- Sutton Consulting and Mellado Consulting merge
to form S2 Thinking Partners - Sherry Sutton has coaching article published in Observer
- S2 Thinking Partners launches new website
- Sherry Sutton joins the Institute for Independent Business (IIB)
Sutton Consulting and Mellado Consulting merge
to form S2 Thinking Partners
S2 Thinking Partners represents a value-added consultancy service, which comes as a result of a merger between Sutton Consulting, based in Matthews, North Carolina, and Mellado Consulting, based in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Managing Partners, Sherry Sutton and Richard Mellado have a collective wealth of experience gained in their respective consultancies, as well as management careers in major corporations.
Sherry Sutton said, “S2 Thinking Partners came about because we saw an opportunity to turn all our own experiences and business successes into a company that would bring help to executives and businesses seeking growth and development. Unlike many consultants, we are veterans that have been in the trenches in the same situations faced by our prospective clients, so we can bring a unique perspective and partnership.”
Sherry Sutton has coaching article published in Observer
The following article on coaching, featuring advice to a reader by S2 Thinking Partners Managing Partner, Sherry Sutton, was published in the Charlotte Observer during October:
Take 8 seconds a day for team members
Q. I was promoted to management about a year ago. My boss gave me feedback that she is pleased with my accomplishments. For 2006, she identified one of my development goals as "improve relationships with team and peers." Frankly I don't have the time for warm-fuzzy stuff, and I'm a good enough "people person" anyway. Even if I succeed, is this really going to get me anywhere?
First, congratulations on your promotion. Second, your boss is wise to ask you to work on relationship-building and sees a need for this development. Third, get over yourself.
Roger Pearman, author of "Hardwired Leadership," says there are 67 leader competencies and 19 behavior clusters linked to career derailment. Most relate to the way we manage relationships.
You can practice a higher level of leadership. Sounds as though you have been a pretty good boss, but keep in mind a quote from one leadership expert:
- A boss creates fear, a leader confidence.
- A boss fixes blame, a leader corrects mistakes.
- A boss knows all, a leader asks questions.
- A boss makes work drudgery, a leader makes it interesting.
- A boss is interested in himself or herself, a leader is interested in the group.
The group, your group, is your team. Some are friends, all were peers. What may seem like a problem is actually an opportunity. You have a group of people who know you. They have not changed, you have. You have been asked to build relationships with your team.
A long time from now, what will your team remember about you? The answer: How you made them feel. Be open. Show genuine interest in them, and they can remember you as the person who developed them and supported the team for success.
I help clients build successful relationships through use of Pearman's micro-interactions. He describes each interaction as having one of two possible outcomes: You are either inviting or indifferent. After a period of time and through numerous interactions, the cold and indifferent are usually thought of as self-interested, self-absorbed and generally uninterested in others' contributions.
His research has shown that leaders with a history of inviting interactions have more latitude and options when working with others. People want to work with them, and work well with them. It's not "soft stuff," it is real work that builds capacity: teaching a skill, delegating a key task or showing support publicly.
Make the most out of every interaction, even if it seems small. Each contact can recognize that person as significant and worthwhile to the company. These micro-interactions can be as little as eight seconds. Can you afford eight seconds for each of your employees per day to build a great team?
S2 Thinking Partners launches new website
S2 Thinking Partners announced the launch of its new website on December 6, 2005. The site provides information on the company’s consultancy capabilities, including customer loyalty, marketing expertise, sales and channel management, product management, talent development, and executive coaching.
Managing Partner, Richard Mellado said, “Our new website conveys our capabilities and the tools we use, and begins to challenge clients and prospects in the way that is the very essence of our consultancy business.”
Sherry Sutton joins the Institute for Independent Business (IIB)
Sherry Sutton, one of the managing partners of S2 Thinking Partners, has joined the IIB – an international association for senior business executives. This provides an excellent opportunity to bring in expertise when needed and also to make valuable connections. It also helps to provide international reach for a small business.
