Other than in a job-literal way, it is surprisingly difficult to define what our strengths are. We might be able to say that we are really good at spotting flaws in high spec’ engineering designs, or we might understand the different tax regimes across South America, but dig beneath this, and what are we actually […]
Read MoreBe decisive about whether or not you agree with your Company’s Purpose, Goals or Culture?
This is harder to answer than it might first appear, for two reasons. Firstly, you have to figure out what you believe your Company’s purpose and Culture really is. Secondly, you have to figure out your own. Company’s Purpose The Company’s is harder to work out than it should be. I don’t think anyone […]
Read MoreHow to (professionally) say no to people.
There comes a time, when you have to deliver on your goals and you have to say no to other people in order to do it. In which case, keep it simple, don’t make excuses and don’t allow a debate to begin about how and when you might be able to fit it in. Just […]
Read MoreInvest the time after each fire to analyse the underlying causes
Feel like you’re constantly going from one fire to the next? Ever get to the end of the day (or week even) and wonder what on earth you’ve been doing? (Other than running around like crazy trying not to go backwards.) This seems to be an increasingly common state that all of us find ourselves […]
Read MoreA simple but powerful model to build resilience and manage stress
Resilience is not the same as bouncing back. We tend to create rather a macho ideal of how we should react to adversity and anything short of a stoic, stiff upper-lipped response is a failure. It’s James Bond, straightening his tie as he walks calmly away from scene of complete carnage. Obviously next time I […]
Read MoreBe better rested in order to take better decisions and have more emotional self-control
Most of us feel a bit more tired these days, after all we’re not 22 any more (apologies and congratulations if you are!) This is true, but I would be very careful with the logic that tiredness need be a constant companion and an automatic fact of a busy life. We tend to use ourselves […]
Read MoreUnderstand how to change a habit.
The disappointing truth is that we never get rid of old habits; we just replace them with stronger ones. The wiring for the old habit is still there, so we need to make sure a new habit gets programmed in to our brain really comprehensively, and is then reinforced with constant use. Kelly McGonigal’s highly […]
Read MoreA simple introduction to Emotional Intelligence.
There are a number of different models for Emotional Intelligence, huddled around two main types. I won’t bore you with the details. The model below (which I am certified to use) is a great example and the categories are instructive. (Click on the image to enlarge) Taking the test, particularly on a 360-degree basis can […]
Read MoreUnderstand how the brain generates happiness and motivation
The evidence shows that we get more “happiness” and more long-term benefit from the anticipation of a holiday than the holiday itself*. So if you want to be happier and more energised, make sure you have a holiday coming up to look forward to. I’m not suggesting holidays are the answer to everything, but this […]
Read MoreUnderstand better what the world looks like from your boss’s point of view
We tend to think that out boss doesn’t realize quite how much we do and how much the world has changed since he/she was doing the same job. We’re probable right. It’s natural to think that our boss might be a bit more understanding or realistic if they walked in our shoes for a day […]
Read More