We learn a lot about how people are thinking by paying attention to the details of the language being used – particularly in turbulent times. An obvious example is with sports fans. “WE won at the weekend!” as opposed to “THEY lost at the weekend.” Using ‘We’ indicates collaboration, and taking collective responsibility. Using ‘They’ is a sign of division,
If there are shortcuts available to us, that is because someone else has done the work. Consider a literal shortcut, perhaps through a forest. The first person to travel that way has a lot of work to do clearing the path. For that trailblazer, the route isn’t a shortcut – it takes more time and effort than following the existing
“Strong opinions, loosely held” is a concept I agree with – but it needs an addition … Strong opinions, loosely held – and moderately stated. The danger with having strong opinions is that we are inclined to also state them strongly, which closes the door to conversation and debate. At their most extreme, ‘strong opinions’ feel threatening and intimidating to
In his book, ‘The Element‘, Ken Robinson points out that asking “How intelligent are you?” is the wrong question. It implies that intelligence is easily defined, and somehow quantifiable. But a growing range of research – and perhaps our common sense – tells us this is not the case. IQ is one measure of intelligence – yet we are all
I’ve recently had a few conversations with people where various relationship challenges have come up. [To be clear, I’m talking about relationships in the widest sense of the word. This isn’t only about intimate relationships – it’s also about the relationships we have with friends, colleagues, and the wider world.] Because these were people I care about, I found myself
Given that it’s early January, it’s hardly surprising that my social feeds have been littered with variations on a ‘Success Strategies for 2023’ theme these last few days. “This is what Steven Bartlett does!” “Steve Jobs’ secrets to success!” On one level, I like this approach. None of us have all the answers, so picking up ideas and tools from
Weekly [digital] email to help navigate the [analogue] world …
Weekly [digital] email to help navigate the [analogue] world …