Playing the political game
Advancing in your career is as much about your political skills as your technical skills. Every interaction you have with others forms an impression in their minds. The way you hold yourself in different situations influences the opinions of those around you. Your noteworthy reactions will be remembered by key decision-makers. You are playing a […]
Phone tag
Phone calls have such an immediacy that we feel that missed calls will be responded to easily. We’re then prone to leaving messages that are vague like “I’ll try you again later” or “please call me back when you get this message” (that is, if we leave a message at all). But then how often […]
On a deadline
I’m constantly amazed by the power a deadline holds to inspire action. Without a deadline, we can want something to change but not do much about it. And even when we set a deadline, we go along just like before. It’s only when a deadline is upon us that we suddenly rush to meet it. […]
Thoughtful touches
Bec requested today’s post. In the entrance to our home we have hung fairy lights. They set a pretty scene of an evening when we’re home together. But they’re even more special when one of us is away. Turning on the fairy lights is a lovely touch to come home to and show that someone […]
The good, the bad and the process
Over enough time, a good process should produce good outcomes, and a bad process should produce bad outcomes. But early on, a good process can produce a bad result and a bad process can produce a good result. So if you start something and get an early win, make sure you understand if the chosen […]
Your career is a partnership
With every coaching engagement I have with a client in a committed relationship, I ensure their partner is included on the journey. This is because your career is not your own. Your partner has as much interest in your career as you. The decisions you make directly affect them. Plus a lot of what happens […]
Your skill toolkit
When we don’t respond well to a situation, it’s helpful to consider: In my toolkit of skills, am I missing the skill that would have helped in that situation? OR In my toolkit of skills, do I have the skill that would have helped but I didn’t use it? This will help you to prepare […]
What can we do to keep you?
When you hand in your resignation letter, don’t be surprised if you’re asked if there’s anything that can be done to make you stay. This is even if you’ve raised this prospect with management before and no progress was made. Your departure will impact the organisation, especially if you’re good at what you do. So […]
Monopoly Deal
I’m not sure I know anyone that loves the board game Monopoly, so you may be wary reading this post. But the card game version of Monopoly is so so good. Bec and I discovered Monopoly Deal while travelling, and we were amazed that it only costs $5. It’s just so much fun. The game […]
I stuffed up
When I stuff up, I find people are usually understanding when I’m aware how my actions affected them and I offer a genuine apology. I find people are not usually understanding when: I believe I haven’t done anything wrong, or I shift blame, or I don’t seek to understand how they’ve been affected. .