Category: Communication

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Asking Questions Communication Conversations Leadership Team effectiveness

Consider these unorthodox tips for better meetings

Abstract Image of Business People's Silhouettes in a Meeting

It’s been a few weeks since I read “More Time to Think.”

More Time to Think is the sequel to Time to Think. The first book addresses the theory behind creating a thinking environment culture. The second book is more of a practical how-to guide.

Both books are created on a scientifically justified premise that when companies can create a culture where each individual feels safe and encouraged to access, use and share their thinking, all performance indicators point in the right direction.… Read the rest

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Communication Conflict Conversations Dialogue Productivity

What would it look like if you did win?

There’s a commercial on Dutch TV about the risk of polarization. It’s short, cute, and full of great intentions.

You witness friends and a father and daughter argue over climate and immigrant issues. A voiceover enters the scene and states:

“What will it look like when you win this argument?”

It was followed by making the point that our world is becoming increasingly polarized and that it’s really up to us to do something about it.… Read the rest

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Communication Leadership Learning Qualities Self awareness

Simplifier or Complexifier?

I’m not a finance guy.

But I’ve done enough finance in my life to understand the principles when I put my mind to it. My brain can build many connections fast, but when it comes to finance, I need to think.

That’s why I’ve always admired people who can make complex stuff easy to understand. … Read the rest

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Communication Feedback Life Reflection Self awareness

The brutal truth about Intention and Impact

Intention & Impact

Nearly twenty years ago, I had my first conversation with a mentor who helped me shape who I am today.

I was running supermarket operations at that time, working for a CEO who, in my eyes, was not meant to be CEO. 

He was a former CFO who never transitioned from being a CFO to become a CEO.… Read the rest

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Alignment Clarity Communication Team effectiveness Trust

What the best teams do better than any team

The best team share a few traits

What’s the best team you’ve ever been part of?

You can think about this question in the broadest meaning. Not just business teams, sports teams, and perhaps a team of friends or family at home.

I classify people ‘working’ together as teamwork.

I often ask this question as an introduction to teamwork. … Read the rest

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Alignment Clarity Communication Purpose Team effectiveness

Team play

Imagine.

You’re the star of the company or team.

Thanks to your contribution, the company makes significant profits, is recognized as a leading brand, is admired by everyone in the industry, and is a heavily sought-after employer.

You know the results of the company (or team) would dive if you decided to leave or something would happen to you.… Read the rest

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Communication Freedom Presence Reflection Social Media

How can you be free when you’re being followed?

Torres del Paine mountains, Patagonia, Chile

Last week I received a Whatsapp message from a good friend in the Netherlands.

He and I both meditate and call each other occasionally to discuss our experiences.

We’re both educated in economics.

He is, in my words, a hard-core finance guy who did well for himself. I’ve chosen the leadership side of business because I believe that’s where it all starts.… Read the rest

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Change Communication Kindness Leadership Purpose

The world deserves better leaders

Walking into a better world

The world deserves better leaders.

That’s why I do what I do.

I help leaders and teams grow and be the best they can be for themselves and the people they work with.

Doing what I do will help improve our collective human experience, one leader, one conversation at a time.

Ambitious.… Read the rest

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Change Communication Culture Leadership Self awareness

Fishy smell

“A fish stinks from the head.”

Rumi

Rumi, a Turkish poet who lived towards the end of the 13th century, wrote “The Third Book of Masnavi,” where the phrase appears as follows: “Fish begins to stink at the head, not the tail.”

We often hear this quote in a business environment.

I’m sure you’ve heard it before, and it basically means that when problems arise in a business, it makes sense to look at the top of the company first.… Read the rest

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Asking Questions Communication Conversations Culture Leadership

The Heart of your Business

We succeed or fail one conversation at a time

Last week I conducted my training called “Growing Leaders and Culture.”

Its principles are based on effective dialogue.

Why?

Because dialogue is what makes people grow and deliver on their dreams.

You’ve done half the work if you understand that running a successful business is an accumulation of constructive, forward-looking, and growth-focused dialogues.… Read the rest

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Communication Conversations Self awareness

Watch your language

Language matters

“We’ve discussed this several times before.”

Ok, if we already discussed this several times before, why are we discussing it again then?

Was it because we never decided what we needed to do? Or perhaps, we didn’t listen well enough? Or is it possible that you didn’t explain it adequately?

Or perhaps, you just don’t know how to have a proper conversation.… Read the rest