How has your experience prepared you for your current role?
I had five years of experience in corporate sales and ten in direct sales with Canon, as well as fifteen years in sales before joining the company. Previously I have managed a number of sales areas that would be the equivalent of today’s CBCs, now I guide and develop those managers. My role is more about challenging, influencing and guiding rather than traditional hands-on management. I understand sales teams and what needs to be done to manage them successfully and I have always been prepared to have those challenging discussions with our managers if they are failing in their responsibilities. What were the turning points in your career?
Joining Canon UK was the key turning point. With Canon Ireland I never really felt that I had the opportunity to develop and at that time there were more opportunities in the UK. It’s very different in Ireland now, as the business is much more developed than it was in the early nineties. I believe that people now have the opportunity to develop a clear career path if that is their desire. How has Canon supported you in your career?
I have been on training courses that are too many to mention. However I have been allowed to develop my skills and been advised and coached when I have made mistakes or misjudgements. This is really important in becoming a manager because we are all human and don’t always make the right call at the right time. Working for Canon has taught me to make the best decisions for the best reasons and to not be afraid to make mistakes if the correct intentions and a clear process for that decision were made. However I must point out that it’s important that misjudgements and mistakes are kept to a minimum. As managers we are employed to make good decisions and not good mistakes!
How could we improve employee development in Canon?
In sales, the support is already there with the “Ari Kata” programme for our new recruits. When I started, you were just expected to just pretty much get on with it. Now we give salespeople a 38 week training programme, offer them protected earnings, reduced targets and so on. This is brilliant and really gives our new recruits every chance to be successful. It also gives them confidence that they made a good decision in choosing Canon as their employer and a company that has a genuine duty of care to its employees. This all helps towards employee retention and greatly reduces our attrition rates. I believe that programmes such as “Ari Kata” differentiates us as an employer and that it needs to be reviewed regularly too ensure that it is always meeting the current business needs of Canon and its market. How has working in different business units helped your career progression?
It has broadened my knowledge of our company as well as greatly increased my contact base within Canon. If people get the opportunity to move within the organisation I believe that they should do so, because to remain in the same role in the same department or channel can be unhealthy and in my opinion people can become stale and lose their edge. Do you have any advice to people looking to progress in their career?
My advice is that you should work hard at everything you do, use change to your advantage and get as much experience as you can. People need to be able to adapt in a constantly changing organisation like Canon so put yourself out there and get involved in helping shape our company’s future. What is your own approach to career development?
Even though I was making a good living and enjoying all the success that comes with exceeding budgets I decided to broaden my career and liked the idea of learning how to manage people. I applied to go on our management courses, asked to deputise for my managers and in general looked for any responsibilities being offered. I also found a mentor and this helped greatly in giving me a better and unbiased view on how to be a manager and develop my career. It hasn’t always been plain sailing and at times I wondered if I had taken the correct career path. However, I have always remained focused and learnt valuable lessons from my early management experiences that have helped me in later years. Why would you recommend Canon as an employer?
New recruits need to understand that Canon offers a career not a job. When I interview candidates for sales or management roles I like to try to establish early on what are their career aspirations are, as just looking for another job doesn’t really cut it in my book. We offer really varied career paths throughout the organisation and so with the right skills and attitude, people can take hold of their careers and make a difference. Why have you stayed with Canon?
There are a number of factors such as our “Final Salary Pension” scheme, insurance, annual leave allowance and all the other benefits that you would expect from a world class company. I also believe that we are undoubtedly the best in our industry with the best products and a brand that is recognised across the globe. However the key factor as to why I have stayed nearly sixteen years is the people. I work and have worked with great people and this is what I believe truly makes Canon a great company.
|
Go to the homepage of Canon UK
Print this page 
