It’s been 15 years since I first managed people. And, when I look back at my past self, I cringe at the way I thought and went about some things. It’s uncomfortable. But I think that’s a good thing. Because it means I’m growing. If… If you don’t cringe at your past leadership approach, are you growing?
The book in a paragraph Algorithms to Live By explores human algorithm design – the use of algorithms for solutions to life’s everyday challenges. Algorithms are not just the domain of computer scientists – they are any sequence of steps used to solve a problem.… Book summary: Algorithms to Live By, by Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths
The difference between management and leadership is confusing. They’re distinct, but related disciplines, which overlap with one another. There are no hard fast rules, but here’s five differences to help you distinguish the two. 1. Leadership leans to vision and purpose. Management is more goals… 5 differences between management and leadership
What do you do when a team member does something ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’? Instinctively, we want to write them off and judge their character (this is called fundamental attribution bias). Sometimes our instincts are right. The misdeed was a wilful attempt to cause harm. But… Why would a reasonable, rational, decent person do this?
Maybe you can relate? Perhaps you’ve set a goal, worked hard to achieve it and felt that brief sugar hit of accomplishment. But then you have fallen into a motivation slump immediately after. Or maybe you set a goal that was a bit too lofty,… I’ve had a love/hate relationship with goal setting
Let’s dive into the world of objectives and key results (OKRs). Some say it’s just another goal-setting approach, but for me? OKRs have become one of the most valuable tools that I’ve adopted in both my personal and professional life. I’ve been using OKRs for… How I roll with objectives and key results (OKRs)
In my career I’ve had periods where I earnt good money, but the work didn’t engage me. I got bored, stopped giving it my best, and felt guilty about it. I’ve also worked on things I was really passionate about, but the pay was non-existent,… What matters more at work: the money, or the mission?
I used to really struggle with decision making. I was scared of making the wrong choice. Of things going wildly wrong and looking like an idiot. This often led to analysis paralysis. Which, at best, slowed progress and annoyed team members. At worst, it led… The worst decision is no decision
There are few things more certain than things going wrong. As a leader as it is in life. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. And I’ve regularly been confronted by my own limitations. And – no matter how much I meditate, reflect, talk it out (i.e.… Good leaders don’t make excuses
Here’s a controversial test of our leadership ability: we’re only as good as our worst performing team member. It feels horribly uncomfortable to consider. I hate the idea. But… I think it might be true. Here’s why… Because, if we have a chronically underperforming team… Is this the ultimate test of our leadership ability?
We all want to be leaders who deliver strong results while creating an engaging work environment for our team. But often we just don’t know where to start. Reading can help. Because – as author Ryan Holiday says – “Reading is the only way [we]… 5 books to level up your leadership
When I learn about better ways of managing, I often feel silly for not knowing earlier. And, instead of implementing immediately, I sometimes get shy and procrastinate on it. This makes no sense. If it’s a better way of doing things, I should just start… The second best time to improve your management approach is now
What are the most important problems in your field? Why aren’t you working on them? If you don’t have any great answers to that second question, perhaps consider: maybe I should be?
As modern leaders, we can – and should – see the employer and employee relationship as a positive-sum game.
Update: Our Strategic Planning Toolkit has launched! Our first Impact Society product will be a Strategic Planning Toolkit. It’ll give a step by step, four week approach – with templates and resources – to develop a straightforward strategic plan for any organisation or team. Whatever… Our Strategic Planning Toolkit is coming
I used to feel intimidated by the many capable people I worked with. Especially older and more senior ones. I assumed they all had their sh!t together in a way that I didn’t. Until one day I realised there’s no secret guidebook or certificate that… Everyone is winging it
A daily review is an integral part of my overall ‘impact system’. It sits alongside other key parts of my system, including a weekly review, which I’ll cover in a separate post. My daily review has two primary objectives: My version of a daily review… My simple daily review
The engagement of your team is one of the most important things you must focus on as a leader. But paying attention to your own level of engagement is not only important, but crucial. How you’re feeling about work has a huge impact on your… Why leaders must engage themselves first
Many managers think employee engagement just is a touchy-feely, nice-to-have. That it’s not something to be confused with the real work of management. But they’re wrong. Here’s why…
It’s hard to imagine firing someone as an act of kindness. But, it can be the kindest option.