Author: Shaun Coffey

Shaun Coffey is interested in future making and institutional building. He is an agricultural scientist who tries to integrate fragmented and sector-specific technical and scientific knowledge to address the wicked problems that characterise the real world.
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……on idle time

That idle time………

Sitting on the back verandah
    or by the corner window
Gazing over grassed paddock
    or paved car park
It matters not………

Seeking space for ideas to fit
    or making sense of that observed
Reconfiguring patterns known
    or grappling with the unknown
It matters not………..

From farm to c-suite
    experience is the same
Answers emerge from deep thought
    ideas grow in unfettered space
It matters…..that idle time


Shaun G Coffey
31 December 2013
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ONE MINUTE FOR MYSELF


What it is:
I balance my life by taking as good care of myself as I take of my family, my friends and my work.
I treat myself the way I would like other people to treat me.
I stop, look and listen.
I take one minute for myself a few times every day to stop and ask, “IS THERE A BETTER WAY FOR ME TO TAKE CARE OF ME RIGHT NOW?”
I realise that I have the answer within me.  I am quiet and listen to the wisdom of my best self.  I wait for it.
I discover what is best and I usually do it.
I give to myself and I receive from myself.
I am happier.
Why it works:
When I take as good care of myself as I take of others I am happier.  Because the better I take care of myself the less angry I am with myself and others.  And the more loving I become.
Source:  Originally taken from  One-Minute Manager Audiotape of the same name.  See the Spencer Johnson book – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/88180.One_Minute_For_Yourself
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Rebel – a leader must break free of the wisdom of the herd, and strike out in bold new directions.

“…most people are incapable of truly original or independent thought, but a leader must have that ability”

In 2002 Steve Sample, Tenth President of the University of Southern California penned the book, “The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership”   I was reminded of this great little read during a discussion with a business colleague last week. Not surprising, when I found my copy it was full of many long-forgotten marginal notes and post-it stickers (also covered with my characteristically unreadable scrawl).

The key take-away of the book is that most people are incapable of truly original or independent thought, but a leader must have that ability.  Sample draws heavily on classical works from Shakespeare to Machiavelli to Abraham Lincoln to support this proposition.  As an aside, his recommendations for a reading list are fun, and…well, contrarian. 

Continue reading “Rebel – a leader must break free of the wisdom of the herd, and strike out in bold new directions.”
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Deconstructing Innovation: a complex concept made simple

One of the myths of business is that only new companies innovate.  Another myth is that only established companies do research and development.

In reality, new firms need to invest in R&D to gain market share. And, established firms need to invest in innovation to lead the market or to protect their slice of the pie.

But what type of R&D? How do we classify what will work and what won’t? There is no straight answer to the innovation mystery.

Innovation is a complex process that has become a confused concept in recent times. The challenge with complex concepts is converting them into the simple. 

Continue reading “Deconstructing Innovation: a complex concept made simple”