The enemy of the questioner is a vague presentation. How can we dig in and scrutinise your PowerPoint when it's so high level? But then again maybe that's the intention.

If you find yourself faced with a day of back to meetings I think you don't need to fret, there is a way to get through it. It involves discipline. Leave the meeting as soon as the clock strikes the hour (or half hour). By all means preempt the departure with I have a hard … Continue reading Enforced hard stop →

Roderick was idly batting the chain that turned the lamp on. His head was fried. Should I do it? Should I not? He looked at the lamp expectantly. To which the lamp replied with an expression that said 'You must be in trouble if you expect me to answer that!'

Commitment trumps motivation everyday of the week. Let's take work for example, how often have you felt like not working and yet you did anyway? Do you think anyone is revved up to change a diaper? Is it a coincidence that after students pay the first deposit they're more likely to go through with the … Continue reading Commitment trumps motivation →

I think people get into trouble when they start to believe that the plan will 100% become a reality. I think that's a recipe for a stress scone. And I can tell you from experience, those scones are awful. Now, if you're in the market for a calming cake you can view plans as a … Continue reading Plans and stress scones →

When a bunch of strangers come together and have to perform immediately, I think it helps to have one person take control. The initial awkwardness and social anxiety can be too much for most so it helps to have an experienced individual / bossy personality telling everyone where to go and what to do. Now … Continue reading Bossy’s first draft →

If you're interested in improving your craft I would highly recommend the book 'Peak' by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool. It comprehensively proves that not all practice is equal and that the superior form of practice is 'deliberate practice'. Which means practice that is purposeful and challenging (because let's face it the best growth comes … Continue reading Eminem’s wordplay →

The unspoken standard. It appears in the absence of an explicit goal and it regulates performance. For example if performing well, sabotage will strike and pull down the individual/team. Conversely if the unspoken standard is in jeopardy of being reached the team/individual finds another gear to get back on track to achieve the unspoken standard. … Continue reading The unspoken standard →

Priscilla has a giant ugly overwhelming but unfortunately very important task on her to do list. She can't bring herself to start it. Then to her delight Jaunty Jovy comes along and asks Priscilla in a typically whimsical fashion if she could assist on a task he is completing and Priscilla jumps on it with … Continue reading Priscilla and Jovy →

The post decision pre result shame trip has to be up there as one of the top ten most infuriating things, it's right behind slow walkers. The choice has been made, there's nothing anyone can do to turn back time, it could prove to be a great decision but someone disapproves and wants to make … Continue reading Post decision pre result shame →