To lead on an issue, you need to get attention somehow, and to do that you need to stand out in some way—no use, therefore, trying to blend in, at least not all the time. To take a lead you need to …
Do you speak the language of resistance?
“Culture change program” “Public sector reform” “Get well program” We hear these phrases all the time. We might even use them ourselves. But there’s a problem... Using language like this, the …
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Do you give them time to think?
Do you even give yourself time to think? Culturally, in the West at least, we behave as if we're expected to move into action quickly, and usually we are. But what if the action we take isn't the …
Are you an architect or a gardener?
It is said that “The policy maker should act as a gardener not an architect.” In other words, the policy maker will do better to support good ideas that emerge rather than direct from on high. I …
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Are you a model of not knowing?
Or do you always give an answer even if you’re not sure? One of the greatest gifts a leader can give their team (and themselves) is to show that it’s OK to say you don’t know, or at least it’s much …
Brinksmanship: A relationship skill?
We rather admire the ability of the tough negotiator; the one who secures a favorable outcome at the last minute when the other side blinks first. Perhaps that's a component of a versatile skill set; …
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