Blog
When: Owls, Larks and Third Birds
Dan Pink’s latest book ‘When: The scientific secrets of perfect timing’ had me enthralled from start to finish. He makes a strong case for thinking carefully about ‘when’ we do things – think, make decisions, exercise, time breaks... We are all governed by ‘circadian...
5 leadership lessons I learned at Harvard
In May I was privileged to attend the Harvard Kennedy School’s executive program The Art and Practice of Leadership Development, and learn both from the Faculty (led by the incredible Professor Ronald Heifetz) and a cohort of leaders from around the world. Many people...
How to align your leadership team powerfully
Fearless Leadership occurs at the intersection of Purpose, Motivation, and Communication, and when we have trust. When I work with leadership teams, it is very common to find they lack a clear and agreed team purpose. They are usually clear on their own personal...
How to hit your growth target
Recently I was working with a leadership team of a professional services firm that has set a bold growth target for their firm. We were reviewing progress almost one year into the five year period. On the surface, there was agreement… Everyone could quote the target...
Embracing Confusion
When was the last time you were seriously confused? This morning in a meeting? Last week in a conversation with your mother? Last month when working in a team to resolve a challenge to the business? And what was your response? Revel in it? Tolerate it? Refuse to...
Book Review – Managers and Leaders Magazine June 2019
Book review of ‘Leaders Who Ask: Building Fearless Cultures by telling less and asking more' in June 2019 'Managers and Leaders' mag.
Ask for help. Don’t just give it!
My guess is that you are very good at offering help. And good at giving help. How good are you at receiving help? My husband is known for generously helping others. Over Easter we were camping with my family. He helped my father take down his annex. He helped my...
The intent behind your question matters
We know that questions are critical to get to the bottom of things. After all, as a leader you want to understand things… So surely all questions are good? Perhaps not! The ‘intent’ behind you question is critical. Is your question from a place of curiousity, and...
Feeling Deconstructed and Naked
Recently I had a day that left me feeling like a deconstructed dessert – pulled apart, each component examined for what it contributes, and laid out bare. The only difference between me and this beautiful deconstructed dessert was that it looks elegant! On this...
Are you addicted to being right?
When there is a lot at stake, discussions around the executive level table can become heated. You are passionate, well informed, and keen to persuade your peers to your point of view. Take care because being ‘right’ can be addictive* and winning has costs too. When we...