Oliver at TBLOD blog

2010-12-24T15:36:00.001Z

A case of the right diagnosis in medicine and coaching

Getting the right diagnoses in life is essential. Thomas had a bad cough for about 3 months. Two trips to the doctor, a prescription for ventolin and a range of home remedies did not cure his incessant coughing throughout the night that left us all cumulatively exhausted, most all Thomas. On 21st December we visited a doctor in Chamonix who agreed with the previous diagnosis but in addition added one extra component take – an anti-inflammatory call Solupred to be taken through the inhaler 5 minutes after the Ventolin. ‘Give it 48 hours’ he said ‘and he will be cured’. That evening we all had an uninterrupted night’s sleep – the first in months. We all feel bad leaving him in discomfort for so long.

The lesson for me here is the importance of a diagnosis and how that can either sort a problem quickly or leave one floundering.

This is what a good coach helps with – diagnosis (albeit assisting with self-diagnosis) – so that the performer can make real progress quickly and effectively with the minimum of trial.

2009-12-28T18:58:00.001Z

Looking Ahead to 2010

In January 2009 I read an article by Zac Goldsmith in which is says in life you play the hand you are dealt with and as he had been dealt a particularly good hand he felt it his duty to play well. I don’t agree with all he does especially the non dom for tax status (‘let me lead and preach you but you guys pay for it all’) however the sentiment of playing your hand well connected with me and inspired a number of initiatives on my part.

For 2010 I want to do all I am currently doing even better. I want to develop my fascination for performance in both a theoretical, personal and enabling way for others. I am setting stretching goals to each of these things and committing to their delivery.

Bring it on!

2009-06-10T23:05:00.003+01:00

When It's Leadership and Leadership

Age 24 leading a winter skills course in the Cairngorms. The group were all vetted for health, fitness and appropriate experience. All info came back positive. We climbed up to about 3000ft in reasonable weather. All was going well when one my student dropped like a stone into the snow.

I remember two things. Firstly I remember administering the obvious first steps of help whilst thinking through longer term actions

Secondly I remember being bombarded with useless information by the rest of the team. This included sending for help, carrying off the casualty and splitting the group.

I took none of it. Being benighted age 15 in the Cairngorms one winter had taught me a thing or two – mainly its not a fun place to be. I warmed the victim, gave her plenty of hot drinks and carbohydrates, disturbed here equipment between the party and walked back as a team the way we had come. Job done all home safe. It transpired there were health issues that had not been disclosed.

2009-03-27T21:27:00.002Z

Learning Through Absorbing

If you ever take a ski lessen then there is only one place to position yourself in the group. That is right behind the instructor. Right behind – close enough to absorb their every movement. In this way, with a minimum of effort you will in their absence be able to replay those unconsciously rehearsed actions. Close your eyes and you will see their skis carve every turn. Their fluid and precise actions will become yours.

In the same way get right in behind leaders you admire. Focus. Watch and emulate their every move and their admired traits will become yours.

2009-01-07T22:20:00.003Z

Headline from Times: Dubai feels the heat of climate change
Concern for the environment could mean Dubai becoming an impossibly luxurious destination for all but the wealthiest of tourists

This effectively says wealth = non responsibility for the environment. Read the article here Timesonline.

Affluenza
Noun: affluenza
Definition: An extreme formof materialism resulting from the excessive desirefor material goods

Over Christmas I read the 0liver James book of the same name. Sadly I can recognise the symptoms, not just mildly in all of us, but extreme cases where people who once seemed quite ordinary and balanced now seem only interested to speak of their house price, shares, holidays and how wealthy their friends are; despite having not seen them for some time. All other news on a personal front to them had become ‘worthless’.

I experienced a not dissimilar situation in the late 80s, early 90s when people threw themselves lock stock and barrel at careers in corporations in the belief that these places where the new ‘holy lands’ – only to see them close together with their careers 18 months later.

It is not about commitment, which is an essential. It is about balance, about taking all of you forward – not throwing your values on the wayside to reduce the weight. Do that and when the cash dries up you having nothing left.

6 months ago it occurred to me that there was a big silver lining to the current turmoil. When oil hit $160 and food prices shot through the roof despite all the negative economic data it was clear that unsustainability was reached and a real opportunity for us to reinvent through imperative had come.

For many the sole pursuit of materialism is no longer valid as the vehicle has gone. Hopefully this will allow these lost soles to cultivate a desire and space for new self to grow. Read the article.

2009-01-03T21:33:00.004Z

2009 - The Year for Performance

I read a newspaper article last year. The typical thing, a journalist using a coach and questioning whether it wasn’t just common sense. Sure, ‘nothing as uncommon as common sense’ they say.

There are a couple of prerequisites to being coached effectively:
Firstly you need to want to improve your performance
Secondly, in some shape or form, you must want to be coached!

2008 saw two massive improvements in performance for me. In addition to a huge amount of coach development through my PGC in Executive Coaching at the University Strathclyde Business School, I also engaged the services of two professional coaches for my own performance in different activities; sailing and skiing.

Charlotte, a long time friend and professional as the Scottish National Watersports Centre gave me a couple of half day sessions around performance sailing in preparation for my own RYA Dinghy Coach’s update. This is a qualification I have help for 20 or so years and needs revalidation from time to time. Coupled with my own reading, practice and development plan, the sessions with Charlotte literally catapulted my performance.
Full on practice - review – practice in challenging conditions.

Then this Christmas, to develop my skiing I engaged the services of Christiane, a professional with the Ecole de Ski Français in Les Houches by Chamonix where I hang out. This guy is good. 58 years old and an ex army instructor who now teaches skiing in winter and chills out with tennis and golf come summer. Christiane’s approach was push you as far as you can go, take you beyond it and teach you how to be comfortable in this new place. Brilliant.

We skied everything. Ice, powder, perfect pistes and forests. My favourite pastime was to tuck right in behind him and ski where he skied and boy what a ride that was! Initially I was down for 3 2.5 hour sessions. I extended it to 5.

The last 4 seasons have seen me work on a number of things. Progress yes, breakthrough no! What I realised very early on in these coached sessions was that I was focusing on the wrong things, and as any Jedi knows ‘Focus is Reality’. Through the coaching approach of Christiane I was able to apply focus to the right things and create a new reality. I would not have achieved this without him.

What both these cases illustrate is that where performance is sought in any arena, work or sport, don’t mess around. Get a coach in to help you work your mix. You might get there yourself if you through enough resources at it. Might!

2008-12-18T20:32:00.007Z

Last Entry for 2008

I think that little lad – not so happy - called Oliver aged 10 some 37 years ago would be quite pleased with his investment / faith in the future if he had he been able to see Oliver 2008.

It’s been a good - no great - year and I have many, many people to thank for that. If I have known you personally in 2008 I would like to say a big ‘thank you’. I really mean it.

As is life, some of the 'calls' I have made this year I could never be certain about, articulated far better than I by Robert Frost’s perfect poem ‘The Road Not Taken’. (Please visit this link for a concise and explained version of this work)

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent to the undergrowth…..

Perhaps 2009 will see me explore some of these 'lesser' paths - who knows.

I am ending 2008 and starting 2009 as I started and ended the year before and many before that….with my great passion skiing. For those who will not be joining, here is Neil Young; one of my life time heroes, with a fitting song I always relate to my journeys to my other home in beautiful snow covered Chamonix.

To everyone I know thanks for sharing the year with me - let's continue it.

Oliver (and of course the 'wee man')

2008-11-26T20:43:00.002Z

Change

"I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better." G. C. Lichtenberg

2008-11-24T20:57:00.005Z

Servant Leadership - John Cunningham

Whilst discussing the notion of servant leadership I recalled an inspirational lecturer at our college - John Cunningham. As my tutor, I remember quite specific instances where he demonstrated a very positive influence in an empathetic way on an 'unruly mob' of 18 year old aspirant outdoor education teachers. His supreme confidence and connection served us well. Thirty years later the knowledge he imparted endures.

We lost several good friends at college - John was one.

Click to review a book on his life.

2008-10-14T22:15:00.000+01:00

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Whilst lecturing in Athens last weekend the students drew my attention to ‘The Last Lecture’ by Randy Paush of Carnegie Mellon.

Randy died in July 2008 of cancer. This was the lecture he gave in full knowledge of his forthcoming fate. It is an inspirational portrait of life and ‘Really Living Your Childhood Dreams’. MUST be seen.

2008-08-31T16:26:00.002+01:00

The Centre Cannot Hold' - from William Butler Yeats, "The Second Coming"

Price of Oil, Credit Crunch, Food Prices, Economy - did our centralised Government tell us anything about these?

There is a fantastic book out call 'The Back Swan: The Impact of the Improbable' - a 'must read' for those who understand that the future is not necessarily predicted by the past. The fact that you have never had a heart attack in no shape or form means you will not have one!

As our Government continually tells us they are in control , they increasingly look as though they are not. Why? Because they are so frequently unlucky. Luck because they have no more idea of the future than any of us!

When I was 14 , I read on a box of matches 'The Man Who Knows Everything Knows Nothing'. That stuck with me. Perhaps Gordon and Alistair should have a think about this.

Leadership is about creating a future and understanding the present. Not looking to the past and say 'all will be well'.

2008-08-24T16:44:00.002+01:00

Talent

Many people talk of talent in the modern organisation; talent pools, talent management etc etc

However few really understand what is meant by talent.

Talent

Intellectual Capital (know-how)

Social Capital (know who)

Psychological Capital (can do)

Ridderstrale & Kjel Nordstrom

To most businesses it is simply ‘who is doing the best job’ and as such much of the potential for the business is lost.

Even more alarming is that many individuals do not understand the notion of talent either, thereby inhibiting what they get back from their careers and is some cases being far less satisfied than they could be.

My view is that we cannot leave it to our employers to make the most of our lives – we need to understand and engage with that process ourselves. The reference Ridderstrale & Kjel Nordstrom is a good place to start.

2008-08-14T23:08:00.006+01:00

Reflective Space

I had an interesting visit to Southsea near Portsmouth last week - the home my grandparents and childhood home of parents. People didn’t seem to move around as much in those days.

First I walked along the front at Southsea. It is great to see the regeneration whilst respecing the history of the place.

Heading off, on impulse I visited the cemetery where my grandfather was buried. No one from the family lives in Portsmouth now and I felt he might appreciate a visitor.

I knew the place from a very vague recollection of a visit with my grandmother when I was 5. A fleeting picture of a scene in my head of a little boy and an old woman looking at a grave. Small and precious memory.

Sadly the office was shut and the sheer size of the place meant despite my best efforts I could not find his grave. However I am sure he appreciated my efforts.

The last time I saw him was 1978 and I cannot even remember it. I was 7. Here we are in a photo taken at the time. Always well dressed even on a summer holiday. I am the one on the left in the deck chair. You sadly get neither summers or hats like that now!

Despite not finding the grave, the visit was an immensely reflective experience and I came away feeling quite grounded, happy and appreciative.

Cemeteries are places where one appreciates life and although I would not make it a frequent event, I think the reflective time and space offered is quite a gift.

2008-07-24T17:30:00.001+01:00

Empathy

There was a very moving programme last night presented by journalist Elizabeth Quigley about MS. Quigley herself suffers from the disease and sees an uncertain future.

During the programme she interviewed J K Rowling whose mother died of the disease. She witnessed and described her mothers decline. As Quigley sat there no mention of her own plight was made but the empathy in Rowling’s voice and manner was absolute – stronger than any words.

Link to times article on the interview http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article4380955.ece

BBC page on the programme with extract
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7508087.stm

2008-07-06T22:33:00.002+01:00

'Parents are often so busy with the physical rearing of children that they miss the glory of parenthood, just as the grandeur of the trees is lost when raking leaves'.

Marcelene Cox

I put this quote in as I have lust completed an exceptionally busy period since Christmas. During such periods I always try to make sure I also enjoy it - not just do it. That's' important to me as once its passed, its passed.

2008-05-30T23:35:00.005+01:00

Remember Zoe Drive

Last weekend we met Alan Bigger from Edinburgh. Alan is driving around Britain in a vintage car to raise funds for a special teenage cancer ward in Edinburgh. It is in memory of a very brave young girl - Zoe - who died last September after a battle against cancer.

Teenagers currently either go into children's wards or adult wards - neither best places for teenagers at a vulnerable time. A special ward would make their lives so much easier. Cumulitivley small donations would acheive this.

The web sites are:

http://rememberzoe.co.uk/default.aspx

http://www.justgiving.com/rememberzoe

2008-05-23T15:10:00.000+01:00

'It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the
most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to
change'.
Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

Our world view has a huge influence on the way we behave. This forms the basis of our identity. World view to identity, beliefs, behaviour then ultimately the immediate world we create.

As the world changes around us we have the choice of adapt or ‘die’ – metaphorically that is.

The Labour Party is in real trouble. However well intentioned they may be, some of the stuff they hang on to is so obviously self defeating as to be ridiculous.

Could they ever see it with their ‘world view’ to reduce taxation of say fuel? It is not whether it is right or wrong to do so, I will leave that to the economists. It is about their capability to adapt. Their lack of capability to adapt will ultimately be their demise.

I think this is true for all of us.

2008-03-30T21:47:00.002+01:00

Update on New Year entry

If you read my New Year blog about planning your year ahead and chose to do nothing then fair enough. However there is an interesting verse in Amy Macdonald’s Mr Rock and Roll:

He says "I wish I knew you, I wish I met youWhen time was still on my side"

A different take on Carpe Diam!

Watch Amy here

2008-03-30T21:39:00.003+01:00

Crises of Trust

There seems to be a crises of trust in Europe. Twice since Christmas I have been asked, whilst in supermarkets, to open my bag in case I had stolen a piece of Camembert or ssimilar. This would not have happen in times when you did not have to take your own bag with you – either that or carry twenty items of shopping home in your arms! In my 47 years I have never - repeat never - been asked this before but now twice in 6 months! The most that had happened to me was a refusal to sell me alcohol at the age of 15 by a shop on Morningside Road which was fair cop.

In one respect I am flattered at not looking too conservative but another part of me says ‘damned cheek’! It says there is an assumption of guilt when I enter the store and as such I think I will choose not to! Loyalty = zero! The French news say one of their better known stores are videoing staff as they work – not just me then! To me this is all part of an erosion of the contract that says ‘we will treat each other reasonably unless we have cause to do otherwise’. Without this the ‘good will’ vital to our interdependence will disappear.

This raises issues for how we treat each other generally - in work and society and the matter of loyalty. That is why we have understanding and building trust as a standard part of our leadership programmes. Click here.

2008-03-16T21:06:00.003Z

My Favourite Things

I have a magazine folder at home simply called “Nice People” - it sits between 'Jeep' and 'Outdoor Clothing and Gear' on the bottom shelf of the bookcase! In that folder go bits of paper and feedback when folk have said something nice to me.

I keep them because when I get really fed up with human nature I remember the nice things people have bestowed – my favourite things - just like Julia Andrews. Then I feel better.

2008-03-09T19:35:00.003Z

Coaching

Coaching is really a mainstream part of any organisations' or individuals' performance tool kit. It is now refined to quite specific approaches for expediency and effect.

However the role of coach is not new to any of us. My 'wee boy' had the services of a coach aged 4 when at age 2 he first stayed with his morning minder. Now age the age of 3 the role is passed to him with the arrival of a new baby to the minders care! Although not coaching as we think of it, he is there to question and help.

At home do we not find ourselves asking what and why on a regular basis? Questioning - coaching!

2008-02-23T16:17:00.003Z

"If anyone wants a lift jump on"

2008-02-18T21:05:00.004Z

44 - The Age of Self Impossed Discontent

Interesting the findings of a recent survey that the unhappiest time of a persons life is 44 when apparently:

“Most people start out thinking they can accomplish anything when they are young. As they grow older they begin encountering challenges, moving into different careers, life circumstances and dealing with problems they just can’t defeat. “

See this article click here

I was dumb struck recently when it was bought to my attention that someone found my personal vision demoralising – not because of its content but because it highlighted the lack of content of the commentators.

This to me answers much of the 44 pissed off issue. To me, and it is my perspective, people don’t hit a wall, they run out of vision. To make matters worse they ran out of vision the moment the stopped creating it at the age of 16.5. When they last considered ambition and before they started to get by!

Last year was my toughest yet - on a personal front - and in many ways, also one of my best. I am sure what gave me a purpose to navigate from the present in the togher times was a sense of future.

If you are not sure what next, then have a look at the first post of 2008 and see what you can caft as your vision.

2008-02-05T17:35:00.000Z

Our New Teambuilding Challenge – The Forth Challenge

Shane Watson has written a tongue in cheek but very astutely article in the Sunday Times Style Magazine entitled ‘Let the Bad Times Roll’. In it she comments:

“A day lying around in your cashmere lounge suits, contemplating your gorgeous lives, is definitely less bonding than clearing up after burst pipes have destroyed a couple of years worth of homemaking”. Click here to read the whole article.

No doubt about it people rise to a challenge and done right it brings people together in a way that perfect conditions just don’t. We all like good times but they are good when juxtaposed to a challenge. However what would be the effect of putting the two together? Challenging Fun or course!

For challenge, fun and team development to all happen at the same time, relevance to the world in which we live is essential. That is exactly what we are doing in our latest team building event – The Forth Challenge. Click here for more.

2008-01-05T18:28:00.000Z

The start of 2008 is an opportunity. Everyday is an opportunity but there is something about the start of a year that is different – fresh perhaps. Maybe that’s because at the end of the year we look back thus the start we look forward?

Going into the New Year I am focusing on 2 things:
What I what to do, achieve and become in 2008
What I want to leave behind in 2007

I am asking these questions of 4 key areas; myself, family, community and professional lives.

Then I am looking at growth. What will that mean in 2008? Growth needs space and challenge.

Space to think differently and time to do differently. Space comes about when you let go of what is currently occupying it. Leaving things behind or accommodating them in a different way will create space and time.

Challenge comes from doing new stuff outside your comfort zone. Challenge needs a vision, goals and projects. Without challenge we become comfortable and eventually dissatisfied and stagnant. It doesn’t feel like dissatisfaction because we met it originally as that old friend of the emotions comfort and didn’t notice it change.

Former Harvard professor Jeffrey Rayport said:
‘Don’t squander the chances to make a difference in the world because of the comfort of inaction… Listen to your passions…And then do something truly great.’

If you are keen to do, be and achieve different things, here’s some help.

Madonna and Jump – first line:
There's only so much you can learn in one place, the more that I wait, the more time that I waste!
Watch it here and think about it

The Case of the Bosai Manager
Amazon says: In this world, the inclusive, intuitive and humane style of management will work, not the top-down approach - and here is an author uniquely placed to tell us how.
I say this book, recommended to me by one of my Indian students, is written by an experienced senior manager who 'gets it'. The book really has you challenging yourself as well as being very accessible.
See it here

Life Coaching for Dummies
I hate the name of these series however the books are a good reference. This one by Jeni Mumford is just a great practical, easy to understand and non prescriptive mentor for developing your goals.
See it here

Lots of other great reads are on our resources page – click here

I hope your year ahead gives you everything you plan for,

Oliver (and Thomas)

2007-12-17T21:43:00.000Z

Managing Emotions

The secret to regulating emotions is self awareness and space. I recently took the opportunity to go diving whilst working evenings in the Middle East. It was a while since I had been and I quickly found myself moving fast towards entering the water whilst realising I could not remember as much as I really needed to.

Awareness and space came into play. With this consciousness and a few minutes pause I was able to gather my thoughts and ask for the necessary guidance and support.

It was still a case of ‘get good fast’ but at least I knew how I felt, why and had a plan to address it! This is true of many situations in life when the alterative might be to become overwhelmed.

2007-12-02T21:19:00.000Z

My Mum, 7th June 1925 - 26th November 2007

My mum, Marguerite or Maggie as she was known to her friends was born in Southsea in 7th June1925, the second of two children in a Naval family. Bought up during the war in such a place could not have been easy but she never mentioned it. As a youngster she suffered TB but only spoke of the fun in her brother Howard pushing her wheel chair.

The sea and water played a big part in her life and subsequently ours with many paintings in our house as testimony.

This spirit of adventure was evident throughout her life.

On leaving school she enlisted the British military Mission and went to Cairo in 1945 then on to Greece. These places, the people and experiences they bought always remained fond memories for her.

She met my father John at the Portsmouth sailing club and after an initial poor impression bought about by her adventurous attire, married in 1951.

Her spirit of adventure continued with their first house being a converted motor torpedo boat where the family started with Rupert.

She inspired my father to complete his university education then on moving to Reading, devoted the next few years to the family.

From 1968 to on 1971 we lived in Zambia where I have clear memories of her running the the house and starting on the journey of her real passion in life art.

On returning to Britain and moving to Scotland she ambitiously undertook her dream of studying art at the Edinburgh College of Art. I can clearly remember the hours she put into this and us. We often comment on how she would be hoovering the house at midnight and through redoubling her effort achieve the dual roles of mother and student.

She made us a comfortable, stylish, beautiful and different home and put a real effort into things like Christmas and parties. Her sense of design we still apply in our own way.

She was immensely loyal to each and every member of her family in an unconditional manner.

On completing her programme she put her efforts into the education and enlightenment of others. It was this part of her life that was really, to my mind, the most fulfilling personally for her. She had the opportunity to exercise her skills, help many others and make many friends. She could bring pictures to life for others.

Gentleness, a sense of humour, fun, playfulness, liveliness and artistic flair – some of the words others use to describe her.

In recent years she attended the Eric Liddell day centre; a group that does superb work in supporting and providing a fulfilling direct for others. As a lively participant, I do believe it was her who introduced dance to the group who had perhaps thought those days a little in the past.

In all things she was a very generous person. Of her time, inspiration, possessions and good will. Of her council – not always wanted but usually needed.

To me personally she has left a big legacy. She seemed to have a confidence in others that that at times we did not have in ourselves. She was an excellent judge of girlfriends!

Although she has gone from us physically, to me she gave me still makes up a big part of my everyday life.

2007-10-31T21:13:00.000Z

Perception is everything?

I am not sure about that. When Thomas was born I was contacted
by the hospital at 07.00 Sunday morning and told to get myself there sharp.

I set off to Dundee Ninewells Hospital from Bridge of Earn and got as far as the dual carriaged on-ramp to the motorway. Half way up the ramp my tyre blew out. Panic.

As there was zero traffic and it was dual carriageway I gently reversed down the ramp to park and ‘phone a friend’.

Another driver entered the ramp and despite it being void of cars and 07.15 on a bright Sunday morning and two lanes wide, insisted on blasting his horn and gesticulating my insanity.

I have ponder what this pleasant fellow traveller would have done in my situation. Flat tyre, clear road and baby in delivery.

I am sure he is a far more measured person than I and would have forgone the delivery and rather stood politely with his warning triangle awaiting the AA.

I honestly don’t think perception is everything. To me the truth is what counts.

Today someone said to me 'perception is everything'. I take the point but we need to be sure our perceptions are valid!

Perception is important, no doubt about it. It is the communication of your good intentions. But integrity is those intentions and that is what lets you sleep at night.

2007-10-24T22:33:00.001+01:00

Crossing the Rubicon

There is a point in our development that requires the transition from one plane of thinking to another – from practical to conceptual. Post Graduate students are selected for their ability to either make or have made this transition. It is more important than any previous exam marks they have.

This transition is the toughest point at which a trainer can meet a group. For some people it is an easy transition, for others a long and painful struggle.

Enthusiastic new team leaders grab onto the knowledge you pass as lifelines to the way forward. They operate in the easier of the worlds

More advanced leaders share concepts and enjoy the challenges of a more conceptual world as food for the mind.

However those crossing the Rubicon hang on to the present like reluctant teenagers being ask to consider a life outside the parental home. In need of a break for the benefit of all but not quite able to take that leap, they see any purveyor of a challenge – even those desperate to serve their interest – as a foe.

It is not their fault. It is like me asking my 3 year old son to be rational. They have no concept of what is meant by it.

This is a tough time for them and their helpers. Some will never cross the Rubicon and it is perhaps wrong that they be asked to.

Others will thank their battle weary parents later.

Still it doesn’t make it any easier for those trying to help to know this!

2007-10-24T21:56:00.000+01:00

Greece is moving fast

Over the last 5 years working with Post Graduate students on my annual trip to Athens I have seen a massive change. Not just simple things like cultural changes in time keeping but in the overall optimism and a move away from a culture of dependency and resigning to the status quo toward and optimism and energy for the future. I am sure the Olympics helped but there is more too it than that. I hope we are keeping pace with this modern European mindset!

2007-10-08T20:56:00.000+01:00

I am not sure why but I am certain I loved my son long before I met him. When he was born it was just a case of meeting that person. To me that was part of the unconditionality of it all – a new word I know.

I wonder about leaders. Love is not the word here but to care and be committed to those you lead prior to meeting is perhaps part of the recipe that differentiates great from merely good leaders.

2007-09-23T21:12:00.000+01:00

The value in others

A udeful and rewarding exercise with teams is to have people produce a positive comment about each of their colleagues. Occasionally I am confronted by an individual who draws a complete blank on this. That is a complete and utter blank – they look pleadingly as if asking what the hell they are to say. It is as though I have asked them to consider and comment upon astrophysical dilation's in the 4th delta of the harmonium solar system. Try Googling that one!

This is in no way connected to their likability or competence. The closest I can get to reasoning this is that it has never crossed their mind to even think about this.

However to me an appreciation of the value in our partners through life is essential if we are to create mutually beneficial relationships in which we all prosper.

2007-09-16T14:18:00.000+01:00

A surprise every day

This and last week saw us circled by dolphins whilst running teambuilding courses from Cumbrae. An amazing experience for everyone on what were a great couple of courses.

2007-09-16T14:14:00.000+01:00

Pontius Pilate famously asked “what is truth”

As the Madeline case continues it is bought into our focus that that there are many truths that we just don’t know and in life some we just don’t want to know as with them comes a responsibility to act and that might be just too greater task.

Truth and trust are inexplicably linked. My little boy walks along the wall in our garden and drops himself into my arms below without my asking. I find this quite a daunting responsibility. ‘What if I am not ready to accept that trust’ I ask myself. What if I am just not prepared? But that trust is all a reward and with that reward is pay for with responsibility.

Click here for further reading on this

2007-09-05T14:15:00.000+01:00

Sieze the Day

The Film Dead Poet Society started and based itself on that most famous of phrases ‘Carpe Diam’ or as Mr Keating said ‘seize the day’. Click here to see it.

This summer someone commented to me that as a child when their family visited anywhere, their role was to watch – not to participate but to watch. The participation was for everyone else; the bolder, the richer, the lucky ones whatever.

This week one of my course participants said that on the course it was great to do rather than just watch!

My view on this is that life is short enough, not a spectator sport. Therefore as Mr Keating says ‘seize the day boys, seize that day’!

2007-08-30T22:51:00.001+01:00

The Goat Man

The goat man I met in the Alps this summer is struggling because ‘someone’ does not want him to put his goats on their land anymore
Why?
Because he is sore that the planning department say he cannot build on the land and make buckets from property sold to tourists.
Why are planning saying this?
Because there will be no land left to attract tourists if he does. That doesn't seem to matter even though it's their village!

Capitalism can be a funny thing. When personal gain becomes the sole purpose all other reason goes. As Joni Mitchell said ‘they paved paradise and put up a parking lot’ follow this link if you are bit young for Joni :-)

I never really believed in regulated industry but I am beginning to wonder. Without regulation what would our world become?

2007-08-01T21:41:00.000+01:00

Power

I witness a Mexican Standoff this week as two soles fought for supremacy of an argument, each believing they held the power. It ended into a downward spiral for self preservation. Neither party prepared to give a little to stabilise the situation and thereby getting deeper into it.

“The problem of power is how to achieve its’ responsible use rather than its’ irresponsible and indulgent use - of how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public.”

Robert F Kennedy

2007-07-22T22:10:00.000+01:00

"People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be"

Abraham Lincoln

2007-07-22T21:28:00.000+01:00

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it"

Dennis P. Kimbro

Not sure who he is? click here

We have just come back from a great few days on the West Coast of Scotland. One day it chucked it down - no surprise this summer! Anyway we decided rather than mope around to go to the Sea Life Centre just south of Oban. We had a great time. On return to Loch Melfort the skys cleared and we took the boat over to Jura and the bay with Barnhill Cottage where Orwell wrote 1984. From there we went up to Corryvreckan and played around for a while in the overfalls before returning for a bar meal in Craobh Haven - the end to what was a perfect day!

A day day that could so easily have been a literal washout!

The picture was taken next day and shows us, boat, Jura on left behind and Corryvreckan directly behind.

2007-07-09T22:03:00.000+01:00

A Lesson From Homer - Stay Focused

Continuing the theme of development and focus, a friend of mine this week signposted me to the following link and Homer Simpson. Don't worry it's quite safe and entertaining. The point is how often in organisations and in our private life do we know it's going wrong but do it anyway!

Getting past this really requires us looking from the outside.

"Brain: an apparatus with which we think we think".

Ambrose Bierce

2007-07-01T15:14:00.001+01:00

Timing Is Everything!

We had a major breakthrough this week when 'the wee man' mastered the potty (sorry if its too much detail). Try these things too soon and it they just don't seem to get it, leave it too late and it brings its own problems - social and otherwise I guess! There seems a time when its just the time!

The difference with this though and just 'missing the boat' is that although timing is critical, so is preparation and the careful watch for that opportunity. We were watching, preparing and hoping.

How many opportunities pass us by in our own development because we are just not looking for them.

Each week I go for the horoscope in the Sundays. Strange as I do really believe in them but in its own funny way it makes me look out for things that might just come my way if the time is right.

2007-06-24T16:27:00.000+01:00

The Role of Mentor

Last weekend I had a really fab time with a group of youngsters from a youth group in Glasgow called Active Life. We went to Isle of Cumbrae on one of our Young People’s Programmes – no that I’m that old myself! They were a really great bunch. One of the team said they were surprised that I was not ‘shouting at them’. These guys were well experienced with outdoor centres. Second time I have had this said in less than a year as a group of apprentices said the same thing to me at the same place in November 2006. What’s going down elsewhere, is there a ‘shout for respect policy is in place’? Although my work now is predominantly with adults and companies, I'm not new to this. I was four years at college between 78 and 82 doing nothing but Outdoor Ed. and I don't remember that particular policy on the curriculum!

I have a really clear opinion on this. If we are looking to develop respectful and self confident adults we should treat our young people that way – not like idiots. I have boundaries and if people cross them I am not shy to bring this to their attention. However as role models and mentors we really need to be clear of the messages we are giving off.

2007-06-24T16:26:00.000+01:00

Eat That Frog

Last summer I bought a silly little book called Eat That Frog. It gave me no knowledge but made me think – really think. Was I doing time or building my future. Since then I have been determined to identify and deliver at least one value add activity to myself every day – yes every day. I have pretty well stuck to that. The results have been remarkable. Do time today sure but also add value as that will be your future!

2007-06-24T16:25:00.000+01:00

Supporting Mediocrity

Building upon my entry before last, I will by the end of June have spent no less than 10 working days coaching. Coaching is the enemy of mediocrity. !

Do people really look to tune themselves and excel in their performance? The answer to this is usually some kind of ‘not really’. People typically deliver plain vanilla performance. The trouble with plain old vanilla is that as a seller you can compete on one thing – price and volume! Be prepared to work hard for long hours and with little return as there are lots of competitors at this level.

Now raise your game. Be chocolate chip and fudge cake or whatever your thing is. Be really good at something – anything but be good. Now what happens to the competition? Suddenly you find a sellers market. Your distinctive talent makes you special and people can see and want it.

There are generalisations here – including the definition of performance – but consider this one your own terms. That’s fine, I don’t have an absolute truth, just an opinion which I guess is better than not.

2007-06-19T19:24:00.000+01:00

Leadership

Here is an interesting thought I came across in a book I'm reading:

"Successful people become great leaders from they learn to shift the focus from themselves to other." Marshall Goldsmith

I would agree with that.

2007-06-03T21:53:00.000+01:00

The Value of Coaching

The last few weeks have seen me make several trips across Europe in my capacity as an organisational coach. Coaching is a unique way of gaining focus on what’s important, enabling the positives we have to be fully leveraged and equally as import, dealing with the elements of our behaviour that unwittingly inhibit us.

I have a view on when coaching is at its most useful and most respect. When mediocre performance for mediocre pay is what is expected then a coach will probably not be valued by either employer or employee. However in a number of the organisations I am privileged to work with, where peak performance is required and peak pay rewarded in return, then a coach can make an absolute difference and their contribution gladly sought by both parties to ensure this mutually beneficial contract is met.

For senior and successful people seeking a self-help coach then try this excellent read What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

2007-05-19T17:53:00.000+01:00

Sustaining Leadership

I was in Paris last week; it was great to see the enthusiasm shown for their new President.

I would like to have seen the same for ours – good old Gordon or Alex take your pick – but they really don’t seem to resonate the same way with the Country. I guess none of us voted for Gordon (although it’s a delight to see how his listening skills have developed in such a short period of time but for how long I wonder) and now his mission of ousting Tony has been achieved what next. And Alex, well try as I might apart from not liking the English I am not sure what he stands for and I am not sure that ‘not liking the English’ will really provide a sustaining vision for a Nation.

I am certain that apart from times of crises, leadership needs to stand for rather than against something. Perhaps that’s what Sarkozy has. Otherwise where can be the longevity?

2007-05-13T19:45:00.001+01:00

Some weeks we do many things but are overshadowed by the desperate plight of others. We all pray the ‘wee girl’ gets back safely to mum and dad.

2007-05-05T17:47:00.000+01:00

Anger - The Politically Incorrect Emotion

From the dictionay: a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong; wrath; ire.

I was taken aback recently when told to ‘calm down as I appeared angry’ as though this was in some way an unforgivable offence after just experience a recognised injustice.

Likewise the great debate on Wednesday evening between the two French heavy weight Presidential contenders was punctuated by Nicolas Sarkozy chastising Ségolène Royal for appearing angry when she rebuffed him for double standards over assistance for special needs children. She retorted ‘I am angry and will continue to be so in defence of the needy’. This seemed perfectly reasonable to me.

Remembering that anger is a perfectly normal response – and be clear we are not talking about aggression or threatening behaviour but the display of anger - I am at a loss as to why some people are seeking to ban this most basic on emotion. When will the other primary emotions of happiness, disgust, sadness and fear also be banned? Lieutenant Data you time may be neigh!

2007-04-18T21:22:00.000+01:00

Social Awareness

To me Emotional Intelligence is one of the most precious gifts one can posses. Daniel Goleman has this lovely model that captures it all.

Goleman and others also talk about this in youngsters and I observed a classic example yesterday. Whilst in a waiting room Thomas (the two and a half year old super star I keep going on about) saw a little girl come in and sit down. Her eyes no more than flicked across to a kids chair the other side of the room. Thomas intuitively went over and took the chair to her. This sounds kind of obvious but not really. Firstly he ‘thin sliced’ from a flick of her eyes what she wanted (if you don’t know what thin sliced means you must read Blink) then he had the motivation to act on it. Needles to say he was a big hit with the young lady even though they didn’t speak the same language – or perhaps they did! How many adults do you know would respond this way?

2007-04-10T21:11:00.000+01:00

Teamwork

I have just come back from 4 days sailing on the West Coast with my neighbour and friend Richard on board his fantastic boat. It was very much a mixed weekend weather wise however on Sunday night the wind blew up and both teamwork and technique were bought into play to take us to our anchorage for 19.30

We arrived safe and sound to hear on the radio a Mayday alert for a yacht in distress the other side of Mull (read the BBC report here). Fortunately the lifeboat got to them and everyone was fine.

However as we heard the drama unfold and reflected on the trip we had just made I was minded that although at times teamwork is nice, in other situations it is essential and the ability to engage quickly as part of a team imperative. I wonder if in organisations people see this imperative and the self interest often served in playing the role of a good team member.

2007-04-01T02:25:00.000+01:00

Just Being

I was reading last weekend of how many people dry up of ideas in writing their blog. I was thinking this was about to happen to me – what epiphany had I encountered this week and to be honest I struggled.

Then I reflected on what the week had brought:
Hearing the ‘wee man’ string a good few words together at once
3 days learning and delivering some pretty neat stuff on Six Sigma Yellow Belt
An interesting day on culture and change in St Helens using some new material
A day of coaching which I always enjoy
Getting my bike fixed after 18 months
Doing and passing the course for my DSC radio in the boat (technical stuff!)
Getting the balance finally sorted on the car wheels
Reading a book about bringing up boys that has been insightful
Catching up with an old friend it was great to have dinner with and sharing some exciting ideas
Really enjoying the longer evenings and some great walks
Also quite a bit more

The conclusion I have come to is that on reflection ‘just being’ can be a pretty enriching experience in itself – make the most of it!

2007-03-25T13:47:00.000+01:00

Feedback – the breakfast of champions?????

One of the keys to the success of the counselling course I attended was the feedback given and continuous learning process therein. Without it progress would have been impossible.

However what if the feedback cannot be taken? What if the response to feedback is withdrawal?

Firstly let’s distinguish between poorly given feedback and so called ‘best practice’. Assume for this argument that ‘best practice’ is used. My metaphor here is that for a person with an eating disorder even the best prepared meal might be unpalatable.

So with feedback what can stop the ‘well prepared meal’ being taken and used for nourishment? I guess many things.

I recently observed this. First thoughts are that there must be arrogance or superiority involved. However in my experience perceived threat or insecurity are more likely causes.

Perhaps I have answered my own question here – perhaps in these circumstances a conventional dish is inappropriate and something quite unconventional needed!

2007-03-04T15:57:00.000Z

Faith

We started out 5th High Performance Leadership Programme for a company this week and what a great bunch of folk they are taking part.

We had a really interesting discussion re organisational change and faith.

From my own experience without some type of faith in a future nothing is achieved as nothing is either planned for or tried as there is no vision to guide. Vicktor Frankl found this when he said in the horrors of the concentration camps it was those with families to hope for that survived the best – horrible I know. (You will see the book Mans Search for Meaning here).

A guy I know - nice fellow - recently forwent the opportunity of a cheap week skiing because he said ‘there might not be any snow in April’. Sure and there might not be sunrise but it doesn’t stop us setting the alarm clock. The next day 1 metre fell and easyjet put tickets on sale at £14 each! Well none of us want to take unnecessary risks but come on!

I was minded of Luther King:

“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase”.

or Rossevelt

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith".

2007-03-04T15:45:00.000Z

I don’t really want to keep up up-dating on the week that’s past, but rather create the weeks ahead through thinking. If anyone would like to see what we have been up to then please click here for a news letter.

The blog will be as alive as ever

Oliver

2007-02-27T15:10:00.000Z

Time for others

Last night the ‘wee man’ was playing up a bit. He was in the kitchen pestering his mum and ‘non too happy’. I pottered through to keep the peace and thought try him on his toy tractor – the one I should have waited until he was 3 to buy but could not resist the engineering of it so got it for his 2nd birthday type of thing!

Anyway, within 10 minutes he was on the tractor and not only having a great time but for the first time peddling it under his own steam! We were all over the moon.

Sounds simple but what got me reflecting was what if I had not spent that time? What if I had carried on with what I had really wanted to do – or at least really wanted to do until we all experienced the joy of his success?

I think on a daily basis we all miss these little life opportunities and not just at home, or maybe its just me.

P.S. Since writing this I have reflected further and I do believe that perhaps the shortage of time we invest in others is a bigger issue - any thoughts anyone?

2007-02-20T21:01:00.000Z

Knowing Others - or not!

I was with a fellow this week with whom I have worked quite intensely over the last year. He is a nice guy, bright and we get on well. I was curious as to something he said.

The sentence started something like….
“I know you probably wont’ like it, but I’m reading an autobiography by Neil Young……” not like being the book not the fact of his reading!

I was surprised because I really, really enjoy Neil Young’s music and always have…. I am a Child is a fantastic deep but simple encapsulation of the transitory nature of childhood and Cinnamon Girl… well!

Armed with this knowledge we had a great old chat and shared thoughts. Isn’t odd how we think we know but don’t know others at all!

PS if you are interested in the book click here

2007-02-08T20:48:00.000Z

Here's one for you on Customer Service

Camera shop am Sat buying an expensive flash for camera
Me 'Can you take anything off this as its £30 cheaper on the web'?
Answer. 'No'.
Reply 'Thanks anyway, Ill go elsewhere'.
They don't get the customer thing.

Next shop - slightly more to start with but:
Me 'Can you take anything off this as its £40 cheaper on the web'?
Answer 'O.K but we can only do £15 off.
Reply 'Thanks I'll take it '
They do get the customer thing.

In a hotel... I'm pressed for time and don't know my meeting room so ask concierge:
Answer 'Its room ....' Takes me to the lift and presses button to right floor... actually takes me on my way! Brilliant.
They live the customer thing!

This stuff isn't difficult - treat as you want to be treated.

2007-02-05T07:01:00.000Z

Your Uniqueness

I have just finished a small but great book call The Purple Cow by Seth Godwin. Yes if you saw one of those in a field you would take notice.

Its all about being unique thus attracting the attention you need rather than being mediocre and spending a huge amount of resource on marketing and selling to get it.

Well you have all heard the one about the ski slope in the desert. It’s true, 400 metres of refrigerator ski slope in the desert complete with chair lift, poma tow, luge etc. And it's consistent!

That’s uniqe!

Now given we all work in organisations full of other folks, how do we stand out?? Got your plan yet?? This is what Talent Development is really about.

2007-02-05T06:31:00.000Z

Dubai - An entire city in spontaneous build and a population in spontaneous energy.

I missed visiting the old East Berlin (not a bad thing I guess) and I missed the wall coming down (I'll never see that again). I did not get to the Millennium Dome either!

However I have now seen an entire city being spontaneously built and I am not sure that even New York offered that.....25% of the worlds cranes all in one place, the tallest building in the world some of the most beautiful, built for their uniqueness, form and poise. This really is worth seeing before it’s complete. After completion standing as testimony to a vision being fulfilled.

The energy is infectious and you can see it in the inhabitants. Drive.

Sure we do things well; but I don’t think we have a common cause to rally around.

The Sunday Times yesterday said we are more individualist than ever now – over 50% say it’s better to look after no.1 than community. We need something.

p.s. when will we see a high speed link between Scotland and England – never I supposed – we lack the vision and passion. Perhaps it's up to me and each one of us to make it (whatever that may be) happen!

2007-02-05T06:20:00.000Z

Executive Leadership Development Programme -Dubai
28th January - 1st February 2007

Indeed Sunday to Thursday as we were running a womens Executive Leadership Programme in Dubai with our partners COACH. A great programme with such enthusiasm from the participants. Energy, drive and a passion to learn - exactly what is required for that city in the building.

As part of the programme we take a day out to bring to life our learning. A couple of firsts' for us here in terms of team development for collaboative advantage!

As is always the case, travel opens the mind and enriches your understanding.

2007-02-04T21:17:00.000Z

22nd - 25th January 2007

This week TBL was involved in running the following workshops:

Process mapping
Coaching
Problem solving

This has been a really interesting week in many ways. Of particular interest has been the response to problem solving and business improvement. Although technique and approach is a necessity, as Henry Ford once said:

"You may think it possible you may not, either way you are probably right"

Without the right attitude you will not get off first base.

2007-01-21T22:12:00.000Z

15th - 19th January 2007

This has been an exceptionally busy and interesting week - with its fair share of frights!

We had an excellent two days delivering Talent Development. It is amazing what structured reflection on where we are and what we can and would like to achieve can do. It is very heartening to think you can really help others make a greater contribution to their own and organisations lives. If you are interested to read more follow this link. http://www.tblod.com/talent_development_scotland.htm

I had a personal day with my counselling course. We were looking at 'fitting in' and I have to say that it has given me a number of insights into how we gain acceptance through others of a similar circumstance. Look at any playground or work place.

A hairy flight to London and back on Thursday in the storms!

Then 2am dash to Ninewells Hospital with Thomas. Every thing is fine and we are all safely back home, however yet again I am amazed and extremely grateful for the professionalism and care shown by the NHS. Despite all that we hear thrown at them I have nothing but admiration for the brilliant way they care when you need it most. From NHS 24, to the 24 hour doctor then the team on the children’s ward - brilliant. I am sure they could get their processes slicker (not that we experienced anything negative) but the compassion and competence shown could not be exceeded. Thanks guys.

Finally am I alone in wondering when it was I asked Jane Goody to represent my values and beliefs? The press and others seem to think of her as holding an ambassadorial role for the citizens of the United Kingdom. Get real please!

2007-01-13T14:48:00.000Z

8th - 12th January 2007

This has been a busy week.
2 days on module 4 of the COSCA councelling course
2 days deloping cultural change and leadership materials
1 day devleoping materials for the web site www.tblod.com

See what you think of it.

Also looking at the teambuilding scotland materials and have come up with some great ideas to take forward.

The new year really is an opportunity to consider whats good and whats for change in lots of aspects.

2007-01-07T19:16:00.000Z

What’s worth fighting for
I was taken by a comment of Tony Blair recently.

Talking of BA and their dogmatic crucifix stance he said in Politics some causes were really worth fighting for – others were really not.

I think this is a great point to make – there are many things people and issues that are worth fighting over but others not so. Time for a spring clean of the current issues file!

2007-01-07T19:12:00.000Z

“The true leader is always led”
C. G. Jung

During the holidays I read a biography of Dougal Haston - the famous Scottish climber who died in 1977. On expedition he wasted little energy on ‘little things’ keeping his resources for the bigger matters.

At all levels true leaders provide others with a direction and energy.
It is this that achieves.

True leaders able to attribute greater resource to higher value activities- achieving superior goals.

Lesser leaders expend huge amounts of personal energy pushing against resistance, leaving little in reserve for greater achievements.

We should ask not how many people believe this but how many can manage it!

2007-01-07T19:04:00.000Z

2006 has been an exceptional year in many ways.
Some amazing experiences:
Busiest year ever for TBL
Fantastic new opportunities with a bigger than ever global footprint
The successful introduction of a number of innovative programmes and approaches to add to our tried and tested favourites
Personal development to include not only work based training but also 2 modules of the COSCA counselling programme
Development of contemporary thinking for us all through personal reading and development programme

Thanks to everyone who has been part of it.

Each of us has also made a parallel and integrated personal journey. For me a big part of this has been Thomas.

2007-01-07T19:00:00.000Z

11th – 14th December

Funny old end of the year week.:

Followed up on Talent Development workshop

Travel to Oban in the most horrific weather possible

Had my only day off in 10 years with Gastric Flu! Thanks Andy for going it alone
And finally co facilitation a creativity session with Chris which was a really fun way to finish the year

2007-01-07T18:59:00.000Z

5th – 8th December
Final session of another in company High Performance Leadership programme

A visit south to facilitate in customer service culture development workshop

2 days power boat training – a nice wind down for the year

2007-01-07T18:55:00.001Z

20th – 24th November 2006
2 days in Kenmore with a brilliant group, team building and business planning.

The third day of our future leader programme – influenced, forms of personal and organisation power and emotional intelligence.

Follow up to Talent Development feedback

The final session of an in company High Performance Leadership programme – Presenting with Impact

2006-11-19T22:08:00.000Z

Talent Development Follow-up Rome 2nd – 3rd November 2006
Building on a previous session, this workshop developed key competencies from the aggregate team feedback.

With a bit of free time I walked down to the Coliseum where you can still feel the atmosphere.

Close by was a statue of Caesar evoking awe in those below. Thoughts on leadership lent me to reflect on what this great leader really did. He inspired in his followers great emotions, emotions that took them far beyond the norms of the average follower. Great leaders evoke great emotions in their followers???

2006-11-19T21:56:00.000Z

Leadership Development Programme 31st October and 1st November 2006

'The quality of leadership, more than any other single factor, determines the success or failure of an organization'. - Fred Fiedler & Martin Chemers Improving Leadership Effectiveness

2006-11-19T21:39:00.000Z

Coaching, Newcastle 30th October 2006

I was recently reading about the notion of the Golden Seed in Charles Handys’ memoirs. How people in our lives can either intentionally or not make a big difference to us. This prompted me to take the time to thank just such a person in my life which came as a bit of a surprise to him I think! Anyway, coaching allows us all to do just that as well as creating self sufficiently and greater value in those who work with us. I had never really considered the morality of it.

2006-11-19T21:30:00.000Z

Teambuilding Kenmore Saturday 28th october 2006

2006-11-19T21:25:00.000Z

Leadership of Change Session - Friday 27th October 2006

For a change I have changed header and date around. We toyed with the Dice Man Day idea. Do everything on the spin of a dice. Perhaps to much change for one day though. Still an excellent session looking at personal and organisational transitions.

2006-11-19T21:22:00.000Z

26th October 2006 Powerboat Trainers Update Cumbrae

When this comes around every 5 years I swot up and realsie what I have forgotten. Then I reluctantly drive through to Largs for the day. Once there I have a great time, meet old colleagues and friends and learn a bunch of stuff as well as racing around in boats. Why does it seem such a chore beforehand then? Strange. I need to remember this for next time and make my life easier.

2006-11-19T21:16:00.000Z

24th - 25th October - MBM Lecturing

Its always a pleasure working with post grads. The pleasant message coming back to me from the feedback was the difference between getting them to think for themselves and having them 'go through the motions' of calss attendance. Good metaphor for work I thought.

2006-10-29T21:22:00.000Z

Friday 20th October 2006 - Athens Trip
Friday saw the start of 8 days post graduate lecturing and a dash across Europe to start the Learning Manager weekend in Athens for Strathclyde Graduate School of Business. These weekends are a great multi cultural experience. Athens has moved forward with the catalyst of the Olympics and it seems to have fuelled a great sense of optimism.

As usual the students were great, all experienced senior business people looking to further the contribution they can make. A really busy weekend but not without its more relaxing moments!

I am still working on achieving my ultimate challenge of having the final price given by a Greek taxi driver match their meter!

2006-10-18T22:23:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 18th October 2006
Future Leader Programme 4 Commencement
Today saw us bring 3 companies together on the start of a 4 month High Performance Leadership Programme. A great start to the programme and terrific to see how quickly ideas are cross fertilised between individuals and organisations.

2006-10-18T22:20:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 17th October 2006
Conclusion of my COSCA Module 3 Counselling Programme
I have really enjoyed this course, discovering not only more about myself but also some great tools to look at life in general and the impact our past has on present. This is invaluable in understanding ones present and avoiding being held hostage by the past. A great resource in this area is the field of Life Span Development.

Few leaders would consider Counselling on their list of training needs, however the acute communication skills associated with it are invaluable.

2006-10-18T21:21:00.000+01:00

Monday 16th October 2006 - Train the Trainer, High Performance leadership – Reading, Berks.
An interesting day however the show piece was the evening before.

Arrived Reading midnight to find the hotel closed for the evening with a post-it on the door saying call this number for entry. Entry to what I don’t know as no-one answered!

However Mite the cleaners to the rescue for directions to an alternative berth. I was well impressed not only by the repertoire of navigation kit (suitable for the Pair Dakar) but also the attitude of their staff.

In Karaoke Capitalism they talk of ‘hiring attitude and training skills’. Imagine the Hells Angels picking the skills to train attitude later – unimaginable. Mite seem to have it right, perhaps I should send them to ‘That Hotel’.

2006-10-17T23:22:00.000+01:00

Thursday 12th October 2006
High Performance Team Building – 26 people and a day to do it!
How? Create energy, create desire, create focus on what’s important then look for opportunities and apply within the business.

We based this day at Largs Marina. As well as exercises to provoke thought into how we interacted, and an in-depth session to look for collaborative opportunities - intra and inter team - we set the following:

Challenge: Learn to drive a RIB in an hour (AM) then plan and deliver a circumnavigation of Cumbrae at dusk.

Output: mutual respect and admiration for an exciting job well done and a dinner in Nardinis to celebrate.

These days amaze even us. Combining so many different disciplines to a sinlge pupose.

Pluralism in practice - a metaphor for modern business in itself!

If this appeals to you check out the page http://www.tblod.com/td_water_based.htm

2006-10-17T23:00:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 11th October 2006-10-17
Reasons to Believe In Me
Lecturing to the new intake - Business and IT Masters - at the Strathclyde Graduate Business School as a member of the adjunct faculty. Interpersonal skills and the ability to harness collaborative advantage are seen as vital enablers for the ‘clever guys’ in today’s businesses. It’s a case of no point in having the brains if you can’t get an audience! EQ to match IQ!

2006-10-17T22:55:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 10th October 2006
High Performance Leadership
The penultimate day for a 7 day HPL programme delivered to a leisure organisation. A question arose: ‘When a leadership vacuum arises, at what point do you move from part of the problem to facilitating the solution’? We think leadership is not about position; it is about taking responsibility for doing what is right.

2006-10-17T22:50:00.000+01:00

Monday 9th October 2006
Saw Process Mapping delivered to a major Scottish Police Force business development unit though a partner organisation of TBL. It’s great to see these tools applied to the public sector and refreshing to see such enthusiasm for both change and development.

2006-10-17T16:54:00.000+01:00

This is the start; our first attempt at sharing our experiences, knowledge and journey.

We also hope this will give you insight as to what we are about, what we offer and how we work by reading of us in action.

Please be patient whilst we learn!