Great Leaders Don’t Predict the Future – They Invent It

Erika Andersen written by Erika Andersen

The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” – Alan Kay, 1971

I spent the day yesterday with one of my favorite client groups.  They’re the senior team of part of a major media company, and they are smart, funny, curious, talented and kind people. The quote  above was on the introductory page of a deck they had put together outlining their vision of change for the coming year. Continue reading

5 Transitions Great Leaders Make That Average Leaders Don’t

The secret to leadership is there aren’t any real secrets. The best leaders have simply gone to school on improving their tradecraft. While the capabilities possessed by the best leaders might seem otherworldly to many, they are merely the outcome of hard work, experience, perspective, and yes, a bit of luck. The best leaders have just learned to make certain transitions that less effective leaders curiously remain blind to.

Some leaders hit their stride early in their career, others find their path later in life, and regrettably, far too many leaders never seem to get their footing. Great leaders discover pivot points and transitions that create a certain rhythm and balance, while average leaders tend to be somewhat tone deaf and awkward. We all recognize great leadership when we see it, but many fail to see what it is that actually makes the leader great. Following are 5 key transitions great leaders make that average leaders do not. Continue reading

Fast-track onboarding – engaging employees before they begin

Jane Sunley - Purplecubed This article was written by Jane Sunley, CEO of Purplecubed.

Most of us have been there – a job offer is made, accepted and notice period worked. During this time the new employer sends a contract and details of where the new starter should go on day one. Then silence… very little, or no contact, is made until the new recruit turns up at 9am on their official start date.

Notice periods tend to be at least a couple of weeks; 14 days or more of the new employee steadily moving backwards down the excitement scale – from elation after accepting an amazing job, to interest upon reading the contract, wonder; what might the job entail until the nerves kick in, fear around the first day – where to go, who to ask for, will they like me, will I like them? Continue reading