'Why?' 'I don't know' 'Why?' 'Because I don't know' 'Why?' 'Alright I'm sick of this, I'm leaving.' I imagine this is what it would be like to be coached by a robot. No adjustments, just blind repitition until the coached comes up with a revelation. That's why I believe coaching will always be safe from … Continue reading Good coaching →

The decision can take two seconds.  Yes, no, option 1, option 3 etc.  What takes long is reassuring yourself it's a good decision.  So people gather data and conduct research and find evidence to confirm their opinion.  There isn't enough reassurance in the world.  At some point you have to accept that no matter how … Continue reading Two second decisions →

Have you ever been a dark horse? To be clear I don't mean in competition, I mean in conversation. Have you ever surprised someone with information or an achievement? It ususally sparks the reaction: 'Oh my god, you're full of surprises!' I can see the appeal, you reap the reward of impressing someone in real … Continue reading Conversational dark horse →

In times of despair it is only natural for the confused and scared to look to their leaders to guide them to safety. A leader might have a nice easy job during peace time but during war, chaos, and uncertainty, now that is the time for the leaders to shine. Winston Churchill wouldn't have been … Continue reading Leaders and tough times →

Coercion only works with a believable threat of punishment. If the would be victim isn’t afraid of the punishment, coercion doesn’t work. ‘Give us a million dollars or we’ll release these photos!’ ‘Those are just pictures of my cat, release away!’ Similarly a leader who coerces his volunteers will find himself desperately short of volunteers … Continue reading Coercion →

This week’s games night host is none other than the scintillating Gerry Gonzalez! Señor Gonzalez is a game aficionado and he was growing tired of playing the common board games such as Scrabble or Monopoly. For his games night, he wanted to try something brand new. Something the group had definitely never tried before. He … Continue reading Señor Gonzalez →

Obedience at work. It can be a slippery slope. On the one hand you want to please your boss but on the other hand you don't want to become an automaton and render yourself completely replaceable. So the difficulty comes in the threading the needle. I think the optimal balancing act revolves somewhere around obeying … Continue reading Obedience and initiative →

Hands up if you have a Facebook account. Keep your hand up if you signed up for Facebook because you saw an ad for it. Hands up if you have a Netflix account. Keep your hand up if you signed up for Netflix because you saw an ad for it. Hands up if you have … Continue reading Advertising v remarkable →

Peter has a unique working style. It is not based on time but feelings. He works until he gets tired and then he takes a break. He breaks until he feels guilty and then he heads back to work. His productivity is based on guilt and fatigue. It has its benefits. When he’s on a … Continue reading Guilt and fatigue →

A group of college friends are sitting in the common room on plush bean bags. The conversation is nice and jovial. Everyone is having a good time. Then Dirk throws out a risque joke at Harry's expense. Immediately the air becomes thick with tension. Everyone turns to scrutinize Harry's reaction. But Harry's face is completely … Continue reading Tension breaking laughter →