Comments for West : People Matters

Comment on Dare to be Different by Helen Frewin

Helen Frewin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:29:54 +0000

Thanks for a wonderfully engaging and well written piece.

Though of course, I’m likely to write that because I agree with you. Hmmm…must apply learning from your writing and be more challenging.

I’m particularly interested in the type of group think termed the Abilene Paradox – as we often talk about people agreeing with stupidity, but the idea that one of us starts it purely out of a goal to please others – ouch.

Comment on Avoid the Dark Side by sarah foster

sarah foster — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:32:00 +0000

Brilliant post. As you say taking time to spot where the cynicism comes from is essential. This dark passion you describe is at times of great change often THE counterpoint, which becomes the rallying point for all worried and disaffected. It’s emotional contagion wave, may pull at those who are rightly concerned, but not in truth on the same path. It has to be observed, considered and then tackled honestly.

Comment on Awake from the Sleep of Habit by Christine Livingston

Christine Livingston — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:58:50 +0000

Wonderful post, Kevin.

In my experience many leaders talk about change, but are not really committed to it. There’s too much invested in being asleep. And their people are not easily fooled.

If leaders – or anyone for that matter – want to really change, it starts with a decision, and a commitment to do so.

Comment on Awake from the Sleep of Habit by Gareth Jones

Gareth Jones — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:26:31 +0000

“honest and direct. Freedom to make choices”

Simple really no? You have evidenced yourself, as i have too, that people will change and will support change if these attributes are demonstrated by leadership. Sadly these are the core things that are missing in the wider leadership cadre in the western world in my experience.

Nice post!

Comment on Use little tricks by Corpdaycare

Corpdaycare — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:41:45 +0000

Recognising the human potential for self destruction and damaging behaviour is the start of learning tricks to avoid it as surely as understanding yourself is the start of understanding others…

This is so well written.

I’m really enjoying this series of posts. Keep at it.

Comment on Use little tricks by Doug Shaw

Doug Shaw — Mon, 23 May 2011 10:28:10 +0000

Interesting series of posts – I’m really enjoying them. In addition to learning from you (and others..) I’m learning from my daughter Keira. She is 8 and is playing with magic tricks. She is good at some and less good at others. Some she chooses to practice and improve, others she puts to one side. Keira’s magic show is about what works for her and her audience. I enjoy reflecting on your blog and her tricks and I like that the tweo sources have (in my mind at least), come together today. Cheers – Doug

Comment on Bring your emotions to work by Oli

Oli — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:33:24 +0000

Hi Kevin, first time commenter, occasional reader….!

This really touched a nerve with me.

During my time with a multi-national the rhetoric was turn up with a smile on your face- put your game face on. there was no opportunity to be any other way. Emotions were allowed in but only if they were for the greater good. Which in essence hurt the greater good because feelings weren’t revealed, people quit the company, moved stores and/or went off sick with stress.

As someone who wears his heart on his sleeve,it was a tough one to deal with (I actually had it written in one of my performance review, that I must be happier). If I was having a bad day- I wanted to be honest about that, if I was having the best day of my year, I wanted people to know. This was however not allowed.

we knew nothing of our managers life, yet they knew everything about ours.

The problem with containing emotions was it meant you never felt motivated by success because no one appeared to care. And bad things would build, causing you to be unhappy or grumpy more often than not. Whereas if you can just get it out, its done, its over, you move on.

Great blog and I hope your closing sentence isn’t true for long.

Comment on Bring your emotions to work by Lynne Donaldson

Lynne Donaldson — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:29:53 +0000

Hi Kevin,
This struck a deep chord with me this afternoon. In my professional life, I have had to lead through a significant company crisis, severe enough to mean that emotion could not be left at home even if put in a strong box and locked in the attic. The combination of genuine emotion and a sharp focus on business needs had a highly positive effect on getting the job done. Beats me why we only allow this to happen in a crisis.

Comment on Bring your emotions to work by Claire Walsh

Claire Walsh — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:27:53 +0000

Great post Kevin, do you think things are changing? I’ve been meeting leaders recently who seem to be more comfortable with displaying and talking about emotions. Someone I met last week measured organisational happiness with tennis balls – fab!

Comment on Bring your emotions to work by Doug Shaw

Doug Shaw — Mon, 16 May 2011 14:07:09 +0000

Excellent! I’m delighted to say I’m crap at covering stuff up. Folk always know how I’m feeling – and maybe I’m biased but it seesm to make life easier. I don’t have to lie about stuff, people can choose to offer appropriate help, encouragement, beer etc as required and we get along and get stuff done. I often wonder to myself what people could achieve if they didn’t check their heart and soul in at security?