“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.” – Christopher Hitchens
OpenLeadership
I see no joy, I see only sorrow… and hope
The most powerful force in the world is Hope. I am hopeful in this space, I do find multiple leaders to work with that believe…
The beauty of a still mind
My mind was still. I felt serenely calm, with no worries, no concerns.
I’ve decided to stop being self-aware
I’ve decided to stop being self-aware, what I do is none of my business
Yes, and…
Where could “Yes, and” take you today?
Borrow or steal ideas from other countries
What ideas have you come across in your travels that you could copy, steal, and then evolve to fit your needs?
Take a stand
Use your platform, whether CEO or athlete, to take a stand for what you believe is right.
Sunday musing – take time until it feels right
Rather than be carried away with enthusiasm on big decisions I’m allowing for taking time over decisions to make sure they feel right for all…
Do it NOW
Leave more space to “Do it NOW” as per the wondrous quote from the inestimable Paolo Coelho.
How do we make the business case for diversity?
The business case for diversity comes from embracing the commercial value of diverse teams to solve complex problems.
The power of encouragement
I was introduced to the Encouragement Manifesto, when they commended me on modelling point 6 by being consistent with my daily posts.
Be intentional with time off (or a sabbatical)
I used to think of a sabbatical as being for three months to a year. A Sabbatical Can Look Any Way You Want It To.…
I’ll figure it out
Choose “I’ll figure it out”over “I’ll get found out”. Believe in your ability to learn.
What did you learn?
Start with “Did you have Fun?”, then move on to, at the right time, “What did you learn?”
Consistency is doing it when you don’t feel like doing it
Consistency isn’t simply willpower, which comes and goes. Consistency is doing it when you don’t feel like doing it.
My current Context: Relax and Enjoy
I’ll be taking their sage advice and for the next two months focus simply on “Relax and Enjoy”, to quiet down my natural “Tigger” bounciness.
The difference between quitting and stopping
Quitting to me, as it relates to one’s physical body, is a mental thing, stopping is a physical one.
What is Art? Art is a personal gift that changes the recipient
Art is a personal gift that changes the recipient. The medium doesn’t matter. The intent does.
How often does your leadership team meet for at least a full day together?
How often does your leadership team meet for at least a full day together?
Elite Mindset: Transformative change takes time
Transformative change takes time. Accept this, then consider the long-term value of investing in it.
Elite Lessons: Leaders, flip the Pyramid
I was given the idea of “Flipping the Pyramid” for leaders some years ago when I interviewed my friend and mentor Peter Lederer for a…
Would you pay more Tax if it were called Civic Investment?
Tax has a brand problem. The word puts all the focus on what it takes from the individual, rather than what it makes possible together.
What is Love? The Absence of Fear
Thanks to Ed Dowding on Twitter for this prompt, his answer to the question “What is Love” being “the Absence of Fear”.
Who mentors the mentors?
If you are already mentoring others formally or informally, who mentors or coaches you? A good mentor will allow you to see the hope inside…
Do you know how to argue well?
Today I’m musing on the power of argument and what it takes to argue well. Despite differences, try to disagree agreeably and be open to…
Do you glance or do you catch a glimpse?
The opposite of a glance…is a glimpse: because in a glance, we see only for a second, and in a glimpse, the object shows itself…
How do we remember what we remember?
How do we remember what we remember? How do we know when to keep rummaging in the library of our consciousness for something that we…
What Enlivens You?
I know that talking to people also really enlivens me. I often begin by listening, and then seek to have a conversation that connects dots…
Air travel in the age of Covid and how we experience it
The chaos of understaffing post covid shutdowns in air travel, plus the last-minute cancellations.
If your staff are unproductive, that is a leadership problem
I work with Leaders who are laser-focused on their leadership and leading their people. The number one issue for them is attracting, developing, motivating and…
Leadership and how you show up
“Calm is Contagious.” This is a maxim of the Navy Seals and makes instinctive sense.
Do Mums perpetuate systemic sexism?
Mums, when you say your partner isn’t pulling their weight, perhaps ask yourself why you allow it? Also what role you may have in sustaining…
Treasure your health
Treasure your health, exercise and eat well. Not only will you enjoy feeling fit, but you give yourself a better chance of not getting sick.
Be Curious, Not Judgmental
Open leaders are both Brave and Hungry and also Open and Humble. Open and Humble leaders are also deeply curious.
Do you still make your people commute to the office in a heatwave?
So, if you are a business leader and temperatures are unusually high, are you still going to make your people commute to work every day…
Where do you sit on the spectrum of idealism and pragmatism?
On the spectrum, I could be 100% idealist and only work with companies of the utmost purity, but I am somewhat pragmatic.