Welcome to Monday Morning

Exciting Discoveries

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.” - AA Milne

Order, processes and structure have a big following as a way of being successful. Indeed much is made of maximizing our time and effort so that we can get more done. So if it is so good why isn't everyone doing it? Being disorderly allows us to keep our options open, to make connections across different subject areas, to think laterally. In turn this allows for more creativity when solving problems or coming up with new ideas.

Harnessing Team You!

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“The man who has no inner life is the slave of his surroundings” - Henri Frederic Amiel

Quite often we know that we need to take action but somehow just don't get around to it. We might need to look for new work, tackle a new project, or even sort out an existing problem. It doesn't seem to matter how important these issues are or knowing how much it will do us. For whatever reason we avoid doing something about it.

One belief that supports this behavior is that someone or something external in our lives will step in and take the initiative for us. A more empowering approach is to identify and harness our inner resources or what I like to think of as team you! Your team can be designed anyway you like. Perhaps you could have team members responsible for some of the following tasks: thinking - to list the facts, emotions - to notice how you really feel, willpower - to get things into action, body - to ensure that you have lots of energy?

Detached Observation

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Whoever can see through all fear will always be safe.” - Tao Te Ching quote

An old Taoist farmer lost his best stallion one day and his neighbour came around to express his regrets, but the farmer just said, "maybe." The next day the stallion returned bringing with him 3 wild mares. The neighbour rushed back to celebrate with the farmer, but the old farmer simply said, "maybe." The following day, the farmer's son fell from one of the wild mares while trying to break her in and broke his arm and injured his leg. The neighbour came by to check on the son and give his condolences, but the old farmer just said, "maybe." The next day the army came to the farm to conscript the farmer's son for the war, but found him invalid and left him with his father. The neighbour thought to himself, "Who knows what is good and what is bad?"

Throughout history humans have had to handle surprising changes in circumstances. Taoists have an interesting take on this old problem. For them, the true significance of events can never be understood as they are occurring, for in every event there are elements of both good and bad. Furthermore, each event has no specific beginning or end and may influence future events for years or even centuries to come

Putting the good word out there

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Marketing is what gets you noticed, and that side of it as opposed to the creative side of it, is the side of it that I least enjoy, and yet is 50% of the project.” - Rowan Atkinson

Many of us cringe at the thought of having to market ourselves. Somehow it feels wrong to promote what we do or it can even feel like a distraction taking us away from what is really important to us. A good point to consider, however, is the cost of not doing so.

What would happen if nobody noticed how much added value you gave to your organisation, how great your product or services are, how much you saved your customer or even how innovative your new idea is?

Who would lose out? Is it you, because you didn't get your promotion, your big customer or new creative project? Or perhaps it is your boss, your organisation, the creative industry or your customers for not being able to utilise what you have to offer? Essentially put, communicating what we have to offer becomes easier when we believe that both parties stand to gain.

What are you thinking?

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Our achievements of today are but the sum total of our thoughts of yesterday. You are today where the thoughts of yesterday have brought you and you will be tomorrow where the thoughts of today take you.” - Blaise Pascal

The strong link between our thoughts and our behaviours mean that it is possible to create our future by noticing what is happening in our minds right now. All we need to do is imagine what we want.

As we begin to flesh out the details in our minds, we start to understand what might be possible, what challenges might exist, what resources we might need to overcome these challenges and so on.

The longer we spend thinking about what we want rather than things we can longer do anything about the better chance we have to get what we want, not recreate what we do not want.

A matter of perspective

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Have you ever noticed? Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac.” - George Carlin

It is the old adage of freedom fighter or terrorist, isn't it? The good news about having our own perspective is that it is always right....well, always right from our point of view anyway.

The hard thing to keep in mind when we are giving or receiving a point of view is that there are as many perspectives as there are people in the world.

This means that when we want to communicate with others, we have to make the effort to elicit those differences, to clarify what view of the world someone is coming from when they speak to us.

Harnessing Your Team

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it. ” - H.E. Luccock

Superior teamwork was given as a key factor for success by many team gold medallists at the Beijing Olympic Games this year. Winners such as the UK's Men's pursuit cyclists, who broke the world record, and the Chinese women's judo team, who made a historic breakthrough by obtaining an unprecedented three gold's are shining examples of how different types of teams can be harnessed to achieve incredible results.

Although each team is composed differently, simply put, what all great teams have in common are clear roles and responsibilities, a shared vision, similar values, good feedback mechanisms and the ability to support and champion each other.

Relax and Focus

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“My thoughts before a big race are usually pretty simple. I tell myself: "Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win... channel your energy. Focus."” - Carl Lewis

Who couldn't be awestruck watching Usain Bolt win his gold medal and also break the world record this weekend? Many were surprised at him slowing down so early in the race, but when you consider that Bolt's only focus was to be an Olympic champion he certainly achieved his goal.

Watching him dance and pose in front of the crowd, wearing shorts rather than the more typical limb warming tights, you could see that he was in a different mental state than his competitors. Bolt was quoted as saying "I was having fun." "That's just me. I like to have fun. Over the season a lot of people saw that, so I decided to keep it going. I like dancing. It keeps me relaxed. Not to worry too much. When I go in the blocks, I focus on the race, but before the race, I like to enjoy myself and stay relaxed."

Given his relaxed and single minded approach to his sport, we could wonder if Bolt was the kind of guy who was mentally set-up to worry about every tenth of a second would he have achieved his aim?

A time to mend your nets?

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“There's a time to fish and there's a time to mend your nets” - Ancient proverb

The fishermen knew that it was pointless going out to sea in storms when neither their vessel nor their nets would stand up to the pounding of the waves and the wind. So they used this time to mend their nets so that they could ensure better catches when the weather picked up again.

In real life the storm might represent a difficult economic or political climate and the nets might represent all the tools, knowledge, skills and attitudes that ensure that we are at the top of our game. So ensuring that there are no gaps or “holes” in these areas can help us to maximise our success, when the economy “storm” has blown over. Of course whilst we mend our nets we get a chance to talk with others and build relationships.

Full Body Listening

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“There is nothing so annoying as to have two people talking when you're busy interrupting.” - Mark Twain

It can be so frustrating when people won't stop talking and let us say our piece! Well that can certainly be true for those extroverts out there. I count myself in this group of people and only know too well how joyful it can be to chat away!

Unfortunately, for us when we work with others it pays to listen and listen very hard if we are to truly hear their wants, needs and generally what is going on around us. The best way to do this is to focus not only the words that are spoken but how they are being spoken.

Others as Inspiration

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“I wanted to be John Cleese and it took some time to realise the job was, in fact, taken.” - Douglas Adams

Role models can take all shapes and sizes. They can be real people in the public eye, archetypes from days gone by such as gods and goddesses. Role models can even be outstanding members of our own circle of family and friends.

Whoever they are, they offer us the chance to see a route to grow into our more powerful selves. What we must remember, however, is that although others can shine a light on our underdeveloped attributes, we can only be truly powerful when we are our unique selves.

Getting Your Needs Met

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“I appreciate your applause, but I don't do it for applause. I do it for cash, it's much better.” - Eddie Izzard

It's easily done, isn't it? We put our efforts out there, work hard, people seem happy with what we do but somehow all that effort feels unsatisfying. Part of that feeling can be defined as unmet needs.

Identifying what you need in return for your output is the first step in getting your needs met and once clear, you have a chance to negotiate for what you want. It could be recognition, more mental stimulation, the chance to work with quality people, freedom to work where you want; it could even be hard cash as in the case of Eddie Izzard.

A need is anything you have to have in order for you to work at optimum performance. If you are managing someone or even are a parent, it's worthwhile exploring what your people need. You might find it's a lot cheaper that a pay rise!

Empathy

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that who cares? He's a mile away and you've got his shoes.” - Billy Connolly

This is such a great quote as even actors will sometimes choose to get into part by trying on the shoes of the character that they are playing. Our shoes really inform how we carry our body, which in turn can reflect what is happening in our minds. The ability to experience other people's worlds, without necessarily agreeing with them, is key to building quality relationships. Also, it is an amazing opportunity to check that your interpretation of the world still works for you!

Change Your Mood

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can't make it through one door, I'll go through another door - or I'll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.” - Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers makes it no secret that she, like a number of comedians, spends quite a few of her waking hours feeling depressed. What makes her different from other people who feel depressed, is that she is able to make herself laugh by finding the comedy in the world around her.

Joan Rivers is able to change her mood, by deliberately seeing the world differently. If we take this a step further those of us who on occasion feel hopeless could look for the hope in the world, those who feel unhappy could look for the joy and so on.

Meaningful Work

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.” - Anne Frank

As a result of watching their parents work long and hard hours to achieve money and status, teenagers and young adults of “Generation Y” are thought to have different priorities and certainly higher demands than Anne Frank when it comes to their work.

The leading Employment specialist John Challenger cites that they want meaningful work, more freedom and control to do their work. As leaders, workers & parents this point raises interesting challenges.

Agile Thinking

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“There exist limitless opportunities in every industry. Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier. ” - Charles Kettering

Without doubt commitment to a decision is essential to its successful implementation, but at what point should we close our minds to other options or suggestions?

If our outcomes are linked in with external factors such as market forces, changes in tax laws, or meeting the needs of others we had better be open to input from others.

We can only imagine the improvements that could have been made to the soviet system if a little flexibility had been incorporated into their 5 year plans! By allowing our mind to become more agile we can allow the original idea to evolve and grow so that we better achieve our outcomes.

Your Inspirational Cause

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” - John Quincy Adams

Getting more from others is certainly a good way of increasing productivity. But how do you go about turning on the hearts as well as the minds of others? Sun Tzu's art of war suggests that we first must look at our motivations for setting our objectives. Objectives that are rooted in greed, selfishness, ego maintenance or desperation are unlikely to motivate others to take action whilst objectives that are done in the right way for the right reason will flick that mysterious switch and turn people on. Look for objectives that will benefit something bigger than yourself and you will be on the right path. Chin-ning Chu advocates a winning strategy is one that is essentially good, creative, innovative, joyful, brilliant, sweet or ecstatic!

Taking things to the next level

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Your paradigm is so intrinsic to your mental process that you are hardly aware of its existence, until you try to communicate with someone with a different paradigm.” - Donella Meadows

When we want to take something to the next level, what that next level is exactly can be elusive since our view of the world is intrinsic to how we think. We need external input to shift our perspective. It's as if we need to walk through a door but don't have the key.

The long distance runners of 1983 had their beliefs challenged when 61 year old Cliff Young turned up in overalls and galoshes over his work boots to run the 875km endurance race from Sydney to Melbourne.

After 5 days, 15 hours and 4 minutes of no sleep (he didn't know he was allowed to sleep) and using what was considered an amateurish shuffling style of running, Cliff went on to beat Australia's fittest athletes. Although he was laughed at initially, today long distance runners use the “young shuffle” and those taking part in the Sydney - Melbourne elect to run in one go rather than take sleep breaks.

Go Faster Stripes

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” - Dwight D Eisenhower

Wouldn't it be great if all we had to do to motivate ourselves and others is to paint on some go faster stripes? What the stripes have going for them is that they are a sign of commitment to speed, and of course they are painted in a way that makes an object look like it is already going faster. They shout loudly to the whole world “look at me I'm a fast object”.

The challenge with human beings is that we are often motivated by different things at different times in our lives. So the stripes, if we could paint them, would not only be different colours they also would be different shapes. There are two ways of finding our motivation: first we can ask what is important or what do we need. Secondly, we can observe behaviour since it is not unusual to say one thing and do another!

Room to Evolve

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“It is mad to try to express new feelings or ideas in a mummified form” - Alfred Jarry

There is a lot to be said for feeling certain, and it is no wonder then why it can feel natural to hold concepts, plans and people so close so as to create the illusion that we have all the answers and can control the outcomes. However right this feels, we must remember what happens when we hold a butterfly too tightly in our hands! By allowing for change and interaction with others we give a person, feeling, idea or plan a chance to evolve and grow.

Voting with your actions

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain.” - Carl Gustav Jung

Sometimes we find ourselves acting in ways our mind has no logic for. It is not uncommon to see this kind of activity in others. I think we have all come across employees, colleagues or even family people who spend time telling us one thing then go on to do something else. Some call this activity gut instinct. It can be useful as a different approach to solving problems and it can also let you know what action you and others unconsciously want to take, irrespective of the logical argument.

What is your focus?

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” - Buddha

A quote like this can seem a little esoteric, but it does remind me about the times when I found myself at the helm of a boat trying not to hit something. The more I found myself focusing on the object that I was trying to avoid, the closer I was to hitting it. The only course of action was to focus on where I wanted to go rather than what I was trying to avoid.

If we take this idea and apply it to what we want to achieve then first we would need to identify where we were going in a clear definable way. Then we would need to let go of any thought that distracted us from our focus.

Who Chooses You?

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“One measure of leadership is the calibre of people who choose to follow you.” - Dennis A. Peer

It's an interesting thought isn't it? In our free-choice society we all know that we can't make people choose us. So what power do we have to encourage high caliber people to follow us? I believe the key here is attraction. This applies at all levels: the job offers we take from organisations, the vision we communicate to our teams, how we relate and treat those around us.

Difficult or Different?

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” - Audre Lorde

It is certainly frustrating when a colleague, employer, or even a family member is being difficult, especially when our success depends on their co-operation. Now whilst it's true that there are a percentage of consciously vindictive people out there I have to say most of the “difficult” people that I've come across are difficult due to differences in what they believe and what they value. These differences are then compounded by poor lines of communication.

With a common intention and willingness to accept the other these difficult dynamics can be transformed. If this is not possible then at least by understanding what has happened will mean that the frustration will be less painful or expensive!

Explore the detail that matters

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Excellence is in the details.” - Gregory L. Sullivan

Leaders who are committed to excellence report that the details do matter. Depending on your business it could be the design of door handles, the smoothness of how an engine starts or how a customer's complaint is handled. As we all know, focusing on too much detail can lead us to lose our way and by focusing on the big picture we can lose the detail. Of course the Pareto principal guides us to spend 80% of our effort on the 20% that matters.

No Compromise!

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Quality, quality, quality: never waver from it, even when you don't see how you can afford to keep it up. When you compromise, you become a commodity and then you die.” - Gary Hirshberg

Gary Hirshberg is Chairman, President and CEO of Stonyfield Farm, an International organic yoghurt producer responsible for taking the organization from its infancy as a 7-cow organic farming school in 1983 to its current $260 million in annual sales. Gary placed quality as his number one value and then refused to compromise.

Delight in Yourself!

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.” - Lao Tzu

It's easily done isn't it? We look around at others and think “why don't I have that?”, “why can't I do that?”, or “why have I not achieved that already?” All these types of thoughts achieve is to make us feel lesser than we truly are and rarely result in generating good feelings towards others. What is sometimes difficult to appreciate is exactly how unique we are; our special talents, skills, backgrounds and experiences. Once we are able to do this we can start to see how our individual journeys have their own timings and rewards. By delighting in who we are we can delight in the differences of those around us.

Reinvent Yourself

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“People who cannot invent and reinvent themselves must be content with borrowed postures, secondhand ideas, fitting in instead of standing out.” - Warren G. Bennis

The power of reinvention has been used by all the great brands; Madonna, Apple, Motorola and General Electric. What is great about the notion of reinvention is that it is completely independent of your past. You, whoever you are right now can decide to let go of who you've been and decide to be who you've always wanted to be and do what you've always decided to do!

Give a Little Respect

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Men are respectable only as they respect” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Rare as it is, I recently came across a more or less politics free office. After a little research it became clear that members of this organization genuinely focus on getting the job done rather than putting their individual agenda's first. They believed that what made the difference was valuing the importance of respect. Although respect can mean many things here it was understood to be a two way process. Where the other should be respected first, before waiting for respect to come to them. The key to respect was acceptance of a person for who they are; their moods, their differences and their behaviour.

Shared Humour

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:01 +0000

“Laughter is the closest distance between two people.” - Victor Borge

Getting someone to laugh is a wonderful way of uplifting the mood in the office and connecting with the people around you. By having the intention to share laughter with others it will allow you to practice your empathy with others and extend your repartee.