A delicate balance Leaders must balance innovation with safety and disruption with predictability. Growth is not possible without risk. Zero harm will secure zero innovation. Too much risk and we bet the farm. When we feel unsafe we default to flight, fight and freeze reactions When we cause others to feel unsafe, we collapse their […]
Forget resolutions, try micro-mastery instead
Why wait until the 1st of January to start implementing positive change in your life? While the ritual of starting afresh can be exciting, more than 90% of New Year’s resolutions don’t stick. A resolution is the determined intent to effect change. The best time to lay the foundations for change is the moment you […]
11 Ways to Boost your Holiday Resilience
We are seriously looking forward to a break. Christmas is a time to recover, relax, connect with loved ones and celebrate. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the past year so that you can gain some perspective on what went well, what was difficult, and how you can improve. First, however, let’s prioritise […]
Goal Keeper: success made simple
Nature as Goal Keeper Through evolution, survival kept us honest. If you did not get up early and seek food, you starved. If you did not pay attention you became food. When you did not take care of others in need, you suffered alone. The hustle and bustle of living kept us lean, fit, alert […]
Mental Health: a leader’s guide
Early thoughts on a new test of leadership The pressure is on for leaders to understand and manage the mental health risk. This complex topic will test our leadership skills. Three forces of change are driving this pressure and they are accelerating: Mental health problems are becoming much more common Health and Safety legislation clearly […]
Waterlogged. The science of hydration.
Bottled fluid is a huge industry estimated to be worth USD$52 billion. The purpose of this industry is profit with their claim being that that hydration is a good thing. Most of us carry a bottle of fluid thinking it is good for us. Athletes- serious and amateur, “push fluids” thinking that it will help […]
Growing Leadership Expertise
The All Blacks have famously mastered resilience through a model of Red versus Blue behaviours. In Red we are overloaded, confused and at risk. Think quarter finals against France in 2007. The All Blacks realised that they had to master the Blue state: calm, clear and skilful. The shift was drilled in practice, in matches […]
From Strategic to Tactical Calm
The Single Most Important Skill of our Time Take a look at the softness and peace in Federer’s face as he dismantles Nadal in the Australian Open with a blistering forehand. This is tactical calm. We are distracted by meditation, mindfulness and various brain-training apps. These are helpful to build Strategic Calm. If you meditate […]
The Professional’s Pain
How to create a good and productive life Professionals face the sharp edge of acceleration – productivity, technology and connection with meaningful work. At the same time, they seek Eudaimonia (a good life). The pace has become overwhelming. How does one solve this paradox? After 28 years working for Professional firms, here are some perspectives […]