One aspect of the Linchpin (as defined by Seth Godin) is their ability to solve extremely complex problems. If there is a problem that has everyone stumped you can elevate it to the Linchpin and have faith that they will come back with an answer. You can count on it. Another worker type attempts indispensability … Continue reading Non Linchpins →

"You learn more from finishing a failure then from writing a success. And you definitely learn more from finishing a failure then from not finishing" Neil Gaiman, 'MasterClass'. Finishing a failure proves to yourself how serious you are about shipping. Therefore knowing this piece is going to be published in a few hours regardless of … Continue reading Finishing a failure →

The longer a presentation goes on the less energy an audience has. Therefore the order of presenters can matter a great deal for audience participation. If you want to hide it's better to present last as the audience has less energy to interrogate. If you want the opportunity to face challenging questions and test yourself … Continue reading Presenting order →

An acquaintance approaches you and says joyously: "What news on the rialto?" You check your surroundings and confirm you are not in 16th century Venice. You decide to ignore the unusual phrasing and reply with: "Nothing much, weather is awful isn't it?" Whether as your colleague beside you responds with: "Ah Horatio, you look like … Continue reading Rialto rapport →

The proposed changes that didn't take: The blank sheet of paper gathering dust on the wall that was supposed to record who did what chore. The brand new wok, hidden away, still in its box that was bought to promote healthy eating and prevent take outs. The exceedingly complicated printer that nobody has used yet … Continue reading Commitment to change →

Russell Brand: "You're like me you give long answers. Which is a control technique when I do it. I'm assuming it's the same when you do it" Tony Robbins: "It could be just passion" This is a very interesting observation and analysis from Russell. An observation I had pondered before and an analysis that I … Continue reading Long answers →

A small village was looking to increase the community spirit and someone suggested putting football goals in the village green. So the committee did it. Now there are two football goals in the village green. Then someone suggested to the committee that they organise a village football tournament. The committee hesitated at this suggestion, it … Continue reading Ideas & responsibility →

Ronaldo gets paid an obscene amount of money because he can deliver at the highest standard. The high levels of stress are worth it because he gets rewarded handsomely in fortune and fame. It's the same with financial traders, the riskier the trade the higher the reward. When this scale is out of balance it's … Continue reading High stress, little reward →

Back in the 60's Paul Macartney read a review of a song. The reviewer described the song as just a bunch of shouting and screaming. Macartney thought this was a good idea for a song. He also listened to the reviewed song and found he could have a better go off it. And so the … Continue reading Helter skelter →

In Tesco, Charleville red cheddar (200g) is €3.15. Now if you want it grated it will cost you 15 cents more. It's the exact same brand and the exact same weight, the only difference is that you're paying 15cents more for the physical work it took to turn the cheese from one piece into many. … Continue reading Charleville red cheddar →