Google and Goldman—Think Fast!
Companies take note: in the social media age, your dirty laundry is fast becoming everyone’s business.
First Greg Smith of Goldman Sachs, now ex-Google’s James Whittaker is sharing his reasons for leaving, reaching a global audience fast. In each case they are offering us a window into cultural issues and actions taken from false logic that should serve as a warning to the companies.
Unfortunately, it is too late for Goldman to avoid the current meltdown. Clients have voted with ...
A sum of small conversations
I’ve been speaking a lot about the power of conscious and unconscious communicatioins in driving people’s performance. The effect of small gestures and asides have a powerful impact on others that extends far beyond what you might think it possible. Recently though, I remembered my experience with a former manager and it brought home to me just how insidious those conversations can be, especially if coming from a leader, manager or someone in a position of authority.
Years ago in ...
Monty Python Goes to Canberra
I don’t think anyone’s surprised to find that Edelman’s 2012 Trust Barometer revealed that only 33% of Australians trust government to do what is right and 60% of Australians do not trust government leaders to tell the truth.
In their rush to tell us they’re the better woman or man to run the government, political leaders like Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard appear to have forgotten that what’s is really important to us is well…us.
Power is a demanding mistress ...
Can’t does not exist
15 years ago doctors told me I needed knee-replacement surgery. I said I’d wait for technology to figure out how to save my knee.
Earlier this year, I was told that my knee had to be replaced as soon as possible and that any other options wouldn’t work, or, at best, would be a short-term fix. I took my chances and in July had cartilage implanted in my knee.
Climbing the last of the stairs
Today, less than 6 months later, I climbed Mount Masada in Israel at ...
Free to move forward
We’re in Jerusalem right now amidst incredbile history at the epicentre of the three major religions of the world.
Besides the historical significance and beauty of the city, we have experienced many perspectives on everything from the current conflict, to religion and life in general.
The other evening, we had dinner at the home of friends who are very religious orthodox Jews and I learned something quite interesting and important that can be applied to leadership, ...
Recipe for success: stare death in the face
People are complacent.
We wake up in the morning assuming we’ll be alive by the end of the day so delay doing those “less important things”.
That list can get pretty long.
Telling important people we love them.
Eating the foods we know are best for our health.
Exercising.
Pursuing that role we really want because we’re comfortable in our current job. Even though it’s not quite it – just safe.
And so on…
Talk to someone who’s beaten death. They ...
A Journey to Truth
As a leader, it is imperative that you ground yourself in your personal values and stay true to your talents and interests. It’s what gives you power and purpose in your daily interactions internally and as a representative of your organisation. It also contributes to your own emotional maturity as a leader and adult.
However, some people aren’t in any way connected to their truth so don’t even know where to start to bring congruence to their work and life. That’s okay. ...
Everyone Knows Me Too Well…
Ever think the people around you have a fixed opinion of who you are? Do you think this opinion is set in stone?
While consistency is a very important trait in a leader, it is not the foundational trait. A leader must, first and foremost, know who he is and be true to himself. Once you can find a way to let your personality, beliefs and goals shine through every action you take and conversation you have, you’ll find yourself being consistent all the time, simply because you’re being ...
