My (mostly) weekly thoughts on leadership, high performance, wellbeing and more.
Have a read through, or you can see a complete index here
A riot is the language of the unheard
Saying nothing about what’s happening in the world right now feels like saying it doesn’t matter. And it does. A riot is the language of the unheard. And right now, we need to listen to each other.
Awful, purposeless retirement
Back in the olden days (mid-March), I wrote this post about how important it is to think beyond only finances when approaching retirement. I didn’t publish it as the time, as events overtook us. Now, it applies equally powerfully for all of us facing big questions about who we are and what we do.
On being seen
In all of our relationships, being truly seen is a deeply validating and enriching experience. To connect with someone, you must first see them.
As Brene Brown says, “never underestimate the power of being seen”.
On planning
As we find ourselves in unprecedented times, it’s tricky to make plans for ourselves and our businesses. This week I’m sharing three tips for managing this change process, and staying alert to the indicators that will allow you to broaden your planning radar.
Smashing it: the joy of the coronavirus pinata
Ever felt that you just need to let it all out? This week I share an article that addresses the seriousness of this pandemic, and makes a fun suggestion on how we just might deal with some of that built up ‘stuff’.
On boredom and creativity
Creativity is often born out of boredom and there are many people currently struggling with the restrictions on our work and social activity. In this week’s blog, I talk about navigating this new terrain and allowing your boredom to run it’s course.
Two quick resources for you
I’m sharing a couple of quick resources I found helpful this week. It’s important that we allow ourselves to feel all the things but not dwell. Try and get into the habit of swapping the negative state of mind for a positive one.
Frozen like a deer in the headlights
Now is the time for us to be particularly kind to ourselves. Do away with the pressure to be and do all the things, and find the pace and path that’s going to work for you right now.
Three practical things - Here's what you said
Recently I asked you to share three practical things that have been helpful for you during this strange and challenging time. Some very clear themes came through - and I’m sharing them with you today.
On clarity
Feeling stuck? I’m sharing three ideas that might help you find some calm in the storm. Making important decisions can be even harder during challenging times (think: brain fog). These just might help…
Building the plane while we're flying it
This COVID-19 pandemic places us in very challenging times, doesn’t it? Rather than sharing my upbeat little missive today, I’d like instead to hear from you. Let’s collaborate - and I’ll share our collective thoughts in another post.
Make decisions more easily by reconnecting to your inner compass
Are you chasing priorities that aren’t really your own?
When we are strongly connected to our own core purpose on a deep level, decision making is easy.
When to walk away
Being true to your own values and identity and living and working alongside people with different values and identities is important and actually helps organisations deliver better outcomes. However sometimes you find yourself in a position where refusing to adapt, and walking away, is the right call. This week I explore that further…
A good leaving
When someone leaves a system – a role, an organisation, a social group – the impact on both them and the system they leave behind can be profound. When not handled well, it can lead to serious dysfunction in the organisation as system attempts to restore balance. Here are my tips for handling retirement from professional services firms.
Be willing to adapt.
In this week’s blog, I share my thoughts on an article published in the Harvard Business Review regarding how it pays to be yourself. Catering to others is less effective than ‘showing up’ as your authentic self and being willing to adapt to the situation at hand. Read more…
My "revolting dogs" and what they mean for your leadership.
Dispositional attribution vs situational attribution.
If someone else does something wrong in their role as a leader, we tend to attribute it to their disposition. But if we do, we attribute it to the situation. I explore the difference in this week’s blog…
Common mistakes that smart partners make as retirement approaches, and what to do instead
There are four common mistakes that smart, focused partners can make as retirement approaches.
With the right planning however, you have the ability to forge a different path, and turn the years up to and beyond retirement into a fulfilling encore career that is engaging, rewarding… and fun.
To do better, lower the bar. You heard me
If you’ve found yourself setting new habit goals and not achieving them, perhaps you need to lower the bar. These could be habits such as exercising frequently, spending more time with someone, or introducing more self care to your routine. Give yourself an opportunity to make a more realistic plan and build it up gradually. Set yourself up for success.
Tapping into the power of retired alumni: how you and your firm can stay best friends
For retired (or soon-to-be) partners of a law firm, the opportunity exists across the alumni network to share wisdom and skills, to have a positive impact, and to enliven and be enlivened by the constantly evolving world in which we all live. There is plenty of benefit for both the firm and alumni to continue this valuable relationship. Read more…
Working hard to fix your “flaws” but going backwards? Try flipping the script.
Have you found yourself eliminating elements of your natural style to accommodate others? Why not try asking how those elements can help you lead and influence? You may find a key that will allow you to soften up a little, free up your energy and let you get on with succeeding in a way which is both truly you and incredibly effective.