Virtually all data presented today is biased towards the presenter’s agenda. This bias manifests in selective data, convenient data contexts, opinion masquerading as data and narrative delivered as objective fact.

Which is a major problem when you need to make a decision based on that data.

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When you hear the term "Office Politics" how do you react? Do you shrink away and try to avoid the topic? Even if you don't like it, you cannot dodge it if you want to be successful (in any way you care to define it). So, how can you adopt the optimum attitude so that you can embrace it constructively? Quite simple: get curious...

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Trying to get people's attention is hard at the best of times. Many people make it far harder than they need to because they miss this simple way to increase visibility and get noticed. Read More

Most of the time you will be able to pick up that someone doesn't agree with you, or will at least be able to get an inkling that something is wrong. Which present you with a bit problem when it comes to attempting to influence someone you think is wrong.

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The Influence to Thrive Model aims to take people above and beyond their current trajectory and put them on the fast-track to greater accomplishment, whatever that means to them. Some will be driving for financial success. Others far more orientated to fulfilling contribution. The way you define success in your life does not alter the efficacy of the model - it works regardless of your goal. As you start to dig deeper into this model, in my experience it helps to prioritise your time and energy into removing the barriers or roadblocks to faster progress. Here are some of the common obstacles I encounter when working with my private coaching clients. Read More

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Lord Action

Only history will prove if we are at a point in time right now where absolute power is absolutely corrupting.

Unable to divine what is fact, fiction or fake, on so many high-consequence matters, many would be forgiven for believing that we are at that point, total domination of corrupt power.

However, it is always a matter of degree, and always a very personal viewpoint. Read More

Few can doubt that one of the greats in the field of influence is Dr. Robert Cialdini. I’m sure you’ve heard of (and probably used) his principles of persuasion - i know i have, and do my best to avoid them wherever possible.

Actually, they are pretty straightforward, but what he has not highlight, is the eight principle.

The original six came after his research way back in 1984. In summary… Read More

Back in April I was asked to speak with a progressive group of senior technologists about Mental and Emotional agility, and I shared thirteen factors that need to be considered as you develop greater agility in your performance (see Mental Agility and Emotional Agility).

Here it is worth sharing some of the causes of reasons why you may lack this ability. With greater awareness, you may be able to head some of these off at the pass!

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To my way of thinking, the ultimate boss-subordinate relationship is experienced as a mutually beneficial collaboration or partnership that also respects the hierarchical status. This means you are both working together, sharing, problem-solving and doing your level best to help each other because you both know at a deep level it is in your best interests.

How does your boss relationship measure up to that ideal?

If my recent coaching experience is anything to go by, at best only 2/3rds of people have this quality. Had I probed, my guess would be less than 10%.

If you’re in that 10%, look after that relationship like a most precious asset, because right now, given what is going on in the world, a great deal of disruption is heading in your direction. Having a strong relationship with the boss is going to serve you well. Read More

Tenacity is a much valued quality. Having the staying power, the resilience to take the knocks, and bounce back, determined, relentless, dedicated to the achievement of your goals.

That is, unless it's ridiculous, hopeless or destined to failure. Bloody-minded stubbornness that is just plain stupid.

Trouble is, how do you make that distinction? Read More