New rules may apply

““The opposite of every great idea is another great idea.” ”
— Niels Bohr

Engineers often perceive a singular optimal solution, deeming everything else incorrect - an approach rooted in the preciseness of engineering and mathematics. In psychology, the contrast lies in the idea that a viable alternative can exist alongside a good idea. Many people believe that the optimal stance is in between the two extremes. I think that when faced with contradiction, one can either embrace both extremes and resolve it creatively with a third idea that solves the problem overall. The average is generally not as good as it looks, it always seems logical, but it really isn’t that great.

Times are changing

While activity is often seen as a key performance indicator in sales, the ultimate measure of success is revenue, not merely the level of activity. As sales isn't solely about being efficient, it's far more about being effective. I think busyness can divert attention away from what truly matters, acting as a distraction rather than a pathway to success in this profession. Therefore, in 2024 things are going to change…

Confidence challenge

Why are we always seeking external validation, reassurance, and acceptance?

I think that seeking external validation, reassurance, and acceptance is an intrinsic part of human behaviour. Our social nature is deeply rooted in our evolution and has driven us to seek acceptance within groups and communities as a means of ensuring safety, resources, and support. This quest for validation extends to our self-esteem; positive feedback strengthens our sense of self-worth and belonging, while negative feedback can brings about doubts and insecurities. Additionally, seeking validation often serves as a tool for learning and growth. External feedback provides varied perspectives that aid in personal improvement and development. Cultural influences also play a significant role, as societal norms often encourage seeking validation to conform to social standards and expectations. As well as receiving validation, it also offers emotional security by affirming our beliefs and actions, reducing feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. However, while seeking external validation has its benefits, striking a balance with internal validation is crucial, as relying solely on external sources for self-worth or decision-making can pose challenges to cultivating a healthy sense of self-esteem and personal growth.

Things start to happen

There is a great deal of difference between the art of presentation and persuasion. When I first got into sales, I became a pretty good presenter, so why are they not buying? As my late mother used to say, self-praise is no recommendation, so I quickly learned that I had to add an additional skill. I always knew I was a good presenter, but needed to become a great at persuasion if I was going succeed in sales. And I think you can only consider yourself a good persuader if the results start to follow, for example, when people start to act after your presentation. And to become good at persuasion, you have to become a good storyteller.

Learning from mistakes

As a human being, no one is immune from making mistakes. I think that learning from your mistakes is one thing, but putting what you've learned into practice is another.

  • What was I trying to do?

  • What went wrong?

  • When did it go wrong?

  • Why did it go wrong?

““We must learn and grow from our past failures, disappointments and painful experiences. Rest your goals and priorities and move forward. Start today by untying the knots that are limiting you.””
— Ty Howard

Questioning the question

Our identities are shaped by these mental models, defining how we see ourselves in the world. I've found that my most significant growth happens when I let go of these fixed ideas, acknowledging their limitations, and embracing the different perspectives. My strength lies in stepping outside my usual way of thinking to gain a broader understanding and discover new approaches. I think by questioning the question will challenge my own thinking patterns for deeper insights and should be applied to my intellectual mind.

The essence of our character

Two things define you in life:

  1. Your patience when you have nothing, and

  2. Your attitude when you have everything.

When you find yourself in moments of scarcity or when things aren't falling into place, your patience becomes a testament to your resilience and strength. It's during these times that your ability to endure, persist, and stay composed truly defines you. On the other hand, when you have abundance and success, your attitude speaks volumes about your humility, gratitude, and generosity. How you carry yourself, treat others, and handle success illuminates your true nature. It's easy to lose perspective or become complacent when surrounded by plenty, but maintaining a humble and gracious demeanour r reflects a deep-seated understanding of what truly matters in life. I think your ability to weather the storms with patience and your grace in times of plenty are the things that shape your identity and reflect the core values which will guide you through life's various stages and circumstances.

Driven with purpose

Some of our most impactful moments emerge amidst adversity, and these moments become part of our story, shaping our resilience, and fuelling our determination to persist. You will be unstoppable, if you create a purpose for the work that you are doing that is bigger than yourself. What a statement! 
Think about it, if you have a reason or story to keep showing up the daily grind will not be overwhelming or drain your energy. I think by anchoring your work to a purpose larger than yourself, you create a compelling story that keeps you going, driving you past obstacles towards meaningful achievements.

As a leader

In my role as a leader, humility shapes my approach, and I don’t think that I have all the answers. I have a huge thirst for learning, and I know that I can learn something from anybody, so it’s not about me, it’s about us. Embracing inclusivity defines my leadership style, manifesting in strategies and visions carefully woven with input from stakeholders and team members alike. This collaborative synergy ensures that perspectives are valued and integrated, nurturing a cohesive and dynamic collective vision.

Make more money

The ability to think silently is a powerful tool, allowing us to process ideas internally without verbalising them. On the other hand, when it comes to expressing those thoughts, words become essential. I think communication acts as the bridge between ideas and their manifestation, serving as the cornerstone for the highest levels of value creation. And in my experience, the best communicators with the best ideas are often the ones who achieve the greatest financial success.

Back in the days

I wrote this text in 5 years ago…
”SB Consultancy is a customer experience research and consulting firm that helps organisations become more customer-centric.  My goal is simple: accelerate the path to delighting customers. I am a strategic optimiser, helping organisations improve business results by changing how they deal with customers. As part of this focus, I examine strategy, culture, interaction design, customer service, branding and leadership practices. I am passionate about spotting emerging best practices and helping companies master them and I also speak about these topics in keynotes and lecturing engagements.”

Increasing awareness

Since my school days, I have been passionate about nurturing people's development. And as a leader, I've always been mindful of this, always thinking, 'How can I empower and encourage my employees to reach their fullest potential?' I think that it's not solely about their performance but also about their personal growth, and I use coaching tools to enhance their development efficiently. And there is also the self-awareness dimension which is crucial, as this is where I not only learn more about myself but also continue to evolve and grow.