Peter James Why appreciation is a leadership responsibility—not an optional personality trait One of our clients described a conversation that stopped her in her tracks. She was presenting to leaders in her organisation about people engagement. The overwhelming response was a question: “Why should I say thank you to someone for just doing their job?” [...]
What causes it, why it matters, and how leaders can address it without undermining motivation. Imagine a highly capable employee who believes their results excuse the way they speak to colleagues. A manager who insists on accountability from everyone except themselves. Or a team member who expects first consideration for every opportunity but sees little [...]
By Peter James Why understanding personality, perception and behavioural triggers is essential to building better workplace relationships. Have you ever noticed how two people can work with the same colleague and come away with completely different opinions about their personality? One describes the person as confident and decisive, while the other sees them as arrogant [...]
Why all behaviour, good or bad, might be more self-serving than we'd like to admit.By Peter JamesHere's a thought that might make you a little uncomfortable. All human behaviour is self-serving. Yes, all of it. The good, the bad, the ugly, the generous, the selfish and even the downright nasty. Before you decide that's a [...]
When most people think about ADHD, they picture someone who is easily distracted, struggles to sit still or finds it difficult to focus. While there is some truth in those stereotypes, they only scratch the surface of what ADHD actually is and how it shows up in the workplace. One of the most important things [...]
Few conversations trigger us as quickly as being criticised. Someone questions our judgement, challenges the quality of our work, or suggests that we have caused a problem. Before we have fully understood what is being said, our nervous system may already be preparing a response. We explain. We justify. We correct the record. We point [...]
Why yoga won’t fix psychosocial hazards: what leaders should do instead Wellness programs can be good for morale, recovery and culture, but they are not, by themselves, controls for psychosocial hazards. A yoga class, morning tea, mindfulness app or fruit bowl may support individual wellbeing, but it does not remove the source of harm if [...]
The most reliable service any large corporation seems to provides these days is the customer satisfaction survey. You can spend three days trying to solve a problem they created, be transferred between departments like an unwanted Christmas present, explain your life story to six different people and emerge only slightly older than when you began. [...]
There is a question often linked to Carl Jung’s work: why do people suddenly start hating you? For leaders, this can feel deeply personal. One day, someone is cooperative, warm or even supportive. Then something shifts. Their tone changes. They become distant, critical, passive-aggressive or openly hostile. You are left wondering: What did I do? [...]
One of the most useful leadership ideas to emerge from the military over the past century is the concept known as Commander’s Intent. While the phrase originates from military doctrine, the principle behind it has enormous relevance for modern organisations, particularly those operating in complex, fast-moving environments. At its core, Commander’s Intent is about clarity. [...]
Dr Susan Roberts says: