It's the way you tell it that counts!

It's how you sell that counts!

By Peter Foy

Facts tell but stories sell. I first heard this maxim over 30 years ago on a presentation skills course and it is an absolute truth. Whether you are trying to sell an idea or a product or attempting to teach something, wrap it up in a story and you’ll win the day. Whether it’s Aesop with his fables, or Jesus with his parables the world’s greatest teachers know the power of storytelling.

    Most businesses need their workers to communicate freely and effectively.  

Well it turns out that stories aren’t just good sales and teaching tools, they can actually help productivity.

As we begin to return to our traditional workplaces there has been some concern that the new COVID secure environments could lead to a lack of productivity. People used to face each other across the desk; now, they face a screen or a wall. 3 months of Zoom has changed how some people interact with their peers. Most businesses need their workers to communicate freely and effectively. The lockdown and the enforced changes to the working environment have made that harder.

It's how you sell that counts!According to Esther Choy the answer could be to tell stories. She claims that when employees spend 15 minutes, at the end of each day, telling stories about their day they will begin to perform better. Writing in a recent edition of Forbes magazine, Ms Choy asserts that when done daily for just ten days this simple exercise can increase productivity by 23%.

Instinctively, that sounds right. I like the idea of learning through sharing stories; encapsulating the high points, or low points, of a day through the narration of one key telephone conversation. Traditionally stories have been used to propagate important lessons or warnings. In a special way they are able to articulate the truth of a situation in a non-threatening way.

As we become familiar with the new truth, the new normality that is the consequence of COVID, it makes sense that stories help us make sense of it.

Published: 5 August 2020

© Copyright Just Recruitment 2020

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Five ways to make your people more creative

You may also enjoy: Ten ways for an employer to engage their employees

Jobs currently available

New job
CNC Lathe Setter/Operator (rotating earlies and lates)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913364
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a CNC Lathe Setter/Operator to work on a rotating shift pattern of one-week earlies (07.00 to 15.00) and one-week lates (15.00 to 23.00) for a company based in Halstead, Essex.

Key responsibilities/experience will include:

  • CNC Turning using Doosan and Lynx lathes with Fanuc 21I-T controls.
  • A good understanding of drawings and geometric tolerances both metric and imperial.
  • Using measuring equipment such as micrometres, verniers, plug gauges, screw gauges, and ring gauges.
  • A good understanding of CNC programming is imperative.

Skills and qualifications:

  • An in-depth understanding and experience of CNC Lathe / Turning.
  • Able to understand component drawings.

Role requirements:

You will be highly organised with a meticulous approach to work and a high level of attention to detail.

You will possess excellent teamwork and communication skills and will be able to work unsupervised in a high-pressure manufacturing environment.

You will have the ability to confidently discuss design options and knowledge of influence on part manufacture and cost is also essential.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
CMM Inspector (Late Shift)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913362
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a CMM Inspector with previous experience using a CMM, preferably using Inspect 3D software (preferred but not essential) to join a company based in Halstead, Essex.

The role will involve working in the company’s Machining Inspection department working the Monday to Friday late shift (3.00pm to 11.00pm).

Objectives of the job:

Assist the Quality Manager, Quality Department, Engineering Dept. and Departmental Supervisors in improving a high standard of quality/inspection requirements needed within the CNC Machining environment.

Main duties to include:

  • First off Dimensional and Visual inspection of Machined products.
  • Production running checks of the above-stated.
  • SPC and key characteristic dimensional and final visual inspection.
  • Roaming inspection of Machined components.
  • Full dimensional inspection of both cast and machined products for First Article Inspection Reports (F.A.I.R.s).
  • Liaise with departmental supervisors and PED/NPI regarding production loading to ensure that production requirements are met.
  • Assist with departmental administration when required (maintenance of job card criteria).

Skills and qualifications required:

  • Established history working within quality environments, particularly with previous CMM experience.
  • 3 years minimum experience is preferable when undertaking this role.

Essential skills needed:

  • To be able to read and understand a technical drawing.
  • Interpret CMM reports at a level where they can explain any required adjustments to Machinists.
  • Use basic measuring equipment, such as Verniers, micrometres and gauges.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Electronics Hardware Design Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Gillingham, Kent
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913361
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking an Electronics Hardware Design Engineer for a manufacturing company based in Gillingham, Kent.

You will be working within the company’s Electronics Engineering team, developing electronic designs to fulfil customer and legislative requirements within the challenging context of a high-volume, high quality and harsh manufacturing environment - with Electronic Control Unit products for use in the current portfolio and for future propulsion systems.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Develop new electronic designs for Electronic Control Units
  • Evaluate customer and internal requirements and identify gaps in current products
  • Prepare product designs to meet internal and customer requirements
  • Develop complete schematics, Bill of Materials and other technical documentation
  • Develop a worst-case analysis for each requirement
  • Create and maintain Electrical DFMEA
  • Apply BOD, BOP and defined engineering standards procedures and methodologies to execute project activities
  • Provide technical assistance to PCB ECAD teams
  • Release design documentation
  • Support Validation teams during the Design Validation and Process Validation phases
  • Support Test teams located in the Manufacturing Plants
  • Prepare reports, technical presentations and status for internal and customer use
  • Ensure reports and presentations include clear analysis and summaries for decision-making
  • Define, prioritise and execute tasks required to meet project objectives (cost, quality and timing)
  • Escalate risks and issues to core team members and management in a timely manner
  • Apply problem-solving in the execution of project activities
  • Maintain and update Bill of Design guidelines
  • Ensure that designs meet cost targets, manufacturability requirements and end-of-line recycling targets
  • Develop and maintain test equipment

Required skills/experience include:

  • Proven electronics design experience
  • Experience with Functional Safety ISO26262 and FMEDA
  • Experience with Electrical DFMEA
  • Experience with effective problem-solving methodologies
  • Experience in automotive electronics hardware development
  • Software tools: MS Office, ECAD programs (XPedition Enterprises preferred), Simulation tools
  • Fluent in English speaking and writing

Required qualifications:

  • University Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or suitable equivalent qualification and experience

This role offers excellent benefits including a generous relocation allowance.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more