Insights for Curious Leaders
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Leaders need to focus on creating the conditions for people to collaborate & innovate during remote working In a recent speech, Andy Haldane, Bank of England Chief Economist is too pessimistic and in danger of generalising from his own personal work experience. Working from home damaging Britain’s creative potential Haldane says the sheer volume of…
Read MoreI just had a face-to-face meeting with a prospective customer It didn’t feel right We were in the same room together But didn’t shake hands at the start or at the end, when we agreed what we would do next Not really sure how it went This is how one of my coaching clients, a…
Read More(4 minute read) What can leaders learn in these troubled times from the Maori phrase ” Kia Kaha”, meaning “Stay Strong. Stay Steadfast” I planned to write this post a few weeks ago. Since then the appalling death of George Floyd brought home to me that the meaning of “Kia Kaha” rings truer than ever.…
Read MoreI’ve been thinking recently about business, asking what is its place now in society, what priority should it have? I was concerned that the government, initially, when confronted by the pandemic threat, prioritised the economy over people’s lives. Yet as I reflect on many businesses’ contributions to society over recent decades, it’s remarkable how they…
Read MoreRead Time: 4 minutes Have you written your goals for the year? Have you received a stream of emails and newsletters, advising you of the 6 best ways or 5 key tips for doing that? It’s that time of year, when we are exhorted to decide what we aim to accomplish and so shape our…
Read MoreRead Time: 5 Minutes The recent Men’s World Cup Final has been described as the greatest cricket match ever. It is certainly the closest. I prefer a game that is also played by two teams of eleven players but with a round inflatable ball and I don’t know a lot about cricket. So why…
Read MoreIt’s 6.30 p.m. on a chilly Monday evening and I am huddled on a crowded railway station in central London waiting to get the train home. A man in his early 40s walks towards me and asks: “John . Do you remember me?” Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I reply: “Your face is familiar” He rescues…
Read MoreOver the holiday my son persuaded me to watch a film with him about rock climbing, his new hobby. I expected a worthy portrayal of the technical aspects of an ascent up some steep rocks . I didn’t expect a compelling human drama about emotional vulnerability, compassion and prioritising others over self. The film,…
Read MoreGE, Sears, TSB, House of Fraser have recently attracted the sort of publicity that no business leaders want. Their failures, caused by flawed decision making, headlined across global business and mainstream media. Making decisions is a major part of what you do as a leader. So how can you avoid the pitfalls of poor decisions? Even…
Read MoreAs a leader, from time to time, you are going to face resistance from colleagues when you are trying to bring about change. When this happens, you may feel an impulse to stand in their shoes and ask “What’s in it for me”? You’re seeking to understand, to find a way to respond to your colleagues’…
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