Did you see this in The Times?:

"News from the Far East
Uncertainty has now hit Japan. In the past seven days Origami Bank has folded, Sumo Bank has gone belly up and Bonsai Bank has announced plans to cut some of its branches.
Yesterday it was also announced that Karaoke Bank is up for sale and will likely go for a song, while shares in Kamikaze Bank were suspended today after it nosedived.
While Samurai Bank is soldiering on after sharp cutbacks, 500 staff at Karate Bank got the chop and analysts report that there is something fishy going on at Sushi Bank, where it is feared that staff will get a raw deal."

To me there is no question but that is OUR JOB at this time - the leaders, managers and influencers - to bring smiles to those around us.
Recent research showed that we follow others because of a feeling of:
"Fun, energy and excitement".
We certainly have enough excitement around at present so I think we need to focus on the other two.

I see it as OUR JOB to put massive energies into mapping out the strategic direction of our organisation in order that we actually win through what is ahead - rather than just surviving or indeed disappearing.

I see it as OUR JOB to challenge every one of the paradigms in our business - EVERY sacred cow (and don't just leave it to those above us - upwards leadership is vital if we are to get through what is ahead)

I see it as OUR JOB to look at markets strategically and then set out to target those we believe will grow and prosper - and then review them regularly as things inevitably change.

Last month I ran a workshop with a group of CEOs and we ended up listing on a flip chart two pages of markets we felt were likely to continue growing despite any economic downturn. There is more choice than you think to take matters into your own hands!

Those around us at the moment - be they working for us or with us - and their families at home - are bound to be worried at the present time. They are naturally worried by how they might be impacted adversely by the global economic downturn and its fallout.

I see it as OUR JOB to reassure them, to exude confidence and demonstrate that we have thought through the big picture - that we have "got in our helicopter" and mapped a way through.

This year I've been working with a wonderful, benevolent, family owned business with around 200 employees operating in a sector which you would have imagined to have been under serious threat in the recent past - let alone with what we see ahead. Together we have mapped out a "commonsense" strategic plan that will see the business double in the next five years.
Imagine the reaction recently when the outline of this plan was shared with everyone in the company - and they in turn, I am sure, shared it with their families. Nothing, of course, is guaranteed but that business stands a much better chance than most of protecting the livelihoods of all its stakeholders and their families.
Imagine the energy now going into implementing that plan!

So back to where we started. There is no reason, as we deal with this crisis, that we must be at all times serious, forehead wrinkled and turgid. It is no coincidence, I am sure, that sales of comedy DVDs in the UK have increased 40% over the last two months. People want cheering up.

I see it as OUR JOB to smile even more than before and inject fun into our activities and to try and lighten up the heavy world we, perhaps, now live in.

Please - just do it!

The bank returned the cheque to me this morning, stamped: 'insufficient funds'. Is it them or me?

Finally let me remind you of the "Helicopter" awards for outstanding service and for lousy service.

Two "Golden Helicopter" Awards this time! and one "Ditched Helicopter"
I welcome nominations for either category.
Explanations of why they're being recommended should be put on my blog to back up the listing.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter and find it valuable and may I thank you for your support and smiles.

My son, Russ, suggested I have a look at a website the other day and the investment philosophy of Findlay Park

Would that all investment managers acted this responsibly.

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A Client of mine Gillissa are expert Google Adwords practitioners and have now developed a wholly unique package for e-commerce companies to appear on all the comparison sites FeedManager.
It's a very clever system - with fantastic payback.

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Did you know that teabags were invented by mistake?
I heard on the BBC that they are 100 years old and came about when an American importer decided to save money by sending tea samples to his customers in small muslin bags.
The customers assumed that you put the bags straight into the water!

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Would you believe this?
McDonalds sold more hamburgers in Paris last year than in London - despite being one third of the size and the much publicised French dislike for fast food!

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Something else from BBC Radio.
I heard a fascinating programme about harbour pilots - the people who go on board ships and guide them into harbour,
I was amazed to hear that it is one of the most dangerous professions there is - on average one pilot dies per week somewhere in the world - usually when transferring between the pilot boat and the ship.
Someone I'll definitely have more respect for the next time I'm on a ship.

I find myself increasingly putting the service I receive from organisations into one of two categories either "outstanding" or " lousy" - there doesn't seem to be just 'average' any more. I've introduced therefore "Golden Helicopter" outstanding service awards and "Ditched Helicopter" lousy service awards

You'll find the story behind each in my Blog

Please add your comments and any recommendations of your own for awards.

What People Say

"Roger, we have seen a sustained increase in revenues and profits as a direct result of attending your workshop. Thankyou ! " Martin Mulligan, CEO, Martin Mulligan Group Limited

"Without question Roger's workshops have been the catalyst in enabling our six operating companies to unlock the door to profitable growth and without exception, everyone has a real desire to be in the renewal room and when there, reside in it permanently!" Trevor Hebdon, CEO, H&H Group plc

"Roger Harrop's Helicopter analogy is a great one. Having the skills to rise above the clouds to set the vision and see the big picture, but also the ability to fly down low and drive the details are both essential skills for a successful President or General Manager. Roger's pragmatic approach and outstanding delivery make his message meaningful for all audiences." Dan Daniel, Group Executive, Danaher Corporation

"It is no coincidence that the Group's dramatic improvement in performance, over the last 18 months, relates directly to Roger's association with us" Ian McKernan, Chairman & CEO Molecular Products Group plc

"Congratulations! - your workshop scored 8.9 in the survey results which is very good" Maneesh Garg, Education Chair, Young Presidents Organization, Lagos