Wisdom in a KeteInspirational insights for our future leaders

Published by Priority One, 2013www.priorityone.co.nz© Priority OneAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior permission of the publisher in writing.ISBN 978-0-473-24251-0 (paperback)ISBN 978-0-473-24252-7 (pdf)Printed by Kale Print, Tauranga Layout Design & Compilation by Tuskany Agency, Tauranga

Celebrating 10 years in the Western Bay of Plenty

What if our region’s leaders were to share key insights to inspire and better prepare our future leaders as they step out into the workforce?

Now wouldn’t that be something …

INDUSTRY & SCHOOLS TRAINING & ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

A vision that has set the course for 10 years of inspiring leadership.

Ten years ago Priority One’s Chief Executive highlighted at a public discussion “a widely acknowledged belief that the school system was considerably challenged in providing relevant career training for students.” He was subsequently challenged by the principal of one of the largest secondary schools in the sub-region, to work with principals to find ways to improve the situation.

That challenge led to Priority One and the principals of a number of local secondary schools developing an initiative called “Employment Focused Education.” The project established a unique partnership between a number of groups in the sub-region with an emphasis on skill achievement to provide more precise linkages between actual skill needs and vocational pathways.

Funding was secured from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise for a two year pilot project that was ultimately branded INSTEP – Industry & Schools Training & Enterprise Partnership.

Harnessing the energy and expertise from local businesses to inspire students to make informed career choices.

Our goal is to see school communities fully understand future skill needs relevant to the sub-region’s economic growth and prosperity, and to have a business community that is confident that secondary schools are preparing students with the skills they need now and into the future.

In celebrating our first 10 years, we would like to acknowledge the strong and credible relationships we enjoy with the business community and sector representatives that have provided the flexibility to ensure the Instep programme is responsive to the rapidly changing needs of our key sectors. Our sincere thanks also goes to the secondary schools that believe in Instep’s mission and provide funding for the programme, drawn from very tight operating budgets, and the charitable trusts who have shown their confidence in this programme with continued financial support; in particular Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust, Bay of Plenty Education Trust, Bay Trust and the Lion Foundation.

This commemorative book captures the wisdom of our sub-region’s current leaders to inspire our future leaders.

Andrew Coker | Chief ExecutivePriority One

“For the local economy to grow, local industry requires a workforce that is motivated, innovative and has the right attitude and skills.”

Instep Programme

“Career choices following school are among the most significant decisions a person can make.

Read a lot and seek out older people you admire, maybe not even people you know personally, and ask them for their advice.

Then when you have all the research and advice you can get, sit down and think it all through. What sounds right to you? What does your gut tell you? Also assess whether you are doing the right things today to get you where you want to go tomorrow. It is much harder to become a doctor if, instead of taking science subjects at school your real interests are drama and art.

What you enjoy and what you are naturally drawn to should help you with your decision.

Lastly, once you’ve taken advice, listen to your gut and think about what is right for you. Don’t be tricked into following the crowd. Crowds are often wrong and often settle for second best, especially for other people.

Once you’ve counted the cost, step out with confidence in yourself and in the goal you have set for yourself.”

Hon Simon BridgesMember of Parliament for Tauranga

“Every experience you have - good and bad - will help you in life. Don’t sweat your mistakes, just learn from them.”

Mayor Stuart CrosbyTauranga

VISION

ARY

“Set realistic goals, write them down and set out on your journey to achieve them. Return every so often to those written down goals to see how well you are going.

Listen to the advice of others and do not be afraid to ask questions. If there is someone you admire seek their guidance – having a mentor is helpful to remind you of your goals and keep your focus.

Stay aware of your community and the way it is run so that you too can contribute and have a voice in making it a better place.

Never pass up an opportunity to learn and expand your skills.

Listen to your heart, let your mind be a sponge and keep a sense of humour.”

Mayor Ross PatersonWestern Bay of Plenty

“You are about to enter a workplace full of exciting opportunities for those with courage and commitment.

You will not succeed in everything you try, but you will find that your failures are an opportunity to start again from a wiser base.

Don’t be afraid to stretch yourself. It’s only by pulling yourself up to the top of the wall that you will see the wider view beyond.”

Michael CooneyTauranga Energy Consumer Trust

“Learn humbly from those around you first, then take great leaps of faith, back yourself and go hard to make a difference.”

Jonny Gritt | General Manager Grants & FundingLion Foundation

“There is a whole world brimming with opportunities out there. So how to begin the workforce journey towards that bright future that awaits?

Start by considering the things you actually enjoy doing and then research the career options that exist in that same area. You’re far more likely to be successful at something if you enjoy doing it.

As Jackson Brown, Jr once said: “Find a job you like and you add five days to every week.”

Peter Wood Bay Education Trust

“Day by day, minute by minute, choice by choice, you are creating your own future – go for it!”

Bruce W Cronin | Trust ManagerBay Trust

“Follow your passion and always keep an open mind to all the possibilities and opportunities that present themselves to you.”

Principals’ Representative

“What you think is important today will change. Today your priorities might be about fitting in and connecting with your friends - but know the rest of your life is coming … getting a car, finding a job that you really enjoy, getting married, buying a house, paying off the mortgage, having kids, supporting your parents. Do what you want today but don’t mortgage your future with bad decisions.

Most young people don’t know what they want to do for their career. If that’s you, that’s okay, try to do well at school; preserve your options for the future so that you can seize your dream when it appears on the horizon.

One of the most powerful things you will ever do is choose the environment you are in; be that a school, an industry, a business, a sport, a gang or a social group. There is great power in being conscious of the choices you are making.”

Lain Jager | Chief Executive OfficerZESPRI International Limited

”Throughout your working life you will have numerous opportunities to work as part of a team. Your strengths will be valued by team members and may serve to offset others’ weaknesses, remember that the reverse will be true as well.

Work to recognise and understand not only your strengths, but also your weaknesses and never criticise anyone for their weaknesses - they may well have those offsetting strengths you and the team seek to achieve success.

Also remember that to achieve success, you have to risk failing - Winston Churchill had some wise words in that regard: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Andrew Coker | Chief ExecutivePriority One

“Choose a career that values your strengths, skills and interests.

Follow your passion and if you can’t do what you love, love what you do or change what you do.

Be more interested in other people than yourself. Interesting people are interested people.

Ask for help. Other people will help you, all you need to do is ask the right ones.

Learn how to be lucky. Lucky people are skilled at creating and noticing chance opportunities, make lucky decisions by listening to their intuition, create self-fulfilling prophesies via positive expectations, and adopt a resilient attitude that transforms bad luck into good.

Remember that success is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the journey.”

Michelle Malcolm BBS, CA | Principal - Business AdvisoryWHK

“Look at all your options.

Dream and set yourself some big goals.

Do what you are good at and what you enjoy.

Work hard and aim to be the best at what you do.

Respect the talents of others; work with them to succeed.

And never stop learning, as the world always keeps changing.”

Ian Macrae | Managing DirectorPage & Macrae Limited

VISION

ARY

“Do what you have a passion for. You’re going to be doing it for a long time. How do you know what you have a passion for? Do your very best at school and then get out into the world.

Start with any job to save money to travel overseas. Travel will open your eyes to opportunities you could never dream up sitting at home. Experience life and grow your maturity, then your passion will come to you.

Take your passion to Polytechnic or Uni to develop skills to make your passion something you can work with for the rest of your life.”

Mike Chapman | Chief ExecutiveNZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated

“Our teachers were Dreamweavers,

They turned us into Dreamcatchers,

Now we are living our dreams.”

Tommy Wilson | Creative Storyteller

“Look at the leaders around you; in your community, whanau and government - you’ll see they all share the desire to be the best they can and they take every opportunity to achieve that goal.

You don’t have to be a high achieving academic to succeed. You just need to get your foot on the first rung of the ladder and add the strong determination to work hard. Whatever rung of the ladder you start on, work to the one above.

You’ll quickly learn that success is not a sudden leap, but a series of steps. Not a race, but a journey.

Whatever you think might be holding you back, use that as a motivation, not a block to success. Be true to yourself and your values and work hard.”

John Cronin | ChairmanBay of Plenty Regional Council

“We should constantly challenge our own perception of our capabilities and have faith that we will acquire the strength of the fear that we have had to overcome.”

Mabel Wharekawa-Burt MNZM JP | Actor & Broadcaster

“Success, in any realm, comes from a mixture of hard-work and talent. Those that really make it are often the hardest workers not necessarily the most talented.”

Anna Mountford | Designer Wallis

“If you are struggling to decide what road to travel with your career choice, just remember that no matter what road you chose the hardest step is over and your journey has begun, from there your attitude will determine the direction and how far you go.”

Mike Farmer | Dealer PrincipalFarmer Auto Village

“There’s nothing an employer values more in a new member of the workforce than a great attitude. Sure, superb academic achievement or high skill proficiency are very important. But if you don’t go into your first job with an intense desire to learn, to soak up information from colleagues and put in extra all round effort, there’s every chance your first employer will be underwhelmed with your performance.

American author Stephen Covey once wrote “If I really want to improve my situation, I can work on the one thing over which I have control - myself.”

Or as another anonymous writer was once quoted “There’s little difference in people but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude and the big difference is the positive or negative.”

Graeme Marshall | Commercial ManagerPort of Tauranga

“Do what you like and like what you do.

Strive to continue learning and to encourage others to share your passion for knowledge in your chosen field. In that way you will inspire those around you to achieve more and you will feel content that you have made a difference.”

James Graham | Managing Director Multifid Technology

“Whenever choosing who you want to work for, look at the firm’s values, how they treat their people, communities and our planet. You need to feel your work is meaningful and be proud to work there!”

Jenny Milson | Regional Manager - Bay of Plenty / WaikatoSustainable Business Network

“Attitude – it is all about attitude.

You will have lots to learn and things may appear overwhelming at times, but that’s part of the fun! Learning and then achieving once you master it.

A 'can-do' attitude will get you everywhere.”

Terri Gregory | Branch ManagerSBS Bank, Tauranga

VISION

ARY

“Keep active, stay positive, give 100% to every job or task you undertake (even the stink ones!), and exciting opportunities will emerge.”

Angela Wallace | Exectutive OfficerExport NZ Bay Of Plenty

“Be a pioneer. Be a leader. Be strong and courageous in the face of adversity. Work your guts out to make your ideas happen.Make the world a better place.”

Rory Birkbeck | IT Entrepreneur

“Do what you love. Love what you do”

Reuben Woods | Creative DirectorWoods Creative

“You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred.

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away man’s initiative and independence.

You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.” - Abraham Lincoln

Steve Saunders | Managing DirectorPlusGroup Horticulture Limited

“An unceasing eagerness to learn and to build relationships with others will provide a strong foundation on which to accumulate qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience for a successful career.”

Dr Alan Seal | Kiwifruit ResearcherPlant & Food Research

“In a small-to-medium business such as Candles of New Zealand you need to be a chameleon – able to adapt to whatever the day and the business might throw at you.

As well as the need for entrepreneurial and managerial skills, you’ll require proficiencies in sales, customer service, innovation, marketing and the ability to be a team player.

You need to have the aptitude to relate to a wide range of people, from prospective and current clients, to suppliers and staff members, and treat them all with respectfulness.

From an owner’s point of view, it is essential for our employees to have the core values of life; respect, trust and loyalty and the desire and will to work hard. Without these, you’ll never get far in business today.”

Nicola Farrant | Co-Founder / Owner / DirectorCandles of New Zealand

“Care for your thoughts as thoughts become words.Words become actions. Actions become your character. Your character becomes your destiny.”

Rhys Arrowsmith | General ManagerTourism Bay of Plenty

“A common fallacy about careers is that students entering the workforce after tertiary training or education will start their first ‘real’ job and will rise vertically up through that organisation through a seamless series of promotions. But, few people actually experience this career profile for a range of reasons. So, my advice is to anticipate that your career will be a long journey, with lots of different experiences – some good, some bad.

The key is to learn from every experience and use that knowledge to understand yourself and your aspirations better – because it’s likely that what you want from a career will change over time.

Also you will probably have many employers, and if you want good ones, to sell yourself to them, you must always view yourself, your CV, and your interview technique from their perspective, not your own. Clearly show what value you bring to their business.”

Max Mason | Chief ExecutiveTauranga Chamber of Commerce

“The challenge of our working life is to maintain that passion and optimism we have on the first day of our first job.

I believe that if we take the opportunities presented by those we trust, approach our work and challenges positively and are open and sharing with our learning and knowledge then we gain the respect and support of those we work with. The next 30 years just flies by!”

Vince Hawksworth | Chief ExecutiveTrustPower

“Be prepared to work hard and give 110% with a positive and grateful attitude. Always have a 'can-do' attitude, and be willing to learn.

Look at every work position you have, whether it be cleaning toilets or attending business meetings, and choose to do your best work possible.”

Rebecca Anderson | Lead Designer & Managing DirectorChaos & Harmony

VISION

ARY

“Most of the successful people don’t know what they want to be when they grow up, even at 50! So keep an open mind and you will be amazed where it can take you.”

Jodie Tipping | Managing DirectorCucumber

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” - Steve Jobs

Tracey Rudduck-Gudsell | Chief ExecutiveCreative Tauranga Charitable Trust

“Puraho maku, kei ngaure o mahi. To catch fish you must place your basket in the water. This is an analogy for giving things a go, being proactive and not passive; as success and reward come from hard work.

Whaia te matauranga hei oranga mo koutou. Seek after learning for the sake of your well-being.

He maurea kai whiria! Ignore small matters and direct effort toward important projects.”

Antoine Coffin | Principal / Cultural AdvisorBoffa Miskell

“As you enter that new phase of your life, as an employee, you will be faced with numerous challenges, one of which might be a lack of challenge.

Never expect that anything is one-sided, or that you aren’t in the driving seat.

Work is just like anything else, the more you put in, the more you get out.

Talk to people, learn the industry, question why things work, and understand how you are adding value. And then improve on that.

Be yourself, remain in your own driving seat. Add your personality to the workplace, but listen to and observe others, and be aware of how others treat and react to you.

This is the start of an exciting journey, the start of new possibility and opportunity. Direct your positive energies to seeking the opportunities and exploring the possibilities. It’s a big world out there, stand tall, participate and enjoy your contribution.”

Jen Scoular | Chief Executive OfficerNew Zealand Avocado

“There are 'glamour' careers and others that promise high dollars from day one. Then there are those the majority of people do.

Work takes up a third of our lives so we need to consider the satisfaction we gain from it.

While glamorous jobs look great from the outside, most aren’t so different from any other after the honeymoon period and highly paid jobs involve huge commitments in time, constant travel, pressure and stress.

The vast majority of careers don’t offer glamour or huge incomes. However they provide the stability that allows you to enjoy the rest of your life and they can deliver immense satisfaction over a long period of time if you put the effort in.

When you look for a career, look past the glamour and perks and find the reality behind.”

Jim McEwen | Research & Development ManagerTrimax Mowing Systems

“The employment market is challenging – but you have a choice how you view this. If it’s not going your way and you can’t control it then change your attitude. Successful people in the workforce are positive, flexible and resilient.

Many adults are still unsure of their career paths and career decisions, so don’t sweat it if you don’t know either. Be informed and do your research, have the courage to take risks and follow your intuition.

Whatever you choose, be happy, kia kaha, give it your best and keep learning – you can make it enjoyable and rewarding.”

Sarah Strong | Clinical School MangerBOP Clinical School, Bay of Plenty District Health Board

“You have not seen anything yet, your journey is only just beginning and believe me this is the most exciting journey of them all.

There are absolutely no barriers to what happens from this point on except your own imagination to what it is you want. I ask you, how badly do you want it?

From this day on, stand proud, believe in yourself and start the process by doing one thing well, sell yourself.

You may be the product an employer needs but how well prepared are you, how well educated are you, and how are you going to sell yourself as the preferred candidate for the position?

Your secondary schooling has started the grooming process, and so have your parents. Now the rest is entirely in your hands; deal to it, further your education, write an outstanding CV, and sell the best product you have - yourself.”

Alex Reid | Regional ManagerHiggins Contractors

“Whaea e koe te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe me he maunga teitei, me te aro ki te tuohu koe... Reach for the star that clothes the heaven, if you must bow let it be to the loftiest mountain…”

Kimi Katene | Business Development ManagerTauranga Moana Business Network

“One of the smallest words in the English language has the ability, when used, to unleash our full potential, take us to places we never dreamed possible, create experiences that inspire and connect us to people we would otherwise never meet or pass by.

'Yes.' Use this word as much as you can, especially when you are faced with your biggest challenges!! Yes is a small word and when used opens up a world of possibilities, be positive and use it often.”

Steve Ellingford | Bayfair Centre ManagerAMP Capital Shopping Centres

“It’s been well documented that there is a growing sense of entitlement among young people today, so buck the trend and immerse yourself in your new role and culture of the company, no matter what the job.

Get on board and be full of enthusiasm, and do your best to get on with other people.

No task is beneath you so be willing to invest time in learning all aspects of the job.

Take responsibility for your job, and pitch in without being asked when someone else needs help or a task needs doing. Even if it’s not in your ‘job description’, see it as a way to challenge yourself to master new skills. No matter how basic the task, you should take pride in what you do as every job can teach you something and a positive attitude will go a long way!”

Ruby Grant | Sales and Marketing ManagerHeilala Vanilla

VISION

ARY

“The ABC of Career Success:

Attitude is everything. Be positive - about your job, your prospects and your colleagues. Always go the extra mile - your boss and colleagues will notice.

Build on your past skills and experience in each successive job. Decide where you want to be and fill your skill gaps until you can get there. This is the best way to climb the career ladder.

Communication is king. Always be polite and respectful and be careful with your words. Ask for help if you need it - it’s better to do it well with assistance than to do it badly. With good communication you can sort any issue and leave a lasting positive impression.”

Jane Nees | CouncillorBay of Plenty Regional Council

“Understand the opportunity that you have before you to shape your career.

Talk to others in your company to understand what it does and where you might like to go. A good employer will want to play to your strengths and help you develop them so be sure that you both know what those strengths are.

Talk to your manager as you go along to make sure that you are on track – there is likely to be some fine tuning along the way and be sure to offer some feedback the other way too. We are all still learning.

Your education is just the canvas and paints – what you create is mostly up to you!”

Gavin Frost | Regional ManagerBeca

“Attitude is hugely important to any employer. You must of course have the appropriate skills and qualifications relevant to the particular career you choose. Beyond that it all comes down to attitude. This is reflected in all aspects of your behaviour. It includes (but is not limited to): your willingness to go the extra mile; the respect you show for others (including your employer); how you present yourself; your punctuality; your wish to do a good job; and your determination to always do well.

It is always helpful when applying for any position, whether when you are leaving school or at a later stage of your career, to put yourself in the position of the employer.

Decide what qualities you would want from the applicant, and make sure that you show to the employer that you have these same qualities. You will find that you would want someone with the right attitude; and, in turn, you must show your prospective employer that you yourself have this.”

Bill Holland | PartnerHolland Beckett Lawyers

“The harder I have seen people work, the more their leadership skills have developed, the more successful they have become. There is not much any of us cannot learn and do with continued perseverance.”

Dean Waddell | Owner / OperatorBrookfield New World

“The one piece of advice that I would impart on a student before they enter the workforce is to have a great attitude. As long as you have the capacity to learn, then the right attitude will take you a long way in your career. You can always train someone in technical skills, you can’t always train attitude.

When we look to employ staff, top of the check list of desirable attributes is attitude. Whilst diversity of personalities is healthy in an organisation, alignment of attitudes and ethos contributes to an engaged culture, leading to greater productivity and job satisfaction.”

Mark Robinson | DirectorStaples Rodway Tauranga Limited

“Focus, perseverance, humility and the ability to finish, no matter what, are the skills that I have tried to hone in myself and prize in others.

These attributes, coupled with the interest and willingness to learn will enable you to overcome even the most stubborn obstacles and put you on a pathway to achieving your potential.”

Timothy Allan | Managing Director Locus Research

“Vision is a dream that is shared with passion, some will believe - others would rubbish the notion.

Forget the knockers and be spurred on by the encouragers, until innovation becomes invention. Remembering that it may not be new, but by changing the lens you will help others see the value in what you have discovered.

The simple can be made marvellous, empowering others to understand your dream, to the place where they want to be a part.

So, a 'dream' followed with a passion, leads to 'innovation' and then 'invention' to 'industry.' Then you have a business. Never lose the dream. Keep sharing. Keep innovating. Keep inventing.”

Paul Beckett | Inventor / CEOBlokart International

For our region to prosper we need a workforce that is motivated, innovative and has the right attitude and skills. We hope this book has inspired you. Now - come join us!

Western Bay of Plenty Industry & Schools Training & Enterprise PartnershipPO Box 13057, Level 2, 29 Grey Street, TAURANGA

Phone: 07 571 1401 Fax: 07 571 1402 Email: info@priorityone.co.nz

www.priorityone.co.nz