What was your first paid job? Maybe a paper round, or working in a shop, a fast food outlet or warehouse? These are common answers from participants on many of the leadership courses I run. Our first job typically involves a lot of task. We may be serving customers in a coffee shop, sitting at a desk paying invoices in…
Last month I went on a Microsoft Excel course, as part of upgrading my skills. It’s Powerpoint next. I have made a commitment to upgrade my software skills. Why? The products have changed since I last went on training, ahem, twenty years ago. I had become increasingly frustrated by continuously feeling on the back foot. I was irritated by having…
On the surface, control is attractive. As a manager, the feeling of control can give you security, certainty and eliminate uncomfortable ambiguity from the task in hand. It can help you to feel strong and warm inside, on top of things and, well – in control! It’s nearly as good as endorphins and yet, at best, it’s short term sticking…
Recently you were promoted, and part of the prize was being asked to manage a team. It’s not been easy, but you have arrived. When you wake up each day, you know it’s possible to go to work, connect with your team and get things done. Yet you have a gnawing feeling inside you there is more. More to learn, more on…
The Kingdom of Swaziland is a small country the size of Wales, has one million inhabitants and is surrounded on three sides by South Africa and on the remaining side by Mozambique. Last week Swaziland held one of its most important cultural ceremonies – the Umhlanga Reed Dance. We were able to attend the final two days of this…
There were concerns before Brexit. The road looked straightforward, but who really knew what was ahead. What happened was a surprise for all of us … with help from Namibia here is a story about the range of emotions on the Brexit road so far, and two things that might help you as a leader in the days ahead. …