Attention in the midst of distraction
For me, September feels like the start of a new year. A shift from summer adventures to a more defined routine. And, for many, a new year of learning at school, college or university. It’s a time that demands a quicker pace and a sharper focus. The transition can be challenging in a normal year. This September it’s happening in the face of new uncertainties within our work and learning environments, the possibility of a second wave as autumn draws in, and our concerns for our economy, our businesses and our jobs.
So my invitation to you, as we move into this uncertain phase, is to take a deep breath and find your focus.
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Are we ready for what lies ahead?
Where are we in the lifecycle of this pandemic? Is this the end of the beginning, or the beginning of the end? Or half time? And – as our days shorten and shadows lengthen – are we ready for whatever lies ahead?
In this article I want to celebrate the phenomenal flexibility we’ve all mustered over many months. Let’s not take it for granted. Let’s acknowledge it so that we can own this vital capability and continue to adapt in the months ahead.
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What does it mean to be a Thinking Environment and Why does it Matter?
What if 2020 is the year we embrace change, in a way unlike we have ever done in the past? What if we would, more intentionally, generate the best thinking in others and ourselves, for the good of all? What if – with creativity, courage, and commitment – we chose to become a thinking environment for others?
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When we’re busy being inclusive, who are we leaving out?
It’s hard writing about inclusion. How can I do it with any kind of honesty without talking about exclusion. And, of course, exclusion is something that most of us have very little experience of.
We’re learning that we need to do things differently. And as parents, teachers, mentors, coaches, teammates, employers and leaders we have the responsibility – and the power – to create inclusive environments. Many of us are working out what that means for the way we think and behave personally.
Here I share what creating a safe, inclusive space means for me. I offer my thoughts on how we can be truly welcoming by creating environments in which we listen deeply to what others think, feel and want to say.
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Meeting crisis with creativity
We’re living through a paradox. A time of unimaginable disruption is being met with the most inspiring examples of human creativity, collaboration and compassion. We face a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tap into the creativity that is innate in all of us, and to express it in our own, unique way. Here I celebrate human creativity, and share my thoughts on how we can release and harness it, in ourselves and others.
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Meeting chaos with calm
Recently I shared what I’ve learned while coaching leaders working on their impulse control. One month later, this emotional intelligence skill is critical for all of us. And it is being put to the test in many different ways and to extreme levels. I’ve been thinking about how we are responding to the very different challenges each of us are facing right now, and how we can meet the chaos with choice and calm.
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Giving in to impulse
We’re all human. We’ve all found ourselves in situations so frustrating or stressful that we’ve exploded. We’ve snapped at our...
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The expert is a vulnerable explorer
Over the past 48 hours, I felt a swell of emotions rising. The news of more people in distress, more...
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Some leaders get it. Some don’t. What can you do?
Responding to your team members – the stars and the strugglers – with commitment, care and courage. During our recent...
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Where would we be without problems?
Some might ask, what is work for if not to fix things, improve things and anticipate the problems that are...
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Learning to lead with empathy
What if you were to intentionally listen – with empathy – in order to develop a deeper relationship with someone...
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Start 2020 by tuning in to YOU
Life-shifting New Year’s resolutions are compelling. We all want to be better, fitter, faster, smarter. And, of course, we also...
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An interview with Nico Delfine, Sustainability and Organisations
Sustainability is more and more widespread in public debate mainly because of global climate change. By this interview with Jane Adshead-Grant we want...
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Beyond Vision Part 2: The questioning leader
In Beyond Vision Part 1: The listening leader, I shared my experience that listening can transform leadership. A leader who listens...
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Beyond Vision Part 1: The listening leader
Being a leader is tough. You’re expected to know where your organisation is going, make it happen and deal with...
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If your work is worth doing, it’s worth sharing with the next generation
I was honoured that our daughter Rachel joined me at the Ignite Movement conference in Switzerland last week. Not a typical ‘take...
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Building Trust Part 2: Giving leaders latitude
In part 1 of my reflections on trust, I shared my hope in the huge opportunity – borne out by...
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Building Trust Part 1: Grasping the opportunity
Trust takes time to cement. And it can collapse in a moment. We all know this from the intense moments...
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