Sustainability has evolved from being merely a business differentiator to an indispensable requirement for operations. Today, it serves as a license to operate rather than just a selling point. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria have become pivotal benchmarks for socially conscious investors when considering potential investments. I think where significant investments flow, others will inevitably follow suit. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the consumer sector, prioritising sustainability isn't just ethical; it's increasingly strategic. Aligning with ESG principles can significantly enhance the chances of a successful sale and improve valuation, given the growing importance placed on sustainability by investors.
Politeness and courtesy
Is it just me or has society really regressed that much?
I had a really good upbringing as a child in South London, where I was taught right from wrong and about being polite. Politeness and courtesy seem to have become less common in daily interactions, and nowadays people seem so surprised when you are polite to them. There might be various reasons for this, for example, cultural shifts or changes in social norms, also, in an increasingly fast-paced world, people might be more focused on efficiency rather than interpersonal niceties. However, there are still many who value and appreciate politeness, this might not always be immediately evident, but small acts of kindness and consideration can make a significant impact, even in a society that sometimes seems to undervalue them. Contact me via e-mail and let me know about some instances where you noticed surprise when being polite.
The Danish club
In my experience from living in Denmark, there is immense pride in the achievements of Danes on the international stage. Within the Danish football community, Brentford are affectionate known as the "Danish club." This recognition is owed to several key factors, for example, the presence of Thomas Frank as the head coach, a line-up boasting five Danish players in their first team squad, and the ownership of Matthew Benham, who is also Danish solidifies this connection.
Thomas Frank's dedication to constant improvement and innovation in coaching tactics has notably shaped the team's approach. It's worth mentioning that he benefits from the guidance of a leadership mentor who aids him in refining his communication, man-management, and leadership skills. This combination of factors not only contributes to Brentford's success but also reflects the Danish influence and emphasis on continuous growth and innovation in the footballing world. I think having someone in a mentorship or coaching role can make a substantial difference in one's journey toward success and fulfilment regardless of whether it's in career advancement, personal growth, skill-building, or even in maintaining motivation.
The best performers
High-performance in any chosen field whether it be business, stage or sport requires involves ongoing management of one's mindset. I think it's about continuously evolving your personality, expanding your abilities, and being open to facing new challenges. Therefore, this journey toward high-performance isn't just about success in your profession; it's also about nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. This holistic approach emphasises the interconnectedness between personal growth, professional success, and overall well-being.
Context changes perception
Our behaviours are driven by our emotions, our emotions are driven by our perception and our perceptions are driven by context. I think if you change the context by which someone sees the same thing, they perceive it and emotionally respond completely differently. It's almost like tweaking the angle of a mirror; the reflection changes with just a slight adjustment. By altering the circumstances or offering a different perspective, we have the power to change how someone perceives and reacts to the same situation, encouraging empathy, understanding, and even altering behavioural outcomes.
One of the most valuable laws
One of my favourite principles is the Principle of Conservation of Energy, which essentially states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system, only transformed from one form to another. This principle transcends various fields, from physics and engineering to economics and even psychology. In finance, for example, the concept of conservation of energy could be related to how resources are allocated and redistributed without any loss. I think it's incredible how foundational principles like this one can have such wide-reaching implications across diverse domains.
It's not for everyone
Leadership development is a critical facet of any organisation's success. While it may not be suited for every individual, those who recognise the value of leadership programs and models are drawn to companies that prioritise this aspect of personal and professional growth. Ambitious young professionals, in particular, seek out employers who provide opportunities for personal and career development as they are on the lookout for mentors, coaches, and role models who can guide them on their journey to success. In this highly competitive job market, if a company fails to address and emphasise these aspects of leadership development, they risk losing top talent to other organisations that do. Therefore, a solid leadership model and program not only attract talented individuals but also play a pivotal role in retaining and nurturing the potential of the workforce, ensuring the company's long-term growth and prosperity. I think by acknowledging the importance of leadership development, companies can build a culture of continuous learning and personal growth that benefits both the organisation and its employees.
What's in it for me?
I think that when you are quite famous, you will receive invitations to speak from businesses you didn't know existed and gain opportunities and partnerships beyond your imagination due to other people's awareness of you. It’s a fact that well-known individuals or businesses often receive speaking invitations, and visibility can lead to new opportunities. On the other hand, fame doesn’t automatically bring a plethora of unexpected opportunities and partnerships. Success usually involves a combination of factors beyond fame, such as expertise, skills, networking, and strategic decision-making. While being famous can undoubtedly enhance visibility and open doors, the extent and nature of the opportunities may vary, and not every business or invitation may align with the individual's or business's goals and field.
““Who do we give our attention to nowadays?””
Dear manager's
When framing employee performance issues, it can be helpful for managers to analyse the root cause by considering whether the problem is related to skill (lack of expertise), will (lack the motivation), or hill (difficulty of task). I think by identifying whether the issue is rooted in skill, will, or hill, managers can tailor their approach to address the specific challenges employees are facing. This analytical framework helps in developing targeted solutions, fostering a more effective and supportive work environment. Also, it enables managers to provide constructive feedback and guidance that is aligned with the nature of the problem at hand.
Let’s break it down
Artwork by Rvasilovski
Value creation extends beyond efficient manufacturing of predefined goods as one has to understand that a very large part of economic value is created in the mind and not in the factory. I think marketing is as much a source of value creation as manufacturing, unfortunately not everyone shares this perspective. There are many thinkers who believe that value is inherent and can be manufactured with increasing efficiency. I contend that true innovation lies not only in altering the products themselves or the means of production but also in reshaping people's perceptions as I believe innovation and marketing are fundamentally two sides of the same coin. And there are only two ways that you can create new economic value - you can either find out what people want and work out a clever way to make it or you can work out what you can make and find out a really clever way to make people want it. What do you think?
A holistic endeavour
Achieving high performance in any chosen field, whether it be in business, on the stage, or in sports, requires continual attention to mind-management, and this involves a dynamic process of cultivating mental resilience, refining skills, and fostering adaptability. Beyond the pursuit of success, this approach is integral to maintaining optimal mental and emotional well-being. I think by actively developing one's personality and expanding their capacity to embrace new challenges, individuals will enhance their performance and also cultivate a robust foundation for enduring success. This ongoing commitment to self-improvement will enable individuals to navigate the complexities of their chosen field with agility and poise, contributing to their professional accomplishments as well as a more balanced life.
Energy flows where attention goes
c/o Success Magazine © 2020
Energy can be changed from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed. The total amount of energy and matter within the Universe remains constant, merely changing from one form to another. This principle is encapsulated in the First Law of Thermodynamics, known as the Law of Conservation, which states that energy is always conserved, it cannot be created or destroyed. As Tony Robbins says, “energy flows where attention goes”. To get what you really want in life, you need a clear goal that has purpose and meaning behind it. Once this is in place, you can focus your energy on the goal and become obsessive about it. I think that when you learn how to focus your energy amazing things will happen. What do you think?
Busy vs. productive
There is a difference between busy and being productive!
Being productive is really about narrowing your focus, it’s about prioritisation and it means you carefully select what’s most important, and eliminating things that are not so important. I think you should invest your time and energy in things where it’s going to make a difference to your goals and outcomes. A successful day is a day where you make massive progress on the things that matter for you. There are only two major things that make you productive in sales, one is opportunity creation and, and the other is opportunity capture.
“Being busy is about being good at everything while being productive is about being great at a few important things.”
Positive light stories
What people say and what they do are often separate things. Human beings have the tendency to show or tell stories to depict ourselves in a more favourable light. A person’s guiding principles can often be seen and felt by their body languages, interactions, and most importantly they are influenced consciously or subconsciously by their own background. I think empathy is a skill, a mindset we need to practice and sharpen. We can develop and apply empathy not just for what we design, but also at work, and in relationships with others.
Don't get left behind
Over time, the nature of work has evolved through distinct phases. In the past, during the "Muscles" era, physical labour and manual skills held paramount importance. This period, exemplified by the Industrial Revolution and earlier agricultural societies, demanded physical strength and endurance for jobs that revolved around labour-intensive tasks in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. Nowadays we are in the "Brain" phase, marked by the Information Age and technological advancements, knowledge work, problem-solving, creativity, and intellectual skills take centre stage. The contemporary workforce increasingly values cognitive abilities such as analysis, programming, design, and management, emphasising the significance of education and specialised skills. And in the future, we will enter the "Heart" phase where there will be a shift towards a greater emphasis on emotional intelligence, empathy, interpersonal skills, and values. I think as automation and artificial intelligence progress, it is likely that roles requiring human connection, understanding, and compassion will become more prominent, particularly in fields like healthcare, counselling, relationship management, and social support.
Growing the capabilities of others
Leadership isn't about possessing all the answers; it's about posing the right questions that challenge traditional thinking. I think that your happiness stems from a blend of enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose. If you're interested in securing an external strategic business partner and advisor for your talent development and leadership solutions, please feel free to reach out to me via email.
““Just as athletes benefit from coaching, leaders do too!””
Tell them your story
c/o LinkedIn
What events in your life reinforce your belief in the story you're sharing?
Our personal experiences play a crucial role in storytelling because they allow us to tell stories from the heart, and when we do this, the audience can easily connect with and value our stories. The goal of storytelling is to make the audience care or even momentarily forget their own concerns. Personal experiences are vital for achieving this because they make you relatable and enable others to immerse themselves in your narrative. In my experience, the best storytellers often draw from their own memories and life experiences to convey their message. I think the whole world is built on stories - religions, political parties, companies, and various social groups are all using storytelling to promote their ideas. While there's no definitive formula for the best stories, one thing is certain: if you can't tell your own story, others will do it for you.
““Humans think in stories, and we try to make sense of the world by telling stories.””
Life is never static
The essence of a great story is its ability not only to make you care, but also to make people care about its characters and plot but also to transport them away from their worries and pain. This happens because the story taps into our imaginative capabilities, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the storyteller’s world. When we share a story, we can effectively plant ideas, thoughts, and emotions in the minds of the listeners, recreating the experiences and emotions we've had and activating similar areas in their brains. I think this process is what makes storytelling so powerful and captivating.
““Drama is anticipation mingled with uncertainty.” ”
Leading with wisdom
Average leaders are effective at accomplishing tasks, while exceptional leaders excel in establishing environments conducive to others' success. I think that average leaders focus on solving immediate issues, whereas exceptional leaders concentrate on fostering growth as they bear the responsibility of cultivating a culture that empowers individuals to contribute their best. It's amazing how productivity, morale, and mutual respect increase when team members hold each other in high regard, and this contributes to stronger interpersonal relationships. Wise leadership derives from the pursuit of diverse perspectives, embracing open listening without defensiveness, and leveraging knowledge for the collective benefit rather than personal gain. What type of leader are you?
Looking inwards
How can I achieve personal growth and success in leadership roles?
I think aligning your actions, decisions, and behaviours with your self-awareness, your vision of the future, and your desire to make a positive contribution are essential for personal and professional development. These three questions will certainly help you succeed in leadership roles:
1. Who am I?
2. Who do I aspire to become?
3. How can I bring my best contribution?
And acting on your answers to these questions is a key part of leadership development. And leaders who continually reflect on these questions and act accordingly are more likely to lead with authenticity, inspire others, and achieve their goals while also helping others achieve theirs.