Did I catch your attention? Does it seem that I’m swimming against a tide of motivational memes? But what about those inspirational but unspecific and unsubstantiated promises like, “This is where the magic happens”?Consider this: the human body has very specific comfort zones for things like temperature, blood glucose, and atmospheric oxygen. For example, humans can survive for periods in … Read More
In insight #1 we looked at the theory of motivation, as it pertains to leadership. In this our 2nd insight, we build on Expectancy Theory, and revive another psychological model and update if for 21st Century Leadership.Many leadership books list desirable leadership traits, but like a 3-legged stool that doesn’t wobble, there are always 3-components to leadership; Leadership Style, Follower … Read More
There are countless definitions of Leadership, almost as many as the number of authors who have written about the topic, so with this series of Leadership Insights, I will be sharing the best of leadership theory and practice, to enable you to be a more effective leader or manager.Are you feeling motivated? Do you know what drives your motivation or motivates others?Way back in … Read More
Are you leading change? Do you understand the key components in successfully leading change in today's disruptive world?On December 24th, 1968, fueled by fears of Russian space supremacy, and guided by President Kennedy’s vision, Apollo 8 comes around the moon for the first time.The astronauts are greeted with the most amazing spectacle – Earth Rise.From the Dawn of Time, man has … Read More
I’m writing this with a familiar knot in my stomach, pain behind my eyes and fatigue from a fitful sleep. I know this feeling, it’s the feeling of a fresh failure. Perhaps you relate?I’m no stranger to failure. I’ve been through divorce, business disruption and bad reviews, but before you think I’m a loser, read on, there just might be something of value here.A quick update, this is not a … Read More
My last article on personal brand was in 2009 - A lot's changed since then! And so I think it's time to revisit your personal brand and ask some tough questions.Jeff Bezos famously said, "Personal Brand is what people say about you after you leave the room". I think it's now more appropriate to say, Personal Brand is what will get you in the room, or a seat at the table!" I don't know about … Read More
It’s that time of year! A time to share a Motivational, Self-leadership Christmas Message.Regardless of your religious affiliation, or none, there’s an undeniable ‘Spirit of Christmas’. A spirit of giving, of family, of selflessness and renewal.Since leaving England in 1985, I have celebrated the majority of my Christmases in hot countries (Australia, Singapore and Brazil), but the … Read More
Imagine, three weeks at sea, cramped like cattle in a steerage compartment, or freezing on the deck of a steamer from Southern Europe. Then through the fog, you see the statue of Lady Liberty and the skyline of New York. It must have been breath-taking for the 12 million immigrants who started a new life in America, after being processed at Ellis Island.I’m English born, with an Australian … Read More
Leadership can't be taught in a classroom - or can it?In 2015, I received a call from Leona Tan, then a Managing Director at UBS in Singapore; "We know you coach leaders, how would you like to help us rescue a failing CSR project to help at-risk teenagers learn communication and leadership skills?"I paused, this was not my 'target market' and I wondered if my 'style' of challenging people … Read More
“That sucked, I suck” Stephen said to himself as he sat down after his presentation at the senior management team off-site. “I’m going to stay up all night and prepare for the next one.”Whilst preparation is a good idea, it’s how you prepare that matters. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but perfect practice does.When we don’t perform as we expect or wish, whether in business, sport or … Read More