For Starters

Ross Edgley is an athlete, adventurer, and author known for his extraordinary physical feats. His insights on resilience and mental fortitude make him a voice worth listening to.

His most popular book, 'The Art of Resilience' is a testament to human endurance and mental fortitude.

The book is a chronicle of Edgley's extraordinary feat of swimming around Great Britain, a journey of 1,780 miles, which he completed in 157 days.

The book is a blend of adventure, sports science, and philosophy, exploring the concept of resilience.

It's a must-read for leaders in large enterprise organizations as it provides valuable insights into perseverance, goal setting, and overcoming physical and mental challenges.

Book Summary

Here's a one-sentence summary of each chapter (only 5 chapters):

1. Chapter 1: The start of an epic journey, setting the stage for the challenges ahead.

2. Chapter 2: The physical and mental preparation required for such a feat.

3. Chapter 3: The first taste of the grueling task, battling the elements and self-doubt.

4. Chapter 4: The importance of a strong support system and the role of teamwork.

5. Chapter 5: The triumph of completing the journey and the lessons learned.

Want to Learn More?

Here are four media resources to learn more about this work:

1. Podcast: 'The Art of Resilience' with Ross Edgley - 1 hour

2. YouTube: 'Ross Edgley's Great British Swim' - 45 minutes

3. Podcast: 'Ross Edgley on Mental and Physical Resilience' - 1 hour 30 minutes

4. YouTube: 'Ross Edgley's Top 10 Rules For Success' - 20 minutes

Why no URLs? YouTube and Apple change the URLs regularly, so the links stop working every month. Instead, you can look them up easily from the titles.

Subscribe

I know you are time-poor, so I write 3 Minute Skinnies on great books.

Each summary takes no more than three minutes to read or listen to (get the substack app for a listening option) includes great quotes, and gives you some next actionable steps if you want to learn more.

When you join a new company, you're embarking on a journey of discovery, transformation, and growth. This journey can be a complex landscape, especially when it involves Agile transformation. But navigating this terrain doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you have experienced Agile coaches like Ian and Erik to guide you.

Agile transformation is about understanding that you're joining an ongoing journey. It's not just about bringing new strategies to the table but also about integrating into an existing structure and culture. As Agile coaches, Ian and Erik emphasize the importance of balancing mindset and action. They highlight the significance of patience and trust, two key elements that fuel successful Agile transformations.

Joining a new company is akin to stepping onto a moving train. You need to find your balance, understand the direction, and adapt to the speed. Similarly, when joining an ongoing Agile journey, understanding the company's Agile philosophy, its implementation, and its nuances is crucial. This understanding helps you align your actions and mindset with the company’s Agile journey.

Success in Agile transformation isn't just about achieving set goals; it's about measuring that success, understanding what works, and continuously improving. As Agile coaches, Ian and Erik stress the need for measuring success. But what does success look like? It's about delivering value, fostering collaboration, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

The Agile journey is not a sprint; it's a marathon. It requires resilience, patience, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. With the right mindset and actions, you can navigate this landscape and contribute positively to your new company's Agile journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Joining a new company means stepping onto an ongoing Agile journey, requiring a balance between mindset and action.

2. Patience and trust are key elements in fueling successful Agile transformations.

3. Understanding the company's Agile philosophy and its implementation is crucial to aligning your actions with the company's Agile journey.

4. Success in Agile transformation is about delivering value, fostering collaboration, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

5. The Agile journey is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring resilience, patience, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

You can hear more at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/agile-coaching-mastery/episodes/What-to-do-when-you-arrive-at-your-new-company-e282397

FOR YOU, THE LEADER :

Over the past ten years, I have spent thousands of hours in my professional role getting to the ‘Why’ Question.

Maybe its:

- Why does that person do that

- Why is this worth the money

- Why should I give you a promotion

- Why should I get a promotion

- Why does this matter to you

I've learnt that asking the question 'Why' can create challenging tension.

Why is this?

Some people believe if you ask 'Why', you are not interested in knowing more but simply challenging their stupidity.

You say, 'Why?' but they hear, 'Why would you do something that stupid?'

Just to be clear - that's not you; it's them.

It's their background and baggage that causes that reaction, not your 'Why' question

To get around this challenge, I've learnt to ask the 'Why' question in three different ways, or what I call ‘Language Packs.’

You could find some LinkedIn posts that give you 10 or 20 ways, but people usually write those posts without the practical experience of using those questions in high-profile leadership arenas.

Trust me on this - these three are the best ones to use

Language Pack 1: 'Bounce to curious.'

Code: 'I really like <summary of what they are talking about>, and I'm curious - what led you to this idea?. Tell me more.’

Why does it work? :

1. You are playing back what they said - it shows you were listening and not racing to give your point of view in response

2. You have explained that 'you are curious'. You are not challenging them; you've made it about your curiosity

3. You have invited them to carry on speaking but turned it to the 'Why' question, so you've moved the conversation on.

Language Pack 2: 'Help me understand.'

Code: 'I'm not really getting it - help me understand, where did this <idea/plan/thought> come from? What's the background?

Why does it work? :

1. You are putting the problem on you, not them ...... 'I'm not really getting it

2. You are asking for help - people tend to give help when you ask for it :)

3. You ask two questions together at the end. Because the brain likes to see patterns of three, the other person will naturally want to fill in the third by answering, so the person is likely to fill in the blank

4. Idea/plan/thought - you say one of these three, to show that you have listened and categorised what you've been listening to

Language Pack 3 : You might be right/exciting

Code : 'You might be right. Let's explore this a bit more. What excites you about this?'

1. You are avoiding a usually hypothetical argument of who is right between two people - 'you might be right.’

2. You invite a 'co-explore' of the item for the two of you. You are signalling a joining together - you are getting in the same boat ; you are offering to commit to a journey together.

3. You are using the great word 'exciting' - it's a very positive word

4. You could replace 'this' with a summary of the topic if you want. This shows that you are listening

FOR YOUR TEAM

You could pass these tips to a few of your best team players and ask them to use them. Then get those together and ask if it worked. Get some feedback

TAKE IT FURTHER

You could explore 'great coaching questions' and 'how to avoid saying why' in Google searches and develop your own go-to phrases

That’s it!

Avoid asking a challenging 'Why' question, instead, use one of the three language packs above to do it better

If you avoid challenging with a blunt 'Why', you'll unlock a clearer understanding of the content of ‘Why’ and get more content to understand and react to and deal with later

Easy, right?

Let me know which one of these you found most helpful in the comments.

Happy to do another post going into more depth on whichever one you find most interesting.

Finally, these are NOT generated by ChatGPT🙂

I know you are time-poor - that's why I write these leadership Quick Tips. Each one talks about an instantly recognisable issue and an instantly usable tip in that area. Once you read it, you will have the tool in your bag to use. Each article takes no more than three minutes to read or listen to. (Get the substack app for listening).

Subscribe to me and ianbanner.com to get more.

Adding coaching skills to your leadership toolkit is always a good idea

Maybe it's time to enhance your leadership toolkit with coaching.

Here are some of the simple benefits of using a coaching style to get the best out of your teams

1/ Increased individual and team accountability

2/ Enhanced problem-solving and decision-making skills

3/ Improved communication and collaboration within the team

4/ Identifying and nurturing team members' strengths

5/ Empowering team members to take ownership of their development

If you want to know more, understand the core of leadership coaching for Modern ways of working, and get some great training and certification, why not join me on ICAgile's Coaching Agile Transitions (CAT) course?

It's a great way to learn a great toolkit, meet like-minded people, and get some qualifications (assuming you pass !)

Is now the time to invest in yourself?

On Thursday, 6th July this week (8:00 AM EST) I start a 2-day training course (14 Hrs in total) at a great value price of $699

If you are interested and want to find out more, DM me

Or use the link below.

Coaching Agile Transformations | ICP-CAT

#management #coaching #leadership

Adding coaching skills to your leadership toolkit

Let me explain by talking about one of the 101 basics of management: the Gantt chart.

Did you know the GANTT chart was invented before WWI?

Here are just some of the advances in our world that have happened since WWI.

1/ The widespread adoption of automobiles for transportation.

2/ The invention of the television.

3/ The invention of the computer.

4/ The invention of the Internet.

5/ Advancements in aviation, including commercial jet travel.

6/ The invention of penicillin and advancements in modern medicine.

7/ The invention of the atomic bomb.

8/ The invention of the laser.

9/ The invention of the microwave oven.

10/ The development of space travel and exploration.

11/ Advancements in telecommunications, including the invention of the mobile phone.

12/ Widespread access to electricity and many electric appliances in homes.

13/ Advancements in photography, including the transition from film to digital.

14/ The invention of radar and sonar.

15/ Advancements in audio and music, including the transition from records to CDs to MP3s.

16/ The development of nuclear energy.

17/ The invention of antibiotics and vaccines that eradicated many diseases.

18/ Advancements in weaponry, including fighter jets, rockets, and drones.

19/ The Green revolution in agriculture that increased crop yields.

20/ The invention of polymers and plastics that are used in many areas of life

It's probably true to say that some of the ways managers manage ...... well it's from the dark ages🙂

Maybe it's time to enhance your leadership toolkit with coaching?

Here are some of the simple benefits from using a coaching stye to get the best out of your teams

1/ Increased individual and team accountability

2/ Enhanced problem-solving and decision-making skills

3/ Improved communication and collaboration within the team

4/ Identifying and nurturing team members' strengths

5/ Empowering team members to take ownership of their development

If you want to know more, understand the core of leadership coaching for Modern Ways of Working and get some great training and certification, why not join me on ICAgile's Coaching Agile Transitions (CAT) course?

It's a great way to learn a great toolkit, meet like-minded people, and get some qualifications (assuming you pass !)

Is now the time to invest in yourself?

On Thursday, 6th July this week (8:00 AM EST) I start a 2-day training course (14 Hrs in total) at a great value price of $699

If you are interested and want to find out more, DM me here on LinkedIn.

Or use the link below.

https://lnkd.in/ekyk6T42

#agile #management #coaching #leadership

Key Takeaways?

Roger Martin is one of the favorite authors of my good friend and sometime co-author, Michael Goitein. His raving about the book is why I read it.

The Responsibility Virus examines how successful companies can fall into the "responsibility virus" trap, where they narrow their focus and stop innovating. Key to this is a responsibility ladder (see diagram) that shows the evolution of responsibility in an organisation to a "Responsibility Maturity' (my words)

The book argues that companies should avoid developing an excessive sense of responsibility towards their existing products, services and processes. This "responsibility virus" makes companies reluctant to change and unable to adapt to new market forces. Martin proposes that companies need "responsibility discipline" - the ability to let go of past successes and shift resources to new areas.

Why is this useful?

This book is valuable for enterprise leaders because it provides insights into how and why successful companies can fail. By diagnosing the symptoms of the "responsibility virus", leaders can take action to build a culture of responsibility discipline. This is key to driving innovation and securing the future of the organization. 

Want to take it further?

1. A 5 minute video with Roger Martin's key ideas: 

2. A 37 minute talk by Roger Martin on responsibility discipline:

3. A 15 minute podcast discussing key concepts and takeaways from the book:

https://hbr.org/ideacast/2002/11/the-responsibility-virus.html

4. A blog post with a high-level book summary in under 3 minutes:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/hennainam/2014/12/15/book-review-the-responsibility-virus-by-roger-martin/#4cbbf78b45ba

5. www.michaelgoitien.com - a great writer who refers to Roger Martin a lot🙂

I know you are time poor - that's why I write 3 Minute Skinnies on great books. Each summary takes no more than three minutes to read or listen to (get the substack app for a listening option) and includes great quotes, and gives you some next actionable steps if you want to take it further, and it is NOT generated by ChatGPT🙂

Subscribe to me and ianbanner.com to get more.

When is the best time to invest in yourself? 20 years ago
When is the second best time to invest in yourself? Right Now

2 years ago, as part of my ICP-EC with Trans4mation.coach Michele Madore, Author, ICE-EC, I took part in the Leadership Circle profile as part of my leadership development. Leadership Circle

It was overwhelming at the time and fundamental to me seeing myself as others see me and understanding what I could work on for my leadership development.

Earlier this year, I had the chance to work with the great Philippe Joannis and María Becerro to become a practitioner.

I did this because I honestly think the Leadership Circle Profile is simply the best tool out there to understand who you are and how you behave as a leader.

It is :

1. Data-backed (200,000 leaders surveyed worldwide)
2. Research-based (300 Million data points)
3. Supported by the most wonderful community I have ever met

And based on simply the best book on leadership I have ever read:

Mastering Leadership: An Integrated Framework for Breakthrough Performance and Extraordinary Business Results
by William A. Adams and Robert J. Anderson

Since becoming a practitioner, I have worked with many leaders to help them understand themselves, understand how others see them, and grow and develop, getting them fit for their future.

DM if you are interested in knowing more. I have some discounts available for good causes and development situations

Key Takeaways?

The problem with management classics like this book is that all the material is used, recycled, and rewritten by others, so non of the content will seem new to you.

But the main themes are eternal and worth a recap, and Covey emphasizes the importance of character, integrity, and a value-based approach to leadership. The book focuses on the principles and habits that, when practiced, lead to personal and professional success. There are seven of them🙂. Here they are :

1. Be Proactive: By being proactive, you acknowledge that you are in control of your life and can choose how to respond to any situation. This habit encourages you to focus on your circle of influence, things you can control, rather than your circle of concern—things you cannot control.

2. Begin with the end in mind: This habit urges you to create a personal mission statement and set clear goals that reflect your values and priorities. By knowing where you want to be, you can make informed decisions that lead you closer to your ultimate destination.

3. Put First Things First: Focus on what's truly important and dedicate your time and energy to those tasks rather than getting caught up in urgent but less significant matters.

4. Think Win-Win: This habit promotes a spirit of cooperation, fostering trust and collaboration among team members and within organizations. Adopting a win-win mindset means seeking outcomes that benefit all parties involved.

5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. You create an environment of trust and open communication by genuinely listening to others and seeking to understand their perspective. This enables you to express your ideas more persuasively and navigate conflicts more easily.

6. Synergise: Remarkable results can come from diverse teams.

7. Sharpen the Saw:  Energy and resilience come from a regular 'top up' of four dimensions: physical, mental, social/emotional, and spiritual. Without these, you won’t be balanced and you won’t sustain your outcomes.

For your team?

Lead by example. By adopting the principles outlined in the book, you can foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement within your organization. Additionally, the habits promote personal growth and self-awareness, empowering you to lead by example and inspire your team to achieve their best.

You can use these as challenge markers for your teams to use to balance and check towards high performance.

Take it further?

Here are two fast web resources you could use, chosen by me for effectiveness and brevity

Video: "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - by Stephen Covey | Animated Book Summary | Between The Lines" (7 Mins)

Link: 

Podcast: -"Quick Book Summary:  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (14 mins)

Link: https://www.listennotes.com/c/5e22b9c3f8f148fda1f8ce2a9c76a2b9/

I know you are time-poor - that's why I write 3 Minute Skinnies on great books. Each summary takes no more than three minutes to read or listen to (get the substack app for a listening option) and includes great quotes, and gives you some next actionable steps if you want to take it further, and ChatGPT does NOT generate it 🙂

If you like this? share with your friends

Subscribe to me at ianbanner.com to get more.

Subscribe now

Key Takeaways?

This book focuses on the power of habit formation and its impact on personal and professional success. Small, consistent changes in our daily routines, or "atomic habits," can lead to massive transformations over time.

The book provides practical insights and techniques to help readers break bad habits, build good ones, and ultimately achieve their goals.

The book also emphasizes the significance of marginal gains, which can lead to exponential growth and success for your organization when compounded over time

The author breaks down the process into four stages:

• cue,

• craving,

• response, and

• reward,

and provides strategies for each stage to create lasting habits.

For your team?

As a large enterprise organization leader, you constantly look for ways to improve your team's performance, efficiency, and well-being.

"Atomic Habits" offers valuable insights that can be applied to not only your own personal development but also your team's. Understanding the science behind habit formation allows you to implement strategies to foster positive habits and build a high-performing, resilient, and cohesive team.

By encouraging your team to adopt atomic habits, you can create a culture of continuous improvement and unlock your organization's full potential.

Want to take it further?

Video : https://www.ted.com/talks/checking_in_with_susan_david_bonus_the_psychological_role_of_habits_with_james_clear

(15 mins)

Video :

(24 mins)

Podcast :

(2:15mins) (get a gin and tonic to listen to this

I know you are time-poor, so I write 3 Minute Skinnies on great books.

Each summary takes no more than three minutes to read, includes great quotes, and gives you some next actionable steps if you want to take it further.

Subscribe to me at ianbanner.com to get more.

I write three skinnies a week - straight to your email inbox.

Subscribe now