My wife and I have just spent 3 great days with two of our best friends.
I have been reminded yet again of the joy of friends and family.
To make this new year a happy one, serving our friends and family first is key.
“When you seek happiness for yourself it will always elude you.
When you seek happiness for others you will find it yourself.”
Albert Einstein
To help you get this new year off to a great start I recommend Juan Mann's free hugs campaign video on YouTube.
You can watch it here and the finding joy quotes from the Founder of Simple Truths, Mac Anderson. See them here
Wishing you and yours joy in 2009.
Be remarkable
Ian
International business speaker on why doing good is good for business
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Expect More From 2009
This year is the 3rd time I have been a contributing author to an ebook organised by my good friend and internet marketing guru Gihan Perera. This years offering contains 40 articles by thought leaders on how to make the best of the year. You can download it here. Enjoy!
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
As a researcher and speaker on corporate social responsibility I am always on the look out for the latest research particularly information and insights about what is actually happening in the marketplace as different to all the rhetoric. I have not come across a better resource than the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre. Find them here This organisation tracks the positive and negative impacts of over 2700 companies, in 160 countries.
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Branson's a builder of our new world
I have read all of Sir Richard Branson’s books. I also regularly fly on his airlines and use his mobile phone services, so I am obviously a fan. His latest book ‘Business Stripped Bare’ is in my view his best yet. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Social Responsibility.
Branson writes “Several years ago, I realised that if Virgin really wanted to make a difference with some of the tougher issues facing humanity, we had to start pulling together everything we were doing.” The result was Virgin Unite. “Our fundamental belief is that doing good is great for business. It’s not about the ‘golden charitable cheque’ but, rather, it’s about making sure that we leverage everything we have across our businesses ... There is such a thing as enlightened self interest, and we should encourage it. It is possible to turn a profit while making the world a better place.”
May there be more Richard Branson’s leading our businesses. For more on Virgin Unite click here
You can read 43 pages of Branson's book by clicking on the arrows on the book cover below. Enjoy.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Branson writes “Several years ago, I realised that if Virgin really wanted to make a difference with some of the tougher issues facing humanity, we had to start pulling together everything we were doing.” The result was Virgin Unite. “Our fundamental belief is that doing good is great for business. It’s not about the ‘golden charitable cheque’ but, rather, it’s about making sure that we leverage everything we have across our businesses ... There is such a thing as enlightened self interest, and we should encourage it. It is possible to turn a profit while making the world a better place.”
May there be more Richard Branson’s leading our businesses. For more on Virgin Unite click here
You can read 43 pages of Branson's book by clicking on the arrows on the book cover below. Enjoy.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
I left my wallet in a taxi and got it back!
I left my wallet in a taxi yesterday and got it back. What’s more there was nothing missing out of it. I paid the taxi driver and got out of the cab and retrieved my briefcase from the boot. Then I went to put the receipt in my wallet only to discover I don’t have my wallet. By now the taxi has gone and despite the best efforts of the hotel concierge to chase after it, all to no avail. One concierge guy was brilliant in how quickly he telephoned the taxi company and using the cab registration number on my receipt eventually got onto the driver who returned my wallet intact.
Perhaps I was lucky. Perhaps it is because of the overall honesty of the people in Singapore. Perhaps it was the speed of the concierge. The following things I know. I felt encouraged by the good of humanity, that honesty is the best policy, and that little things make a big difference.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Perhaps I was lucky. Perhaps it is because of the overall honesty of the people in Singapore. Perhaps it was the speed of the concierge. The following things I know. I felt encouraged by the good of humanity, that honesty is the best policy, and that little things make a big difference.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Honouring Difference Makers
I am in Singapore today and reading the local paper brought a smile to my face as I read the announcement it's Grandparents day here in Singapore today. This is a great idea. I am not aware of this being celebrated elsewhere. I spent time reflecting on my own Grandparents and even though they are long gone, their great and positive influence is still with me. I also reflected on my own role as a Grandfather and resolved to do more.
We need to honour the Elders in our world more. They are too seldom the unsung difference makers.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
We need to honour the Elders in our world more. They are too seldom the unsung difference makers.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Friday, 14 November 2008
Charter for Compassion - Karen Armstrong
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
We all need to occassionally go ‘walkabout’
I very much enjoyed reading an interview with celebrated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann in The Weekend Australian Magazine November 1-2 2008 by Christine Jackman about the film he is making, ‘Australia’, the most expensive Australian film ever made that is due out in a few weeks.
Luhrmann has this to say about ‘walkabout’ an Australian Aboriginal custom. “The thing about walkabout, as I understand it, is that when you lose connection with yourself you go walkabout. You leave your physical world behind and find your other half - the other half of yourself - and you have a good talk until you’re one again, and you go on with the journey of your life. That happened to me in the journey of this film.”
Great filmakers like Luhrmann are a part of the modern day fraternity of bards, that includes writers and speakers. We tell the story of humanity, past, present, and future.
Been ‘walkabout’ lately? Doing so is a part of being a builder of our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Luhrmann has this to say about ‘walkabout’ an Australian Aboriginal custom. “The thing about walkabout, as I understand it, is that when you lose connection with yourself you go walkabout. You leave your physical world behind and find your other half - the other half of yourself - and you have a good talk until you’re one again, and you go on with the journey of your life. That happened to me in the journey of this film.”
Great filmakers like Luhrmann are a part of the modern day fraternity of bards, that includes writers and speakers. We tell the story of humanity, past, present, and future.
Been ‘walkabout’ lately? Doing so is a part of being a builder of our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Wednesday, 5 November 2008
“The Audacity of Hope”
Barak Obama’s election as the next President of the United States is a great thing for his country and the rest of the world. In my 17 corporate career I worked primarily for American organisations. In my 17 career since as an advisor to difference makers I have witnessed America slip in general terms from being respected to envied to being somewhere between disrespected and hated. This fall from grace has been a great shame for many great Americans and the world. In Obama and hopefully the team he assembles, for one person is incapable of doing what must be done, we have the possibility of seeing America return to being respected. This will be a great accomplishment for them and the rest of the world.
I have seen and am fortunate to know many great speakers. The hallmark of all great speakers is their authenticity. I think Obama is real. Whether or not he can become such a catalyst for the many changes that are essential to building our new world, that the changes actually happen, remains to be seen. He is leading the world in the equivalent to climbing everest. He can be one of the leaders the world so desperately needs (we need much more than one). Why? He carries within him, perhaps like no one before him, the “audacity of hope”. A new world is being born and she cried out in hope from the depths of her being today.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
PS John McCain is a great human being too! We have not seen the last of his service to our world.
I have seen and am fortunate to know many great speakers. The hallmark of all great speakers is their authenticity. I think Obama is real. Whether or not he can become such a catalyst for the many changes that are essential to building our new world, that the changes actually happen, remains to be seen. He is leading the world in the equivalent to climbing everest. He can be one of the leaders the world so desperately needs (we need much more than one). Why? He carries within him, perhaps like no one before him, the “audacity of hope”. A new world is being born and she cried out in hope from the depths of her being today.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
PS John McCain is a great human being too! We have not seen the last of his service to our world.
Monday, 3 November 2008
Thriving when most are simply trying to survive
The following was written recently by David McNally CPAE, a speaking colleague and a builder of our new world:
“I took up the challenge of discovering what it means to be a ‘thriver.’ Here are the results of a survey sent to over six hundred organizations asking them to identify the thrivers in their midst and to describe those people in terms of attitudes and behaviors. Here are the key themes that define how ‘thrivers’ think and act:
Survivors Focus On The Future As Uncertain
Thrivers Focus On The Future As Unlimited
1. Thrivers have a global perspective – The competition created by a global economy has become so rigorous that we are participating in what might be described as an Olympics of Business. Thrivers meet these demands by doing whatever it takes to be ready mentally, physically, and emotionally to compete at the highest level.
2. Thrivers take personal responsibility for their own careers and happiness – George Washington’s comment, “If the citizens of the United States should not be free and happy, the fault will be entirely their own,” summarizes the thriver’s philosophy of life. Rather than make excuses, thrivers make commitments.
3. Thrivers seek to maximize their contribution –Thrivers have a strong need to contribute, to feel that their work is important. Professionally, they are continually creating opportunities to add value, whilst simultaneously ensuring their work is rewarding and fulfilling.
4. Thrivers appreciate their uniqueness - Thrivers understand that while there is always someone who can do something better than they can, there is always something they can do better than anyone else. Rather than being satisfied just to meet standards, thrivers leverage their gifts, talents, skills and abilities to set the standards.
5. Thrivers work in harmony with others – A powerful lesson of the global economy is this: whereas technology is an incredible tool, people are still the artisans. Thrivers understand that to succeed in multi-cultural environments requires the ability to collaborate with a complex mixture of people whose differences deserve to be honored. Rather than wish for conformity, thrivers value diversity.
6. Thrivers know what matters - Thriving is not an appearance but an experience. With all of its absurdities and challenges thrivers have learned that life is the only game in town and they are determined to wholeheartedly participate. Thrivers flourish because they are continually learning, contributing, laughing and loving. Whilst the future may be uncertain, thrivers see the future as unlimited.”
There is no doubt in my mind that ‘thrivers’ are new world builders.
Find out more about David McNally here
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
“I took up the challenge of discovering what it means to be a ‘thriver.’ Here are the results of a survey sent to over six hundred organizations asking them to identify the thrivers in their midst and to describe those people in terms of attitudes and behaviors. Here are the key themes that define how ‘thrivers’ think and act:
Survivors Focus On The Future As Uncertain
Thrivers Focus On The Future As Unlimited
1. Thrivers have a global perspective – The competition created by a global economy has become so rigorous that we are participating in what might be described as an Olympics of Business. Thrivers meet these demands by doing whatever it takes to be ready mentally, physically, and emotionally to compete at the highest level.
2. Thrivers take personal responsibility for their own careers and happiness – George Washington’s comment, “If the citizens of the United States should not be free and happy, the fault will be entirely their own,” summarizes the thriver’s philosophy of life. Rather than make excuses, thrivers make commitments.
3. Thrivers seek to maximize their contribution –Thrivers have a strong need to contribute, to feel that their work is important. Professionally, they are continually creating opportunities to add value, whilst simultaneously ensuring their work is rewarding and fulfilling.
4. Thrivers appreciate their uniqueness - Thrivers understand that while there is always someone who can do something better than they can, there is always something they can do better than anyone else. Rather than being satisfied just to meet standards, thrivers leverage their gifts, talents, skills and abilities to set the standards.
5. Thrivers work in harmony with others – A powerful lesson of the global economy is this: whereas technology is an incredible tool, people are still the artisans. Thrivers understand that to succeed in multi-cultural environments requires the ability to collaborate with a complex mixture of people whose differences deserve to be honored. Rather than wish for conformity, thrivers value diversity.
6. Thrivers know what matters - Thriving is not an appearance but an experience. With all of its absurdities and challenges thrivers have learned that life is the only game in town and they are determined to wholeheartedly participate. Thrivers flourish because they are continually learning, contributing, laughing and loving. Whilst the future may be uncertain, thrivers see the future as unlimited.”
There is no doubt in my mind that ‘thrivers’ are new world builders.
Find out more about David McNally here
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Be a 'go-giver
Remacue Chairman Lindsay Adams and myself have bought and given away a lot of copies of the book ‘The Go-Giver’ by Bob Burg and John David Mann and published by Penguin 2007. The key lessons of the book
"The law of value: your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
The law of compensation: your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
The law of influence: your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interest first.
The law of authenticity: the most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
The law of receptivity: the key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving."
These are all key laws that underpin the building of our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
"The law of value: your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
The law of compensation: your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
The law of influence: your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interest first.
The law of authenticity: the most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
The law of receptivity: the key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving."
These are all key laws that underpin the building of our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Sunday, 12 October 2008
'Creating a world without poverty'
Two of my heroes are Muhammad Yunus, perhaps the greatest living social entreprenuer, and John Elkington, the originator of the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ concept, so it will come as no surprise to you that my recent reading has been the latest books by both. In Elkington’s case his co-author is Pamela Hartigan the Managing Director of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, and the book is ‘The Power of Unreasonable People’. I highly recommend it to you. It contains many examples of co-builders of our new world. As a result of reading it I have decided to become more unreasonable.
In Yunus’ ‘Creating a world without poverty’ he introduces the concept of social businesses. The book is full of great insights, inspiration, and ideas although I must say I disagree with Yunus’ take on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) movement which I feel he sells short.
I was inspired by Yunus’ wish list for his dream world for it describes beautifully how I see our new world. Here is my shortened in part version of Mr Yunus’ list
“There will be no poor people, no beggars, no homeless people, no street children
There will be no passports and no visas
There will be no war, no war preparations, and no military establishments
There will be no incurable diseases
There will be a global education system accessible to all from anywhere in the world
The global economic system will encourage sharing of prosperity. Unemployment and welfare will be unheard of
Social business will be a substantial part of the business world
There will only be one global currency
All people will be committed to a sustainable lifestyle
There will be no discrimination of any kind
There will be no need for paper and therefore no need to cut down trees
Basic connectivity will be wireless and nearly costless
All cultures, ethnic groups, and religions will flourish to their full beauty and creativity
All people will share a world of peace, harmony, and friendship”
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
In Yunus’ ‘Creating a world without poverty’ he introduces the concept of social businesses. The book is full of great insights, inspiration, and ideas although I must say I disagree with Yunus’ take on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) movement which I feel he sells short.
I was inspired by Yunus’ wish list for his dream world for it describes beautifully how I see our new world. Here is my shortened in part version of Mr Yunus’ list
“There will be no poor people, no beggars, no homeless people, no street children
There will be no passports and no visas
There will be no war, no war preparations, and no military establishments
There will be no incurable diseases
There will be a global education system accessible to all from anywhere in the world
The global economic system will encourage sharing of prosperity. Unemployment and welfare will be unheard of
Social business will be a substantial part of the business world
There will only be one global currency
All people will be committed to a sustainable lifestyle
There will be no discrimination of any kind
There will be no need for paper and therefore no need to cut down trees
Basic connectivity will be wireless and nearly costless
All cultures, ethnic groups, and religions will flourish to their full beauty and creativity
All people will share a world of peace, harmony, and friendship”
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Authentic corporate social responsibility
Recently I was privileged to be a keynote speaker at a conference in Singapore organised by Singapore Human Resources Institute. I spoke about ‘Tomorrow Today a future for business - authentic corporate social responsibility’, which of late has been one of my most requested talks. To those in the audience interested in further reading I provided an ebook I have written on the subject that traces defining moments of the past 25 years and the five shifts we are making to build our new world:
a move from competition to collaboration
a move from self-interest to shared interest
a move from dominance to diligence
a move from greed to greater good
a move from reaction to responsibility
You can download the ebook here
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
a move from competition to collaboration
a move from self-interest to shared interest
a move from dominance to diligence
a move from greed to greater good
a move from reaction to responsibility
You can download the ebook here
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Help stop xdrtb disease
Catching up on emails a short time ago. One from Chris Anderson Curator at TED concerning the terrible plight of those suffering from xdrtb disease really moved me.
I urge you to watch a short video here about xdrtb and do something about it in your own way.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
I urge you to watch a short video here about xdrtb and do something about it in your own way.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
‘The Lexus and The Olive Tree’, ‘Hot, Flat, and Crowded’
My reading in the past week or so has been Thomas Friedman’s latest book ‘Hot, Flat, and Crowded’. It is exciting to see a writer of Friedman’s class join the Green Revolution. I also re-read his excellent book ‘The Lexus and The Olive Tree’, which is about globalization and how to make it work for the good of all. A lot of lessons here for the troubled folk on Wall Street.
Friedman is a builder of our new world. I highly recommend him to you. Visit his website here for more information.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Friedman is a builder of our new world. I highly recommend him to you. Visit his website here for more information.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Friday, 26 September 2008
Greed has never been good
I am not aware that anyone has named the major causes of the current financial crisis that has our world in turmoil. Greed and lack of accountability are the causes as I see it. We will get past this. Until we do something about the causes however, trouble will come again as surely as night follows day.
Further none of the people who have acted with gay abandon and just plain stupidity have been held to account. Lets us hope that French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s words are adhered to; “Let us build together a regulated capitalism in which whole swathes of financial activity are not left to the sole judgement of market operators” He called for a new system in “which those who jeopardise people’s savings are punished.” (The Strait Times 24/9/08)
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Further none of the people who have acted with gay abandon and just plain stupidity have been held to account. Lets us hope that French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s words are adhered to; “Let us build together a regulated capitalism in which whole swathes of financial activity are not left to the sole judgement of market operators” He called for a new system in “which those who jeopardise people’s savings are punished.” (The Strait Times 24/9/08)
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Choose your news
I have been travellng extensively over the past few weeks. I have deliberately avoided television and newspapers. I don’t miss either. I particularly don’t miss the daily news. What news I want I have been choosing via the web.
A journalist once told me “If it bleeds it leads”. Personally I don’t need to know who killed who, who died, who stole etc., etc. I don’t need violence of any kind in my life. I am finding it very refreshing to choose my news via the internet. How are you choosing your news?
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
A journalist once told me “If it bleeds it leads”. Personally I don’t need to know who killed who, who died, who stole etc., etc. I don’t need violence of any kind in my life. I am finding it very refreshing to choose my news via the internet. How are you choosing your news?
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Saturday, 30 August 2008
I watched Bill Clinton's speech to the Democractic Party's convention on my computer a few days after he actually delivered it. Two things struck me about this speech; Bill's humility and one comment he made: "people the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power." These are words not just for Americans. They are for us all.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
7 characteristics of the best company’s
In one of the great books written about the successful present and future of business in my view, ‘Firms of Endearment’, authors Raj Sisodia, David B Wolfe, and Jag Sheth, put forward 7 characteristics that differeniate the best companies from the rest as follows:
“freely challenge industry dogma
create value by aligning stakeholder interests
are willing to break traditional tradeoffs
operate with a long-term perspective
favor organic growth to growing by mergers and acquistions
blend work with play
reject traditional marketing models”
How would you rate your organisation against these?
I highly recommend this book. In my view it surpasses the work by Jim Collins in his best selling book ‘Good to Great’
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
“freely challenge industry dogma
create value by aligning stakeholder interests
are willing to break traditional tradeoffs
operate with a long-term perspective
favor organic growth to growing by mergers and acquistions
blend work with play
reject traditional marketing models”
How would you rate your organisation against these?
I highly recommend this book. In my view it surpasses the work by Jim Collins in his best selling book ‘Good to Great’
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Friday, 15 August 2008
Bush not a builder
President George W. Bush has been reported as threatening to get Russia expelled from the G8 because “Russia’s actions in Georgia were incompatible with membership of international institutions.” This is the greatest example of the pot calling the kettle black I know of in recent times. Bush appears to me to genuinely believe what he does is right. To me he has a heart however in my view he has not been a builder of our new world and the sooner he is off the world stage the better the world will be.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Sunday, 10 August 2008
True differentiation
My wife and I recently had dinner at a Richtree Market Restaurant in Toronto, Canada.
This is a truly remarkable place, a fresh food market and several restaurants all in the one place. You choose your food, have it cooked and enjoy your meal in very pleasant surroundings. Plus the service is exceptional.
What are you doing to truly differenitate your business from everyone else?
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
This is a truly remarkable place, a fresh food market and several restaurants all in the one place. You choose your food, have it cooked and enjoy your meal in very pleasant surroundings. Plus the service is exceptional.
What are you doing to truly differenitate your business from everyone else?
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
‘A life at work’ - Thomas Moore
Thomas Moore is one of my favourite authors. His books ‘Care of the Soul’, ‘Soul Mates’, ‘Original Self’, ‘The re-enchantment of everyday life’ have enriched my life. His latest book ‘A life at work’ is a real gem. I highly recomend it to you. For more on Thomas, a builder of our new world, visit his website
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Friday, 25 July 2008
The solutions to our challenges are beyond politics
I watched the q and a program on ABC television last night. I went to bed disappointed! Few on the panel were able to go beyond self-interest and politics.
In Australia at present we have a weak opposition party (how incredible that in the age of collaboration we still have opposition parties in our parliaments) that doesn't seem willing to collaborate with the Government on solving the big issues facing us and our world such as dealing with climate change. A consequence is continued procrastination, rhetoric, and just plain dribble.
My solution is to side step Governments and bureaucracies at every opportunity without braking the law and get on with the job of building our new world. If we wait for the politicians it will be too late.
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
In Australia at present we have a weak opposition party (how incredible that in the age of collaboration we still have opposition parties in our parliaments) that doesn't seem willing to collaborate with the Government on solving the big issues facing us and our world such as dealing with climate change. A consequence is continued procrastination, rhetoric, and just plain dribble.
My solution is to side step Governments and bureaucracies at every opportunity without braking the law and get on with the job of building our new world. If we wait for the politicians it will be too late.
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
All views count, only shared view matters
Professor Jeffrey Sachs has caused a bit of a stir recently by commenting Australia’s proposed Emissions Trading Scheme may not be the answer as the Government is suggesting it is.
Good on Professor Sachs for expressing his view so openly and against the status quo. One of my favourite authors Sachs in his book ‘Common Wealth’ says “This is the general message that I give to all CEOs regarding the Millennium Promises. Each company needs to be part of the solution and needs to stretch its activities beyond normal market activities. This does not mean to turn the company upside down or into a charitable institution, but rather to identify the unique contribution the company can make as part of a broader effort to solve a major social challenge. This is the real meaning of corporate social responsibility: to operate in a manner that promotes broad social objectives, including nonmarket goals, in a way consistent with core business principles, values, and practices. (page 321 Common Wealth, Jeffrey Sachs, Allen Lane an imprint of Penguin Books 2008).
I believe Sachs is a builder of our new world. He understands strategy precedes tactics. At present the Australian government doesn’t get this basic success premise. Only when we have a shared view about strategy can we progress towards agreement on tactics. At present this Government and most governments confuse strategy with tactics.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Good on Professor Sachs for expressing his view so openly and against the status quo. One of my favourite authors Sachs in his book ‘Common Wealth’ says “This is the general message that I give to all CEOs regarding the Millennium Promises. Each company needs to be part of the solution and needs to stretch its activities beyond normal market activities. This does not mean to turn the company upside down or into a charitable institution, but rather to identify the unique contribution the company can make as part of a broader effort to solve a major social challenge. This is the real meaning of corporate social responsibility: to operate in a manner that promotes broad social objectives, including nonmarket goals, in a way consistent with core business principles, values, and practices. (page 321 Common Wealth, Jeffrey Sachs, Allen Lane an imprint of Penguin Books 2008).
I believe Sachs is a builder of our new world. He understands strategy precedes tactics. At present the Australian government doesn’t get this basic success premise. Only when we have a shared view about strategy can we progress towards agreement on tactics. At present this Government and most governments confuse strategy with tactics.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Monday, 7 July 2008
Workaholic leaders must better articulate their strategy
Greg Sheridan, foreign editor for The Weekend Australian, refers to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as a workaholic, an accusation leveled at Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Says Sheridan in his interview with Ban Ki-moon June 28-29 2008 “But Ban’s laudable work habits, like Rudd’s will be of benefit only if they produce tangible results ... As UN Secretary-General, he doesn’t have the power to deliver outcomes. But he is injecting new energy into the multilateral system. When Ban took over, he told people his style would be Asian. It would be focused on results rather than rhetoric.”
Ban and Rudd are like many modern leaders I observe. They appear to be genuine in their desire to make a real difference to our world and work hard to do so, however they fall short because they have failed to fully enrol others in their vision and therefore are unable to properly spread the workload. This sad state of affairs has much to do with not having a clearly articulated strategy and a failure to break the execution plan into bite-sized chunks that other folk can embrace.
If you are a leader and find yourself working too hard and think others could do more, then check the power of your strategy. Does it engage and inspire others? And then check your execution plan. Is it broken down into bite-sized chunks your people can take responsibility for?
Believe me, I know from personal experience that when we fail as leaders to break things down for others, we fail to engage them, meaning we usually fail to achieve our vision.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Ban and Rudd are like many modern leaders I observe. They appear to be genuine in their desire to make a real difference to our world and work hard to do so, however they fall short because they have failed to fully enrol others in their vision and therefore are unable to properly spread the workload. This sad state of affairs has much to do with not having a clearly articulated strategy and a failure to break the execution plan into bite-sized chunks that other folk can embrace.
If you are a leader and find yourself working too hard and think others could do more, then check the power of your strategy. Does it engage and inspire others? And then check your execution plan. Is it broken down into bite-sized chunks your people can take responsibility for?
Believe me, I know from personal experience that when we fail as leaders to break things down for others, we fail to engage them, meaning we usually fail to achieve our vision.
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Is your organisation a social enterprise?
Social enterprises are changing the landscape. They are organisations that make money and do good for people and/or our planet at the same time. The most famous example is perhaps The Body Shop. I see social enterprises as the future for business. My own purpose is to help organisations achieve a five-fold bottom line. Social enterprises are the first step; they go past the confines of traditional business, government, philanthropy, and even charity.
Author Nic Francis provides great insight into this new world in a great little book 'The End of Charity'. Founder of social enterprise Cool nrg and the former CEO of Brotherhood of St.Laurence, Francis says "We need to move beyond notions of charity and welfare, beyond do-gooding and guilt, to a system that recognises the complexity of our values and a realistic understanding of how we can support them. The way to do this, I believe, is to embrace what I have come to call value-centered market economics."
I believe "value-centred economics" is a great way to describe the new world of business.
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Friday, 13 June 2008
Making the extraordinary the new normal
I take my hat of to Belinda a barista at Gloria Jeans Coffee Shop in Border's Bookshop Brisbane. Belinda stunned me recently by saying to me "Good morning Ian would you like your usual."
Most barista's take your name and write it on the cup so as not to confuse orders, not Belinda she shows genuine care and joy at seeing her customers. Her behaviour should not be unusual, rather normal practice in our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Saturday, 31 May 2008
A ripple of hope
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Robert Kennedy's death. The following words were typical of the man and have been quoted often in various media of late particularly as likely Democratic nominee for President of the United States Barak Obama is seen as the great hope by many in that country and perhaps the world.
“Each time a man stands up for an idea, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
May everything each of us does today and everyday be a ripple of hope that joins with other ripples and becomes a non-violent torrent that sweeps away all the ills of our world and ushers in our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Insightpreneur™ - expert on the journey from information-insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
Saturday, 24 May 2008
"Everyone changes the world"
“Everyone changes the world.” said Steven Spielberg in a recent interview for the Weekend Australian with Helen Trinca. Spielberg also said
“Everybody makes a difference. Everybody’s existence is linked to the common stranger …That was the basis on which I wanted to make Schlinder’s List: that we all matter, that we all count, that we make contributions even if we spend our own life never realising that we matter.”
These are powerful words. When we take them to heart and take action in our own way, we are building our new world.
Be remarkable
“Everybody makes a difference. Everybody’s existence is linked to the common stranger …That was the basis on which I wanted to make Schlinder’s List: that we all matter, that we all count, that we make contributions even if we spend our own life never realising that we matter.”
These are powerful words. When we take them to heart and take action in our own way, we are building our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Insightpreneur™ - expert on the journey from information-insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Unleashing the passion that precedes productivity improvement
One of my business partners and Australia’s Passion Provocateur Charles Kovess has been doing some excellent 1 day seminars around Australia. There are three to go, Sydney 17th May, Brisbane 24th May, Adelaide 14th June.
If you want to unleash the passion that precedes productivity improvement I highly recommend that you register here without delay. If you can’t attend in these cities contact Charles and make arrangements with him to conduct a seminar just for you.
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Insightpreneur™ - expert on the journey from information-insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
Friday, 2 May 2008
Marshall Goldsmith's book highly recommended
I have just finished reading this brilliant book 'What Got You Here Won't Get You There' and highly recommend it to you as one of the most insightful books I have ever read on executive coaching. Check out Marshall's blog here.
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Deepak Chopra - a spiritual leader we can follow in our own way
I have read at least half of Deepak Chopra’s 50 books. I am always inspired by his depth of insight and practical suggestions for spiritual growth. I would highly recommend his latest book ‘The Third Jesus’. As Deepak says it probably won’t be read by the fundamentalist folk who say their way is the only way and by acting as such hinder progress towards peace, nevertheless I am certain many will read it. It is a book for our time as we get tantalisingly close to the tipping point regarding tolerance of each others right to live our lives in our own way while at the same time being respectful and valuing of those who live a different way to us.
For more about Deepak visit http://www.deepakchopra.com
Be remarkable
For more about Deepak visit http://www.deepakchopra.com
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - expert on the journey from information-insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
Monday, 7 April 2008
The happiness factor - now a legitimate part of a success strategy
Around 15 years ago I made a comment to an audience that happy staff equals happy customers. Many people laughed. Today the happiness factor is no longer considered a joke, rather a legitimate component of a success strategy. Larry Page, one of the founders of Google, recently named by Fortune magazine as the best place to work in the US, is on record as saying that a central part of the company’s strategy is to ensure that its employees are happy.
There is even a new form of psychology called 'positive psychology'. The most famous exponent as far as I know is Dr Martin Seligman. There are a number of great questionnaires on his website to measure your happiness. I highly recommend them.
Even more I highly recommend that you make employee happiness a key component of your strategy. Who knows maybe one day your company will be rated as the best place to work!
Be remarkable
Ian
There is even a new form of psychology called 'positive psychology'. The most famous exponent as far as I know is Dr Martin Seligman. There are a number of great questionnaires on his website to measure your happiness. I highly recommend them.
Even more I highly recommend that you make employee happiness a key component of your strategy. Who knows maybe one day your company will be rated as the best place to work!
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
Monday, 24 March 2008
Strategy and Tactics. Do you have both?
David Burchell a teacher in the school of humanities at the University of Western Sydney wrote a very interesting piece in the Weekend Australian 22, 23 March 2008 suggesting the Rudd government “has many ideas but no guiding thread and soon it will be to late to define one.”
Many organisations suffer from this, what I call being clear on tactics but unclear on strategy!
Strategy precedes tactics. We must bear execution in mind when we determine strategy however we easily muddy the waters if we try to determine strategy and tactics at the same time.
Strategy is the reference point from which we make all decisions about our future direction. It is the guiding light. Tactics are about the who, when, and how. We confuse them at our peril, and to have tactics with no clear strategy means we are going somewhere, however most likely not to the place we really want to go.
Strategy and tactics. Do you have both?
Be remarkable
Many organisations suffer from this, what I call being clear on tactics but unclear on strategy!
Strategy precedes tactics. We must bear execution in mind when we determine strategy however we easily muddy the waters if we try to determine strategy and tactics at the same time.
Strategy is the reference point from which we make all decisions about our future direction. It is the guiding light. Tactics are about the who, when, and how. We confuse them at our peril, and to have tactics with no clear strategy means we are going somewhere, however most likely not to the place we really want to go.
Strategy and tactics. Do you have both?
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - expert on the journey from information-insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
Monday, 17 March 2008
Reconciliation – a definitive action for builders of our new world
A few weeks before her shocking death Benazir Bhutto finished writing a wonderful book, now published, called ‘Reconciliation’. I highly recommend it to you.
Bhutto was a busy builder of our new world. Her life will live long in the memories of those of us fighting for peace on earth in non-violent ways.
Recently Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd led the way in apologizing to the indigenous people of our country for the wrongs against them in the past.
Reconciliation is a cornerstone of our new world. Who do you need to reconcile with?
Be remarkable
Bhutto was a busy builder of our new world. Her life will live long in the memories of those of us fighting for peace on earth in non-violent ways.
Recently Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd led the way in apologizing to the indigenous people of our country for the wrongs against them in the past.
Reconciliation is a cornerstone of our new world. Who do you need to reconcile with?
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
“Throughout history, the greatest crimes against humanity have been those carried out in the name of God, fanticizing religious values to justify unspeakable acts against civilization.”
Benazir Bhutto
“Throughout history, the greatest crimes against humanity have been those carried out in the name of God, fanticizing religious values to justify unspeakable acts against civilization.”
Benazir Bhutto
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Appraisals are dead; just not buried yet
I have been in the United Kingdom for the past two weeks and have been surprised at the amount of media concerning performance appraisals. The latest was in yesterdays Sunday Times with the sub headline reading “Managers need to be trained better in carrying out annual staff performance reviews …” The article went on to quote a recent survey by Investors in People which found that a third of employees think appraisals are a waste of time.
To leave a performance review for a year in the modern world is poor practice. Every 90 days is the norm for remarkable organisations where the key is the informal feedback exchange that occurs daily, meaning the formal review is about celebrating performance and agreeing on the performance plan for the next 90 days.
Human beings do not want to be appraised; they want to be appreciated. People also want to be held to account when performance is less than planned. To leave appreciation or being held to account for a year is an insult to humanity. It is not training that is required for managers in how to complete annual reviews that is needed rather a complete relearning about the essentials of effective leadership and management.
Find out more about best practice by downloading a free special report on people engagement here
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
To leave a performance review for a year in the modern world is poor practice. Every 90 days is the norm for remarkable organisations where the key is the informal feedback exchange that occurs daily, meaning the formal review is about celebrating performance and agreeing on the performance plan for the next 90 days.
Human beings do not want to be appraised; they want to be appreciated. People also want to be held to account when performance is less than planned. To leave appreciation or being held to account for a year is an insult to humanity. It is not training that is required for managers in how to complete annual reviews that is needed rather a complete relearning about the essentials of effective leadership and management.
Find out more about best practice by downloading a free special report on people engagement here
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
Thursday, 14 February 2008
We treat other people the same at our peril
We treat people the same at our peril, for everyone is different.
I was raised under the banner of the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I learnt from experience that living this rule wasn’t always the best strategy as it often led to outcomes I wasn’t happy with, and, just as often, other people weren’t happy with either.
I was pleased to learn The Platinum Rule® created by Dr Tony Alessandra in 1974.
This rule says “Do Unto Others As They Would Have You Do Unto Them” or "Treat others the way they want to be treated." Living this rule has made a huge difference for me and has helped me immensely to better serve others.
Which rule are you living by?
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
I was raised under the banner of the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I learnt from experience that living this rule wasn’t always the best strategy as it often led to outcomes I wasn’t happy with, and, just as often, other people weren’t happy with either.
I was pleased to learn The Platinum Rule® created by Dr Tony Alessandra in 1974.
This rule says “Do Unto Others As They Would Have You Do Unto Them” or "Treat others the way they want to be treated." Living this rule has made a huge difference for me and has helped me immensely to better serve others.
Which rule are you living by?
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Rest, Work, Play
I spent much of the last part of January resting and playing and reminded myself that I do my best work when I rest properly before work and play after work. I also reminded myself that too much work does indeed make us all dull.
How would you rate your ability and willingness to maintain harmony between rest, work, and play? We need to get this right for us if we are to be remarkable and therefore able to play our part in building our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
How would you rate your ability and willingness to maintain harmony between rest, work, and play? We need to get this right for us if we are to be remarkable and therefore able to play our part in building our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Powerful People Engagement Systems
Leading business thinker and writer Gary Hamel says “What ultimately constrains the performance of your organisation is not its business model, nor its operational model, but its management model.”
I couldn’t agree more. Such a model in my view has everything to do with how well we engage our employees, the primary deliverers of value to our other stakeholders.
Creating such models has been my main area of expertise for the past 20 years. Recently I wrote a special report on the subject with Remacue Chairman Lindsay Adams. You can download the free report here.
I encourage you to study the report and complete the performance pulse check at the end and fax to me should you wish to find out more about how myself and my colleagues can work with you to create a system just for you. Powerful people engagement systems are one way we can build our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
I couldn’t agree more. Such a model in my view has everything to do with how well we engage our employees, the primary deliverers of value to our other stakeholders.
Creating such models has been my main area of expertise for the past 20 years. Recently I wrote a special report on the subject with Remacue Chairman Lindsay Adams. You can download the free report here.
I encourage you to study the report and complete the performance pulse check at the end and fax to me should you wish to find out more about how myself and my colleagues can work with you to create a system just for you. Powerful people engagement systems are one way we can build our new world.
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
Saturday, 5 January 2008
Kevin Rudd – builder of our new world?
I am very reluctant to back a political leader because the politics of my way being the only way seems to get all the poli’s before their ‘reign’ comes to an end.
I am going out on a limb for Rudd, Australia’s recently elected Prime Minister. He is something different, a diplomat yet a visionary, a hard task master yet a collaborator.
Rudd has already made a number of difficult decisions, the hallmark of a great leader, many of which have broken the stain of the status quo.
I have my fingers crossed and my hopes high that in Rudd we have a political leader who will remain a role model for the new leaders who must emerge around the world in the next year or so to replace the in the main sorry lot who have failed to lead us in the purposeful ways that are essential to say goodbye forever to a world dominated by war and conflict.
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
I am going out on a limb for Rudd, Australia’s recently elected Prime Minister. He is something different, a diplomat yet a visionary, a hard task master yet a collaborator.
Rudd has already made a number of difficult decisions, the hallmark of a great leader, many of which have broken the stain of the status quo.
I have my fingers crossed and my hopes high that in Rudd we have a political leader who will remain a role model for the new leaders who must emerge around the world in the next year or so to replace the in the main sorry lot who have failed to lead us in the purposeful ways that are essential to say goodbye forever to a world dominated by war and conflict.
Be remarkable
Ian
Insightpreneur™ - insight-inspiration-ideas-innovation
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