Friday Footnote #13

Each week we share loads of content amongst Team ION and with our network. Content which inspires us, which we either find really helpful or we think would help our networks, or things that just make us smile. We thought we would start sharing these insights every Friday. Welcome to Friday footnote!

Inspiration

Here are just a few things that have piqued our interest this week:

• Planning doesn't have to be the enemy of Agile (via Harvard Business Review)
• Bad meetings drain time and energy - here are 6 ways to lead ones that engage and inspire (via TED)
• 7 qualities of people with high emotional intelligence (via Success)
• ION Bangor Business Development Manager Nicola Sturrs (pictured right) shares her life in lockdown (via ION)
• Being engaged at work is not the same as being productive (Via Harvard Business Review)

Become an extraordinary leader

We were delighted last week to announce that we can now offer our leadership programmes fully-funded. The level of demand has been amazing, with one programme booking up, and another programme virtually full. However, we do still have some availability on some of our programmes so if you want to find out more, check out our courses pages.

You can't pour from an empty cup

In this week's ION Open Doors session one of the topics of discussion was the importance of taking time for yourself - the importance of self-care. This means different things to different people. Many people within the group talked about the importance of walking as one of their primary forms of self-care. Whether it's on the beach at Aberavon, the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path or the Black Mountain, there was shared agreement that the mental and physical health benefits of walking and fresh air were much needed, now more than ever.

Team ION have always been huge advocates of the great outdoors and the important role it plays in helping us manage our wellbeing, as well as allowing us time to reflect. Our Marketing Manager Adam blogged about it during Mental Health Awareness Week back in May. We also, every Wednesday, share a #WednesdayWalk on Facebook where a different member of the team shares their favourite walk. This week it was Bangor team member Mannon's favourite walk along the Snowdonia Eryri Slate Trail.

What is your favourite walk? Let us know in the comments section or join in with #WednesdayWalk on Facebook. 

Always Learning

This week's ION Open Doors virtual networking session was once again a huge success with some fantastic discussion and debate from some great participants - and was also a lot of fun. We meet every Thursday at 11am so why not come and join us next week? Sign up here.

This week also saw us run our 2nd #ZoomBookRoom where delegates discussed The Power of Collaboration by Thea Singer Spitzer.

Our upcoming virtual learning sessions include Adapt or Standstill next week, where we will be discussing how an adaptive leadership style can meet the business challenges which the current situation presents. The following week we will be discussing learning organisations in our Is your business learning session. Delegates will assess, understand & plan how workplaces will benefit from developing as learning organisations.

Support & Advice

• Calling all manufacturing companies! Did you know you can access University-based industrially-focused research specialists to support your business to grow out of lockdown & build long-term resilience? Visit ASTUTE 2020 to find out more.
• The South Wales Chamber of Commerce regularly updates their Coronavirus Hub, supporting Welsh businesses to get the vital information they need during these difficult times.
• AGOR IP, are a Swansea University-led project that helps businesses realise the potential of their idea, product or research.
  
• The Institute of Leadership & Management has a number of webinars next week covering everything from influencing stakeholders to adapting to the 'new normal'.

Stay Safe

Team ION

PS - Missed previous #FridayFootnotes?