Can you see your own blind spots?
The very notion of a blind spot means that we cannot see it ourselves, therefore, we often need an external perspective to identify them. For example, a trusted advisor, mentor or coach, somebody who can show us another set of lenses and partnerships are crucial to this journey as it’s really difficult to do this all on your own. A simple mathematics analogy, there are adders and subtracters, there are multipliers and dividers, and they are all around us - What do these people look like to you? What do you look like to them? What kind of energy are you bringing and what type of energy are you receiving? These types of journeys are much easier to take together in partnership with a coach or mentor, there is no recipe and there will be challenges along the journey. I do not have ‘a just do this solution’ as everyone is different.
As a coach I offer guidance, skill development, and accountability. Are you ready to look at your blind spots? Contact me via email arrange a short discovery meeting when you are ready for unbiased feedback,
The elephant in the room
Last week, the Danish Institute of Human Rights published their report highlighting the shocking state of affairs in Denmark regarding racial discrimination, and this has been well documented in the Danish media. It appears that there are many Danes and organisations who don’t want to ask the question, as they don’t want to face the facts because they know that they are going to have to do something. Conversations about race, class and gender in the workplace aren't easy and I think it’s essential to ensure people are seen and heard. Leaders usually listen with the prime objective to make things better and solve problems, sometimes all their team members want is to be heard. Contact me via e-mail to book a speech, workshop or coaching sessions.
Peace be with you
It's a long game
Research has shown that by simply providing information doesn't necessarily lead to behavioural change. I think while knowledge is valuable, changing behaviour often requires more than just information as human behaviour is complex, influenced by various factors beyond mere awareness. Effective behaviour change often involves a combination of factors for example, motivation, context, emotional connections, support systems, and practical tools or strategies.
“A large part of economic success is based on trust, in other words, do people trust you to fulfil your promises. ”
One my favourite actors
““My philosophy is:
What people say about me is none of my business.
I am who I am and do what I do.
I expect nothing and accept everything.
And that makes life easier.
We live in a world where funerals are more important than the deceased, marriage is more important than love, looks are more important than the soul.
We live in a packaging culture that despises content.””
Professional growth through coaching
I think coaching is such a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By offering insights, experiences, and constructive feedback, coaches can guide coachees toward their goals and help them unlock their full potential. Here’s an example of constructive feedback…
Every leader should ask themselves these questions on a daily basis:
What did I do badly?
What did I do well?
What can I do differently tomorrow?
Find your passion
I think it’s all about connecting your passion with something that’s bigger than yourself. It’s important to figure out what that mission is for you, and for me I do it through storytelling. Storytelling is the oldest and most valuable way we have of passing on our values, echoing from ancient campfires to Homer's narratives in the Odyssey. I really think there is a role in society for storytellers who try and make us better, and as an entrepreneur, I've wholeheartedly embraced this path by mixing my love for coaching to enhance people's lives.
““When we work hard for something we don’t believe in, it’s called stress. When we work hard for something we love, it’s called passion.” ”
Managerial experience
The higher up you are in an organisation, the more important vision and creativity become, but you still must have the skills required to manage and lead well. Some young entrepreneurs start with the vision and creativity and then develop their management skills as they scale their companies; others start with management skills and develop their creative vision as they climb up the ladder. Just like great musicians, all great managers have both creativity and technical skills. And no manager at any level can expect to succeed without the skill set of an organisational engineer.
““Knowledge is having the right answers. Intelligence is asking the right questions. Wisdom is knowing when to ask the right questions.” ”
Alignment tools
V2MOM is a strategic planning and goal-setting framework that stands for Vision, Value, Methods, Obstacles, and Measures.
VISION → What do you want?
VALUES → What’s important to you?
METHODS → How do you get it?
OBSTACLES → What is preventing you from success?
MEASURES → How do you know you have it?
I think V2MOM is a wonderful tool from Salesforce that helps businesses grow and reach their boundless potential.
Next meeting or more discovery
Communication thrives on stories, and questions are the conduits shaping its course. I strategically ask questions that elicit conversation, aiming to activate their self-disclosure loop. I prioritise actively listening and offering undivided attention to incentivise my clients to share, making them feel valued, and this rapport often leads them to unveil their narrative. In my experience, once they hit the 'too much information' zone, it's simply a matter of leaning back and letting them guide the discussion toward everything necessary to seal the deal. Whether it's about planning the next step, scheduling another meeting, or diving deeper into discovery, I adapt to their language and seamlessly prompt for it.
Relaxing conversation
In sales conversions, my strategy is to minimise questions while maximising information extraction. I think keeping the conversation relaxed is key, employing open-ended inquiries like 'tell me more,' 'how so?' or 'help me understand.' As these questions facilitate deeper insights, like 'walk me through that again' or acknowledging emotions with 'that seems quite emotional for you, why is that?' I believe in always entering client meetings fully aware of the desired outcome, and by creating a precise plan for the next steps ensures that my questions align with moving towards that goal.
Mutual understanding
Do you think that trust is the emotional glue of all relationships?
Trust is the cornerstone of all relationships, acting as a binding agent that holds them together. I think building trust is like forging a path beyond our comfort zones, creating bridges to meaningful connections. It thrives on honesty, accountability, and openness to cultivate and maintain trust in any relationship. Trust might not be the sole emotional glue for every relationship, for example, respect, communication, empathy, and shared values also plays a significant role in sustaining strong and healthy connections.
Following a conversation
In conversations, prioritising active listening stands out as immensely valuable and I think that being mindful of how we listen is crucial. For example, while engaging in dialogue, there might be moments where what's communicated doesn't align. In such instances, a constructive approach involves acknowledging these discrepancies gently: 'Earlier, you mentioned this, but now you're saying something different.' The focus remains on active listening, enabling one to trace conversations over an extended period—observing the apparent disparities and contradictions without accusation. It's not about asserting moral superiority; instead, it's about assisting in framing the situation coherently, highlighting inconsistencies for a clearer understanding.
Progressive social practices
While innovation remains essential for brands, the definition of innovation is moving away from focusing on continuous product launches to incorporating genuine advancements in environmental and social practices, for example, sustainable manufacturing production, materials and techniques. Nowadays the significance of authenticity has moved from being centred on a brand’s compelling story or niche positioning to being about the strength of a company’s sustainable operations internally and across its entire supply chain. I think this evolution underlines the importance of sustainability and ethical considerations in modern business strategies. What do you think?
Communication is the key
If you can control perception, then you can control behaviour. If you can dominate the narrative so people are only hearing one side of the story or one version of the story then you are going to dictate the perceptions of vast numbers of people, especially if they haven’t had any other angle to consider. This is so easy when you are addressing a population who do not question anything:
Q: How do you know that?
A: I saw it on the news
Q: How did they know that?
““In times of change the learners will inherit the world, while the knowers will be beautifully equipped for a world that no longer exists.” ”
Change is in the air
Conscious behaviours
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.