The words “It’s not personal, it’s just business” are all too common. I’ve had them used to me, my staff and friends. And I’ve often read them in the media. The reality is, of course, that all business is personal. Every interaction we have with another human being is personal, founded on human to human … More “It’s not personal, it’s just business” is BS.
Anyone who has ridden the London Tubes will be all familiar with this phrase ,”Please mind the gap between the train and the platform.” The announcement is a constant reminder to beware of gaps, so that you don’t get tripped up or worse. Gaps can be dangerous! And it’s a pretty safe bet that one … More Four Gaps to Avoid to Increase Trust
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we are already one month into 2019. So how are those goals, ambitions, dreams and resolutions going? If you are struggling, maybe it’s because you aren’t using hindsight well. Hindsight offers 20:20 vision It is fair to say that last year did not all go … More Hindsight gifts insights, that improves foresight.
“Cask wine still exists!” I was surprised to say the least. I had been eating lunch with friends and they politely informed me that cask wine was still a thing. Not convinced, because I’ve never seen it at the supermarket, I decided to check it out the next time I went shopping and I was … More Our attention defines our beliefs
Waiting for somebody to change can be frustrating. As a leader, friend or parent, you’ve probably shared greats ideas. Encouraged them. Coached. Yet they’re still not changing, or if they are it’s far too slowly. In our mind we wonder ‘why can’t they just do it!’ When it comes to seeing change in others, we … More Waiting for change
You’ve heard the saying “Leaders are readers.” I no longer believe that is true! That’s because just reading for reading’s sake is not a healthy leadership trait. Great leaders are educators. Meaning, they are always learning. And always teaching. They do this by reading, for certain! They are also podcast listeners; video watchers; conference attenders … More Leaders are NOT readers
We no longer live in a world where everyone feels the need to always strive for perfection. As a leader and self-diagnosed perfectionist this poses some big challenges. There are no perfect decisions; more time, does not equal more right. In fact, the sooner you decide, the sooner you move forward and learn. There is … More Living with slightly embarrassing
As I open the door and step across the threshold, I’m struck by the sweet aroma of fresh coffee. The warmth inside contrasts the crisp air outside, as does the bustle and noise of a busy café. I glance around the café and take comfort from the fact I see no-one I know. I slide … More How to create space to think
For those who know me, you will know one of my favourite (and at times most frustrating) questions is “How do you mean?” It’s a favourite question because it softer than “What do you mean?” and because it is a great way to find out exactly what the person is saying or thinking or trying … More Its the question that could change your life…
For many people, one of the biggest curses of knowledge is that we tend to over complicate things. Case in point, I have been doing a lot of reading about Lean Manufacture and its application into the service industry. One book I slaved through this week explained Waste in a complex way that cumulated in the … More Smart people make things simple.
You have probably all worked with people at the creative extremes. At one end is the person who works really hard, executes like crazy then tells you “I’m not creative”. At the opposite end of the scale is the “ideas person” who constantly has ideas and never delivers on anything. Leading these people can be … More Two things you need to become innovative
Not far from where I live is this sign. It’s a weird sign because it curves to the right with a big arrow showing that the main road heads that way, and off to the left is a little side road. I know it is only a warning sign; however the interesting thing about the … More Are you heading for a dead-end?
This one simple question could radically change your upcoming week. If you could relive this week, what would you do differently? At work. Or at home. Mentally. Physically. Spiritually. Financially. What would you do differently? Now note down one, or two, or three things and plan to do them in the week ahead. ∴ I … More If you could relive this week, what would you do differently?
It’s funny how shadows can be good and bad. A person standing in the right spot to shield the sun from our eyes, is a good shadow. Yet the clouds maneuvering themselves in front of the sun on a bitter winters day, creates cold and dark shadows. As a leader I know I cast good … More As a leader, what shadow are you casting in your organisation?
I failed at school. The best mark I received was an internally assessed A1 in School Cert science. It belonged to another student called Andrew Nichol and was whisked away as quickly as it arrived. I left school at 17 barely able to read, average at the more complex forms of maths, but strangely very … More Why you should believe in failures like me.
People Matter ∴ Do Good 