Shaun Coffey

May 20, 2020June 21, 2020

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

May 18, 2020June 21, 2020

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.

March 17, 2013July 4, 2020

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.

December 1, 2012June 21, 2020

What fears are holding you back? Luck is when preparation and opportunity collide

Sometimes I am bemused by coincidences. Having announced two days ago that I will be steeping down from my present job early next year, I was attracted to a brief mention of a blog post I would ordinarily have missed. But, a post by The Savvy Intern by YouTern jumped out at me – a reminder that we should not fear rule your life or career.

Was it a coincidence? I doubt it. More likely the post had passed my sight, but I remained unconscious to it until this time when I was “prepared” for it.

Some people are often described as lucky, because they “get the breaks” before others, or “they always seem to be in the right place at the right time”. That’s not the way it happens – more often than not they will have been reflecting on what is happening around them, they will have thought deeply about what they want to do, and to achieve, they are looking for the breaks – so they see the opportunities more clearly and quicker than others. That’s the essence of luck…been prepared so you can see the opportunities. Are you ready?

And the blog itself….. here is a snippet.

What fears are holding you back from going after the job or life, that you want? Being more concerned with what other people think about our choices or our actions, is strange – why would someone else’s internal thoughts be more important than honoring our own desires? It sounds odd when laid out like that, huh?

Read the full post here, it is good: Don’t Let Fear Rule your Life and Career

I understand that Melissa Anzman (@mellymelanz) is the author of the post. She has a great website on redefining your career. Go and have a look at Loosen Your White Collar. Fall in Love with your Job (Again)