I was delighted to be interviewed recently by Avil Beckford as part of her Invisible Mentor Series.

To read the full text of the interview visit:

http://www.ambeck.com/RodgerHardingInterview.pdf

The negative inference of the word judgemental seems to have widened in our corporate culture. If judgemental means unwarranted condemnation of others I have no problem.  Because I consider myself quite a tolerant guy, I am surprised when some of my decisions are considered judgemental. As a believer in fairness, balance and not wanting to be someone who looks down on others, I have given the matter considerable thought.  

Try as I may, I cannot avoid the basic presumption that making a judgement call is a very natural and necessary human function. People make choices all the time. They either like something or they don’t! I always look to nature for answers when I am perplexed: A dog or other animal almost always avoids what it believes to be tainted food. This is good judgment – I will reject this food as bad for me. Surely this is what people do? Yet in the corporate world, it seems we are not allowed to reject, at least openly, what we do not like. In the so-called spirit of collaboration, much appears to be accepted just because it would not be good to be seen to reject someone, an idea or the choices made by others.   No-one has a problem when positive judgements are made, yet when fault is openly found with people, service, choices etc. this is perceived as negative. This seems a touch hypocritical – Surely we are obliged to assess people and situations in the context of our own requirement? Our search for the right fit with others in business automatically dictates a positive or negative judgement? Are we supposed to keep all negative judgements to ourselves? The concealment of how we really feel has become a sought after skill. Think of the countless euphemisms we hear and use everyday. “I’ll take a rain check” means “get lost…you are not my kind of person” while “you are over qualified” means I’d rather jump over the moon than hire you”. More...

Dear Clients & Friends, 

Since I first started the operation of Harding International & Associates Inc., I have often been asked why I don’t consider trimming, rather than growing, the array of services on offer to better develop a more distinctive brand. Ten years on I am glad I trusted my instincts. The changing requirements of clients have dictated the expansion of our services. Looking back, I have also noticed that client program hiring patterns closely match the sequential business progression of any organizational operation: 

• Corporate Intelligence Awareness investigates economic, industry, competitor and product realities to ensure effective Competitive/Strategic Planning
• Leadership Enhancement explores the ability, creativity and willingness to meet market demands and drive innovation
• Collaborative Management, Negotiation, Team-Building, Conflict Management, Problem-Solving and Effective Communication support organizational leadership by securing full/effective employee contribution
• Risk, Change, Performance & Project Management initiatives ensure sustainable viability in time of crisis/innovation/chaos
• Presentation, Etiquette & Business Writing/Report Writing, facilitate internal external communication excellence as well as the important representational factor of every member of the organization
• Mentoring/Coaching & Career Development/Transition modules assist individuals/teams in all aspects fully investing their innate/learned ability  

Underpinning all my program development and delivery is the unshakeable belief that organizations and individuals should strive to deploy their unique ability and experience to meet their own aspirations. I am persuaded that it is this single factor that decides whether or not I establish the all important client/vendor fit. In a good client relationship, I find I not only enjoyably utilize all my ability, but continue to evolve on both professional and personal levels.  

The sustainability of service and surviving the vicissitudes of running a boutiquish operation would not be possible without those of you who request our services, ask for proposals, share information, send articles, meet for a chat and, most importantly, who have given so generously of yourselves over the years.  Although we might not always meet frequently my gratitude for your support, insight, collegiality and friendship is ongoing. You allow me to find unbelievable fulfillment in what I do!  

My very best wishes for a happy, safe & prosperous 2008! I look forward to renewed contact throughout the year! 

Warm regards, 

Rodger   

Dear Clients & Friends,

Harding International & Associates Inc. opened its doors ten years ago. Exhilarated by my role in launching and directing the challenging initiative that enabled government officials to present the New South Africa to the world, I was inspired to open a consultancy that would utilize my legal and diplomatic background to successfully assist in the difficult task of fully marrying individual/team talent and expertise to greater organizational objectives/goals. A decade and several thousand consultations, seminars and speaking engagements later, I am strengthened in my vision that this may be accomplished to great advantage by accommodating people who want to be what they are rather than what others expect them to be.

Interestingly my original mission statement holds true to this day. I was not interested in growing a vast company with teams of people that needed to be managed, but rather in providing clients with a hands-on, customized and personal service that ensures residual value. This approach has attracted a diverse, yet like-minded core client base. New clients are as a result of referrals or when individuals move on to different organizations. I am deeply grateful for this, as selling is perhaps the most time consuming and challenging aspect of the job. More...