Welcome to Agenda for Success May 2008, in this issue our cover article looks at Employee Engagement, we explore one of our new courses Managing Virtual Teams and what's in the new 2007 Annual Report.

In the 66th year since the inception of AIM, the 2007 Annual Report highlights the continuing relevance of the original objectives of the Constitution that were set in 1941. Financially, the business has never been more secure, a result of a vigorous focus on profit growth and strategic investment. Some other great features in this years report include an interview style report from AIM VT leaders and a range of highlights across all business areas, particularly the outstanding performance of AIM’s Short Courses and Events.

Popular adages like, “the best organisations have the best talent,” and, “financial incentives drive company performance,” drive business decisions every day. Yet too much common management “wisdom” isn’t wise at all. Instead, unsubstantiated knowledge based on “best practices” such as these, can actually prove to be poor, incomplete, or outright obsolete. Worse, legions of managers use this dubious knowledge to make decisions that are hazardous to organisational health. Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, will illustrate how your organisation’s managers can make better decisions if those decisions are based on evidence of what works elsewhere, as well as within your own organisation.

Fortune magazine labels Gary Hamel “the world’s leading expert on business strategy.” And now he is in Melbourne to share his experience with us. As part of his presentation, you will learn radical new management principles that must become part of every organisations DNA. This full-day seminar will also cover ways in which the internet will turn traditional management roles upside down, and unconventional management practices that are generating breakthrough results.

Vanya Cullen has been winemaking at her family’s Wilyabrup winery since 1989, transforming it into one of Australia’s best boutique wineries. Cullen Wines remains a family business and produces quality wine from biodynamically grown grapes. Currently Chairperson of the Yarra Valley Wine Show, Vanya was the winner of the 2000 Qantas/The Wine Magazine - Winemaker of the Year, making her the first West Australian and first woman ever to win this award.