25 hours in a day

Wow, what a Christmas and New Year that was, friends, family and pets  all wanting valuable time.  Time that if not given, can create a feeling of guilt and within a blink of an eye it's all over and gone. Time is probably one  of the most important aspects of our home and working lives. We all value it so highly that if we don't utilize it, important things can go amiss.

The work life balance, that we all strive for, is key to leading a happy and satisfied lifestyle. I recently have had to coach my son as he's was not finding the correct balance. It's GCSE year so he wants to do well, and rightly so, yet he continues his hard work ethic well  into the night; revising, studying and recapping. Plenty of his mentors have pointed this out to him; the possibility of burnout if he continues. The good news is he can be shaped and put back on track by simple time management which is now working.   He's actually now got his first ever Saturday job which gives him a break from his studies.  He has to work as part of a large team now and understands that the part he plays is valuable. He also gets to see life from different angles.

Time Management key points:

• Structure and plan well ahead of your working week
• Stick to the rules
• Set achievable targets never over stretch
• Plan effective rest time
• This all creates positive thinking and leads to a happier life style.

The brain needs to have rest time, it's proven that by having regular breaks you actually achieve a far better result than if you push yourself too much.

I wonder how many of us remember the old 'a Mars a Day' Catchphrase which was 'Work, Rest and Play'.

Throughout January I will be supporting Essex colleagues at all levels during my visits.

A Christmas story

                                           A warm Story for the holiday

 

Next year, when you see Geese heading South for the Winter, flying along in V formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way: as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift. By flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least 70% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Colleagues who share a common direction and sense of team teamwork can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are travelling on the thrust of one another. we are supportive of each other.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are  Accountable for Performance.

When the Head Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs with people or with geese flying South.  Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly. Only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group. IF WE HAVE THE SENSE OF A GOOSE, WE WILL STAND BY EACH OTHER LIKE THAT.

Today, I have been in Colchester and Clacton and they were in full swing, enjoying working as a team.

 

We, at First Bus need to share, work as a team and encourage each other.  There are sometimes challenges which we should all support each other with.  A small problem to you, may be a huge issue to someone else.

The holiday's are a chance to support and get to talk to work colleagues, then to continue into the new year. Last week, when the snow came down, lots of us pulled together just like in the story. Why not Join in with fun events and promote a positive attitude for the community we work in. A card, smile or even just a helping hand goes a long way in supporting a colleague.

Merry Xmas every one and have a safe holiday. 

A Fresh start, a new start

How many of us can remember our first day at work? What was It like.?

I remembered the following:

• lively and loud vibrant
• professional
• safety orientated
• welcoming and friendly.

I wonder if this is what we all experienced in our early period of working for First. Some colleagues (and I know I was ) maybe feel:

• Worried about what is to come
• So much still to learn and remember
• What will I enjoy and what won't I enjoy, anticipation.

It's important that we all recognize that at some stage in our career we're all newbies and know exactly  how it feels to be a rookie. We can all play our part at all levels in our business making colleagues feel part of the depot team, as quickly as possibly. This could be as simple as saying 'good morning' and wishing the colleague a pleasant day or just a smile. 

A sense of respect and support gives colleagues a sense of worth and encourages team work.  Team work creates consistency and fluidity.  Ideas and  cultures are filtered up and down working roles with many beneficial effects.  Every role is crucial to the smooth running of a business.  Let's work together.

This week, say hello to a new colleague, make them feel welcome, it will make their day, as well as yours.

Family Life

Hi All,

         A culture of respect and dignity in the workplace will ensure a healthy working environment. You can contribute to this environment by:​​​​

·         Building a sense of community spirit at work through group lunches,  organising or participating in events like 'Brew and Bake' and workshops that emphasise team building
·         Abiding by work ethics and maintaining confidentiality
·         Treating your colleagues as you would like them to treat you
·         Supporting your colleagues in times of need.

Communicate effectively:

Effective communication in the workplace will minimise misunderstandings among colleagues thus maximising work efficiency. When we have communication breakdowns at work, we spend time and energy trying to make amends.

 Remember, be mindful of these components of communication:

• Choice of words
• Tone of voice
• Non-verbal cues: body language and emotions expressed
• Relationships between communicating parties

Learn to work with others in a team:

Working as a team means that you are part of a collective body whereby everyone is working towards a common objective or goal. This also means that you need patience and understanding to learn and adapt to different working habits, points of view, and personalities of your team members.

 

 The more we collaborate and work together within our environment the better it is for everyone and our working day/night.  This also has an extra benefit as it filters into how we feel when we finish work and return to our friends and family.  A healthy work life helps us to maintain a more relaxed and positive home life.
I often speak about my family to colleagues and friends, we all do don't we.  After all, our family/friends are the most important people in our lives.  It's predominantly why we all come to work  to provide for ourselves and our nearest and dearest.  there will also, of course, be ups and downs; a bit like a 'roller coaster'.  With support, the lows are easier to manage.

 

 

 

 Thinking about this further, ultimately we all want to go home safe and secure from our work place. We want to get back to our friends and family at the end of each day/night, safely. We work in incredibly dangerous environments which is why safety needs to be at the forefront of each of our working period. We should all think carefully about our own safety and those around us.  Let's work together.

 

   

Driving for results

Hi everyone, I have to say a huge thank you to all of my colleagues who voted for me in the recent Employee Director election.  I am very pleased to say I have been re-elected as Ed in Essex, this not only makes me very proud that I have been given this opportunity once again, but also establishes a firm groundwork for myself to make sure that  all colleagues' voices are heard and represented in all areas of our business. The future can always be influenced by ourselves.  We all have our destiny in the power of our own hands . Look at these 10  examples i'm sure the list could go on

Last week, at the First Bus conference, we established what we all need to action to really make a difference within our individual depots and areas of work. This is an ethos that I will be promoting and having important conversations about.

Nobody can achieve this alone and it is evident that to succeed we must all play our part. A wise man once said to me 'You are only as strong as your weakest link' we need to make sure that if we do the right thing this is recognised and rewarded.
Next week I will be visiting Hadleigh On Thursday 9th  Nov and be in Chelmsford on Friday 10th Nov

A supportive environment can do wonders for our self esteem, confidence, team spirit, leadership skills and even our health.

If you have ever had your work praised by a co-worker, perhaps you will remember it making your day or even if a passenger has given you positive praise for a job well done.  These comments can have an overwhelming effect on our self-confidence.  However, sometimes we overlook these comments and forget to express them.  If you do go out of your way to speak your mind, when you think a co-worker has done a good job, not only will it have a positive effect on their confidence, but it also may heightened their engagement and keenness to continue to deliver a high standard.

If you are supportive and friendly, people are more likely to want to share thoughts and ideas with you.  Being approachable is beneficial; people will be more inclined to feel at ease around you, be honest with you and ask when they have a query-these are aspects that can go a long way in developing teamwork.

A supportive environment definitely creates for a better working atmosphere.  It helps to support a sense of community and team spirit, which works as a reminder that everyone is working towards one collaborative goal.  This is a concept that can get overlooked when people are focusing solely on their own workloads; being able to draw on your co-workers expertise can only be beneficial, both in your current position and in a networking capacity, moving forward.   

Aiding the development of others and drawing out the best in them, is one a key role for a leader.  It makes you more respected and influential. That means that by investing time in supporting your colleagues, you’re enhancing your own skills as a leader.

Getting along with your colleagues can even have health benefits. With so much time spent around co-workers, their social support can be of significant value to your mental wellbeing, which often reduces stress and can help to maintain a balanced emotional state.

 

 

 

Remember: a little bit of support can go a long way!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next week, my depot visits will be on Wednesday at Basildon and Thursday at Hadleigh.  Please remember, if you have a question email me and I will be more than happy to help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting along with your colleagues can even have health benefits. With so much time spent around co-workers, their social support can be of significant value to your mental wellbeing, which often reduces stress and can help to maintain a balanced emotional state.

Remember: a little bit of support can go a long way!

The life and times of an Employee Director

I am often asked, 'what do you do as an Employee director?' The answer encompasses a number of areas. Firstly, the most fundamental and important aspect of the role is to help create a successful company; it's important to understand how this can be achieved. As a company, we all can make a difference, no matter what role we have.  This is where listening and supporting is a key part of my role. 

 Currently, I am known to colleagues as a driver, trainer and the Employee Director for Essex.

So, what is it I do?

•   I Represent colleagues’ views at boardroom level on all aspects which directly affect them and their working environment;

•   Regularly, I visit all depots and make myself available;

•   I always treat colleagues with maximum respect and understanding;

•   Continually active in raising safety standards for my colleagues throughout Essex;

•   I have improved staff communications through surgeries, my ED blog, regular updates and celebrating successes;

•   I focus on ‘one team ethic’ by talking to engineering and support staff;

•   Continuation of charity work with First’s charity ‘Prostate Cancer’;

•   Working alongside the Union and the company, making First Essex a better place to work.

 

   Everyone has ideas and points of discussion.  Communication is a key use of media within a company, one that if used effectively has so many benefits.  As Ed I use my communication skills daily.  I am a peoples' person and very much enjoy talking at the heart of the company.  I have a 'mobile notice board' which moves around on my surgeries and is always specific and current. When supporting learning week the interactive sessions were well received and very thought provoking.  I always strive and promote company and self development; motivating those around me to fulfill their potential.  Challenges will always be around.  However, it's how we deal with these challenges that is important.  Solutions can be found by seeking opinions and discussions with all staff.

 

Why we should all try harder to listen:

Every good conversation starts with a good listener.

 

The word "listen" contains the same letters as the word

"silent".

 

The world is giving you answers each day.  Learn to listen.

 

When you talk, you are only repeating what you already

know.  But if you listen, you may learn something new.

 

     On Friday I will be in Hadleigh supporting managers question time which runs from 10.00 till 12.30.