Tag Archives: Higher performance

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

Why tipping is a good example of win – win

At one of my favourite cafes today I paid my bill and the lady behind the counter said thank-you for my tip. I in turn thanked her for her wonderful, friendly service. The thought occurred to me that this was a lovely example of a win – win. The waitress delivered great service which I in turn recognised via a small tip. The essence of small wins is to try and encourage this type of thinking. Applying win – win to other areas of your life: Imagine if you could apply a win ... Read more

A lovely example of a growth mindset

“I still believe I can improve my game. I think you have to try to reinvent yourself. Tennis is actually one of those sports where I feel like you can always do better.” Roger Federer. Perhaps these comments explain the genius of sportspeople like Roger Federer. At 33 years of age and 17 majors he still believes that he can improve. This is a lovely example of what psychologist Carol S. Dweck calls a growth mindset. According to Dweck a growth mindset is one where: - everyone ... Read more

How to create a win – win

More and more work today is done in groups and teams. This means that anyone who works in an organisation has a growing interdependent relationship with the person next to them. This has many benefits: – team work – sense of belonging – often get more done – reach team goals But it can also mean that the chances of friction or tension can rise. A misplaced comment or sharp rebuke can cause offence in the short term and potential problems in the long term. One way to ... Read more

How can we make it better?

This is a great question for anyone in or working with a team. How can we make it better? The ‘it’ could be an idea, solution, product, process or course of action. I love it because there is a collaborative aspect — ‘we’. And the question suggests a continuous journey rather than a destination i.e. best. It suggests an openness to the possibility that any solution, idea etc could be made better. There is a humility about this question. In my workshops for ... Read more

Here’s a small wins way to recognise a good job

I met another consultant today who told me about an amazing, small wins leadership practice she witnessed with one of her clients. The leader in question gives her team members a Chupa Chup with a hand-written note when they have done a great job. I love this. It’s fun. Simple. Personal. Timely and Specific. It makes the receiver and the giver feel good — a win -win. Most of all – its a small wins approach to leadership. Leadership is more often about the little things ... Read more

The secret to employee engagement

One of the discoveries of my interest in a small wins approach is the concept of win – win. I noticed in my many examples in this site of successful innovation often involves a win for the customer (e.g. easier, simpler experience) and a win for the brand or business (e.g. increases sales or customer retention). Perhaps the same win – win framework also applies to employee engagement? Many of these types of engagement programs I have seen are skewed one way or the other. There ... Read more

How to lose weight using a small wins approach

I am not a nutritional or health expert. But this is the story of an Australian guy who lost a lot of weight. His name is Gus Worland who happens to be a radio host and TV personality. He also happens to be best mates with Hugh Jackman. When Hugh was last in Australia he apparently said to his mate that he (Gus) was over-weight — and was worried about his health. Gus weighed a mighty 140 kilos at the time. He started on a health and fitness campaign and some 11 months and 30 kilos ... Read more

Do leaders still want to learn?

I find this such an interesting question. I know they need to continue to learn because the world is forever changing. I know they attend courses, conferences and workshops which is evidence of learning. But in my experience I often wonder. If I ask a group of leader who would like to improve their golf game for example. All hands point to the sky. Yet…. I recently gave a talk at an executive MBA class in one of their final subjects. Just before I went out the professor said — ... Read more

Here’s how to celebrate success

Remember the school assembly? Lets admit it – sometimes the experience was a bit boring. But on other occasions it was quite inspiring. These were the occasions that the principal recognised specific individual or team achievements. Perhaps leaders can learn from the school assembly about how to celebrate success? Here are my thoughts: Make it regular. – the assembly was every week – no excuses — every monday morning without fail. It’s public – The school ... Read more