Operations Graduate Scheme 2015

[yameen]

[Budfrog]

The written English of a minority of Grads is slightly below par because it is not their first language.

I have known and worked with a lot of graduate entrants and the vast majority are decent enough people with ambition to do well. Some find the operational management side of it difficult to cope with and from what I have seen there is quite a high attrition rate. I have known at least half a dozen graduates who have left the business either because they did not agree with the style of management that was expected of them or because they did not believe they were being developed in the right way ..... all have prospered outside the business.

What you trying to say? That as I do not have, the standard stereotypical English name, such as Mike or John, that you assume English is not my first language!
How dare you sir! How dare you! To portray such ignorance, speaks volumes of the manner of which, you have been educated and raised up. Bigot!

I wasn't referring to you at all ... just highlighting the fact that if English is not a person's first language (which is the case for some Grads) then understandably their grammar can be poorer than native speakers - of course this is not always the case. And how many people here register with stereotypical English names ... not many !! I really couldn't care less what nationality, religion or colour you are as I treat everyone on this forum the same .... if you don't like it then it's more your problem than mine.

[postslippete]

You certainly need a thick skin to be a manager Yameen!

[Budfrog]

You certainly need a thick skin to be a manager Yameen!

I think that he has already failed on that one :)

[Nondescript]

The written English of a minority of Grads is slightly below par because it is not their first language.

I have known and worked with a lot of graduate entrants and the vast majority are decent enough people with ambition to do well. Some find the operational management side of it difficult to cope with and from what I have seen there is quite a high attrition rate. I have known at least half a dozen graduates who have left the business either because they did not agree with the style of management that was expected of them or because they did not believe they were being developed in the right way ..... all have prospered outside the business.

What you trying to say? That as I do not have, the standard stereotypical English name, such as Mike or John, that you assume English is not my first language!
How dare you sir! How dare you! To portray such ignorance, speaks volumes of the manner of which, you have been educated and raised up. Bigot!

When forum posts descend to criticism about questionable use of language it's usually time to bail, but here goes anyway:

For a graduate, your written English skills are a trifle lacking. Your excuse that your usage of "advise" instead of "advice" was a typographical error seems a bit nebulous, as you typed it on two separate occasions. Plus I can count a further five grammatical or syntactical errors in the above quote.

[spiderj]

Poor grammar and lack of correct punctuation is a sign of a troll.

Back on track though,I don't understand why graduates are relevant unless they studied. Business,law,logistics etc.

Surely Latin or physics isn't relevant at graduate level to the position of line manager?.

[Nondescript]

Poor grammar and lack of correct punctuation is a sign of a troll.

Back on track though,I don't understand why graduates are relevant unless they studied. Business,law,logistics etc.

Surely Latin or physics isn't relevant at graduate level to the position of line manager?.

I would have thought Physics was eminently suitable, as on a daily basis they want us to bend the space-time continuum to achieve the impossible.

[Budfrog]

I would have thought Physics was eminently suitable, as on a daily basis they want us to bend the space-time continuum to achieve the impossible.

Or maybe Sports Science .... just to get delivery OPGs up to that magical 4mph

[ben_c]

As a graduate entrant myself - yameen you have a lot to learn.

Communication and engagement are key to being successful here, if you can't level with your team you have no hope in this business. Most of the comments above are correct - as a 'graduate' you automatically enter the workforce with a lot of scepticism, particular from the junior management population who mostly have worked upwards as a postie. This graduate label is common throughout most businesses so don't worry however you have to appreciate the current business context and where Royal Mail are today.

I wouldn't worry about that but I would adapt your of your attitude/ approach and quickly become thick skinned - engage junior management and learn the operation from them but also appreciate that your role is actually to up skill them via data/ engagement and a fresh approach to management - PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT START SAYING 'ITS HEAVY TODAY! Know your figures, know your traffic volumes, know your throughputs, know your team.

As for the front line staff - talk to them and treat them as individuals - yes you will have to implement changes that aren't popular but from experience gage opinion of how to implement change and educate why - yes you will have those that drag themselves to the door and yes expect to be challenged back - but hey ho you can't and won't please everyone. From experience most frontline staff aren't informed of business change /plans (unless they have a superb rep) as the typical junior manager that is your delivery line managers and work areas managers won't talk to staff about this (some will - however sadly in the minority) - be honest, be upfront, be realistic - you will have to challenge upwards as well as downwards.

Most of the comments say graduate entrants move on after a few months / years - this isn't true - as a graduate you are paid above the national starting average and have incredible benefits that all employees enjoy. Most graduates do not stay in their position for more than nine months - this is the HR strategy for your own development as well as the aim to fundamentally change the current junior/ middle management approach - this is a fast tracked management scheme so in three - five years if you stick with it (and are good!) your easily be within a senior grade - just don't forget what you learn from the frontline employees - most of them have the ideas of how to move forward its all in your approach !

Good luck when you start - this is a brilliant business - that is rapidly changing and the next five years will be tough - you will learn a lot (particularly people skills [hopefully...] but my only advice is adapt and move on, don't accept the status quo and be prepared to challenge management (constructively)

[The_Wax_Man]

Nice 1st post from Ben,

I'd also like to add > "As for the front line staff - talk to them and treat them as individuals".. Seems a bit blunt Ben - After a few years at senior level you'll realise that we are all human, all s**t, burp and fart and breathe the same air. - To start classifying areas of the workforce as 'thems' can create a sterotype > Please take that in the candor it was written, not a personal dig

I'd rather this be put. "As for your work colleagues on the front line - Listen and understand the business from their perspective, this will help you form an ongoing relationship"

An ongoing relationship can create friendship, willingness, promote motivation etc as opposed to 'dealing with groups of people'.

To the OP, people are funny creatures, some may seem willing, some will have heads buried in the sand. - Learn and teach from within your feelings as if you are talking/listening to yourself as opposed to being seen as dictating from a rule book - You'll be amazed how little can go a long way.

[yameen]

Just wanted to say thank you to Ben and wax man, for the guidance. Will definitely take on board all the feedback, which has been provided.
Once again big thanks to everyone.

[Budfrog]

I can see the operational 'management' role evolving quite fast over the next 2 or 3 years into something that is more attune with other companies, a little more hands on with more emphasis on teamwork. Taking admin managers (many of whom are classified as such simply because their grades are represented by the CMA) out of the picture altogether many 'managers' will become team leaders or supervisors - with the managerial roles starting at Shift Manager for Mail Centres and DOM for larger offices. To be honest this should have happened many years ago .... the equivalent of most RM managerial positions simply do not exist in most other firms including the vast majority of RM's competitors and for the most part the working relationships between the grades are less confrontational and more effective. I think the days of managers leaning up against Clix machines in their C&A suits may be numbered in many units.

[JP1]

Just out of interest,what was your subject?

Economics

what made you pick Royal Mail then? And operations rather than commercial?

I considered it but then realised postmen on London rates get paid more than the graduates.

[Budfrog]

Just out of interest,what was your subject?

Economics

what made you pick Royal Mail then? And operations rather than commercial?

I considered it but then realised postmen on London rates get paid more than the graduates.

All depends on your aspirations and ambition ... it doesn't take too many promotions for a Grad to be on a very decent salary by any standards and there is always the CV/Resume to consider.

[yameen]

Just out of interest,what was your subject?

Economics

what made you pick Royal Mail then? And operations rather than commercial?

I considered it but then realised postmen on London rates get paid more than the graduates.

For me the salary was not important as I have very few costs as I live with my parents. Although I have to say RM Grads are paid pretty well, which I am thankful of.

What attracted me was the opportunity to be part of the change, a huge iconic organisation such as RM is going through. The experience alone I think is pretty unique.