Great Leaders are Torchbearers

Nancy Duarte and Patti Sanchez co-authors of Illuminate discuss the secrets of great leaders during times of change. The design of their book reflects Nancy Duarte’s ability to tell a story visually combined with Patti’s gift of understanding the human dimension.

Their book particularly resonates with us as it focuses on how human beings respond to change and provides commonsense strategies on how to illuminate the path, dissipate fear and minimise disruption.

Together they remind us that great leaders are torchbearers and equip the reader with the tools that leaders like Steve Jobs & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr used to move people. Delivering the secret sauce on how leaders as torchbearers can become relatable heroes & heroines in an adventure of change and transformation as they structure the journey of transformation with the elements essential to constructing an epic adventure.

The book can be found: http://amzn.to/1pF35X5

Work Life Balance

Do we set ourselves up to fail when we pursue a work life balance? Ever wondered why it can be elusive? This pause for thought made us smile – which do you choose – flawless focus or imperfect variety?

The Superchicken Model

A rethink of what drives us to do our best work.

Organizations are often run according to “the superchicken model,” where value is placed on star employees who outperform others. Yet, this isn’t what drives the most high-achieving teams.

Margaret Heffernan observes that it is social cohesion — built every coffee break, every time one team member asks another for help — that leads over time to great results.

Design & Technology Symbiosis

A glimpse of how our future is being created  – Designer and architect Neri Oxman is leading the search for ways in which digital fabrication technologies can interact with the biological world. Working at the intersection of computational design, additive manufacturing, materials engineering and synthetic biology, her lab is pioneering a new age of symbiosis between microorganisms, our bodies, our products and even our buildings.

Thinking Experiment – What are you addicted to?

Johann Hari explores an interesting hypothesis – What if everything we thought about addiction is wrong? He considers why current methods of treating our addictions, whether it is cocaine, alcohol, shopping or smart phones, might need a serious rethink!

 

Possibly of interest:

 

Re Imagine Work

Dave Coplin, Chief Envisioning Officer at Microsoft, re imagines the world of work.

In this animation he presents a thought provoking view about the notion of flexible working. He considers if the office is fit for purpose and explores what might be possible if more organisations encouraged a truly open, collaborative and flexible working culture.

Do you need to give thought to where is the best place for you to work, in order to achieve the outcomes you’re charged with delivering?

What if money was no object?

Although we do not subscribe to the populist view – “Do what you love to do and the money will come.” The question “What if money was no object, what would you do?” has been interesting to explore. Applying the question to whether we want to accept a project or client brief, as well as to our lives, has stimulated the team at Sage Blue to revisit and refresh our ‘do we want it, can we win it’ business development criteria.

We are in agreement with the narrator – it seems stupid to spend huge amounts of time doing stuff you really don’t like. We’ve stopped playing that game! Hope this video makes a similar impression on you.

The Power of Words

A lesson from Auschwitz from Benjamin Zander

Benjamin Zander concluded his 2008 TED Talk by recounting the heartrending story of an Auschwitz survivor and her brother. This short animated piece highlights that story, reminding us that the words we speak to one another are incredibly powerful tools that we shouldn’t take for granted.

How to Speak and Get HEARD!

The seven deadly sins of speaking by Julian Treasure.

Do you spread viral misery or are you a blame thrower? If Julian is right we all should HAIL if we want to be heard.

Our voices can be powerful when we become conscious!

Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, discusses the power of body language, how it changes our social interactions and gives the audience a two-minute life hack that will change how they see themselves.

Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Amy shows how “power posing” – standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident, can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success. She also explains when, and when not, to use a smiley face in an email.