Change
A useful tool when you’re about to lead change
Whenever there’s a new initiative or idea in your organisation, there will be forces that support it to happen – and forces that oppose it. Seems obvious, huh? But if, as a leader, you don’t acknowledge or sufficiently address the opposing forces at the beginning of a change process, the change process is more likely…
Read MoreWhy you should re-read the ‘Circle of Influence/Circle of Concern’ Model right now….
I bet when Stephen Covey came up with the Circle of Influence/Circle of Control model in his bestselling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he didn’t imagine that it would also be incredibly relevant to a world facing COVID-19. But it is. And it’s a useful model to revisit right now – not…
Read MoreAn acronym you should remember when leading change
I like acronyms. They’re handy. Where would we be without RSVP, ETA and FYI? And having to remember the colours of the rainbow in correct order is made easier by ROYGBIV. This is required far more often than you’d think when you have a ten year old daughter. Then, there’s the ‘too weird to believe’…
Read MoreWhy leaders must destigmatise mental illness in the workplace
In the past year, we’ve seen many high-profile people take their own lives due to their struggles with depression – Anthony Bourdain, Kate Spade, TVNZ news reporter Greg Boyed – it’s a list that sits uncomfortably on anyone’s lips. News of these deaths have sparked conversations about mental health in the media, at home and…
Read MoreLearning leadership lessons can be painful
This week, I was delivered a powerful lesson which I am still trying to make sense of. It has prompted me to think deeply and broadly about the way in which leadership lessons can be conveyed. Sometimes teachers come in the strangest guises: a person we despise, a political election, a random conversation, an uncomfortable,…
Read More5 Powerful Questions For Influencing Change In Others
One of the most challenging yet vital skills of any leader, is the ability to influence others. Tapping into a person’s ‘why’ is fundamental to influencing – whether it’s our boss, our peers or our direct reports. It means exploring the motivation or desire for change. And yet, so often this focus is absent in influence-based conversations.…
Read MoreWhat Defines You As A Successful Person?
Today’s blog post is by my Altris buddy, Kelly Samson, who is one of the nicest people I met in 2015. He offers up some serious food for thought around how we identify WHO we are by WHAT we do. Tom knew it was coming, they all knew. The slow-moving restructuring juggernaut, chewing up departments and teams…
Read MoreThe Hardest Change Of All
Today’s guest poster is Martin Fenwick, Director of Altris Ltd and principle of theCHANGEfactor. His book, The Change Factor, is available right here and is an easy read for those leading through change. Anyone who is familiar with John Kotters’ definition of leadership will know leaders make changes – whereas managers maintain stability. The struggle to do…
Read MoreYou May Say I’m A Dreamer
I’m a bit of a dreamer. An incurable optimist. When it comes to considering what’s possible, my enthusiasm can sometimes be a little overwhelming…even to myself. I have been accused of having my head in the clouds, being rose tinted, unrealistic and hopelessly naive. And it is true. I am all of these things. But…
Read MoreFacing Reality: The Skill Leaders Love To Hate
Every day my funky little meditation app, Headspace, sends me mindfulness questions via pop-up notifications on my phone. Lately I have been getting A LOT of the same question – “are you resisting your feelings?” It made me think about facing reality. There comes a time when we have no option, but to face reality. Yes, it may…
Read More