My Library
People are my library, my writing inspired by what I learn: ideas, inspiration, wisdom, and sometimes some eclectic whimsy for good measure, all centred around #OpenLeadership. At the heart of all of this is that I write to share learnings and to discover my thoughts. Over the years i have written (mostly) daily, over 2000 posts and 1,000,000 words (that last part blows my mind, tbh!). Enjoy browsing.
I’m an Applied Economist
Recently I was in a small group discussion on Zoom focussed on a leading Economist who is focussed on complexity. Stripping away the technical language, they focus on why people don't always make decisions based on rational models, (i.e. because models are simple,...
I’m an Applied Economist
Surrounded by Economists who are experts but have never been out in the world and led businesses, the answer that came to me was that…
What I learned from a master practitioner
Lessons learned from working with a master Feldenkrais practitioner . Yoda, a quintessential Master Over a year ago I injured my Achilles badly. No specific event, I simply was walking a lot that summer and it became injured and wouldn't heal. Months later, frustrated...
Tell me what you want
Pigeon: 'Ever heard of Text Messaging?' This is the 696th day in a row of posts on this site and, whilst I have a whole load of themes bubbling away for future long (and short) reads, I'd really like to hear from you. I wrote a piece a while ago called "Tell People...
Coaching Tip: How to avoid giving advice
Coaches do not give advice. What do I mean? Coaching = Asking, NOT Telling When a coach is actually in the role of a coach, when they are coaching, they do not give advice. Ever. However, coaches are also often asked to fill four other roles at times, those of mentor,...
Handling cognitive dissonance like THE Boss
Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort felt by a person who holds two or more conflicting ideas, beliefs or values at the same time. Leadership is about people, so understanding people is clearly key. For self-leadership, then, self-awareness is key. As humans we seek...
That’s a great question!
One of the biggest compliments you can receive if you are listening to someone is when you ask them something and they reply: "that's a great question!", well, at least unless it is someone looking to then duck the question! Anyway, if they take the question on board...
Challenging your Critical and Contextual thinking
Education systems are in crisis, including the devaluing of any type of critical thinking. Challenge and encourage both critical and contextual thinking.
Southwest Airlines and the worst driver’s licence photo
A Southwest Airlines flight was delayed several hours and the gate agent decided to have fun, take the time with the passengers and play games,…
188 Cognitive Biases
When I saw this brilliant graphic on Cognitive Biases from Design Hacks the other day, all I could think was "Wow! We do truly have so many biases." Over the last few days, I've written around the exploration of bias and one or two ideas of how we can activate tools...
Reverse Thinking – for a Lost Generation
Over the last two days, I have written first a (very) long read about Heuristics (in "You cannot eliminate your biases", then yesterday a shorter one on a tool to answer difficult questions by imagining the reverse. As those who read my daily writing often or who know...
Answer questions – by imagining the situation in reverse
A large number of questions might be illuminated — if not answered —by imagining the situation in reverse. If Britain had no nuclear deterrent, would there be much clamour to obtain one? If Scots were independent already, what sort of union would they seek? Which...
You cannot eliminate your biases
What are your biases? You might say: "I'm not biased". Don't believe me? Try answering these three questions, known as the Cognitive Reflection Test. (1) A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost? _...
Why you need fewer people referring you clients
Building a base of clients with fewer people making referrals. We all know the best way to build a client base is with referrals from people who already know you, right? Sure, so logically to be introduced to new clients, we need to talk to everyone we know and ask...