mappingmotivation

Thinking about appraisal 1

The primary goal of organisations is find and keep customers so that in this way they make a profit. But they cannot do this without the active support of their staff. The key issue is to help teams and individuals improve their performance. How, then? Appraisal is just such a system that is designed toContinue reading “Thinking about appraisal 1”

Three types of people

Someone once said that there were two types of people: people who divide the world into two types of people, and people who don't! A brilliant paradox, but alas not wholly true, because there are three types of people, not two; it is as well to know these types because one of the most importantContinue reading “Three types of people”

Checking out optimism

Optimism is a favourite topic for coaches, and quite rightly so. There is now so much important literature about it and its consequences. I am on record as saying that optimism is a pre-requisite for success in leadership and management, and probably every major area of our life, including relationships. For, after all, what kindContinue reading “Checking out optimism”

The new financial year

The new year is a long time ago; what was fresh now seems stale. But the good news is that there are always three new years in merry old England. There's the new New Year beginning on the First of January; there's the academic new year starting in September when schools return from their summerContinue reading “The new financial year”

Relieving negative self talk

Everyone at some time or another experiences negative self talk. Why is this and what should be do about it? The first character who speaks in the Bible is God: at Genesis 1 v 3 God says, “Let there be light”, and there was. This is a pattern of God's language: he frequently speaksContinue reading “Relieving negative self talk”

Understanding more about mentoring

There is much written about coaching, which is undeniably an incredible and powerful way to develop people. Far less is written about mentoring; yet mentoring is one of the most powerful tools for personal development known to mankind. Speaking generically, there are three major ways to improve oneself: first, trial and error – a necessaryContinue reading “Understanding more about mentoring”

Who Needs Traffic Lights?

I walked this morning to my regular Tai Chi practice with Dr John. And as I always do I came to the T-Junction at the top end of Ashley Road. There is an intricate system of traffic lights – you know the sort, with green arrows so that while one lane is on red, anotherContinue reading “Who Needs Traffic Lights?”

The importance of belief

Belief is the essence of religions throughout the world, and having belief. And religions throughout the world have at least one commonality: there is not a religion that I am aware of that does not exhort its followers to believe AND as a result of believing to become more perfect – to follow the path.Continue reading “The importance of belief”

Consultants – and changes afoot!

A recent article in a London paper stated that the NHS in London “splashes out £114M on advisers”. Here, they helpfully explained, 'advisers' meant ‘management consultants’. As a management consultant myself I should be saying, Good! But I am not. Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, is staggered by the bill and wants to reduce itContinue reading “Consultants – and changes afoot!”

Leadership as theatre

To work in metaphors is the essence not of childishness, but of maturity, and it is fundamental to our appreciation of the world because it enables us to see the invisible relationship between things, ideas and processes. Metaphor is essentially dynamic – precisely what leadership is. If we wish to capture the essence of theContinue reading “Leadership as theatre”