Innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the lifeblood of any organization that aims to stay ahead of the curve. A culture of innovation is one that encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and continuous learning. This kind of culture doesn’t just happen overnight; it requires deliberate effort and a commitment from leadership. Why is a Culture of Innovation … Read more
Last week I wrote about Lessons from Intent-Based Leadership, the shift from being the “answer man” to an empowered leader, a transformative but not easy journey. It requires a mindset change, self-awareness, and a willingness to let go of habits that once felt productive. Here’s a deeper reflection on this transition: Why Being the Answer … Read more
For much of my career, I prided myself on being the “answer man.” I’d spent tens of thousands of hours developing expertise in a range of specialisms. People came to me with problems, and I responded with solutions, drawing on my knowledge and experience. It felt like leadership—being the go-to person who could fix anything. … Read more
Leadership is often the deciding factor in whether an organization succeeds or struggles in its agility journey. Yet, many organizations cling to command-and-control leadership styles, believing that tighter oversight leads to better outcomes. It doesn’t. If you want to derail your agility initiative, keep using command-and-control leadership. To thrive in an agile environment, leadership must … Read more
One of my all-time favorite reads on business agility and leadership is “Turn the Ship Around!” by L. David Marquet. This book brilliantly chronicles the true story of how Marquet, a former nuclear submarine commander, transformed the USS Santa Fe from one of the worst-performing submarines in the fleet to one of the best. Thankfully, … Read more
People can be the most challenging aspect of projects. They bring diverse perspectives, emotions, motivations, and levels of engagement. Differences in communication styles, resistance to change, conflicting priorities, and varying levels of experience or understanding can lead to misunderstandings, misalignment, and conflicts. Moreover, projects often require collaboration across teams and departments, which can amplify these … Read more