April Newsletter
Published on 3rd May 2011
In this month's newsletter we provide crucial advice on mobile security, tips for businesswomen who want to give the right message and a nugget of business wisdom courtesy of Howard Hughes.
How to Secure Laptops and Tablets
With increased use of Laptops, and the resurgence of the Tablet PC, using mobile devices to work on the road is now part of most office workers' lives. However, whilst this can be liberating, these devices are now targets for opportunistic thieves.
If your laptop is stolen, you don't just lose a device, but also you may cause a security breach for your business. On top of this, you'll spend a considerable amount of time trying to recover the device and all the work carried on it. So, if you use a laptop or tablet, we recommend taking as many of these security precautions as possible.
- Carry Your Laptop (Wherever Possible)
- Avoid Using Computer Bags
- Always Password Protect Your PC
- Encrypt Stored Data
- Never Leave Passwords With Your Device
- Keep Your Laptop in Sight
- Invest in Device Security
You can try all these things, and still lose out. If this happens to you, we recommend these steps:
* Change your network password to help secure access to corporate servers
* Report the theft to local authorities (police, etc.)
* Report the theft to your IT department or IT supplier
* If customer data is on the laptop, contact your administration department so they can take the appropriate action
* Change passwords as quickly as possible on all business-critical or personal online accounts which store private data, sensitive information and bank details
We hope it never happens, but with a little preparation, you'll be very relieved you took precautions.
Body Language Tips for Businesswomen...
There are two body language cues that followers look for in leaders: warmth and authority. Generally, women 'win' in warmth and empathy, but lose out when it comes to power and authority.
Body language is a critical part of the way you communicate. If a businesswoman wants to send a powerful, credible, and confident leadership message, she needs to be aware of her non-verbal signals. Here are nine subconscious mistakes women leaders can make:
- Too many head tilts: head tilting is a signal that someone is listening and is a mainly feminine gesture. Though empathetic, these can be subconsciously processed as submission signals. To project power and authority, keep your head in a more neutral position and tilt occasionally
- They have less physical presence: women can tend to pull in their bodies and minimise their size, whereas high status males expand to take up more room. When in a meeting, spread out your belongings, sit or stand tall, and claim your place at the top table
- Excessive smiling: smiling is best used occasionally. Excessive or inappropriate smiling can confuse and reduce credibility
- Too much nodding: Nod only to endorse opinions. Avoid nodding when listening to, or empathizing with a speaker as this sends the wrong signals
- Too much voice intonation: A woman’s voice often rises at the end of a sentence as if asking a question or seeking approval. When giving an opinion, be authoritative: let your voice start on one note, rise in pitch through the sentence and drop at the end
- Passivity in negotiations: When getting to the business end of a discussion, men can take over and interrupt to make their opinion count. Don't be polite: interrupt and be heard
- Too much emotion: animated gestures and voice tone adds passion, but only when used carefully. Keep calm and contained to gain greater credibility and impact
- Weak handshakes: don't let physical submission place you at a disadvantage, make your “professional shake” firm and confident. Ensure eye contact is combined with palm-to-palm touch
- They flirt with others: this only achieves the wrong kind of attention and marginalises. A recent Berkeley sales study showed that flirts are offered, on average, 20 percent less
The next time you find yourself in a business environment, try to spot if you're making any of these mistakes. Heed these suggestions and use your body language to give you the edge as your career develops.
"If You Give Something For Nothing... " - Howard Hughes
In it's early years, Hughes Aircraft was a very small company. At Christmas, Howard gave all employees a turkey as an appreciation gift for a job well done. All 150 employees received a turkey and everybody was grateful to receive this surprise gift.
The following year, leading up to Christmas, people began to ask if they were going to get a turkey again. The company had grown substantially, and the number this time was 1,500 'free' turkeys, but Hughes said: “Sure, Why not? Let’s give turkeys again this year.”
The third year, it was not even up for debate: if you work for Hughes Aircraft, you get a turkey at Christmas. By the fourth year, Hughes Aircraft had grown to several thousand people and the 'turkey' gift was not only expensive, but a logistical nightmare. The situation worsened when the union got involved and accused management of giving bigger turkeys to 'favourites'. What had started off as a well-intended festive gesture had become an unvalued perk.
Nevertheless, negotiation was concluded with the union, and it was agreed that all 10,000 employees could choose a ham or a turkey at Christmas time.
The following year, management were so fed up with the way in which their generosity had been distorted that they calculated the cost of a turkey or ham and included this amount in the employees’ paychecks. Employees were no longer unhappy, but there was no evidence that their larger paycheck made them feel any better.
It was believed that Hughes said: "If you give somebody something for nothing, you make them good for nothing.” And, based on this story, you can understand exactly where he was coming from.