Tag Archives: Personal Development

Affirmation Addicts

Affirmation Addicts

Posted on25. Aug, 2011 by .

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Over breakfast recently I was discussing the journey of leadership with a new friend when he described himself as a “Recovering Affirmation Addict”. Just quietly, so am I. Reflecting on my own past as a world-class people pleaser, it was clear to both of us that we had not become truly effective as leaders until [...]

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Distracted By Defining Moments

Distracted By Defining Moments

Posted on25. Nov, 2010 by .

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I’m concerned that our modern obsession with “defining moments” in life is distracting us from the real business of building our future. Don’t get me wrong- there’s no doubt that each of us experiences major events, both good and bad, that have a profound impact on who we are. It could be conquering a mountain… [...]

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Front Foot Favouritism

Front Foot Favouritism

Posted on19. Oct, 2009 by .

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I’m not a gifted sportsman, in fact even ‘competent’ is a stretch most of the time. But one sport I picked up quickly was snowboarding. There’s something exhilarating about hurtling down the side of a mountain strapped to a snowboard with trees and rocks all around you that heightens the senses and reminds you that [...]

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You Lost Me At Hello

You Lost Me At Hello

Posted on23. Aug, 2009 by .

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I flew into New York City for the first time last week and was stunned by the impact that city can make on you, even from the sky. I was in awe, taking photo after photo. Our week there only confirmed that first impression. But I thought about articles I’ve read lately on ‘making a [...]

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Culture Eats Strategy For Breakfast

Culture Eats Strategy For Breakfast

Posted on02. Jun, 2009 by .

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I was talking with one of the senior team at Gloria Jeans Coffees last week and she made a memorable statement as we discussed the different ways leaders can view the challenges facing their teams. Sadly it’s something many organisations don’t seem to understand- “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”. I couldn’t agree more. Now, I’m [...]

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Braking or Breakthrough

Braking or Breakthrough

Posted on18. May, 2009 by .

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I learned to drive in an automatic V8 Holden in the early 90’s, it was a powerful and thirsty beast with a novice at the helm. One day as I was driving with my Dad I approached an intersection and at the last moment the light turned orange. I should have kept going, but instead [...]

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Do You Lead Through Hindsight, Insight or Foresight?

Do You Lead Through Hindsight, Insight or Foresight?

Posted on03. May, 2009 by .

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My friend Mark is an Optical Engineer in the Australian Army and amongst other things he calibrates scopes for snipers. You know you’re passionate about leadership when even talking about weapon calibration gets you thinking about leadership principles! One statement he made really stuck with me “Just a 1mm adjustment of a screw slightly bigger [...]

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