The Leadership Coach™

When “Busy” Is A Badge Of Honour

Posted on 26. Apr, 2010 by Paul Andrew.

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Productivity has a cousin you don’t want to spend too much time with. At a glance productivity and busyness seem to be close relatives, but don’t settle for the counterfeit. Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely believe in having a strong work ethic. But when you don’t understand the difference between being busy and [...]

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Airbrushes, Avatars and Authenticity

Posted on 12. Apr, 2010 by Paul Andrew.

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Airbrushes Have you ever seen how much editing is done to the photos of models before they appear on the cover of a magazine? The contrast between the before and after shots is astonishing. In the hands of a graphic designer just about every imperfection can be fixed. Got wrinkles? Nothing a little Photoshop airbrushing [...]

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Spring Clean Your Leadership

Posted on 29. Mar, 2010 by Paul Andrew.

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We moved homes this week and became acutely aware of the amount of stuff we have accumulated as a family over the years. We’re not hoarders. In fact we’re not even especially sentimental. Yet quietly, in boxes and cupboards, in drawers and dark corners of the garage, “stuff” had been slowly multiplying. Not quite rubbish [...]

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Being Adaptable Is Over-Rated

Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by Paul Andrew.

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For years I’ve sung the virtues of being adaptable and to be fair adaptability does have real value in certain situations. But I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s just not enough. Being adaptable is over-rated. By definition, leadership is bringing change to the world around you rather than simply conforming to what already exists. [...]

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What Every Leader Wants (And Why Most Don’t Get It)

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by Paul Andrew.

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Recently a coaching client asked me, “How can I get my team to be more proactive?”. Good question. If you asked just about any leader if they want their team to use more initiative and be on the front foot, they’d say “Yes”… but ask them how they can build the sort of team where [...]

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How To Lead Like A Marine

Posted on 15. Feb, 2010 by Paul Andrew.

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While in the USA recently I watched a documentary on the leadership development programs of the US Marines. I was struck by what a senior officer described as their “leadership philosophy”: Know Yourself, Know Your Job, Know Your People. Undoubtedly, the Marines are an elite and highly effective military force. Their leadership training must equip [...]

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A Critique Of Criticism

Posted on 01. Feb, 2010 by Paul Andrew.

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Recently a friend said to me, “Criticism is the death gargle of a non-achiever”. It’s a great statement and I’ve found it to be true. Many years of leadership have given me the opportunity to see the long-term impact of different mindsets on a person’s life. The truth is that all too often those whose [...]