Testimonials
From
Peter Finlayson, Chairman TEC 2, The Executive
Connection:
From
Ian McGregor – Chair TEC 6, The Executive
Connection
From
Chris Waller, KEY 104
From
Daniel Butler, DBA Butler & Associates:
From
Jim Croll, Chairman TEC 20, The Executive
Connection:
From
Bill Mackarell, Chairman TEC-10:
From
John Beech, TEC45, The Executive Connection:
From
Gordon Crawford, Chairman TEC36, The Executive
Connection:
From
Kerry Frost, Chairman TEC 26:
From
Gordon Crawford, Chairman KEY 101:
From
Graeme Fear, Chair of TEC 14, The Executive
Connection:
From
Christopher Moore, TEC 401, The Executive
Connection:
From
Bernard Eastman, TEC 40 and TEC 41, The Executive
Connection:
From
Stephen Myers, TEC 39, TEC 43, KEY 115, The Executive
Connection:
From
Jack Graham, Chair TEC 37, The Executive
Connection:
From
Alan Locke, Chair TEC 1, The Executive Connection:
From
Peter Finlayson, Chairman TEC 2, The Executive
Connection:
27 May 2004
Dear John
Just a note to thank you most sincerely for acting as our
guest speaker today and for presenting a most interesting and
important subject in a most successful manner……
It was a very stimulating session and the substance gained
will stand them all in good stead for the future. For your
information and interest, these are the comments from the
group:
- Great subject.
- Excellent ideas on incentive schemes
and a way to modify our existing scheme.
- Information
provided was excellent.
- Far greater insight into
incentive plans – good road map fro the future in this
area.
- Variety of different schemes and principles of
incentives.
- Excellent materials.
Overall John a most successful outcome for the group…. the
messages were received loud and clear….. they were universally
stimulated and challenged to use the experience to further
their businesses.
Thank you once again John – it was a great morning.
Kind regards
Peter Finlayson
Chairman TEC 2
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From
Ian McGregor – Chair TEC 6, The Executive Connection
22 July 2004
Dear John
Many thanks for the presentation given to TEC 6 at our
meeting yesterday. The topic was of utmost importance and you
could tell from the questions and involvement how interesting
it was to the members. Indeed, several wrote on their
evaluations of the day what actions they were going to take in
implementing incentive and bonus systems with a particular
emphasis on team incentives.
You received the highest score [of] my most critical group
[to a] resource speaker in the year I have been chairing TEC 6
– congratulations.
I think the group appreciated that you were able to relate
to their specific businesses and the way that you controlled,
yet answered, their questions, I will certainly be following
them up to make sure they implement some of your very good
ideas.
Thank you very much for an excellent session.
Kind regards
Ian McGregor
Chair TEC 6
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From Chris
Waller, KEY 104
21 September 2004
Dear John
Thank you very much for your presentation to KEY 104 on
Thursday 16 September 2004.
Member comments were:
What did you gain from this
presentation?
- “better understanding of the pros and cons of bonus
incentive systems.”
- “some great ideas on succession
planning by using a trust.”
John, I found your presentation to be very good – excellent
take-home value for the members.
Thanks for traveling up to Toowoomba and giving our members
[a] most useful presentation….
Kind regards
Chris Waller
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From
Daniel Butler, DBA Butler & Associates:
30 March 2005
“Thanks for your time today John. I was very impressed with
your presentation and would like you to present to our client
base at the next seminar…”
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From
Jim Croll, Chairman TEC 20, The Executive Connection:
6 April 2005
Dear John
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you very
much for being our resource speaker at the TEC 20’s meeting on
Tuesday.
Your session was very well received and worked well in
getting members to appreciate the fundamental issues in
incentive management and to appreciate that it is not all
about monetary incentives.
Some of the specific comments made by the members to the
question: What did you gain from the presentation? are as
follows:
- A presentation that I have been waiting for – straight to
the point and creative.
- Great practical steps to take to
introduce incentive plan – have the same overlying principles
to all incentive plans with the company.
- A new look at
incentive schemes – content and experience presented first
class – I would hire him.
- A little better understanding –
this will assist in the further development of the company
plan.
- A feeling that our scheme has merits, but that it
should be reviewed.
- Confirmation of value of team-based
schemes – most insightful on potential plan for company.
-
Overview of issues involved.
- Insights into incentive
schemes – good reflection on our scheme’s strengths and
weaknesses.
- Content OK, even excellent – high on
involvement.
- Some good ideas for the application of
incentive plans.
Overall I thought that it was a good session and will stick
with the members. You responded well to the members and their
questions. Your depth of knowledge and experience was in
evidence. You added value for the members.
I trust you will find the above comments by the members
helpful and good feedback to keep your presentation up there
with best practice.
Yours sincerely
Jim Croll
Chairman – TEC 20
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From
Bill Mackarell, Chairman TEC-10:
19 August 2005
“Dear John
Many thanks for presenting to TEC 16 yesterday. The Group
enjoyed the session and in fact we spent another 45 minutes in
our afternoon session discussing members’ practices.
The purpose of this note is to thank you formally for the
presentation you made to TEC-10 at its August meeting this
morning. The building of incentive systems that work is
difficult and too often it is done without a lot of thought as
to the consequences of its implementation. Your introduction
of the concept of a participation profit provided a useful
tool to use to overcome many of the problems associated with
incentive schemes and was picked up by the group as something
to think about further. The concept of the bonus bank was
another useful take-home tool to help balance out the
irregularities often seen in the payment of bonuses. There was
considerable support for this as well, particularly when
linked with a longer term bonus arrangement.
It was useful to have some live material from the group and
I would urge you to ensure that this segment becomes a feature
of your presentation, particularly when you are more
comfortable in this less formal part of a resource
session.
Thank you again for providing an interesting morning.
Kindest regards,
Bill Mackarell
Chairman TEC-10
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From
John Beech, TEC45, The Executive Connection:
14 October 2005
Dear John
On behalf of TEC45 I would like to thank you for your
excellent presentation on Incentive Systems to the group
yesterday. Your presentation built up an excellent, simple,
logical framework which readily flowed to the various options
available to business owners who wish to keep their employees
loyal, motivated and rewarded. At least three members of the
group have expressed an interest in a personal consultation
from someone in your organisation, to pursue the topic
further.
For your information, I have included the verbatim feedback
received from the TEC45 members when asked what they gained
from your presentation:
- Some really good ideas for a staff share scheme;
-
Absolutely great with practical suggestions on topic.
Changed/improved my views on bonus/incentives;
- Good ideas
on incentive plans and structure;
- A large number of
alternatives to consider when choosing that most suitable
system to fit our situation;
- Taking incentive schemes to
the next level;
- Great information on setting up an
incentive scheme. The pitfalls to be careful of;
- A
breakdown and structural approach to incentive;
- A better
understanding of system and ways to incentivise employees to
grow the business and distribute some of the profit; and
-
Fantastic topic. Exceeded my expectation. These are some
fantastic ideas that I thought were beyond a business of our
size.
As you are aware, TEC has members rate the resource session
and you will be please to know that you were rated an 8 out of
10 by the group. Thank you again John for a thought-provoking
and topical presentation which obviously was enjoyed by the
group.
Regards
John
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From
Gordon Crawford, Chairman TEC36, The Executive
Connection:
19 October 2005
Dear John
Your presentation was very lively and interesting, and I
would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for
being the Resource Speaker at our TEC36 meeting this
month.
You gave us insight into the design and pitfalls of
incentive schemes:
- A new perspective on schemes and sales commissions
-
An awareness of other incentive methods than ‘piece rate’
-
Thoughts about sharing incentive schemes with all
staff
Overall I thought it was an excellent presentation, which
was very relevant for everyone there and well accepted.
Once again many thanks.
Yours sincerely
Gordon Crawford
Chairman TEC36
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From
Kerry Frost, Chairman TEC 26:
11 November 2005
Dear John
Thank you for addressing TEC 26 on Tuesday November 8th,
2005 at The Lane Cove Tunnel Company in Ryde on the topic How
to Design Incentive Systems That Work.
John this was an extremely informative session and prompted
all of our members to give this important part aspect of their
business and planning increased focus and priority.
The following feedback, for your reference, is quoted
verbatim from member and guest meeting evaluation forms.
What I gained from the presentation:
- Always a difficult topic – gained reinforcement and some
gems of wisdom including tax ideas.
- Ideas and steps for salary packaging and incentive
schemes for the whole organisation.
- Important new understandings of design of incentive
scheme and link to, for example, succession planning.
- Lots of ideas about incentive plans.
- Confirmation of basic value of existing scheme; concept
of bonus bank trust; use of bonus trust for succession
planning/staff ownership; importance of long-term rewards
beyond one year.
- A much better understanding of key remuneration issues
and their tax implications.v
- Up to date knowledge of current incentive ideas; useful
from team perspective and individual salary packaging
options.
- Review long term incentive plan.
- LOTS!!! Real insight into structuring incentives and the
latest perspective of tax treatment of them.
- Recognition of other systems; methodology for an
effective long term incentive payment system that could
work.
vAppreciation of not having financial incentive schemes;
reinforcement of value of non financial support.
John, these are very positive comments from TEC 26 members
and I trust they will assist you in your quest for continuous
improvement in what is already an excellent product.
On behalf of TEC 26 I wish you every future success as you
continue to enlighten senior executives with this very
important message.
Yours sincerely
Kerry Frost
Chairman TEC 26
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From
Gordon Crawford, Chairman KEY 101:
15 November 2005
Dear John
Your presentation was very lively and interesting, and I
would like to take this opportunity to thank you very much for
being the Resource Speaker at our KEY 101 meeting this
month.
You gave us an insight into what motivates employees and
how to best utilise the tools to improve their commitment to
the whole enterprise, not just their area.
- The concept to short-term bonuses
- Understanding
different incentive options
- Ideas for modifications to
incentive schemes
It was another excellent morning, which was well received
by our group.
Once again many thanks.
Yours sincerely
Gordon Crawford
Chairman KEY 101
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From
Graeme Fear, Chair of TEC 14, The Executive
Connection:
8 February 2006
Dear John
On behalf of all who attended the February 8, TEC 14
meeting at Network Outdoor Pty Ltd I extend my thanks for a
very professional presentation.
This how TEC 14 rated you:
On Presentation Skills/Content
All 13 [participants] rated you 4 [out of 5]. That’s a
score of 52 out of a perfect 65 or 80%. Very good.
On take home value/handouts/ideas
Two [participants] rated 5 [out of 5]. Nine [participants]
rated 4 [out of 5]. Two rated 3 [out of 5]. (As a matter of
interest both these ratings came from two of the three guests
we had invited to be with us on the day). That’s a score of 52
out of 65 or 80%. Very good.
Re the above…. No speaker has rated from the team a perfect
score on Presentation or Take home in the 2 years I’ve been
the Chair of TEC 14.
For the record I rated you 4 [out of 5] for presentation
and I was one of the two who rated your handouts etc as 5 [out
of 5].
This is some of the feedback from the
team…Verbatim
You were with us for the rapid recall session so I will not
go over points raised in that session. Good ideas for 2006
plans….provided me with a plan to allow me to think of
structure….money is not primary motivator….keep simple/explain
in five minutes….very timely….excellent session on designing
an incentive plan with good practical examples….participating
profit good....wider understanding of different
frameworks….very interesting and relevant topic….directly
applicable to my business and clients….great additional
information.
Thank you again for your time today. I will be recommending
you to my other TEC Chair colleagues.
Regards
Graeme Fear
Chair TEC 14
From
Christopher Moore, TEC 401, The Executive Connection:
31 March 2006
Dear John
Thank you for travelling to Tamworth and speaking with
TEC-401 on “Incentive Schemes That Work”. Along with the group
members I enjoyed your presentation very much and appreciate
the message and the innovation that you have developed to make
your programs effective.
Both your knowledge of the subject and your relaxed
inclusive presentation style engaged the group and made for a
very good morning of thought provoking learning.
You would be aware that on the TEC meeting evaluation forms
members are asked to respond to two questions with regard to
resource presentations and it is my practice to pass on those
responses to presenters. I have set out the questions and
responses below.
What did you gain from this presentation?
“Valuable insight into improving our bottom line via better
incentive programmes for ALL staff not just senior
management.”
“Covered some good basics with good
discussion.”
“Real practical advice.”
“A great
deal.”
“Excellent ideas on remuneration and succession
planning.”
“Very good.”
“Insights into employee
motivation and retention.”
“Heaps. Ideas for remuneration.
May be tools to help attract/retain staff.”
“Very good
useful ideas to consider in staff remuneration and incentive
arrangements.”
John you have an extraordinary and valuable message for
Australian business I do hope you keep delivering it for a
long time and are appropriately rewarded.
Regards,
Christopher Moore
From
Bernard Eastman, TEC 40 and TEC 41, The Executive
Connection:
6 April 2006
Dear John
On behalf of all present at Tuesday and Wednesday’s
meetings of TEC 41 and TEC 40, I thank you for such splendid
presentations, and for the effort you made and success you
achieved in having members interact so willingly with yourself
and among themselves.
You will not be surprised to learn that you were rated
highly by each member, and here are (verbatim) the comments
made:
TEC 41
What did you gain from this
presentation/session?
- Engaging session that presented good tools and ideas to
progress issues within our business.
- Very informative with some ideas on different incentive
program than we have in place, more team-based programs.
- A number of alternatives available to tackle the
incentive issues.
- Look at basic wage package then incentives to all
employees.
- Too much to list. Best practical session intended.
- Create awareness of financial aspects of scheme’s
applicability to government/NGO is possible. Relevance was
terrific.
- Some interesting ideas.
- A new way of looking at the whole issue, with some very
useful tools to consider.
TEC 40
What did you gain from this
presentation/session?
- Plenty of suggestions and ideas.
- Very thought-provoking as I am currently reviewing pay
structures.
- Concepts of team incentives in addition to base and
bonus is something I learned. Plus the complexity of
implementing it well. Non-financial incentive ideas were
good.
- Some very good options/ideas for long-term strategies to
incentivate (sic) staff.
- Greater insights into alternative incentive schemes.
- Good information to reward staff.
- An insight into different ways of structuring
incentives.
- Lots of good ideas. Team incentives.
- Very good.
I’m sure you will be pleased with the above comments.
With my very best regards,
Bernard Eastman
Chair TEC-40 and TEC-41
From
Stephen Myers, TEC 39, TEC 43, KEY 115, The Executive
Connection:
11 April 2006
Dear John
I would like to take this opportunity to again thank you
for your presentation to our TEC 39 at its 45th meeting in
Brisbane.
Your presentation was well received by all members and
guests. It contained valuable material for them to take away
and consider – the material was well prepared and
presented.
Members’ comments on “What did you gain from this
presentation?” were:-
- Great ideas on alternative to selling equity –
worthwhile investigating.
- Excellent value – great material for succession
planning.
- Heaps of ideas.
- Systems – presentation.
- Concrete ideas for implementation of incentive scheme –
introduction to succession planning.
- How to distribute funding and prepare for poor periods.
- The form for a better system in our own company.
I thought your material to be excellent and the follow up
material you forwarded since the meeting has been circulated
to members – it has been excellent.
Again thanks.
Best regards
Stephen Myers
Chair TEC 39, TEC 43, KEY 115
From
Jack Graham, Chair TEC 37, The Executive Connection:
10 May 2006
Dear John
On behalf of the members of TEC-37 I want to thank you for
presenting to the group last Thursday.
Comments from members as to what they gained from the
presentation were:
- Need to think about profit as against sales incentives.
Look at geared succession trust.
- Pay staff like an owner and they will behave like an
owner.
- Great info. John is very knowledgeable and direct. I
enjoyed it.
- A new scheme for offering options to managers without
commitment to letting them exercise them.
- Great insight into the structure to minimise tax for
both the employer and employee.
- Wide scope of incentives for employees at all levels.
- Better realisation of the importance of incentives.
- Geared succession trusts may be of great interest to us.
I learnt a lot, some from my colleagues on the use of soft
incentives.
I thought your material to be excellent and the follow up
material you forwarded since the meeting has been circulated
to members – it has been excellent.
Kind regards
Jack Graham
Chair TEC-37
From
Alan Locke, Chair TEC 1, The Executive Connection:
24 May 2006
Dear John
TEC 1 is a tough group and I think, in terms of their
ratings, the benefit of your excellent content was offset a
bit by your lower key presentation style.
Members’ comments about what they gained from your
presentation included:
- Interesting ideas including options to incentivise staff
at all levels.
- Some insight into “for profit” incentive plans; limited
ideas for not-for-profits.
- Interesting alternatives re incentive structures not
currently adopted by our company.
- Ideas about extending profit share involvement.
- Good material on share plans.
- Incentives based on revenues less controllable costs.
- Good practical insights.
- Good overview.
- Good awareness of non-financial aspects.
- Very interesting and timely presentation.
- A down-to-earth discussion on this topic; some fresh
ideas about trusts/deferred bonuses.
On the other side of the coin there were only a few
comments about how your presentation could be improved. The
important base of excellent content is already there.
John, thank you again for coming to Sydney to present to
us.
Alan
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