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...]
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...]
What makes a good team?
We're genetically wired to be part of a team - whether it's a work team, a family or a sport's team. We depend on building a team for success and happiness. So, why do we find them so difficult? The chart gives some clues. In a team of 2 people, one connection or relationship is required. For 3 people, 3 connections are required. So far, so good. But by 5 people, the connections required double … [Read more...]
E-learning – A Personal Encounter
Bob Lavigna. Jim Kouzes. Hardly household names and when pitched against names like Richie McCaw and Dan Carter they are hardly a blip on the radar. Nevertheless, unlike the English rugby team, they are my heros. Bob Lavigna led the research on employee engagement - a progression from 'job satisfaction' of the 1970's to 'commitment' (1980's) to 'engagement' (1990's) ; that guides leadership … [Read more...]
Time to Think
So, here I am at work at 7am. I'm way over a deadline to post a blog; and the ever expanding list of tasks that seem to constantly be in red are glaring at me from my tasks list on Outlook. As I lurch through the day from one task to another I try to gain some satisfaction whenever I can tick off a task. The only problem of course, is that the phone keeps ringing and the emails keep humming along … [Read more...]
Is Your Most Difficult Team Member Actually Your Greatest Asset?
When discussing the concept of whole brain thinking with a client just recently, he replied “yes, my 12 year old daughter keeps reminding me we only utilise part of our brain”. Using our Whole Brain This took me slightly by surprise. Contrary to popular belief, this has actually been proven otherwise. Psychology and medical researchers have studied people whose brain function has been impaired, … [Read more...]