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 feel immensely rich right now
"In my view, I am often immensely rich, not in money, but rich because I have found my metier, something I can devote myself to heart and soul and that gives inspiration and meaning to my life" Vincent Van Gogh I am just back from a week in Cayman and I too feel...
I feel immensely rich right now
I am often immensely rich, not in money, but rich because I have found my metier, something I can devote myself to heart and soul.
Weltschmertz
Weltschmertz is a German word literally meaning "world pain". In addition to now being exactly a year since life was changed in the UK by the pandemic, in the last week I've witnessed reaction to Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah, then the reaction to the abduction...
Covid profits plunge a ‘badge of honour’
Take the foundation of focus on Purpose and People and thrive through the pandemic. Profits will follow as an outcome, rather than the primary driver. "Scale for Impact" model, from my core article "Leading from Purpose" As the model above (and the linked article)...
The single biggest problem with communication
“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place." George Bernard Shaw Earlier this week I had a wonderful "virtual walk and talk" with Katie Elliott of Little Challenges. It was the first time we had spoken and, on reflection, it...
Acknowledge connections
Please take time to acknowledge the connections in your life. First people feel good when acknowleged, and second, you may learn something from joining the dots. A few years ago one of the "superconnectors" in my world, Sandy Kennedy, introduced me to a brilliant and...
It is not what you transmit, it is what others receive
"It is not what you transmit, it is what others receive". I will seek to understand what it is that others have received. I recently moved to an area where several hundred homes are governed by a management company. One of the rules governing each of us as owners is:...
Show people who you are, don’t tell them
Front page of the i newspaper yesterday, 8th March 2021 On 8th March this or any year, what do you notice that feels unusual about this Front Page? What is not expressly mentioned? A reminder of some wisdom I seek to remember: "Show people who you are, don't tell...
Prejudice can’t survive proximity
A phrase at the heart of the movie Pride is "Prejudice can't survive proximity". Recently I wrote: "When it feels hard to listen to alternative views", noting: "when it feels hard to listen to alternative views, I’ll keep focussing on listening and understanding."...
Do your part
Do your part - get a COVID vaccination. Yesterday I received my first Covid vaccination here in the UK. Hats off to the UK Government, they've done this very well. The vaccination process itself was also wonderfully fast and smooth, with it being particularly...
Equity drives Commitment
Sometimes a lightbulb goes off for me and, rather than analyse it, I realise it has significance and sit with it. Yesterday a conversation with a colleague switched on one such lightbulb. The lightbulb was around my work and that Equity drives Commitment. Often I work...
Recruiting both for now and for where you will be in the future
When recruiting, be aware of what you need right away and also in the future. “Go to where the puck is going, not where it has been”Walter Gretzky, to his son Wayne as a young ice hockey player, later to be known simply as “The Great One” Many leaders are turning...
Are you ready to learn the Business of Business?
You love what you do, but you aren't confident about running every part of your business.You know where you want your business to go but don't know what steps to take to get there.You're uncomfortable with cashflows, P&L's, balance sheets and general finances.You...
When everyone’s a genius, be intelligent
When everyone's a genius, be intelligent. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham is essential reading if you want to invest in companies rather than trade or speculate. Essential reading if you want to invest in companies rather than trade or speculate Yesterday...