A note to young leaders. Lessons from my father. On the vexed issue of whether to gift money to your children, grandchildren or loved ones (if you are in the fortunate position to assist): “It’s better to give with a warm hand than with a cold hand [ie. while you are living rather than after […]
A note to young leaders. Great leaders neither seek nor want followers. They seek and encourage leaders in training. At a dinner held in his honour, the great Austrian economist and political philosopher, FA Hayek, now in his 80’s, stood up and said: “I hope there won’t be any Hayekians. Followers cannot be better, and […]
Read More… from Great Leaders Don’t Create Followers–They Create Leaders
A note to young leaders. Beginnings are exciting but it’s in the finish where the money is made. Speaking to a professional golfer on the weekend. I’m not a golfer but I asked him: “What’s the one thing that amateur golfers can do that can have the greatest impact on their game?” Here’s what he […]
Read More… from Success Is in the Finish: Business Lessons from Golf
A note to young leaders. Relationships really matter. Entropy is not just a law of the physical universe. It’s also an actual operating force in human relationships. Given time, all relationships tend to dissolution. Bonds wither, friendships wane, relationships fracture. This is why when goodwill between people endures for decades, it’s a triumph of spirit […]
Read More… from Love Defies Entropy: Why Relationships Matter
The economy is going through a liquidity squeeze right now. Nothing we haven’t seen before. It’s tempting during these periods to play defence. And for a time, defence is necessary and appropriate. But leaders refuse to play defence for long. They choose to spend most of their time and energy playing offense. Here’s what Jo-Wilfried […]
Read More… from Play Offense in Tough Times: A Lesson from Tennis and Business
A note to young leaders. Two things are necessary and non-negotiable if you are to realise your potential – you must be supremely, relentlessly ambitious; and you must have an insatiable desire for growth. Here’s how the late, great John R Caldon put it to me, late one night, as we worked together at Macquarie […]
Read More… from Ambition and Growth: The Keys to Realising Your Potential
A note to young leaders. Speaking negatively is like vomiting. If you have to do it, it’s best to remove yourself from company. […]
Read More… from Why Speaking Negatively Is Toxic – Step Away When Needed
A note to young leaders. On the occasionally necessary art of apology. Never be afraid to apologise, it humanises you and makes you more relatable. But equally, never apologise unless you mean it – your team can spot a phoney apology from a mile off. An apology is not sincere if it contains the word […]
Read More… from The Art of a Genuine Apology: Why Sincerity Matters in Leadership
A note to young leaders. We are all auditioning, all the time. I’ve just finished an excellent autobiography by one of my favourite actors: Michael Caine. Here‘s an excerpt worth sharing: “When I was shooting the comedy-heist, Gambit, with Shirley MacLaine, Universal had just started its famous studio tours – and in those days, the […]
Read More… from Always Be Auditioning: A Michael Caine Lesson on Opportunity