A change is as good as a rest. Change is inevitable, growth is optional. One day, or day one, you decide. Life is like underwear, change is good Nothing is certain in life but death and taxesChange is in the air at Business Development Company. Blame a mid-life crisis or an empty nest syndrome, or maybe not knowing how good I already had it, but one day I woke up and it was time to seek … [Read more...]
The big issues facing businesses now
Global issues A report from the World Economic Forum Extreme weather events and natural disasters have topped the list of perceived risks to New Zealand in the World Economic Forum's Global Risks report for 2018. This replaces the economic concerns that once dominated businesses after the 2008 financial crisis.The research is taken from 1000 senior business leaders from the World Economic … [Read more...]
Navigating the options in today’s learning climate
Learning options A decade ago, many people looked to enrol in a training workshop, attend a Polytechnic course or register in a night class when they wished to learn new skills. Today, however, the nature of learning and the way we gain new skills has changed radically. Advances in online learning, social media learning, machine learning and artificial intelligence have changed all of … [Read more...]
Good employers attract the talent
It's a constant challenge for any employer - to attract and retain great employees. While the low unemployment level in New Zealand (currently 4.4% - the lowest in a decade) is great for the economy, it is making finding and retaining great staff a challenge across all industries.Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and West Coast has one of the lowest unemployment levels in the country at 3.6%. The … [Read more...]
The one thing you need more of
If I was to ask you what you would like more of, what would be your response? Time? Money? Peace and quiet? How about more energy?Having enough energy for life is more than just fueling for physical activity. It is about having the energy for a strong and healthy mentality, emotional capacity and spiritual practices. As a commodity for employees, organisations are realising that having enough … [Read more...]
The secret to achieving your career goals, fast
When I was at school, I played netball each season for around 10 years. I experienced working together to achieve a result, winning and losing graciously, good sportsmanship, respect, self-leadership and discipline. I am sure many of you have experienced being in a team sport and the influence of a team coach in this way. “Coaching is releasing a person’s potential to maximise their own … [Read more...]
Sustainability in 2018 and beyond – what to expect
I had the privilege of staying a few nights off-grid on the West Coast this summer. Set in beautiful, native bush were two parts of the house - a massive yurt was designated as the sleeping area and a purpose-built shed contained a basic kitchen, wooden table and comfy couches. Rainwater was collected, a composting toilet provided nutrients for the vegetable plots, and solar-powered batteries kept … [Read more...]
One big, happy, diverse family Christmas
Christmas is the time for food, presents, celebration...and family arguments. So, what does the ideal family Christmas look like from each of the four HBDI quadrants? Here's what we came up with...Dear Santa, My ideal Christmas would be... Some tips from us: Do what you just did (hopefully). Laughing at yourself and the differences is very therapeutic. Understanding thinking preferences … [Read more...]
Self-awareness, leadership & tramping!
I went tramping last weekend to Lake Angelus in the Nelson Lakes National Park (for those who haven't been there, it is stunning!). Within my family, my usual role when it comes to organising a trip away is limited to packing the food and the kid's clothes. And boy, have I got those packing skills down!This time was different though. This time it was just about me - no kids! I had to think … [Read more...]
Movie or Meeting?
Movie or meeting? What would you rather do? Go to a movie or attend your weekly team meeting?Most people would prefer their weekly team meeting. (Only joking). You won’t be surprised to learn that when I ask that question in training workshops, the consistent reply is that most people would rather watch a movie. Why? Because meetings are boring and movies aren’t.And yet, the decisions you … [Read more...]