<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><title><![CDATA[Blog - Future Matters]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/</link><description><![CDATA[We offer exclusive, comprehensive life coaching services in Canberra-- life coaching that help guarantee the fulfilment of your life goals.]]></description><language>en-us</language><pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 18:01:04 -1000</pubDate><lastBuildDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 18:01:04 -1000</lastBuildDate><webMaster>andrea@futurematters.net.au</webMaster><item><title><![CDATA[Seasonal Retreats]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/seasonal-retreats/</link><description><![CDATA[Take the opportunity to join various one day retreats offered in Canberra throughout 2012. Each day use a metaphor from the currect season as an invitation to review your life. Details below.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Take the opportunity to join various one day retreats offered in Canberra throughout 2012. Each day use a metaphor from the currect season as an invitation to review your life. Details below.</p>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -1000</pubDate><guid>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/seasonal-retreats/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Breakfast Meeting]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/breakfast-meeting/</link><description><![CDATA[Thanks to a great idea of Lawrence Kessell's, I spent this morning at a breakfast meeting ...called Networking Business Clubs, it brings together representative professionals from various industries...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thanks to a great idea of Lawrence Kessell's, I spent this morning at a breakfast meeting ...called Networking Business Clubs, it brings together representative professionals from various industries to foster networking, growth, and support. I have three people from the group coming along for a complementary coaching session in the next fortnight. This is a terrific result for me!</p>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -1000</pubDate><guid>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/breakfast-meeting/</guid><enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="1717" url="http://www.thewebshowroom.com.au/http://www.futurematters.net.au/media/pics/site/imagecache/E/3/E3F2E3A22FA79B79432A810B426C700A.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[Autumn Retreat Day]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/autumn-retreat-day/</link><description><![CDATA[Need a little time out? Join me for a one day retreat at MackIllop House in Lyneham on March 24. Details attached.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Need a little time out? Join me for a one day retreat at MackIllop House in Lyneham on March 24. <a href="/uploads/51688/ufiles/Autumn_Retreat__March_24.pdf">Details attached.</a></p>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -1000</pubDate><guid>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/autumn-retreat-day/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/tips/</link><description><![CDATA[Tips for Living a Good Life - http://eepurl.com/iXgIL My February e-letter, first one for the year with a very special offer included!!]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Tips for Living a Good Life - <a href="http://eepurl.com/iXgIL">http://eepurl.com/iXgIL</a></p><p>My February e-letter, first one for the year with a very special offer included!!</p>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -1000</pubDate><guid>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/tips/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Live is like coffee??]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/live-is-like-coffee/</link><description><![CDATA[Please, please look at this http://www.flickspire.com/m/IAAWAR/LifeIsLikeCoffee]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Please, please look at this</p><p>http://www.flickspire.com/m/IAAWAR/LifeIsLikeCoffee</p>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -1000</pubDate><guid>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/live-is-like-coffee/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mixing Hard Skills and Soft Skills for Effective Executive Development]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/mixing-hard-skills-and-soft-skills-for-effective-executive-development/</link><description><![CDATA[Year-end reports are coming to a close. A major debate arising now is the widening income gap between corporate executives&rsquo; total pay and the employees&rsquo; median salary. After two years of...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Year-end reports are coming to a close. A major debate arising now is the widening income gap between corporate executives&rsquo; total pay and the employees&rsquo; median salary. After two years of stagnation and as stock prices recovered, America&rsquo;s top bosses enjoyed increases of 27-40% in their pay packages while employees&rsquo; wages are in stagnation or in decline because of inflation. A British survey produced a more dramatic result with a 40-49% increase for those inside the boardroom, a far cry from the single-digit increase of the ordinary waged employees. Even Australia&rsquo;s powerful, leading business executives receive annual pay packages that outstrip regular workers &ndash; a significantly wide gap when you compare a corporate executive&rsquo;s $6million compensation with an average Australian&rsquo;s full-time wage of $69,000.<strong></strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Why are the Big Bosses Paid Big?</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Executives are highly empowered when it comes to business decisions and management strategies. With business planning, productivity, and efficiency in mind, they carry a huge responsibility that affects the entire organisation. That&rsquo;s why they are also highly compensated, because they take on the performance objectives and goals of the whole business. Through continuous learning, undergoing <a title="Executive Development" href="/professional-development/">executive development</a> and training, improving <a title="Facilitation" href="/facilitation/">facilitation</a> skills, and developing both soft and hard skills, executives fulfil their responsibilities. For the bosses, achieving excellence doesn&rsquo;t only mean doing what they are tasked to accomplish, but rather, going beyond the whole organisation&rsquo;s expected performance targets and leading their employees towards that goal.<strong></strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Developing Soft and Hard Skills for Well-Rounded Executives</strong></p><p><strong></strong>In order for the organisation&rsquo;s leaders to be on top of their game and keep up with the changes, they have to continually build their skills and competencies. They need to pursue additional educational courses to gain fresh knowledge, stay up to date with recent management developments, and attend training sessions to acquire new skills. Here are some of the hard and soft skills business executives have to develop over time:</p><ul><li>Soft Skills - people skills or interpersonal skills</li></ul><p style="padding-left: 30px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  They are behavioural competencies or personality-driven skills.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  They refer to a person&rsquo;s emotional intelligence quotient or EQ, characterising a person&rsquo;s relationships with other people.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  They relate to personal attributes that help enhance a person&rsquo;s job performance and career prospects.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  They are a person&rsquo;s ability to interact effectively with colleagues and customers, with everyone inside and outside the workplace.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  Examples of skills to learn:<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; <a title="Leadership Coaching" href="/coaching/">Leadership</a><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Team Building<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Communication Skills<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Vision<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Self-Awareness<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Managing Change<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Conflict Management, Negotiation and Resolution<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Creativity<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Diversity<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Performance Appraisals<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Coaching Skills<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Strategic Thinking<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp;Influencing Skills<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Critical Thinking</p><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Hard Skills &ndash; technical skills, operational skills or position skills</li></ul><p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;  They are specific and teachable abilities.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;They are tangible and quantifiable.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;They refer to a person&rsquo;s Intelligence quotient (IQ).<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;They have the same rules across organisations.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;They can be learned in school and from books.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Examples of skills to learn:<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Computer or Software Applications<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Problem Solving<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Strategic Planning<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Presentation Skills<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Business/Management Skills<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Quality or Process Improvement<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Time Management<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Hiring and Interviewing<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Foreign Language<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Math, Chemistry, Physics<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Accounting<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Machinery Operations</p><p><strong>Executive Coaching: Helping Executives Develop Professionally and Personally</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;">An effective executive development program involves a coaching professional who prepares activities that are tailored for each executive. At <a title="Life Coaching" href="/">Future Matters</a>, we know how important it is to capitalise on people because they are the organisation&rsquo;s main competitive advantage. Through proper coaching and providing the right training needs, each executive can achieve their full potential.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Whether it&rsquo;s an individual or group session, you will receive proper guidance and a tailored coaching to suit what you need. What&rsquo;s great about these coaching sessions is that they are not only for the development of your career, but also for the development of you as a person. We will help you throughout the training process &ndash; from assessing who you are and what you need, to action planning and acting on the plan, and refining what you&rsquo;ve done.</p><p>If you flag facilitation, learning and skill enhancement as important factors in your personal and professional development, then we can help you through all of your training with our range of services. Contact us today and we can discuss which series of coaching activities your organisation needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -1000</pubDate><guid>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/mixing-hard-skills-and-soft-skills-for-effective-executive-development/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Reflecting ]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/reflecting/</link><description><![CDATA[Recently had an inquiry based on the article that I had published in Mission and Spirituality E-News from the Broken Bay Institute. Check it out here...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Recently had an inquiry based on the article that I had published in Mission and Spirituality E-News from the Broken Bay Institute.</p><p>Check it out here</p><p><a href="http://www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/adult-faith/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=114&amp;id=59">http://www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/adult-faith/fx-view-article.cfm?loadref=114&amp;id=59</a></p>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -1000</pubDate><guid>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/reflecting/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Churchill fellowship]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/churchill-fellowship/</link><description><![CDATA[The Churchill Trust was established in 1965 to honour the memory of Sir Winston Churchill by awarding overseas research Fellowships known as 'Churchill Fellowships'. Since its inception The Churchill ...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Churchill Trust was established in 1965 to honour the memory of Sir Winston Churchill by awarding overseas research Fellowships known as 'Churchill Fellowships'.</p><p>Since its inception The Churchill Trust has awarded Churchill Fellowships to over 3,500 Australians who, like Churchill, are innovative, filled with a spirit of determination and possess a strong desire to benefit their community.&nbsp;</p><p>Churchill Fellowships allow you to design your own research project, travel the world and further your knowledge in your chosen field, before returning to make a real contribution to Australian society.</p><p><strong>So if you...</strong></p><ul><li><strong>are an Australian citizen aged over 18 years</strong></li><li><strong>have a passion for your chosen field and a desire to conduct research overseas</strong></li><li><strong>would like to benefit Australia by sharing your knowledge and experience</strong></li></ul><p class="home_hl"><strong>...YOU COULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CHURCHILL FELLOWSHIP ...contact me if you would like to talk about my experience as a 'fellow'</strong></p><p class="home_hl"><strong>Find the details&nbsp;http://www.churchilltrust.com.au/</strong></p>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -1000</pubDate><guid>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/churchill-fellowship/</guid><enclosure type="image/jpeg" length="2412" url="http://www.thewebshowroom.com.au/http://www.futurematters.net.au/media/pics/site/imagecache/C/E/CE2A1E148789F8A718ECE308D90B47E1.jpg"/></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pre Christmas Special]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/pre-christmas-special/</link><description><![CDATA[Discover Your Path to a Stress Free Christmas Create a sense of clarity about the Christmas that you most desire. Find out the essential building blocks for having the Christmas of your dreams....]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Discover Your Path to a Stress Free Christmas</p><ul><li>Create a sense of clarity about the Christmas that you most desire.</li><li>Find out the essential building blocks for having the Christmas of your dreams.</li><li>Discover the #1 thing stopping you for having the Christmas you want.</li><li>Complete the consultation with the excitement of knowing EXACTLY what to do to create the Christmas you truly want.</li><li>Call 0487388873 or book via&nbsp;<a href="http://www.futurematters.net.au">www.futurematters.net.au</a> for a no obligation consultation; in person or by phone.</li><li>Only five weeks until Christmas: act now!</li></ul><p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/51688/ufiles/Christmas_fun.jpeg" alt="" width="257" height="196" /></p>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -1000</pubDate><guid>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/pre-christmas-special/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER: THE INNER GAME]]></title><link>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/november-newsletter-the-inner-game/</link><description><![CDATA[NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER: THE INNER GAME Tips for Living a Good Life - http://eepurl.com/g85c2]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER: THE INNER GAME</p><p><a href="http://eepurl.com/g85c2">Tips for Living a Good Life - http://eepurl.com/g85c2</a></p>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -1000</pubDate><guid>http://www.futurematters.net.au/blog/november-newsletter-the-inner-game/</guid></item></channel></rss> 
