16 February 2012

PM Lends Expertise to New Business Awards

The Prime Minister, the Right Honourable John Key will join a panel of business leaders including Air New Zealand CEO, Rob Fyfe in judging an exciting new awards programme launched this week, the Grafton Art of Change Awards.The awards will recognise those in business who have inspired and succeeded through change.

“We are thrilled to have both the Prime Minister and Rob Fyfe share their considerable business skills and expertise with us in judging the inaugural Grafton Art of Change Awards. The awards will shine the spotlight on individuals, teams and organisations who have successfully navigated, their way through change. Change is a part of daily life whether we like it or not. Business-wise this could range from an organisation that has: refocused its business to meet the changing needs of their customers; or driven a significant cultural change; and or created a new market for a product/service etc. We think it’s important for New Zealanders to know the stories and celebrate the successes of the individuals, teams and organisations.

“For too long change has been a dirty word, something we don’t talk about. Things don’t always go according to plan in our businesses and in the community. We’re often faced with challenges we need to overcome and as Kiwis we’re pretty good at doing it tough and doing it well. We’re taking change out of the shadows, putting the stories of triumph on display for all to learn from and celebrate in,” says Ken Brophy, Managing Partner - Grafton.

Organisations, teams and individuals can nominate themselves for the awards or can be nominated by others. The awards will recognise masters of change in three categories: Managing change in an organisation; Leading through change and a ‘Special’ change award. Entries close on 2 March 2012 and can be made online at www.grafton.co.nz/awards

Managing change in an organisation will recognise a whole organisation or significant team within a business that has undergone a major organisational change e.g. effectively redesigned the business to meet future business challenges; undergone a major culture change; rolled out a successful business system change; reinvented how they provide value and service to customers or created a new market for their product/service etc.

Leading through change will recognise a leadership team - not necessarily the executive team - or an individual leader within an organisation who has successfully led a significant change, either in their own area or throughout the business.

A special award will also be presented to an individual or team who has done something extraordinary involving change.

Entrants will undergo a rigorous selection process with finalists and winners in each category announced at an awards evening to be held on Thursday 10th May at the Stamford Plaza Hotel in Auckland.

Entries can be made online at www.grafton.co.nz/awards

Background Grafton

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Auckland, Grafton is New Zealand’s leading business consultancy specialising in strategy development and execution, organisation design and development, change and career management and leadership development. Led by Ken Brophy and chaired by business leader, Andrew Nugent, Grafton has a team of highly-regarded professionals whose expertise is sought after by a range of businesses throughout the country including large corporates, multi-faceted state organisations and SMEs.

Grafton’s Services include:
• Organisation Strategy and Design
• Research & Assessment
• Culture, Vision & Values Development
• Coaching
• Leadership Development
• Career Transition and Management
• Leading Change
• Grafton Assist – in-sourced and out-sourced HR Services.

ENDS

BUDGET 2012:
Parliament Debate Live - Video Of Budget 2011
Keith Ng Interactive Graphic: How the Budget Breaks Down
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