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...]
Team Diversity & The Power of a Question
‘Diversity in business teams’ has become a catch-cry. Whether it is gender, ethnicity, age or ability, the inference is that great teams need diversity amongst its membership. But what value does diversity bring to the team? For good teams to become great, they need to share a common vision, and ownership in the creation of goals and strategies to achieve that vision. Teams that are harmonious … [Read more...]
Be a Better Communicator
Want to be a better communicator? It all starts with listening. Do you listen with the intent to understand or the intent to answer? It takes emotional fortitude to phone a government department. It’s a bit like a mission I choose to accept, a challenge to overcome, a game that I want to win. It all started with an application to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). I … [Read more...]
Don’t leave them guessing – tips for giving feedback
There’s a saying that ‘the culture of an organisation is shaped by the worst behaviour the leader is willing to tolerate' And let’s face it, most leaders would rather clean the bathroom than give constructive feedback. However, feedback, when delivered well, builds culture and performance within your team. People need to know how they’re doing and feedback gives people direction on the … [Read more...]
Lessons from the Letterbox
IT componentry, bike parts and clothing. All are examples of online purchases bought from the comfort of your own home and destined to arrive seamlessly at your door. Except that this time I decided to push the envelope. This time I decided to buy a letterbox online. Not just any old bog standard letterbox; a concrete letterbox weighing 104kg. I should have read the warning signs when the freight … [Read more...]
Walking the Tightrope
What would you do? Here's the scenario: A customer rings up and you take the call. The customer is calling to complain about a report they received from your company. They complain that the report is poorly written and contains a number of factual errors. You check the report and see that it's written by your manager. What do you do? 'Saving face' - it's a concept that we usually associate … [Read more...]
'Mood based’ working areas which eliminate a designated desk and chair, an emphasis on wellness and healthy working environments, blurred boundaries between home and work are all characteristics of the future of our working environment. Gone are the days of arriving at your office desk at 8am to start work, morning tea in the staff tea room at 10am, lunch at 12 and home at 5pm. Skype conversations … [Read more...]
Language Matters
There's a part of me that dies inside when I hear cliches. Business ideas described as a 'gap in the market' (seriously?), managers who talk about 'going forward' (it's quite difficult to go backwards), or 'blue skies thinking' (translated = I have no idea how to solve this problem). Cliches are overused expressions which lack originality of thought and clarity of intent. I'd rather spend time … [Read more...]
‘Cause you had a bad day
OK, you've had a bad day. It all started when you ran out of petrol on the way to work, but things really turned to custard when someone bumped into you on the way out of the cafe, knocking your flat white to the pavement. A grumpy co-worker aggravates you all day by interrupting you with trivial questions. Then on the way home from work you stop at the supermarket for the regular, weekly shop. … [Read more...]
Trust is like oil
Trust is the oil that reduces friction in a relationship. It is a platform for effective understanding, communication and relationships and the key element in all relationships at work, home and in our social lives. And because we’re human, trust is key in business and politics. The 2015 Edelman Trust Barometer study found that countries with higher trust levels overall also show a greater … [Read more...]