Communication
Why Your Strategy Feels Stuck – And How to Get it Flowing
For a business to achieve anything intentional, it must have a strategy. Setting that strategy is very similar to planning a flight in aviation. You must have an idea of where you want to go (destination) and the route you’d like to take to get there. Before every flight, there are certain checks a pilot…
Read MoreHow Culture (not strategy) Drives Business Direction
In our previous articles, we explored the importance of communication as the foundational skill that allows teams to connect, collaborate, and clarify their goals. If you’ve implemented those steps, you’ve already experienced the power of aligned communication within your team. But there’s another element that must be in place before you can even think about moving forward with…
Read MoreThe Costly Business Mistake You Didn’t Know You Were Making – And How to Fix It
In the fast-paced world of business, it’s tempting to reach for quick fixes when things go wrong. A dip in performance? Cut costs. Miscommunication? Add another meeting. Culture issues? Plan a team-building day. But if you’ve been following this series, you’ll know that these quick remedies often amount to nothing more than slapping a plaster…
Read MoreThe Power of Communication – The Real Foundation for Success
In the first article of this series, we introduced the business equation that makes or breaks companies in times of challenge: aligning culture, communication, and strategy. We discussed how, when these elements are in sync, they fuel sustainable growth, drive efficiency, and help businesses overcome adversity. When they’re not aligned (or realigned over time), they can kneecap our best…
Read MoreThe Business Equation You Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2025
(Why aligning these elements now will determine your success this year.) 2024 was a rough year for businesses across New Zealand. The last quarter saw the highest number of closures, leaving many anxious about what 2025 will require from them. Understandably, many are looking to cut expenses, hoping to survive the turbulent times ahead. …
Read MoreAre You Saying What You Think You’re Saying?
In aviation, imprecise communication can cause confusion and error with dire results. An anecdote that’s stuck in my head for years describes the conversation between a captain and copilot as they initiated their first take-off of the day. The co-pilot was less than sunny, and the captain had extended an encouraging “Cheer up!” midway through…
Read MoreWhat Do They Know That You Don’t?
When I was first awarded my Private Pilot’s Licence, I remember one of my instructors commenting “Right, so you know just enough to kill yourself with now.” It was a not-so-tongue-in-cheek reminder that, as proud as I felt of my achievement, what I’d also done was open up the door to the next chapter. A…
Read MoreKeeping November Under Control
We are mid-November, caught between finishing what we need to accomplish and account for this year, and preparing for the new year coming. As time available seems to shorten, and calendars fill up with impossible amounts of residual tasks, our heads can start to feel full and pressurised. Attention spans and tolerance levels shorten. Board meetings,…
Read MoreReassessing Your Focus Yields Results
The success of almost everything we do involves another person or persons. Whilst there is always a considerable amount of our success that we’re responsible for, somewhere along the line it almost always involves the input, interaction or response of another. This means that our success will always come down to how effectively we communicate,…
Read MoreNovember Strategy – Breathe & Connect
November, the last month of the year, is upon us. Yes, I know that November’s not really the last month of the year….but my goodness, sometimes it feels like it!! It’s certainly the last month of full production and any kind of linear structure recognisable as a full month and, regardless of your industry, December…
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