Archive
right and wrong, democracy or dictatorship?
When you are young you begin to learn from the people and the world around you. At first you are naturally trusting about what you are told, and then with a bit of curiosity you start to verify things; “Don’t touch that; it’s hot.” Ok, you think, then you put your hand out and “Ouch, that hurt.” Read more…
every man in the fleet knows what to do except the commanding admiral
These words were written by Ian Fleming for his creation M to utter in conversation with 007 and they convey an important leadership principle. Read more…
the power of words
Language has fascinated me for as long as I can remember; to listen to someone speak well or to read something well written is a joy. Language evolves though and even in my lifetime there has been a lot of change. Read more…
history is not bunk
Life is not simple, for very few things that we have to deal with are as easy as yes or no. In most cases there are a range of factors that have to be taken into account and these will include possible outcomes of each option before us; the consequences of our actions, and not only in terms of how these affect us, but how they affect others. Read more…
the young generation are the future
“If you could go back in time and change one piece of history, what would it be?”
I was doing some interviewing last week. My role was to probe the breadth and depth of the candidate’s operational abilities while my colleague was looking at the touchy, feely stuff and the above question was one of her standards. Read more…
do you lead or manage, and why it matters
I write a lot here on leadership issues; it features a lot in what I do and is something that has fascinated me for many years. This week I was reading in an on line forum where the difference between a manager and a leader was under debate. Read more…
it’s as easy to do customer service well as it is to get it wrong
Customer service Is something of a passion of mine and over the last week a few examples good, bad and indifferent have prompted these thoughts. Read more…
you get the supplier relationship that you deserve
How to have a good working relationship with your suppliers; it’s a topic that comes up often when talking to clients and buyers. Read more…
let your people go and be pleased for them
“Poaching talent” said my fellow speaker, and, even with pantomime season nearly at a close, you could sense the audience wanting to boo and hiss. Read more…
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. #jesuisahmed
I don’t suppose that anyone reading that headline will be in any doubt as to the event that prompted it, but do I agree with the sentiment? Read more…
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British Blogs
the Monday Musings column from that consultant bloke 