Friday Footnote #15

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

Why do some SMEs grow more than others?

Earlier this week, Programme Director Gary Walpole shared insights from his latest research in our latest blog.

Key findings included:

• The processes and practices discovered enabled Gary to assert that high-growth firms practice a blend of contemporary leadership styles and employ contemporary innovation practices that incorporate both new product development and continuous improvement processes and practices
• Leaders require a level of self-awareness in order to get the best out of followers and allow leaders to understand where their efforts are most effective
• Leaders should exhibit a level of humility and encourage followers to provide constructive criticism. It leads to more effective work relationships and greater productivity.

You can read the full blog here.

Inspiration

So whats piqued Team ION's interest this week?

• Best workplaces for Innovation 2020 (Fast Company)
• Want to get - and stay - employed through 2030? 10 jobs to consider (TED)
• The Circular Economy solution to plastic pollution (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)
• 12 books to help you build a purpose-driven business (Do Lectures)
• Can remote work usher in a new era of company and community creativity? (Paul Taylor)
• Want to attract and lead a terrific team? Start with these 5 rules for hiring (Inc)
• Leading learning, leading change: what's standing in your way? (Impact International)

Support & Advice

• Welsh Government, along with other government bodies including DEFRA have published a policy statement on the circular economy package, setting out the key changes to be made in implementing the Circular Economy Package (CEP)
• Learning and Work Institute Wales, have launched an online learning platform which has links to over 800 courses and resources
• The Institute of Leadership & Management is running a number of webinars over the next few week's covering amongst other topics, developing a risk culture, innovation for growth and how to be a courageous leader 
• The latest Visit Wales industry newsletter is out now

Become an extraordinary leader

Spaces are booking up very quickly on our upcoming leadership programmes. Don't forget, we can now offer our leadership programmes fully-funded until the end of August 2021 so what are you waiting for? Check out our courses page to find out more about courses starting soon in Bangor, Swansea, RCT, Bridgend, National Botanic Gardens and online, and get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Stay Safe

Team ION

PS - Missed previous #FridayFootnotes?