Journal
Group Coaching & The Tao of Leadership
1st August 2010
Said to be by the great Lao-Tzu, the ‘Tao’ is essentially a book of how to govern; how to lead well. At its heart lies the proposition that flowing in and around everything is a paradoxical essence, called the Tao, and good leadership is about working in the same direction as subtle energy.... more
What does the heart of an organisation look like?
1st July 2010
What does the heart of an organisation look like? Is it just the sum of the individual hearts that make it up? Or does it have a life, a heart of its own? If so, in what condition is the heart of your business?... more
10 Thinking biases (or Cognitive Traps)
1st June 2010
What stops you being able to cope with situations? To start new things? To finish tasks? To build fulfilling relationships?... more
What is Resilience?
6th May 2010
Resilience is 'something' that many of us have demonstrated during the recent recession, both at home and work, but what is it?... more
The Struggling MD
1st April 2010
Being at the top of an organisation can be a lonely place. Our client runs a successful business that has recently acquired two new businesses. He was struggling with the issues of integrating three teams into one, although he had thought through all the location and resourcing challenges, the people were a different matter.... more
How to Put Your Prices Up
1st September 2009
YOu get known for what you do. If you cahrge £750 a day, then you will become known for it. Therefore you must be very wary when you set up a contract with a new customer about how you price your product or services. Here are a few tips:... more
More Profit?
3rd August 2009
The fundamental of running many businesses is about juggling three balls – marketing, operations and finance i.e. sell, make, collect. In times as tough as they are at the moment, it feels more like juggling three knives – if you get it wrong it will hurt everything.... more
Managing the Common Herd
22nd June 2009
This poem is required reading for anyone who's been sent on a management training course - two approaches for senior managment. Poem by Julie O'Callaghan... more
Ten Ways to Make Your Dreams Come True
28th April 2009
Entrepreneurs are great people who have a passion for what they do. However, sometimes life and obstacles can stand in your way. Here I remind you of some of the basic principles that you may have forgotten along the way!... more
How to win friends
31st March 2009
Influencing people is not a matter of using actions and words, but how your interactions with them make them feel.... more
Redundancy Survivors
2nd March 2009
When jobs are cut it is tough on everyone, but naturally the pain of the process tends to be very much focused on those who are selected or volunteer to go – but it is just as tough on those who are left behind.... more
The Downturn – 12 Cash Flow Tips
8th February 2009
The economy is slowing down and few businesses are immune. Prepare for this difficult period and be in a good position to exploit the recovery when it comes.... more
Can leadership be taught?
9th January 2009
There has never been a shortage of advice to guide you on how to be a leader; from books, consultancies and colleges. There has never been a dispute about the difference a manager who can ‘lead’ can make to the success of a company. However, the debate that has raged for many years is whether you can learn that skill or whether it can be taught.... more
Times are Hard? Focus on PR not advertising!
14th November 2008
Advertising is notoriously expensive and the output difficult to monitor, particularly if you are using a number of routes. So how can you maintain a strong profile? The answer may lie in Powerful PR... more
That Scary Business Plan
7th October 2008
Business plans have many uses. Here are my thoughts on what those are, as well as my 7 step plan to producing a pragmatic business plan... more
Deliver twice what you promise!
12th September 2008
An overheard conversation during a workshop break got me thinking... more
