helping you master customer insight leadership

Inspired to set effective goals for 2019 – thanks to these questions

inspired to set effective goals

Talking with readers about our previous controversial post, many are still inspired to set effective goals for 2019. The word that matters most in that sentence, is ‘inspired’. What seems to make the difference between those for whom goals work, is personal relevance & inspiration. Across a year there will be setbacks (foreseeable & unexpected). You need goals that clearly connect to a personal “Why?” for you as a leader… Read More

What really goes on, behind closed doors, with an executive coach?

behind closed doors

In this book review, my focus moves to the world of coaching and what goes on behind closed doors. The title, “Behind Closed Doors: Stories from the Coaching Room“, is one that never fails to elicit a snigger from my wife. I admit it does sound a bit like a salacious expose into locker-room shenanigans. In reality, this is a very helpful book for coaches, whatever their level of experience.. Read More

Challenging the Narrative with 2018 Welsh Coaching Conference

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an event with the theme of “Challenging the Narrative“. One of my favourite annual events, the 2018 Welsh Coaching Conference. Chaired once again, by the irrepressible Dave Tee, this event continues to go from strength to strength. Dave’s passion & commitment is no doubt one of the reasons for that, together with the great team at USW Commercial. My previous blog reports.. Read More

Team Coaching: Resources to help you coach leadership teams

This year, I have had more enquires than ever, about team coaching. Whether for senior leadership teams, or managers of Customer Insight/Analytics teams, the concept is on the rise. It is easy to understand why. Many have heard the benefits of one to one coaching for senior executives, but want to find a way of justifying this cost for more leaders. Both time & money have been cited to me.. Read More

Why you should stop buying consultancy (at least by itself)

When should you use external consultancy? Are you wisely bringing in wider expertise, or wasting your money on people who won’t be around to see the consequences? Such a question plagues many analytics or insight leaders. Indeed I have spoken to many, over the years, who are frustrated by the speed with which directors turn to consultants. I’ve mentioned before the need to build the reputation of your team, to.. Read More

Your biggest achievements just might come from self-awareness

Continuing our focus on your thinking environments & personal development, let’s turn to the topic of self-awareness. Not just in my own coaching & mentoring work, but also in my own experience of practicing mindfulness, time and again I have seen the power of improved self-awareness. Yet, especially without a coach or mentor to work with, many leaders struggle to know where to start. Too much of our working lives.. Read More

How to start 2017 as a Mindful Leader

Two books I’ve been enjoying over the Christmas period have prompted me to reflect on being a Mindful Leader. By that, slightly odd, term – I mean a leader making use of mindfulness principles to improve their effectiveness. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed a relaxing & refreshing complete break over Christmas & New Year (as recommended in our last post). Doing so (with the benefit of pre-scheduled social media posting), has enabled me to ‘recharge.. Read More