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Jon Burgess
In a world dominated by short-termism, and transaction based relationships, Kwan’s business and its philosophy are a breath of fresh air. This reflects Jon Burgess’s belief that respect for all individuals and consideration of their needs is fundamental to sustainability. In short, "everyone matters"!
Who matters?…Dennis the East London Skin Head or Trevor O’Hoy Director of the Australia Cricket Board & Former CEO of Foster’s.
The first presentation slide, “Who matters?”, featured photos of Dennis and Trevor, which caused as much confusion as it did intrigue amongst the students attending the MBS two-day careers orientation held in Melbourne last week. Although the students were divided in deciding on who mattered, they were united in believing that someone must.
Jon believes that if our intent and approach towards people that come in and out of our life is genuine, much value will flow. Dennis crossed Jon’s path when Jon was 15 and living in the Projects of East London. On those tough streets, survival relied on who you knew (and could remember) and, paradoxically, good manners. “Twenty years later, the same approach, and similar lessons, came from then Top 20 Australian CEO, Trevor O’Hoy, who crossed Jon’s path and made a lasting impression and connection.
So “Who matters in a network?…everyone matters” says Jon Burgess.
Jon is regarded internationally as one of the most respected and innovative minds in the growing field of people networks. His view is that in relationships today, everyone does not matter.
Through Jon’s extensive research on people networks, one common theme has emerged. “We have been either encouraged or have witnessed behaviour that has led us to believe that the value of people networks is simply who, and how many people, you know”’ says Jon. He challenges this myth and believes that is important to consider, what, and how often, people think of you.
To highlight this point and restore some newfound confidence and perspective amongst the students, Jon cited an example during a similar presentation delivered to a forum of International Business Leaders. Each leader in their own right had a significant circle of Influence in their chosen field. One of the Leaders candidly and confidently believed that the true value of a network is based on the level of influence and reach to the right people and circles of influence.
Before Jon could respectfully respond, a fellow leader and colleague attending the same presentation challenged his view on networks saying “there’s no doubt that a high level of reach and circle of influence is important, but how often is your circle of influence thinking of you and calling you? The room was divided once again.
That leader said; “personally, I have a direct reporting line to two of Australia’s Most respected and prominent Business Leaders and upon reflection, and, to be honest, although I can call them, I can not honestly remember the last time they called me…”
“Why is this example relevant…”, asked Jon? “The values and value of your people network may never get’s truly tested, until there is conflict”
Jon ask the students to consider that during their MBS Course and throughout their personal life and career, there will be times that each student will have a need or an interest and need to reach out to people for their support.
According to Jon, students will need to make judgement call on the timing and the level of importance they place on networks. Keeping in mind that each year every person in your MBS and personal network will meet people you may never meet, hear things that you may never hear and see things that you may never see. “Those people, that information and those experiences could add significant value to you, your career and people of like minds you value – to your network,” says Jon.
Jon encouraged the students during and post program to consider a paradigm shift, not in their values but in the way they interact with people. For some of the students this level of time and reflection will be confronting and for others refreshing.
“During your time at the Melbourne Business School will have the opportunity and privilege to connect (think of others) or network (think of yourself) with some amazing people who have come from many different professional and cultural backgrounds and levels of influence”, says Jon . Jon encourages the following when you interact:
1. Time: Make genuine time to connect and think about people you value
2. Judgement: Reserve judgement at all times
3. Connect: Genuine intent to understand the persons Values and Value
4. Collaborate: Connect with people of like minds who think about others
5. Calibrate: Value every interaction
“When people truly connect with others they grow and prosper. Jon Burgess helped me understand the benefits and today I think about relationships differently.”
For more information please call:
Jon Burgess
Kwan Pty Ltd,
M: 0411 662 622 E: jon@kwan.com.au W: www.kwan.com.au
For download version of article, please clickhere.
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Finance Jobs
Please find below some of the latest jobs published in Growinfinance.com. To apply for the jobs youwww.growinfinance.com just need to register as a candidate on www.growinfinance.com, there they will find more jobs in US, Europe, Asia and Australia. |
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