Hire and Rental News - August 2019

Learning how to go from ‘Mate to Manager’ Hire industry members are taking advantage of a practical hands on training program that is helping team managers navigate the transition from mate to manager. T he mate2Manager program was developed by the HRIA’s preferred training provider Strategic Alignment Training (SAT) in response to an industry need repeatedly mentioned by members from large and small businesses who said: “It’s so hard to manage a team when I was once part of that same team.” Strategic Alignment Training Managing Director Aileen Hiskins said: “Stepping up to leadership for the first time can be a challenge especially when leading former peers. This program positions you to do it more effectively.” Aileen said the mate2Manager program will help participants to develop the skills to: • Teach not tell; • Have a difficult conversation; • Provide great feedback and address performance issues; • Set goals and build a high performing resilient team. “The mate2Manager program has eight modules that can be taken individually to match the need of the leader or as a complete program,” Aileen said. “Each module is four hours duration and comprises face-to-face workshops, practical hands on activities, as well as real life examples from leaders who have experienced the same scenario. “The first module, ‘’Managing your Mates’ looks at practical ways to set boundaries around friendships and make the mindset shift to step up to leadership. Real scenarios are discussed and there is opportunity for participants to share their personal experiences. This discussion helps to normalise their experience and then build tips to help them determine how they can maintain and grow relationships while separating themselves from their mates,” Aileen said. “Takeaways from this module include a tip sheet on making the transition from ‘I’ to ‘we’ and moving from one of the team to the person in charge and how to respond appropriately. “Module 2 of the program introduces the DiSC behavioural preference profile, a tool which identifies the blend of four styles of behaviour people naturally exhibit.” The DiSC profile uses individual self-assessment data to help participants understand themselves better and how to work more effectively in line with their DiSC style, preference and priorities which may be different to their own. “Learning your leadership style helps you understand yourself better and how we can move these behaviour preferences to lead the people in the team,” Aileen said. The mate2Manager program is designed for the hire industry but can be further tailored to individual companies if an in- house program is selected. The program has also been picked up and used effectively by members including Harry the hirer and South Coast Party Hire, while segments of the program have been successfully incorporated into the Women in Hire Program. Harry the hirer was the first to undertake the mate2Manager program in August 2018, onsite at its Brooklyn operation. Two Harrys groups participated with 12 in each group. “Harry the hirer” chose five modules and we ran them over four half days plus a refresher session to keep all the information fresh in the participants’ minds. The feedback from Harrys has been positive. They’ve mentioned they’re noticing their managers are managing things on the The first module, ‘Managing your Mates’ looks at practical ways to set boundaries around friendships Harry the hirer was the first to undertake the Mate to Manager program P12 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS AUGUST 2019 INDUSTRY IN FOCUS