important speaker, Olympic
Patrick Dunne CCMI, group communications agenda. This has helped drive our exciting CMI Delivery Authority
director for 3i Group plc – and Lord Bilimoria Lecture Programme initiative. I am delighted to chairman Sir John
CBE DL CCMI, founder and chairman of host the inaugural lecture programme, which Armitt, graced the
beer brand Cobra. brings these people together to share their Knightsbridge
The event is the perfect opportunity for insightful and outstanding knowledge and supper with
direct interaction with CMI Companions, experience with members.” a fascinating
who in turn are keen to give something back to presentation on
members of all management levels and sectors. Inaugural CMI President’s the Olympic build.
Attendees will be treated to a morning of Lecture Programme – Managing Yet it was the
topical insight and different perspectives on a and Leading in a Modern Workplace question and
range of issues, plus the opportunity to engage Cass Business School, London EC1 answer session
with inspirational management experts on a Hosted by CMI President Terry Morgan that added even
wide range of academic and business issues. You 18 April 2012, 8.45am-2pm more sparkle to
will also be able to have your questions answered £25 members/£35 non-members what was already
directly by the CMI Companion speakers. an evening of the
Morgan said: “We are in the unique position l Visit www.managers.org.uk/presidentslecture highest calibre.
where many of the captains of industry for further details and to book. Alternatively Under the
and champions of good management and email event.administration@managers.org.uk dinner’s privacy
leadership are Companions of CMI. I know that or call 01536 207333. rules, journalists
present were
unable to publish
CHALLENGING BOOK comments made.
Sir John spoke
SCOOPS CMI ACCOLADE openly about
several matters,
including legacy
A controversial book that where we pay an ever-larger Professor Cary Cooper CBE use of the Olympic
dubs today’s super-paid ego- share of revenue to a handful and former IBM chairman stadiums and the
driven leaders the “L’Oréal of senior executives. Bones Sir Anthony Cleaver, voted London mayoral
Generation” has scooped describes this generation unanimously to hand the race, leaving
CMI’s coveted management of leaders as the “L’Oréal accolade to Bones at the those lucky
book of the year prize. generation” – they think British Library ceremony. enough to attend
The Cult of the Leader by they deserve large salaries party to exclusive
Christopher Bones argues “because they’re worth it”. l For more information go to information.
that businesses have been The panel of five expert managementbookoftheyear. Ben Walker, editor
dragged into a talent war, judges, which included org.uk
OVERALL WINNER E-book Management
The Cult of the Leader: Bold: how to be brave and Leadership
a manifesto for more in business and win Textbook
authentic business by Shaun Smith and Corporate Responsibility
by Christopher Bones Andy Milligan by Mick Blowfield and
Alan Murray
CATEGORY WINNERS The Commuter’s Read
Innovation and Put Your Mindset to Work: Practical Manager
Entrepreneurship the one asset you really The Cult of the Leader:
The Innovator’s DNA need to win and keep the a manifesto for more
by Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen, job you love by James Reed authentic business
and Clayton M Christensen and Paul G Stoltz by Christopher Bones
12 _ PROFESSIONAL MANAGER _ April/May 2012
CMI_12-15_Agenda.indd 12 12/03/2012 10:24

13. 013_CMI_AprMay12.indd 13 09/03/2012 16:44

14. MAJOR UPGRADE FOR Vote for your Female
MANAGEMENTDIRECT gold medallist figures
An essential online toolkit for managers Nominate your leader 46% of women
has been given an exciting new look for the 2012 Gold Medal in the UK have
CMI members will management scenarios will lowered the tone
soon be able to use be added, to aid application of This is CMI’s most prestigious of their voice in a
ManagementDirect – learning. Leader videos will award. In 2011, Dame Fiona bid to get ahead
which contains a wealth of be expanded to more than Reynolds of the National Trust won in business,
information for improving 100 titles. And the e-books the medal (Winter 2011, page 15). said a poll by
business process and collection will be expanded Nominees should be exceptional serviced office
bringing the best out of to more than 130 titles. UK business leaders at the pinnacle provider Business
people – to create bespoke All of the new information of their career, and should excel in Environment.
structured mini-courses for will be housed in a fresh look the following areas: Of 1,000 women
their managers. and feel. Users will benefit guiding strategic direction surveyed by
The mini-courses will from a cleaner, more modern developing organisational culture OnePoll, 57% also
enable managers to have a online experience, improved practising “human” skills said they “dressed
focused learning experience. search and navigation, and leading effective implementation more powerfully”.
In addition to the mini- improved co-branding and
courses, a raft of new customisation to present the Complete the nomination form 35% of women
content will be added to the service as an extension of online at www.managers.org.uk/ said that more
ManagementDirect database. your own training toolkit. goldmedal, email goldmedal@ confidence
E-learning modules will managers.org.uk or call 020 7421 would be helpful
increase from 24 to more l For more information, visit 2716. The closing date for receipt in securing a
than 120. Fifteen interactive membersmd.managers.org.uk of nominations is 8 June 2012. better job this
CMI_12-15_Agenda.indd 14 12/03/2012 10:25
Untitled-5 1

15. Agenda
year, compared
to 26% of men,
EDINBURGH EXCELS
in research Edinburgh Napier University has named Alex stood out from the crowd due to his leadership
released by Home its top students and alumni in its 2011 Annual skills. He has represented the Business School at the
Learning College. University Achievement Awards. Russ Berrie Institute National Sales Challenge.
The university and award sponsors chose three
Only 25% students and alumni for their innovation and Young Alumnus of the Year
of directors leadership in business, technology and science. Dr Jamie Graves (PhD 2009)
appointed to Professor Dame Joan Stringer said: “We Jamie has created a patent for a digital forensics
UK companies recognise students and alumni who have been method, and helps support Scotland’s Centre of
formed by outstanding ambassadors for the university in Excellence for Security and Cybercrime.
Companies Made their personal and professional lives.”
Simple between The three winners were: Alumna of the Year
January 2009 Dr Aileen Lothian (MBA 2003)
and September Student of the Year Aileen’s work has led to the expansion of
2011 were Alex Maidwell (Fourth-year undergraduate, programmes in Asia. Her contribution to society
female, reports marketing management) has helped many people with their education.
the company
formation
website. MANAGEMENT SPEAK
Oversharing n. the act of the always-online age, the on Twitter or Facebook,
l Feminist
posting an excess of information virtual equivalent of the tipsy pause and consider: “Is this
Samantha
on social media outlets. It’s late-night phone call. What’s something I want to discuss
Lyster says the
“too much information” for the cure? If you are a regular with my boss tomorrow?”
sisterhood is a
myth (page 34)
professionalmanager.co.uk _ 15
CMI_12-15_Agenda.indd 15 12/03/2012 10:25
29/02/2012 09:45

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016_CMI_AprMay12.indd 16 09/03/2012 16:44

17. Agenda
POLICY WATCH
Apprenticeships are hugely effective. But a
handful of badly run programmes risk ruining
the image of the rest, warns CMI policy and
research director Petra Wilton
The good name of
apprenticeships is under threat
ocational training from an advanced apprenticeship This road works: As a member of Professions
V has long been the poor is even greater, at 18%. for Good, a collaboration of
apprenticeships
aid social
relation to academic However, the National Audit mobility, the leading professional bodies, the
education, but both Office also picked up areas for economy and CMI has recently supported that
the Labour government and now concern. First, a growing number businesses. the launch of a Social Mobility
So why the mixed
the Coalition have promoted of existing employees are being messages? Toolkit for the Professions.
apprenticeships and work-based rebadged as apprentices, but in Universities and science minister
qualifications. To ensure that some cases they are not getting David Willetts endorsed the
businesses have the skills to much extra development. And, toolkit: “Ensuring that the most
grow, the government will boost sometimes, public money is paying talented people obtain jobs
spending on adult apprenticeships for training that employers would in the professions is the best
by up to £250 million by 2014-15, have provided anyway. This risks way to ensure the UK remains
providing up to 75,000 more damaging the reputation of all internationally competitive.”
apprenticeships places by the apprenticeships. His words are welcome. We
end of the spending review period. Professional bodies have a have heard mixed messages
The apprenticeship programme role in promoting to employers recently from politicians on the
has a strong track record. the quality and relevance of value of vocational education.
Apprenticeships provide a brilliant vocational and academic learning. In January, education secretary
springboard for many young people Professional qualifications have Michael Gove announced the
at the start of their careers. Studies recognised quality assurance and downgrading of thousands of
show apprenticeships improve can be used with apprenticeship vocational qualifications, ending
productivity and significantly programmes. At the same time, the their recognition in England’s
increase people’s chances of professions recognise academic school league tables. Next month,
staying in employment. and vocational qualifications as ministers were extolling the
And, according to an National routes into membership. As such, virtues of apprenticeships. There
Audit Office report that examined we can contribute to social is no need for the government’s
wages between 2004 and 2010, mobility by offering access to indecision: the promotion of
people who had completed an professional employment vocational training is wise,
intermediate apprenticeship to those who have provided professional bodies
earned 11% more than employees not pursued an are involved so quality
who had not done so. The benefit academic path. can be assured.
Shape your Code The most recent complaint is now available
Our challenge to members is to suggest a Code as a short case study at www.managers.org.
of Conduct ‘elevator pitch’. Have a look at the uk/code. This complaint went to a full hearing
CODE OF document and let us know how you would panel, and a recommendation to the Board of
CONDUCT describe the Code and its importance in Trustees that the member concerned should
30 seconds. The document is available be expelled.
at www.managers.org.uk/code
Send your suggestions to the Institute Stand for election
secretary at valerie.hamill@managers.org.uk; Candidates are now sought for election to the
020 7421 2707; or Valerie Hamill, CMI, 2 Savoy two Board positions that become vacant in
Court, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ October. New web pages have been developed,
explaining the role and person specification
Case report for Board service. The key criteria are full
The last issue of Professional Manager Institute membership and experience at
highlighted the Code of Practice for executive or non-executive level. Go to
Professional Managers and the three member www.managers.org.uk/elections to find out
complaints taken through the investigation more, or contact Valerie Hamill on 020 7421
and disciplinary process in the past 12 months. 2707 or valerie.hamill@managers.org.uk
professionalmanager.co.uk _ 17

18. 018_CMI_AprMay12.indd 18 09/03/2012 16:44

19. View from Westminster
MINISTRY MUST NAIL SOCIAL
AND VOCATIONAL SKILLS
The Department for Education must remember that its job is to prepare youngsters with
other vital career-building expertise – not just academic knowledge, says Tessa Munt
ne hopeful recent graduate indicating what they to teach their offspring
O sends me his CV, informing
me he “is one in a million”.
look for in employees.
If we aren’t honest about
academic knowledge;
we should not rely on
Even after feedback, the this, we cannot expect parents to guide their
point he misses every time is that I employers, educators offspring in social skills.
advertise my need for a team-player, not or employees to meet Once these habits are
a ready-made star with his own agenda. our nation’s expectations established, we can
Is this graduate’s mistake symptomatic and maximise the teach business and
of a wider misunderstanding? Is the opportunities for jobs. management expertise –
purpose of our education system to As an employer, I am and start to compete
prepare participants for work? Or is it to always on the lookout with other economies.
Name Tessa Jane Munt MP
make them ready to learn to work? The for potential – not Party Liberal Democrat
Yet, sadly, Whitehall
answers could change our expectations of necessarily for existing Seat Wells remains hooked on a drive
the education system, and require radical knowledge or a record First elected 2010 for academic excellence
reform of the National Curriculum. of achievement – and Current majority 800 to the exclusion of other
Political compass
We cannot expect young people to for team members who Centre-left
valuable areas of teaching.
leave education with a set of skills that reflect my approach to my Parliamentary roles The Education Select
are matched identically to their intended work. But I’m dismayed PPS to Vince Cable (2012-) Committee has argued, in
careers. Nor should we. We shouldn’t that so few interviewees its report on the English
VOTING RECORD
forget that changes in employment – have any sense that they Nuclear disarmament
Baccalaureate, that all
and the extinction of many lifelong jobs are judged – fairly or not Strongly for children are different
– mean that most of us will change career – on a few vital signals EU integration and all need the chance
once, twice or more during our long in the first minutes of Moderately for to study whatever is
Anti-terror laws
working lives. Children born this century meeting. Success can Moderately for
useful to them. Having
hinge on a tiny number removed more than
of “soft” factors – good 3,000 vocational
“We don’t rely on manners; good communication; qualifications from the league tables,
parents to teach their conversational and social skills; has the Department for Education asked
enthusiasm; a bright smile; eye contact; employers for their views first? Nail care
offspring academic a good handshake; turning up with clean has become an Aunt Sally for academic
knowledge; we nails, shoes and an ironed shirt; being fundamentalists, whose implication that
ready to listen and learn; showing an it is the career pursuit of brainless girls
should not rely on interest in other people. smacks of misogynistic elitism. Yet it
parents to guide I can rely on certificates for proof of is a vigorous part of our economy. Are
their offspring in basic literacy, numeracy and specialist beauty parlours going to struggle to find
knowledge; the ubiquity of computers staff if government insists on reforming
social skills” means poor handwriting is no longer qualifications that employers need? My
salient; I can test for comprehension local nail salon on the Walworth Road
can expect to reach their 100th birthday. and the ability to précis and write a is often packed with customers during
And the retirement age will rise too, so we coherent letter. But unless there is a evenings and at weekends – far more, I
will work for much longer, and in various return to teaching and leading students suspect, than the local concert hall or
roles. Better to give youngsters the skills in social skills – both for those who art gallery. The Department
that can be transferred to all professions study academic and vocational subjects for Education must recognise that
rather than a narrow band of abilities. – there will remain a divide between not everything hangs on knowledge.
What we need are conversations and those who attend schools that recognise Social and vocational skills are just
guidelines from UK employers – micro the importance of social skills and those as important to our economy’s health
to massive – for our educationalists, who do not. We don’t rely on parents and our youngsters’ futures. l
professionalmanager.co.uk _ 19

20. Old versus new:
is experience overrated?
Do decades of toil automatically make you
the right candidate to lead? Or can anyone
with innovation and creative spark succeed?
Kayleigh Ziolo hears both sides of the story
ROGER GILBERT
Chairman, Fujitsu
NO Services Holdings plc
It’s true that many of today’s the reason that companies can make
great companies were founded by the best use of graduate talent in their
entrepreneurs in their twenties with organisation is the depth of experience
little experience: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, in the teams that manage them.
Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg So what constitutes good experience?
and so forth. It’s also true that rigid It’s experience that helps you make good
recruitment and promotion that values decisions, and makes sure you are getting
experience above all else can leave it right more times than you are getting it
young talent wasted. wrong. Working with good management
The entrepreneurs that are held up teams early in your career is a good start.
as examples started their companies Making mistakes is okay as long as you
with world-changing ideas; they understand why they were mistakes,
were individuals of immense talent why you made them and what you would
with probably very little to lose. We do differently next time. It helps to see
should admire their success but we how companies operate in both good
need to recognise that, for many new times and bad, and how hard it is to run
companies, the injection of experienced a successful business throughout the
managers by their backers was essential business cycle.
for their survival. Good experience is not overrated. A
Would you prefer an experienced or company needs all the input it can get. For
inexperienced surgeon for a critical a business to grow, and with a bottom line
operation? Would you choose an to manage and teams to lead, there isn’t
inexperienced manager to turn around much time for trial and error. Just like the
a failing company? In these cases there surgeon, it helps if managers and leaders
isn’t time to try promising but untried have done it before, seen how others
approaches – you need someone who perform and understand the pitfalls.
knows what they are doing and wastes That isn’t to say companies don’t need
no time in getting it done. young talent with new ideas – it’s just
ILLUSTRATION: GARY NEILL
Yes, there are times when talent wins that without experienced people around,
over experience. Graduate recruitment is this talent will be wasted. You can hope to
one example: good graduates bring new follow in the footsteps of the successful,
ideas, are enthusiastic and are a positive young and inexperienced entrepreneurs
influence on their colleagues. For similar that we’ve all heard of, but it’s more likely
reasons, the rapid promotion of young you’ll repeat the patterns of all those
and talented staff can help them to make unsuccessful inexperienced management
the maximum contribution. However, teams that have fallen into obscurity.
20 _ PROFESSIONAL MANAGER _ April/May 2012
CMI_20-21_Debate.indd 20 14/03/2012 14:39