I just got back from an extraordinary few days with the first Leader’s Edge Mastermind group. This intrepid group of eight met for the first time in Alice Springs before heading out on the spectacular Larapinta Trail, one of the world’s classic overland tracks. Our intention was to EXPERIENCE this remarkable landscape, REFLECT at the foot of inspiring ridge lines, and CONNECT deeply with each other. Oh, and we had some laughs! This is the start of a 12-month leadership development and peer support odyssey, so it’s important to set the tone for fun!
After much drawn out avoidance and procrastination, the group named themselves the “Fearless Bustards”. A ‘bustard’ is a type of terrestrial bird we spotted at one of our campsites, called ‘Fearless Campsite’. Hence, the name.
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Read MoreI've started playing golf. I have a handicap of 45.4. If you’re not familiar with golf, this is very very bad. Just as a benchmark, the pros have minus handicaps. The only reason my handicap is not bigger is that they don't go any bigger. The good news is that I can only get better!
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Read MoreWhen it comes to strategic planning and strategic thinking, leaders often do it backwards. Don’t start with the budget or targets. Reverse engineer your plan, starting with results.
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Read MoreSacrifice in leadership comes with the territory. It’s one of the main reasons that not every one should lead others: sacrifice is a concept and action that requires great maturity and self awareness. Not all are ready for this kind of surrender.
What should we sacrifice as leaders?
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Read MoreWant to influence? No authority? How to get what you want without alienating others.
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Read More5 key takeaways from our premium event, the Edge of Leadership, on how to enhane leadership thinking, connections, and contribution.
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Read MoreGordon leaned back, both arms straight, pushing against the edge of the table, like a king commanding his minions. The others squirmed in awkward silence.
This is the death knell for effective strategic leadership thinking: decisions railroaded through intimidation and shallow discussion.
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Read MoreWhen I go to work, I leave my balls in a jar. I feel neutered all day. When I go home, I take them out again, and fall on the couch to watch TV.
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Read MoreWe almost died. It was the summer of 1992, and we were paddling one of the large wild rivers in North West Ontario with a group of young women. We were five weeks in to our six week trip and we had grown confident and complacent in the environment.
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Read MoreKevin thinks he is a great boss. He loves his work, is a passionate advocate for staff, cares deeply for them, and is known for his ability to smooth over the toughest issues… Kevin drives his staff crazy and no one will tell him!
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Read MoreHis name was Lee. He was a boisterous, arrogant teenage kid. He had a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove. The first day of the ten day Outward Bound outdoor program I was leading, he swaggered up to me and said, “Did you get it on with your boyfriend last night?”
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Read MoreI admit it. When I saw a friend and colleague achieve a huge milestone in their business, I had a little moment of jealousy. I felt left behind. I felt less than.
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Read MoreIn Japan, the routine was delightful. Wake to the soft hush of a snowy winterland. A scrumptious breakfast fireside with views to the mountain. A day of adventure and savouring the magnificent vistas. Finishing with a hot bath, ‘onsen’, to soak the tired skin and legs. Then another ridiculously good meal. Slumber happily early in bed.
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Read MoreI’m so looking forward to the Edge of Leadership Un-Conference 28 March and the opportunity to bring together people who want to make a bigger and better difference in their world, and the world of others. There’s no bones about it though, if you want to make a difference, you need to strengthen your network.
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Read MoreAfter years of repeating the same resolution (‘this year I will truly get a Cameron Diaz body’) I’ve worked out it’s futile.
Resolutions don’t work because:
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Read MoreThis is our sixth trip to Japan. It’s easy to notice the little things that have changed: the new pot belly fireplace, a few more beers on the menu, new towels. We can cope with little tweaks. They keep us interested.
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Read MoreMy five year old nephew William stood mesmerised in front of a subway performer drumming Christmas tunes at the 34 Street subway station in New York. His Dad came over and put a dollar in his son’s hand and said, “Go put the money in the bucket.” William looked quizzically at his Dad, then trundled off, dropped the bill in the can, and came back to ask, “Why Dad?”
“Because it’s good to give, to show appreciation.”
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Read MorePeter Gordon is the CEO of Hands Across Canberra, and in our podcast interview he celebrates the power of saying ‘yes’ when people come together to make a difference for others.
I asked, “what does it take to move people from an idea to saying yes”? And he replied, “I wish I knew”.
I’ve been turning it over in my mind. This is what I believe moves people from being impressed by an idea or cause to following through and saying yes to an opportunity to contribute - either with money, time, or expertise.
There are three factors that determine whether someone says No, Maybe or Yes.
These are:
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Read MoreIt has felt like Christmas all week as I handed out copies of my new book to workshop participants, book launch attendees and clients. There is a huge surge of oxytocin in being generous and giving. Peter Munday of Lennock Volkswagen calls it the Feel Good Factor.
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Read MoreThat restlessness is calling you to your leadership edge. The edge where you get to decide who you are at your best, how you show up in service to a greater purpose, and the courage to act and realise the difference you were born to make.
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