Some time back I wrote an article How Organisations Can Save Leaders From Drowning. In this I spoke of things organisations can do to raise the chances that leaders will be able to stay afloat in their demanding roles. Since then the circumstances for leaders have become even more challenging. Complexity and volume have […]
The Joys and Benefits of Literature
During the uncertainty and struggles of 2020, as our lives have become more constrained, there has been a return to simpler pleasures. People I know are finding more time for the hobbies they enjoy – painting, music, games, puzzles and more. For me, 2020 has helped me rediscover my love of literature. In recent years […]
How this “Play it Safe” Guy Took a Leap
3 months ago I took an uncharacteristic leap of faith when I left my safe and secure government employer of 20 years to begin consulting full time. I didn’t leave because my job had been made redundant. I didn’t leave because I was forced to leave. I didn’t leave because there was anything wrong with […]
Want to Enjoy Your Work More? Then Remember This.
During my very first economics lecture at the University of Queensland in the late 1980’s, my lecturer Dr Gunton made an observation that I have never forgotten. “All organisations are imperfect”, he pronounced with gusto from his academic pulpit in front of the crowded night time lecture theatre. I wrote this down, underlined it and filed […]
Yes it is Lonely At the Top (But it Doesn’t Have to Be)
When we commence our careers we usually work in the fat bit of the organisational structure triangle, somewhere near the bottom, where it’s anything but lonely. Everywhere we look there are people we can talk to, people to ask questions of, people to have a whinge with and people to share a laugh with. Very […]
How to Knock Self-Doubt Down to Size
Self-doubt. All of us have it. For some of us it’s an occasional visitor, while for others it’s ever-present. Sometimes it’s useful. For example, the self-doubt that stops me from swimming outside the flags in rough surf conditions has probably served me well. Other times self-doubt is much less useful, such as: The kind that stops […]
7 Tips For Surviving Promotions
Congratulations …… you’ve been promoted! You’ve been hoping for this chance for some time and you’re very excited about the new challenges and increased responsibilities the role is going to give you. More money in your pay will also be very welcome. The day comes to start and you take up your position at […]
Midlife Generativity or Midlife Stagnation?
In 1959, a German-born psychologist with a repetitive sounding name, Erik Erikson, developed an eight-stage theory of development through life. According to Erik(son), people address specific challenges at each life stage. Five of the stages in this theory take place during childhood, while the other three occur in adulthood. The 3 adult stages in Erikson’s […]
What I’ve Learnt From My Dog
It’s fair to say that my dog, a black miniature schnauzer named Bessie (pictured), is no rocket scientist. She has no understanding of algebra, she’s terrible at measurement and conversion, and her proficiency with statistics is downright poor. She is, however, the source of endless amusement and joy for our family. More unexpectedly, she’s […]
The Benefits of a Tech Free Holiday
I read recently that most of us check our mobile phones and other technology devices an astonishing 150 times per day! I’m as guilty as the next person of being on my phone and laptop more often than I should be. Not only is it easy to check these devices way too often but it’s also way […]
