What if the bus doesn't show up? Then we'll get a taxi What if we can't fit our luggage in the boot of the taxi? Then we'll put it on our laps What if the bags weigh more than 20kg? Then we'll pay extra. What if I get stopped by security? Then you get stopped … Continue reading What if? →

What does your culture celebrate?  Teamwork, insight, sales? The implicit social norms are so much more powerful than the written rules.  For example a company can't explicitly ask you to work 16 hour days but they can create social norms that makes someone feel guilty for leaving early.  Rewarding someone for their sales record whilst overlooking … Continue reading Cultural celebrations →

It was the second meeting. Tough Mudder is now a month closer. Everyone had made progress on the physical side but only one (out of 20) had submitted their video. At the first meeting everyone had agreed that if submitting individual videos explaining why they were participating would greatly help their charitable fund raising efforts. … Continue reading Tough Mudder videos →

Should you forgive and forget? I think the key to answering that question is - is change evident?  Does the wrongdoer show signs of changing their behaviour so as not to repeat the mistake?  Nobody is exempt from mistakes but some ensure it nevers happens again.

Trying to start a conversation with someone who doesn't want to talk to you is like attempting to draw blood from a stone. On the other hand, conversations with those who are willing to engage, go off without a hitch. Speaking with the enrolled, those interested and eager to converse, means preserving energy and overall … Continue reading Searching for enrollment. →

Death: Time's up Jeremy Jeremy: What? Now? Death: Yep Jeremy: Ah what? I thought I had so much more time! Death: Nope, come on Jeremy: That's not fair Death: Not fair? It's in the T's & C's ... "can end at any moment". Jeremy: But I never learnt how to play the guitar! Death: Not … Continue reading Time’s up Jeremy →

The need for guaranteed success is a recipe for stress for you and all around you. It's the reason coaches lose the plot. It turns managers into micro-managers. But the thing is, there is no guarantees of success. The patriots have recently been knocked out of the NFL championship. They had Bill Belichick and Tom … Continue reading Guaranteed success →

In the past 8 years Munster Rugby have had 4 different coaches and won 0 competitions. I can't help but wonder if there is a correlation there.  Each manager is unique, they have their own opinions and ways of working. More importantly they have their own philosophy on how to play rugby. A philosophy that … Continue reading Managing Pressure →

Sex education is a good show. I would recommend it. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, the show is based around the son of a sex therapist using his inherited knowledge to advise his classmates on sex. We're into the second season and I have spotted a trend.  The majority of the … Continue reading No avoidance, no stress →

When the stakes are high, when the game is on the line, some players shy away and some players up their game. The fact is, everyone gets nervous about pressure but the great players have figured out how to lean into the fear and produce results.   The same can be said for uncertainty. Everyone … Continue reading Uncertainty resilience →