Category Archives: Employee Engagement

Examples of how leaders can engage their team through small wins

Managers are running out of excuses not to innovate

Managers and leaders know innovation is vital. But they often don’t practice it. It reminds me of exercise. We know it is important yet we never seem to get around to it. We always want to start next week! It seems it’s the same with innovation. – Too tired – Too busy – Not enough people – Not enough time – It’s too big I will start next week! But next week rarely comes around. I think the best time to start to innovate is right now. Select ... Read more

How to become an awesome leader

I think we need a new language to talk about leadership. One that talks to all current and future leaders. Here is my suggestion. Lets try and develop awesome leaders! Here’s how to do this by using the word AWESOME: Achieve results. There are many leadership models which stress various competencies and attributes but sometimes they forget that leadership is primarily about achieving results through and with people. Results count. And so does how the outcomes are achieved but there ... Read more

The Small Wins Way vs Business Improvement

I was just asked by a leader of a large financial organisation: How does The Small Wins way compare to Business Improvement? This is what I said (although in fewer words): How the 2 approaches are similar: Both: - Adopt a continuous journey mindset - Have a formal, semi-structuredprocess - Are important to an organisation’s ability to adapt, change and grow - Value measurement and learning But there are important differences: The Small Wins Way is: - Aimed at developing a higher ... Read more

How to make a small difference – everyday

I recently gave a presentation to a MBA class on the Small Wins Way approach to innovation, change and leadership. I started the conversation by asking them: Could they recall a small change in their life that led to a big difference? Here are some of their reflections: - I started having breakfast each day which that I had more energy throughout the day and I stopped snacking. - I now don’t look at my email for the first hour of my working day. This means that I can do my best ... Read more

How to brainstorm big, new ideas in minutes

I had an insight a few years ago when I was working with managers and leaders. During their planning away-days I noticed that when they were working in a group and had one hour to address a challenge, nothing much happened until I opened the door of their room and said – 10 minutes to go. Then there was a flurry of activity, ideas and energy. In next to no time the group often generated some amazing ideas. I wondered. How much time did an individual or group really needed to start ... Read more

The power of everyday leadership

Leadership for most people is defined as great men (traditionally) doing great deeds. Fortunately we have expanded our thinking to include the other 50% of the population (i.e. females). As such we have a much broader and better perspective of who leaders are. But perhaps we also need to let go of the great deeds part. To be sure, the Selma March led by Dr Martin Luther King some 50 years ago is a wonderful example of the big, dramatic leadership actions that make us all feel better. But is ... Read more

How one word can change a conversation

I ran a workshop recently with a group of leaders around innovation. One of my key points was that there are two types of innovation in an organisation. The formal e.g. new product development stage gate process And The informal. These are the spontaneous interactions around the coffee pot for example. The problem is that most leaders overemphasise the former and underemphasise the latter. The reason is this. You can never predict when an idea will emerge. Or who will come up with the ... Read more

What is your glass of water moment of truth?

Imagine this scenario. You walk into a new cafe or restaurant but feel a tiny bit unsure whether to stay or not. Then the waiter suggests a table and offers you a glass of water. Before you know it, you are sitting down and examining the menu. But what happened? My theory is that it was the glass of water! It’s a small action that can generate big results. The cafe or restaurant is offering you something you need and its free. A physical and emotional transaction has taken place. I ... Read more

How a small change can make a big difference

“You want to be the pebble in the pond that creates the ripples for change.” Apple Inc Chief Executive Tim Cook. I love this quote. Often it feels as though we are surrounded by big, disruptive changes. As a leader it can feel overwhelming and intimidating. But sometimes a small change can make a big difference. It was only 50 years ago for example, that a single African American lady — Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This single ... Read more

A small change to help you achieve more today

A number of people have commented on how much I can achieve in a day. I don’t think it is because I am special. In fact, far from it. It helps of course, that I run a small business and hence do not get dragged into numerous meetings or have countless emails. This helps. But I have also noticed that I follow a pattern of work. Here it is: Work then break then work then break………….. Yesterday for example, I did my early morning exercises then a few hours work at ... Read more