Something I’ve observed in many leaders is the feeling that they have to have an answer when asked a question. Not so. And not even for the reason a thousand coaches have told you, which is to be vulnerable. There’s a deeper reason. Which is that often it’s not really a question at all. Here […]
People and HR
The dangers of advice
“I cannot judge what he did, because I did not have his information”. A particularly sage comment from the then 82-year-old Lee Kuan Yew, former Prime Minister of Singapore. Judgement is in many ways the same as advice. When we give advice, it is from our perspective, which is always different from the person receiving […]
Leading in crisis (5) – Communication
I was asked on Monday if I know a leader who over-communicates. Honestly? I’ve neither known nor often been one who’s communicated enough. It’s a top 3 concern in every leadership team I’ve worked with. Often number 1. (Though I have known many a leader who sometimes talked too much! Guilty as charged) How? First, frequently. […]
Leading in crisis (2) – Hope
Crisis brings fear; crisis wreaks havoc; crisis destroys. Crisis brings hope. Crisis presents opportunity. Crisis creates. With everything around us, most people only see the first set of options. But If we want our teams and businesses to emerge stronger and create a better future, we \*have to\* show them how to get to the […]
Is your policy serving a purpose or masking your inability to deal with uncertainty?
Are your policies up to scratch? Consider this. True story. For 11 years, a company has an expense policy that says “don’t take the piss”. That’s it. Not a word more. This serves them well for 11 years. Then, one night at a works drinks gathering, someone orders a several-hundred pound bottle of champagne. Then […]