Around about this time of year it seems that just about everything I read or hear is encouraging us to set new goals for the coming year, to turn over a new leaf and to make resolutions that will lead to our lives being better. To be honest, I’m a bit over it. I do …
An American friend reckons the whole of Australia goes on holidays from Melbourne Cup Day until after Australia Day! While I know that’s not true, there is a little bit of truth in it, and we need to be careful that this time of year and the way we feel doesn’t lead us to waste the first …
It’s at this time of year many of us start winding down and think about a holiday. We should! Most of us have worked hard. But if we are smart, there are some things we can decide now, to put into place in the next 90 days that will set 2020 up to be our …
Leaders love lots. They love their industry – that’s where their passion comes from. They love making a difference and influencing outcomes. They see their contribution as bigger than just having a job. They love their organisation – they deeply care that it succeeds and grows. They love the customers that it serves. They believe in the products and services they deliver. …
In his New York Times best selling book ‘Outliers’ Malcolm Gladwell talks about the factors that contribute to high levels of success. He refers to the ‘10,000 hour rule’ claiming that one of the keys to achieving world class expertise in any area is practice – for a total of 10,000 hours. I have been …
“I’m not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep: I’m afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” Alexander the Great American author and academic, Brené Brown was in Australia recently and spoke to sold out audiences across the country. Her key message? “The thing that we are missing right …
It was the 1930’s and the 13 year old boy’s first day on the job. The foreman at the foundry that made axe heads and pick heads was a gruff old bugger and he did nothing to make the young bloke welcome or at ease. “As the axe heads and the pick heads get delivered to …
There are hundreds of things that you could do to become a better leader, but if you did just these three things you would make great progress towards getting the best out of your people. Prioritise your time. We simply can’t do everything that we want to or think we need to. Some of us …
My wife, my two youngest kids and I were returning from a family function last Sunday evening. We had been with our other two kids, my Mum and a heap of our extended family to say bon voyage to my sister and her husband as they embark on an overseas holiday. It was a really nice …
A hot topic in organisations is employee engagement. What does it mean and how can you achieve it? Is it worth the effort? You bet! I once overheard an employee say “my care factor is zero.” My heart sank. I had been working with the management of the organisation to improve culture and we decided …