We probably all have set ways of approaching problems, finding solutions and ultimately making decisions. What you might not realise is that how you make decisions can be heavily influenced by a mindset derived from questionable reasoning and preconceived ideas. We...
Leadership
Start owning your perceptions and your feedback will improve
In our last blog post we introduced the 'parrot on your shoulder' concept to describe your critical inner dialogue. You can use this device to produce well-formed pieces of feedback. Here's a brief recap on the steps in the process: Step 1: Identify the situation....
Get a grip on your inner dialogue to make more informed decisions
Are you aware of your inner dialogue, that 'parrot on your shoulder'? We give you the tools to assess your very own internal critic so you can think more clearly and make better, more informed decisions. “People are always blaming their circumstances for what they...
Think you’re a good listener? Learn how to ask the right questions
If you think that asking closed questions as a leader will provide you with the right answers, you should think again. Here we look at an alternative mode of questioning, which empowers people to find the answers themselves. “I don't pretend we have all the answers....
Cool and logical or a towering fury? How to be more effective when you assert yourself
If you fear a loss of control, you can often end up being aggressive in your behaviour towards others. Here's why staying cool and logical is the best way to assert yourself. “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really...
Oops – anyone seen my moral compass? If you don’t get caught, do you believe that the end justifies the means?
Has anyone seen my moral compass? This article looks at why now, more than ever, we need to have integrity. It sometimes feels like someone’s torn up the rule book. With internet and social networking, it’s possible that everything we do can be recorded and broadcast....
Can you keep the balance as a leader? Managing your tangible and intangible skills
Dealing with breakdowns in attitudes, values and behaviour in your organisation is not hard, but it does require skills such as listening, exploring, sharing, communicating. Here's why, and how, you need to handle these situations before they turn into a crisis; it's...
How to set clear and measurable SMART objectives
Creating clear, measurable objectives and holding others to account for them is one of the most important practical skills of a leader. There is a real skill to capturing clearly and precisely the essence of what needs to be achieved, while making sure it is easily...
A one-to-one worksheet that gives power to employees
Empowerment includes preparing people to take control. In this guest blog post from Dan Rockwell, he looks at questions and topics for employees to use in one-to-one meetings where they can control the agenda. To empower people, you must give them some control....
Is your leadership style a bit ‘Attila the Hun’?
What’s your concept of being a leader? One of the gang? Aloof and dictatorial? Stand back and let them get on with it? We give you pointers on how to develop your own effective leadership style. We often find ourselves modelling our leadership on past experiences of...
Find fresh ideas and approaches to resolve your business issues, make a noticeable difference in your performance, and achieve long-term goals.
Find fresh ideas and approaches to resolve your business issues, make a noticeable difference in your performance, and achieve long-term goals.