Why listening beats giving advice, and what coaches and managers can learn from Motivational Interviewing Recently I came across an engaging short video by Roksana Anning on the ‘Righting Reflex’. The term was new to me, but the idea resonated…
How To Use Appreciative Inquiry Without A Formal 5D Cycle (1): Ask For Best Practice Stories
Do you want to get started using Appreciative Inquiry confidently with teams? A new Practical Appreciative Inquiry online training starts soon – click here to get the details and how to book Reading the excellent book Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative…
Social Silences: What Isn’t Being Talked About In Your Organisation?
This week I listened to a fascinating podcast interview with author and journalist Gillian Tett about her new book Anthro-Vision: A New Way to See in Business and Life. The book is about what we can learn if we take…
Appreciative Inquiry: How To Flip Any Problem To An Affirmative Topic Without Ignoring Negatives (video + transcript)
Here’s a great way to define a ‘problem space’ and reframe it to a quest for what you want instead, without ignoring the negatives or being accused of brushing problems under the carpet. A new Practical Appreciative Inquiry online training…
Appreciative Inquiry: A Quick Way To Define Affirmative Topics (video + transcript)
Here’s a short video (with transcript) on an easy way to ‘flip’ problem statements into affirmative topics
Video – Andy Smith On How To Use The Experience Cube To Be A More Effective Leader
Introducing Gervase Bushe’s concept of the Experience Cube (part of his Clear Leadership model) and how it can help you to be a more effective leader, develop your self-awareness, and build your ‘non-anxious presence’ Recently I was interviewed by my…
What Most Leaders Are Getting Wrong About Empathy, And Why That’s Dangerous In Times Of Change: Part 1
The number one problem problem stopping managers from acting effectively in times of change is – empathy! No, hear us out… That sub-heading sounds like a ‘Randian’ or even sociopathic call to not care about others. It really isn’t, and…
Are You A Leader? Here’s The Most Important Thing You Can Do To Combat Anxiety In Uncertain Times
Here’s the most effective way you can reduce speculation and combat anxiety in your team during the coronavirus pandemic.
Why The Cynic On Your Team Is Your Best Friend In Managing Change
A while ago, a friend asked my advice about dealing with an ‘apathetic and cynical’ member of her management team. The team were tasked with driving through some sweeping changes in her Primary Care Trust (I probably need to explain…
An Easy Format For Giving Positive Feedback
Following on from the last post on Why It’s Better, And More Accurate, To Give Positive Feedback, here’s a format for doing just that. We’re more used to giving details about what people did wrong. When people do things right, the…