“What would it be like if you lived each day, each breath, as a work of art in progress? Imagine that you are a masterpiece unfolding, every second of every day, a work of art taking form with every breath.” Thomas Crum, author and presenter Social media has made the world one big global village dominated by the strength of relationships in a currency of caring, powered by word of mouth. Remember when one person would complain to one other? Those days are over, now you can tell the world. What is social media? It is a blend of technology and social interaction, an online community. One in four users is actually over 65 years of age (to keep in contact with the grandchildren, the world at large or for online dating we wonder?). Social media is free, instant, re-active, allows conversation, is accessible and has powerful reach. There is no credibility factor, no barrier to entry, so anyone can say anything, anywhere. You as a leader need to anticipate that. Social media cannot be called new media, it can be called now media. It is not going to go away, so leaders need to embrace and understand it – and then […]
“Leadership development leads to raising our human spirit and potential – and with it we will achieve and sustain our organisational competitiveness. Enhanced performance requires enhanced behaviour. Enhanced behaviour requires enhanced leadership. Enhanced leadership creates the right environment. The right environment gives real meaning to work.” Philip Hayes, CEO of The Laser Group We learn so much from observing other leaders, those who work closely with us and those who are iconic, from afar. Some lead by good example, from others we learn what and how not-to-do. Those who stir and excite me are the leaders who consciously develop their teams, who actively look for tomorrow’s leaders, then guide and skill them. Leaders need to constantly question, they cannot afford to be complacent, they need to listen to their followers, be flexible and adventurous in their thinking, yet remain humble. Leaders are the icon of the brand; they are the ones who bring it to life. A brand is not just a look nor logo, but an experience that sits in the hearts and minds of people, and yes, the most important people are staff. I used a quote from Richard Branson in my second book, Raise your Profile: “Our first […]
A healthy working environment is not only one that is well ventilated (preferably not air-conditioned), naturally lit and free of pollution and noise. For people to be productive, they also need to be happy. Happy people are healthier people. Seldom is staff asked what makes them happy, and what could make them happier. I did. Whilst conducting formal and informal research during the writing of Raise Your Leaders™, I had the pleasure of interviewing a number of established leaders, and their followers. Let me share them with you. Empowerment and expression Working in an environment that allows empowerment and self-expression, which accepts mistakes as a development mechanism and encourages creativity and innovation, will contribute to overall happiness. Affirmation (verbal and written) and appreciation (exhibited in money and other currencies such as flexibility and time off), make a difference on the happiness barometer too. The younger generation want their work to link to their sense of purpose and want to know what the ultimate outcome of their contribution to the company is. Personal development plus a sense of belonging is important for them, as is being respected – and being able to respect the people they work with and for. Technology […]
