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My Story
About Me
“The strength of an organisation is not just in its people but in the relationships and interactions that are created and sustained.” Mike P James.
Many years ago, I realised that the real strength of an organisation is not just its people. It is the relationships that make the difference. Relationships based on a solid foundation of common sense or instinctive principles and how commitments are made between us all. To that end, my focus has always been keeping the team etc happy, whatever ‘happy’ is towards achieving the task, project or individual goal.
I have turned around a failing organisation, doubled productivity and maintained/enhanced an organisation through severe financial restrictions and ongoing change. I have multiple examples of leading, training and forming teams through difficult times and arduous situations. I’m fortunate to be fit enough to continue my passion for Orienteering and any endurance activity that involves a map! Purposely, perhaps stupidly, putting myself under physical and mental pressure dealing with changing situations, multiple variables and unexpected complexities. To top it off, I have an amazingly supportive wife and family.
At the same time, I’ve had many failures. Decisions that I will always regret. The balance between home and work too one-sided towards the latter. Too much pressure on the family when they needed my support. Made promises that were too easily broken etc etc.
That said, life is not perfect! In my opinion, it’s the acceptance of which, is key to moving forward. You have to be “In the arena” to paraphrase Theodore Roosevelt and do what you can with what you have.
My focus and direction is always on what works for the team or individual rather than the problem.
“I am an expert of my own experiences with a belief in the importance of high moral integrity and a passion to enable self-reliance in others. I have led, managed, coached, mentored, appraised, consulted, trained, instructed, hired and fired (literally) around the world and in some very difficult situations. I am a continual learner and simplifier with a practical, pragmatic attitude, constantly looking for anything useful, from bits of string to the easier application of complicated theories. I am very lucky and proud of my story and especially fulfilled by the achievements of my family.”
How we Engage
The Bottom Line
Successful organisations will be led by leaders who create and foster a ‘trust-based’ collaborative culture where “How can I help you?” or “What can I do to support you?” are questions often heard.
Trustworthiness and trust are key to successfully moving forward.
The VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world, that we have been living in, has just been amplified! Now, more than ever, leaders should personalise their connections and relationships across the business environment. It is essential to understand, consider and respond to the emotional ‘below the surface’ intangible needs of their people. (See Iceberg model)
‘The trust of the people in the leaders reflects the confidence of the leaders in the people.’ Paulo Freire
To move from being a good manager, doing things right, to being an inspirational leader, doing the right thing, you need to be able to coach and create a ‘trust-based’ culture.
A culture where the trustworthiness of the relationships between all stakeholders is obvious, quantifiable and promotable i.e. the Relationship Capital.
The Bottom Line:
A leader needs followers otherwise he or she is just alone!
To have ‘followers’ you need to coach and be trusted!
Book a Complimentary Clarity Call for greater insight to creating, instilling and promoting trust within your organisation.
“There’s more to projects than just the task.”
Never forget the importance of the ‘soft’ intangibles below the surface. Like behaviours, individual and team needs, Relationship Commitments and fundamental principles.