Blog

Are you asking the right questions?

Thursday 07 Mar 2013

I recently had the privilege of preparing a group of senior teachers from the Barossa for their role as mentors to early career teachers in their region. One of the ideas explored that created a lot of discussion was that we respond more positively to people who are optimistic thinkers and that help us create positive images of our future. Appreciative inquiry (AI) taps into this ideal by providing conversation guideposts that focus on identifying and building on strengths (what’s working well) rather than weaknesses (what’s broken that needs fixing). AI was first developed in the mid-1980s by David Cooperrider and has evolved over time to include five key stages: Read More

SA Power Networks leading on high potentials

Thursday 28 Feb 2013

John Sands from SA Power Networks is managing one of the better high potential programs we’ve seen. With real executive buy-in the selection process is rigorous and well crafted. Just going through the steps to be considered high potential is a sensational development opportunity all on its own. The organisation is now using a health check to monitor the return on investment for the development they have offered staff in both the high potential and general management streams. Leading stuff! Read More

Don’t neglect your engine room!

Thursday 28 Feb 2013

A former Chief Executive of Education and Children’s Services used to make a point of hosting occasional morning teas for the staff of the payroll section. He recognised that their work was essential to the smooth running and morale of the organisation as a whole. Invisible, often neglected and only contacted when something goes wrong, the administrative ‘engine room’ of your organisation needs to be maintained and acknowledged. Read More

9 practices to help you say no

Tuesday 26 Feb 2013

Would your life be easier if you could just say no? A recent coaching client of mine thought so. They were feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of work on their plate, and often found themselves spending more time on other people’s priorities rather than their own. Here is the advice I shared with them from Peter Bregman of the Harvard Business Review Blog Network, who talks about creating space in your life for a more intentional yes: Read More

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