mappingmotivation

Very Good or Perfect?

God, it says in Genesis, created the world, the cosmos, the universe, and the interesting question is: what is the first thing He (speaking anthropomorphically here of course) does after the creation? Well, quite naturally, he does what I did on the birth of my son: I wanted immediately to look at him and thenContinue reading “Very Good or Perfect?”

Quiet Gardens and our Life

I have long thought that it would be a good idea to teach young and old people through metaphors, then at least they might understand something and be in a position to act on that understanding. Instead of which we barrage people with facts and figures and often useless data masquerading as educational material. Also,Continue reading “Quiet Gardens and our Life”

Motivational Maps and Axioms

It was the great GK Chesterton who observed: "In so far as religion is gone, reason is going. For they are both of the same primary and authoritative kind. They are both methods of proof which cannot themselves be proved." What this powerfully reminds us of in the modern period is that it is notContinue reading “Motivational Maps and Axioms”

Improving Productivity

Productivity is a people issue. People make things happen, or not. This seems to be a revelation to some managers, as if merely pushing people around and simply paying them a wage leads to high productivity. The reality is that this approach leads to subtle sabotage and non-vocal resistance: lip-service to the organizations and itsContinue reading “Improving Productivity”

The Power of Prayer

Those of you who have followed my blogs over a number of years will have no doubt that I believe in prayer; by which I mean, that prayer is efficacious and effective and, in short, works! Quite apart from anything else, my time in hospital with my life-threatening illness and the power of prayer then,Continue reading “The Power of Prayer”

Discerning Friendship

Having lived to the ripe old age of 60, having been a teacher for 15 years and observed extensive playground behavior, having been a trainer for over 20 years and seen thousands of people interact, and having been a mentor or coach to hundreds of people, having watched my son grow up and interact withContinue reading “Discerning Friendship”

How Success Turns to Failure

We all want to be successful, don’t we? There are certainly many benefits to it: prestige, status, power, money and more! Success we want but it is too easy to forget the old Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang; that for every success we have there is likely to be a corresponding dark side, thereContinue reading “How Success Turns to Failure”

How to Handle Difficult People – 5 Steps

There are in any organisations difficult situations which fall short of either grievance or disciplinary procedures against the staff who create the difficulties. Possibly all managers and senior managers can identify certain members of their organisation whom they find awkward, and whom they secretly dread having to deal with; it’s as if that particular person,Continue reading “How to Handle Difficult People – 5 Steps”

How To Say Sorry – Really!

As we all know only too well, it is very easy to offend people, especially at work. It is not so easy to put that offence right, especially if the offence is justified and we have made a mistake. There are basically four options we have. We can not say sorry at all! This makesContinue reading “How To Say Sorry – Really!”

To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme?

Imagine that you were lost in a wilderness and had to find your way out. Fortunately, you have with you a number of things, or tools if you will. In the first instance you have a kitbag, which is itself useful. Within it are various articles: a bottle of water, a knife, fork and spoon,Continue reading “To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme?”