Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Making the New Year happy
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
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Expect More From 2009
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
Be remarkable
Ian
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Branson's a builder of our new world
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!
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
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’
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”
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
“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
"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'
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
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
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’
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
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
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
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
7 characteristics of the best company’s
“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
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Sunday, 10 August 2008
True differentiation
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
Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers
Friday, 25 July 2008
The solutions to our challenges are beyond 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
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
All views count, only shared view matters
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
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?
Friday, 13 June 2008
Making the extraordinary the new normal
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"
“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
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Unleashing the passion that precedes productivity improvement
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
Strategic advisor to difference makers
Friday, 2 May 2008
Marshall Goldsmith's book highly recommended
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Deepak Chopra - a spiritual leader we can follow in our own way
For more about Deepak visit http://www.deepakchopra.com
Be remarkable
Monday, 7 April 2008
The happiness factor - now a legitimate part of a success strategy
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
Monday, 24 March 2008
Strategy and Tactics. Do you have both?
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
Monday, 17 March 2008
Reconciliation – a definitive action for builders of our new world
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
“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
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
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
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
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 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