Giving and receiving feedback whether at work or home can be challenging. In the work setting, whether it is giving feedback during a “coachable moment” or a more formal context such as performance appraisal or review, there are some principles – discussed below, which make the giving and receiving of feedback positive and constructive. While there is a move towards feed forward now, especially in the work setting, giving and receiving feedback is still something we find ourselves doing. (more…)

Been out of your comfort zone lately? Can you recall how you reacted and its impact on your problem-solving or decision making? My business coaching client, the CEO of a SME, related the fascinating story of his recent trip to China where he met up with other key players from around the globe. The city they visited was no Beijing or Shanghai. It was smaller in size and his hotel was in an area specified as the “government zone.” As foreign nationals they were advised not to venture out of this. However, in need of much exercise and fresh air, my client did venture forth one day and soon found himself walking beyond the edges of familiarity. He noted that suddenly the scenery had changed dramatically. (more…)

In times of crisis, how a leader fronts and deals with the situation can either fan an already out of control situation or they can take full responsibility and become part of the solution. Sadly, BP’s CEO – Tony Hayward’s words, behaviour and demeanour have only but fueled the situation.

The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a disaster on many levels. And it appears that it could have been avoided. Questions are being asked of the CEO but answers to date have not been forthcoming – answers which could provide a deeper, systemic understanding about what went wrong and why and how best to deal with this major catastrophe. (more…)

We have a measure of choice and control over what we are aware of, but what we are unaware of controls us.
-Sir John Whitmore 

We are more effective in life when we exhibit high levels of self-awareness.  Self-awareness, a critical component of emotional and spiritual intelligence (EQ and SQ) is the building block for success in life.  It enables us to make insightful and sharper decisions and course-correct as we go.  It facilitates improved, authentic relationship within and with others – our boss, colleagues, team members, clients, suppliers, family and friends. 

So how do we harness and develop this core competency in business and our personal lives? (more…)

We all know of intellectual intelligence (IQ) and more latterly, the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in health, happiness and work success but what about spiritual intelligence (SQ)?  While interest in IQ is nearly a century old, EQ’s place in business has emerged only in the last decade.  EQ or EI was first popularised by Daniel Goleman in the mid 90’s in the Time Magazine article titled, “Is EQ more important than IQ?”  Since then much has been written and researched on this important subject, which includes the dimensions of self and other awareness as well as social awareness and relationship management.

So what about SQ and where does it fit into the hardheaded world of business, leadership, managing others and ourselves and our careers and working life? (more…)