In Tibetan Buddhism, it is the heart that is seen as the place where the mind resides. This struck me as odd when I was first talking to a Tibetan person and they talked about knowing something in their mind – and pointed at their chest as they spoke. I was mystified… why point there, … Read more
“In these troubled, uncertain times, we don’t need more command and control; we need better means to engage everyone’s intelligence in solving challenges and crises as they arise.“ From the first time I read the work of Margaret Wheatley back in 2003 when I read her first book, Leadership and the New Science, I was … Read more
The photo at the head of this blog post was taken a while ago on a visit to Northumbria. The coastline is peppered with castles. This one, Dunstanburgh Castle is a ruin and has a powerful presence. The day we saw it there was a storm brewing and it was a freezing cold day. The … Read more
After a long pause from blogging it can be really difficult to get back to it. The same resistance is there for exercise or any other habit. Once the pattern is broken it becomes incredibly difficult to get going again. Steven Pressfield wrote “The War of Art” in which he looks at all the issues … Read more
A few weeks ago I blogged about online learning and how incredibly interesting the current developments are in that field. I mentioned MOOCs and some of the online platforms providing opportunities to join virtual conferences, webinars etc. All fascinating stuff! This week we have been thinking about ways in which to take some of the … Read more
I studied for a PhD in the 1990s and early 2000s. It took me seven years to complete it part-time. The host for this PhD was Manchester Business School. Inevitably I came across the work of Tom Peters – I had heard of his work much earlier when I read about the influence that “In … Read more
I wrote recently about a letter writing exercise which involves writing letters to a hero or someone who has had a big influence on you, and then writing the reply to yourself as though you are that person. Here is one I wrote to myself recently: Experience has taught me not to compromise. My best … Read more
When I am struggling to get something moving, when the idea is stuck. That’s when it’s a good idea to open my favourite typing space (could be Word, could be Evernote, depends on my mood) and just start to type. I make sure that the typing is informal, almost like a conversation with myself. Using … Read more
I have found a way to get free coaching advice and support from some of the famous people, key influences in my life. I can choose anyone I want to give me that support – and they don’t have to still be alive. If they are alive, I can guarantee that I will get help … Read more
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. “ – Margaret Mead So, how are you working with other to bring about change? Are you holding yourself back because you are trying to do things on your own? What are the … Read more