Being an outlier can be difficult. It can work for you, or against you. An outlier is defined as someone who is ‘situated away or detached from the main body or system’. Yesterday they died. Today, fitting-in can kill. The difficulty stems back to when our ancestors lived in caves under the survival threats of […]
In today’s fast-paced world, achieving personal and professional success can be a challenging journey. Many individuals seek guidance and support to reach their full potential. This is where a high-performance coach comes into play. In this article, we will explore the role of a high-performance coach and how they can help you excel in various […]
Introduction: In the dynamic landscape of today’s business world, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. Leadership coaches play a vital role in helping individuals develop their leadership skills and reach their full potential. In this article, we will explore what a leadership coach does, why leadership coaching is essential, and how it can benefit […]
Team culture is the shared set of values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that define how a group of individuals interact and work together. A strong team culture can significantly impact productivity, morale, and overall success. In this article, we will explore the importance of team culture, its elements, and how to cultivate a positive one […]
Psychological safety is a critical component of a healthy work environment. It refers to the belief that one can express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of negative consequences, ridicule, or punishment. In this article, we will delve into the concept of psychological safety, why it matters, and how organizations can foster it for […]
Personal mastery is the process of continuously improving and developing oneself to achieve personal and professional goals. It’s about gaining full control over your life, mastering your emotions, and realizing your true potential. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of personal mastery, its significance, and how you can embark on a journey of self-improvement. […]
There are similarities in and differences between CEO’s and coach’s roles, some of which translate to the lessons each can learn from the other. Delivering results In general, CEOs have more opportunity to actively or directly deliver results through taking action and making decisions. Coaches do not take to the field and thus cannot actively […]
In sport, coaches and coaching have been around for ages, probably for a century or more. In contrast, coaching in business has been around for only two decades. In this short space of time, over 70% of managers in the Fortune 50 companies are now benefiting from this new coaching, as the profession has risen to become the second fastest growing profession in the world.
A colleague recently did a really good job in helping me with some difficulties around a particular project we were both involved in. His efforts meant that things eventually worked out well for both of us. It left me with a feeling of gratitude and connectedness. With these warm feelings informing my words, I sent him a sincere message of thanks. His reply was a brief, ‘no worries bud’.
All of us have given up on a project, bailed on a relationship, quit something that was not working. I’m all for not flogging a dead horse, but something happened last evening that got me thinking about this a bit more. After a few very cold and rainy Cape Town winter days, the clouds parted and the sun popped it’s head out, offering me a small gap to run a Hout Bay mountain trail.
During three previous professional assignments, I found myself being highly frustrated as I tried, woefully unsuccessfully, to manage a uniquely destructive individual. Each was highly successful, well respected in their field and admired by many (except the few who worked closely with them). They were also uniquely manipulative and destructive. Eventually the environment around them became untenable, soul destroying and often impossible for others to survive in.
Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings two days ago to progress to their first ever Champions League T20 cricket final, scheduled for tonight. On that same semi-final night the Royals demonstrated something quite extraordinary, something that had me unexpectedly choked up with emotion when I spoke about it at the following day’s team meeting.
When I addressed the Indian cricket team for the first time (in 2008), I started by explaining that I did not see them as ‘cricketers’, but as human beings, each with many facets. Being a talented cricketer is only a part of who they are. They may also be someone’s brother, son, friend, parent or partner, and each is a unique emotional, intellectual and spiritual being. I reminded them that they were born with their talent, call it God-given, which is not an achievement but a blessing. The achievement comes when they tirelessly study, train and practice to develop that talent.
Eighty percent of people who voluntarily resign from their jobs cite their manager as one of the main reasons for doing so. They move on in search of a more attractive opportunity or better working environment. Professional cricketers are selected into their position and thus are not so lucky if they have a lousy ‘boss’, they can’t leave and go to another team. Conversely, most people who are happy in their team or workplace are likely to have a coach, captain or boss they respect and who is a likeable person. After all, the leader sets the tone for most performance environments.
Cliff Young is hardly known outside of Australia. His remarkable story is worth knowing. All of Australia thought he was a crazy old man to undertake an almost impossible feat. Most feared that he would die trying.
