As we get close to the end of the year, it is inevitable that we start to reflect on the year that was 2017.
On a personal level big things have happened to our family. My lovely wife Karen, took early retirement. My son (who lives in Mexico) graduated with a first class honours degree. He then married Cesia at a beautiful outdoor wedding, in her home city of Monterrey. And, to top it all, two of my three daughters are expecting our first grandchildren in March and May next year!
We feel blessed.
On a personal level big things have happened to our family. My lovely wife Karen, took early retirement. My son (who lives in Mexico) graduated with a first class honours degree. He then married Cesia at a beautiful outdoor wedding, in her home city of Monterrey. And, to top it all, two of my three daughters are expecting our first grandchildren in March and May next year!
We feel blessed.
Key issues I've encountered this year
Reflecting on my professional work allows me to glimpse the wood from the trees. I've found that three, interconnected issues rose to the surface at various points during my coaching, training and consultancy work this year.
Issues sometimes so fundamental that they threaten to destroy the organisation I am working with.
Some people worry and stress when they go wrong. When others appear to glide to success when they go right.
So, what are these three issues?
Issues sometimes so fundamental that they threaten to destroy the organisation I am working with.
Some people worry and stress when they go wrong. When others appear to glide to success when they go right.
So, what are these three issues?
Communication, clarity and assertiveness
So much time (at work and home) is wasted, and anguish created, due to poor communication.
Linked with this, a fundamental lack of clarity around values-led issues can pull a strategy, an organisation or a family apart. And so often we compound problems by failing to initiate those crucial conversations that move us from passive/aggressive to be assertive with clarity, respect and often mutually satisfying results.
We all fall off the wagon of being brilliantly assertive communicators from time to time. But it is Christmas time, so give yourself a break and invest a little in yourself. I'd recommend checking out these pragmatic reads.
Assertiveness at Work by Back and Back - a book I loan to my clients on a regular basis and most end up buying their own copy.
And another one whose ideas I have used recently in my latest training courses - Vital Conversations by Alex Grimsley.
Have a great reflective Christmas and hope to see you in 2018.
Linked with this, a fundamental lack of clarity around values-led issues can pull a strategy, an organisation or a family apart. And so often we compound problems by failing to initiate those crucial conversations that move us from passive/aggressive to be assertive with clarity, respect and often mutually satisfying results.
We all fall off the wagon of being brilliantly assertive communicators from time to time. But it is Christmas time, so give yourself a break and invest a little in yourself. I'd recommend checking out these pragmatic reads.
Assertiveness at Work by Back and Back - a book I loan to my clients on a regular basis and most end up buying their own copy.
And another one whose ideas I have used recently in my latest training courses - Vital Conversations by Alex Grimsley.
Have a great reflective Christmas and hope to see you in 2018.
