Have you been caught in the trap?

This week, I want to touch on the fact that when we talk about leadership, we can often fall into the trap of thinking about the way in which we lead our teams as opposed to lead organisational outcomes; sadly, this sole focus reinforces organisational silos, reduces diversity of thought; and results in missed opportunities. … Read more

Artificial or authentic?

You can’t look anywhere at the moment without seeing AI this, or AI that; and we all know that, if handled correctly, AI can be an accelerator for individuals, teams and organisations. But I’m going to continue to shout out for another form of AI – Authentic Intimacy. Ok I may have overreached to maintain … Read more

How comfortable are you feeling right now?

Do you have a sense of your own level of tolerance for ambiguity? This article Tolerance of Ambiguity: A critical future fit skill for the evolved world of work – HR Future sets out the benefits of being able to tolerate ambiguity, the attributes of someone who can, and how we can get better at … Read more

Who is in your way?

When facing the future, it can seem like there are lots of hurdles and barriers in the way – some are externally imposed yes, but sometimes we need to look inwards. Sometimes we are getting in the way of ourselves. What do I mean? Well, some of you will empathise when I mention that little … Read more

Mirror Mirror on the wall

There is a debate as to whether the Evil Queen in Snow White and the seven dwarfs said, “mirror mirror on the wall”, or “magic mirror on the wall”; either way it is a helpful, albeit tangential, link to the topic this week – reflection! Great leaders know that you need to keep working on … Read more

What question did you ask?

Sometimes it is the obvious statements that I hear that make me pause the most. I heard this one this week “The answers you get depends on the questions you ask”. It is attributed to Thomas S. Kuhn. It’s obvious, right? But it gave me pause for thought, and made me curious about what influences … Read more

How motivated are you?

This time I want to touch on motivation.  I doubt very much there is an organisation out there not under pressure. With that pressure and the high levels of uncertainty; how can you as leaders motivate yourselves and others to give your best over the coming months? I thought this article was really interesting and … Read more

What are you building?

Adam Grant said “Good leaders build products. Great leaders build cultures”. Most leaders know that the culture in their team will impact the customers that want to do business with you, the talent that you can attract, as well as the productivity, engagement and retention of existing team members.  And yet, how often are you … Read more

Do you see me?

I came across this quote this week “I see you—not just the mask you wear to the world, but the soul beneath that aches to be understood.” – Unknown It made me think about the importance, and benefit of, leaders truly seeing people. By this I mean seeing people in a way where a connection is … Read more

Do you agree?

As you look around you, who can you see? William Wrigley Jr. of chewing gum fame said, “When two people always agree, one of them is unnecessary”.  He was explaining the pointlessness of seeking advice from someone who will always agree with you. It is human nature to feel the warm glow of affirmation when … Read more