To lead on an issue, you need to get attention somehow, and to do that you need to stand out in some way—no use, therefore, trying to blend in, at least not all the time. To take a lead you need to …
Blog
Do you speak the language of resistance?
“Culture change program” “Public sector reform” “Get well program” We hear these phrases all the time. We might even use them ourselves. But there’s a problem... Using language like this, the …
Continue Reading about Do you speak the language of resistance? →
To change the whole, stop trying to
Given the large scale challenges facing the world, it’s tempting to get on a mission of changing the whole system, thinking that’s the only way we can make progress. Trouble is... Pick any major …
Continue Reading about To change the whole, stop trying to →
Do you give them time to think?
Do you even give yourself time to think? Culturally, in the West at least, we behave as if we're expected to move into action quickly, and usually we are. But what if the action we take isn't the …
Are you an architect or a gardener?
It is said that “The policy maker should act as a gardener not an architect.” In other words, the policy maker will do better to support good ideas that emerge rather than direct from on high. I …
Continue Reading about Are you an architect or a gardener? →
Are you a model of not knowing?
Or do you always give an answer even if you’re not sure? One of the greatest gifts a leader can give their team (and themselves) is to show that it’s OK to say you don’t know, or at least it’s much …