I am dismayed and frustrated at the prevalence of leadership cowardice and ignorance, and its resulting high cost. As an executive coach I find that most of the cases I undertake, whilst warranted, are exacerbated by a more senior leader failing to be clear, decisive and timely in bringing the critical issues to the attention […]
These steps are inexpensive and you’ll get a massive return on investment. Step 1 – Listen to your people twice as much as you do now. Learn what they think and feel - really. Step 2 – Ask empowering respectful questions of your people twice as much as you do now – for example “How […]
I’m committed to life-long improvement of my leadership skills. That has me reflecting regularly to examine how I’ve performed and how I can improve. On one early occasion when leading a team of law-enforcement agents at a crime scene, I relieved an officer from duty for consistent poor operational performance. On this occasion he had […]
Having spent my early career hunting humans, I know hunting elephants is as great a challenge. I don’t mean hunting elephants in the wild or on game reserves. I mean in the boardroom and in the organisation. The boardroom is the tip of the proverbial iceberg. If there’s an elephant in the boardroom, there’s at […]
I have met some really wonderful, expert HR professionals in my time. They know their stuff. They are trusted and respected by the whole organisation. They are also in the minority. Sadly there are too many of a different kind. They are usually savvy when it comes to process. Many are idealistic about their value […]
The purpose of values is to define how and why we think, say, do and be regarding everything, in order to be true to ourselves and be valued authentically by others. Are you sick of hearing the “values drum” being beaten yet the drummers seem to be marching to a different beat? How quickly are […]
The pace of change, the busyness of executives and the lack of trained leaders are just some of the causes for team dysfunction, not to mention the primary three – fear, habits and ignorance. The Warning Signs Tasks not completed on time Less than useful meetings Overuse of email and particularly the CC line Rework […]
Most leaders were initially chosen to lead because of their technical or operational capability. Most of those that then make it through to the higher echelons of leadership are chosen because of their alleged track record and their relationships with their seniors and allied networks. The very few who also possess or acquire outstanding people […]
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index for 2013 lists Australia as equal ninth, with Canada, ahead of Germany, United Kingdom and the United States. Denmark was rated the least corrupt, followed by New Zealand, Finland and Sweden. Notably, Australia actually slipped four points compared to 2012 apparently due to the currency printing prosecution, and NSW […]
I’ve spent many years observing and learning from great people. Some of them are high profile, but most are the opposite. The difference between authentically great people who are high profile, and those who are low profile, depends only upon media interest. They are great not because of what they do – that is a […]
