It’s only just occurred to me that one client last year said to me in frustration, “I just wish the world would stop for a while.” One tends to hope that was a simple wish not a root cause of the current pandemic, but who knows?

Though now it is happening, many clients are taking this opportunity to pause and take stock with their lives and careers. A common starting point for many, “Is this what I really want?”

Then we get talking, and many start off down a familiar path, thinking of ambitions, goals, new jobs, achievements they have been shooting for, or aspire to now.

Several are also asking deeper questions about Read More

A deadly serious message to all Executives and CEOs.

Stop your team members collaborating - unless you are certain you have the correct strategy. Otherwise collaboration may well make things far worse and could even bring your organisation to an end.

This is counter-intuitive, and bucks the trend for collaborate, work together, the whole is greater than sum of the parts. Don’t believe Read More

We all know there are a lot of people around us who right now, are very afraid. The level of uncertainty, disruption is dare I say it, unprecedented.

Assuming you have a job to do, and you need their cooperation, or at least wish to help them in these difficult times, how should you modify your approach, because they may be scared out of their minds?

Standard approach from yours truly remains valid as a foundation: Read More

Since influence is the stand-out skill of today, it pays dividends to invest in developing your capability. But, you don’t need to go on a course to get better at it, all you have to do is look around you, think, then experiment.

Tell you what, try this exercise on a different individual each week and see what happens within a month. Read More

Recently I expressed an opinion to a close friend on a somewhat controversial topic. The reaction took me by surprise. It felt like our friendship came to a sudden and dramatic end. Unable to believe what she had just heard me say, her emotions governed her communication and we parted.

To me it felt like her hitherto open-mindedness was a facade. When the chips were down, and the differences became wide, her enlightened mind exited swiftly stage left.

Happily, we recovered, and some useful observations can be made, with an important question at the end. Read More

Hey, mornin’. ‘nother fine day!

Since it’s my birthday today, appropriate for me to send out a quick message.

As we roll through 2051, it’s great to see the end of the final “earth crimes” tribunal. Now we can close the book on that period and look forward to an even brighter future, not a cloud on the horizon so to speak.

Every one of us, the over 50s survivors, remember what started back in 2020, but I ask you this, were you one of those who Read More

Today, little surprise that I’m reflecting, as I’m sure you do on your birthday.

Given the work I do, some of my thoughts today may be of use, and perhaps will cause you to pause and reflect too, even though it’s my birthday!

Few can deny that this year is momentous for us all. It’s said that our enjoyment of life is influenced not by what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us. I wonder, how are you responding to what is happening now? Read More

Back in 2001 my opening words to a new cohort of highly motivated top-talent caused a stir. Attending the inaugural event of our prestigious leadership development programme, they saw my then colleague fall off her chair when I began, “If you were really talented, you wouldn’t need us.”

I meant it then, and I mean it now. If you were really talented, you wouldn’t need people like me. And as then, I’ll quickly follow with... Read More

Judge me not by my profile, nor by how many like me. Instead, think about my words, and judge for yourself the impact they have on your work and in your life.

Your praise and feedback means nothing to me if I leave you unchanged, so learn well and implement fast.

As an independent mind and heart, when you are ready, I can do far more than coach or train you. To its fullest extent, I will stretch your thinking, expand your horizons, and motivate you to create and relish this journey we call life. Read More

Okay, maybe idiots is too strong. How about: stop wasting your time with people who add little or no value to your agenda. Or worse, those who detract from it?

We all just collect these people as the months and years roll by. Like junk stuffed in a drawer or cupboard.

How often do we have a clear out? Now could be an ideal opportunity to throw out some of that … okay, move away from some people who are not helping.

Perhaps the most important Read More