The Devon-based snack producer turned to Jurd’s first book – The Leadership Book: A-Step-By-Step Guide To Excellent Leadership – which the publishers cite as ‘a refreshing and transformational approach to leadership and team development’.
Along with the book, Burts Snacks site director Paul Bavin acquired Jurd’s virtual learning course to ensure the potato chip producer’s leadership team is working towards the same goal.
“Our current leadership team all come from different backgrounds and have received different leadership training over the years, so it will be nice for them to start and finish this leadership development training together,” said Bavin.
“If our team isn’t being led in a way that is nurturing to our employees and mentoring them, then what’s the point? Leadership to me is about taking people on a journey and so it’s imperative that our team has the right tools.”
Think outside the box
Jurd – a former Sandhurst instructor – developed his virtual programme to better equip business leaders to lead their teams through any situation. The programme encompasses 30 videos, totalling four hours of leadership and development training, and has garnered praises from organisations like NHS England.
“Covid-19 has changed the way we interact with people and it’s important to keep the conversation flowing between senior management and their employees,” said Jurd.
“It’s easy for people to get bogged down in micromanaging and simply going day-by-day with tasks to complete, but that’s not healthy for anyone nor is it a positive and effective leadership style.
“Due to Covid-19, it’s been difficult for people to think outside the box. So I hope my videos help to inspire people to become better leaders.
“Leadership isn’t complicated. Anyone with an open mind can learn, apply it in real-life situations and become a better leader.”
Neil Jurd is founder and CEO of Neil Jurd Leadership, as well as director of Initial Officer training for the Army Cadet Force around the UK. He is also founder of the Michelle Jurd Trust, a charity formed in memory of his late wife to enable children to experience adventure in the outdoors.
He recently recent received the British Citizen Award for his services to volunteering and was a finalist in the Veterans awards.
The Leadership Book is available on Amazon.
