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. …
So, a couple of things about me. I am a family man. Very proud of my four kids. While I work with a wide range of aspiring leaders in a range of different contexts, I am always mindful that my number one leadership job is to be the best father possible. I’m not perfect by …
Praise and recognition cost nothing, but are the keys to productive relationships and good leading. There is strong research that shows that heartfelt praise and recognition for good work are far more powerful motivating factors than money! If you don’t believe me, imagine working in an environment where nothing you did was recognised and you …
I hope you’ve had a great year and are looking forward to a well earned break. But before you sign off, let me ask you an important question. What decisions have you made about 2016 that will make it your best year ever? Maybe you haven’t thought about it yet and will when you get back …
Malcolm Turnbull wants more Australian businesses to risk failing. He said so in his ‘Ideas Boom’ announcement recently. Here’s why I mostly agree with him, and also, some advice on how to make sure you don’t fail. “Innovation is our future”, spouted the PM in his $1.1 billion policy announcement. What comes with innovation is …
I recently returned from a trip to India where I had an opportunity to share my leadership message with a group of Indian based business people and entrepreneurs. Every time I have travelled abroad I have learnt, and this trip was no different. I learned that the need for better leadership seems to be universal! …
Possibly the biggest story in Australian sport this year is about National Rugby League player, Jarryd Hayne, who has just been signed by the San Francisco 49ers to play professional football in the USA. Even if you are not a sports nut there are plenty of leadership lessons to learn from the man they call ‘The …
In the last couple of weeks I have seen a few examples of where things haven’t gone as well as hoped, for myself personally and for a few of my clients. I think it’s important to remember that we can’t win all of the time and we still need to remember to laugh. Occasionally as leaders we can …
Someone once told me that being a parent is a gradual process of letting go. The day you take your new baby home it is completely and entirely dependent upon you in order for it to survive. Gradually over the years your child is able to do more for itself and its reliance on you lessens. …
Sometimes Melissa will go missing for an hour or so. When she appears I will ask her what she has been up to. Often the answer is that she was on the phone with one of her sisters. “What about?” I ask. “Nothing, just catching up.” “What was the purpose of the call?” “No purpose, …