Sharp inspiration for Bay business leaders
Gavin Sharples giveS business lessons through laughs.
HE has been called many things – a maverick, outspoken, intense and crazy – but conference speaker Gavin Sharples’ unconventional technique using humour to inspire change in companies made waves last Saturday night.
Addressing guests at the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ZCCI) Business Excellence Awards, Sharples had the crowd in stitches with jokes, pranks and even a few ‘shock treatments’, surprising individuals by suddenly interacting with them.
Then he told of how he once went on stage at a glamorous event in Johannesburg wearing no pants with his suit and tie to stand out from several other speakers.
‘They remembered me after that stunt,’ said Sharples.
‘Because different is what sells. If there is no difference between you and your competitor down the road, they will go there. Your competitor will eat your lunch.
‘Do things different now, not later.’
Pros are positive
Sharples also highlighted that attitude in the workplace is visibly contagious.
‘If I walk into a company and see miserable staff, I know there’s a miserable manager in his or her office nearby.
‘If you want happy staff, be a happy manager.
‘Research has shown that by being happy, you will work harder and get good results.
‘Start your morning in a positive way and listen to music on your way to work that puts you in a positive state of mind.
‘End your day with a gratitude record. Each night before you switch your light off, write down in a journal three things to be grateful for from that day.
‘Do this for 21 days and I promise you your attitude would have changed.’
He further highlighted that there are only two reasons for any professional to be late.
‘One is an ‘act of God’, for instance if you were involved in a car accident.
‘The other is because you chose to be late.
‘And when you are late for a meeting with a customer, you are telling them where you were was more important than them.
‘Actions speak louder than words. And the time has come for us to take action.’
