Archive for November 2017
Characteristics of a Team and Barriers To Effective Team Functioning
Back in 2010, I posted a short list titled, “Eight Common Problems Teams Encounter.” In it, I reposted the contents of what was shared on Harvard Business Review’s Answer Exchange (it’s now defunct). I was never happy with that original list and, after looking through the book (Leading Teams: Pocket Mentor [2006]) that was adapted…
Read MoreThe One Belief That Is Holding Back Your Career
Your job is not your job. Your job is not what you do, but the goal you pursue. Yet most professionals I know limit their careers believing that their job is what they do. When I ask them, “What’s your job?” They give me answers such as, “I run sales,” “I look after operations,” “I manage HR,” “I…
Read MoreLead me, follow me, or get out of my way!
What energy must YOU provide to lead your troops into battle? “Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way” is a quote from the intrepid General George Patton, and whilst it may not generally be the most diplomatic way to go about things, it certainly conveys energy! It gives three very real options which…
Read MoreSix Differences Between Change and Innovation
Change and innovation are not synonyms, but unfortunately these terms are mistakenly used in practice by professionals and business leaders as if they are the same. By doing so, it creates just more confusion and uncertainty about which way to go. Simply because the essence, the process and outcomes of change and innovation are fundamentally…
Read MoreWhat is Crew Resource Management, and what does it have to do with you?
When you walk into your office on any given morning, what are the things that influence you? Did you over extend yourself during the weekend? Are you still seething from the argument you had with your partner or the imbecile who cut you off in traffic? Have you yet to pull your brain away from…
Read MoreThe Importance of Being Genuine
There’s an enormous amount of research suggesting that emotional intelligence (EQ) is critical to your performance at work. TalentSmart has tested the EQ of more than a million people and found that it explains 58% of success in all types of jobs. People with high EQs make $29,000 more annually than people with low EQs.…
Read MorePeople will forget what you say, but they will remember how you make them feel!
Do you understand what your business is selling? I am a Starbucks addict. Whilst I realise that may be akin to starting a conversation by declaring which rugby or football team you support, I hope you’ll indulge me. Perhaps I should start with a disclaimer to do with personal bias. When I’m travelling, seeing a…
Read MoreYou probably know to ask yourself, “What do I want?” Here’s a way better question
Think about what you want. Everybody wants what feels good. Everyone wants to live a carefree, happy and easy life, to fall in love and have amazing sex and relationships, to look perfect and make money and be popular and well-respected and admired and a total baller to the point that people part like the…
Read MoreThis Email From Elon Musk to Tesla Employees Describes What Great Communication Looks Like
A newly acquired email from Musk outlines a brilliant philosophy. But it’s easier said than done. CREDIT: Getty Images Throughout the years, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has demonstrated the art of masterful communication. The following is a perfect example: It’s a copy of a previously unpublished email Musk sent to Tesla employees a few years ago. Sent with the subject…
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