Remember lockdown? With just 2 days to prepare, many of us were suddenly working from home. New words entered our vocabulary like 'Blursday' because we had no idea what day it was and 'quaranteams' for online teams created during lockdown. We quickly learnt new skills. Like remembering to tick 'un-mute' before speaking in online meetings, or turning the camera off when still in pj's. Some of us … [Read more...]
Contagion and ideas for staying mentally well
In the spirit that we teach best what we most need to learn, this blog is about staying mentally well. Maybe its a combination of the worldwide prevalence of Covid-19, the anniversary of the 15th March Christchurch attack, combined with surviving a Wellington summer, and working from home, which has left me focusing on what it means to stay positive and maintain well-being. There are some great … [Read more...]
Death by Meeting
Ever leave a team meeting ready to rip your hair out? It happened to me last week. It was a meeting that I attend regularly, with the same group of people who have known each other for some time. We're familiar with each other, know what our roles are and what to expect of each other. Our meetings are usually constructive and respectful. But at the meeting last week two guests were invited. … [Read more...]
Want to get better at giving feedback? Start asking for it instead.
Being middle-aged means compromising physical attributes (think wrinkles and saggy bits) for the benefits of wisdom and emotional well-being. It's a trade-off that I've accepted: that despite the aching joints and crinkly skin, I can look forward to a radiant glow of self-awareness and wisdom. Ommm. So it was just a bit disconcerting to learn that experience does not equate to self-awareness. In … [Read more...]
Want to make changes in 2019? Start small.
Thinking about making resolutions for change in 2019? Change is a process, not an event. Rather than making radical, life changing decisions, focus instead on making small, subtle changes that steer you in the new direction. Steering course for change is a bit like steering a ship: Steer just a few degrees one way, you completely alter its direction. Over the course of a long journey, it may … [Read more...]
Change: If you do what you’ve always done…
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 taxes Change 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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]