This month's theme:
Looking back at a year of Sharpening The Axe
Welcome to the last Sharpening the Axe of 2008. I can’t believe it’s come around so soon.
I thought I’d reflect on some of the themes I’ve covered during this first year of Sharpening the Axe. I hope it doesn’t look too much like one of those awful TV clip shows – you know the ones they produce when the screenwriters go on strike. I happen to think reviewing the year is essential as 2009 approaches.
I don’t need to labour on about how tough times are nor warn that they are set to get even tougher next year. It’s pretty evident. However, it's because times are tough that it’s important to look at what’s worked and at what we’ve achieved during 2008; then we can build on it.
It’s maybe even more important to look at the things that didn’t work, where we went wrong and where we’ve not progressed as much as we should have done. As always, I stress you must be honest. In this climate, more than ever, we must learn from our mistakes and make sure we don’t repeat them.
I’ve interviewed people at the very top of their professions and I hope you’ve found their insights enlightening. I’m looking forward to continuing the interview series throughout 2009. I particularly want to find out how leaders steer their companies and motivate staff through difficult periods.
So, thank you for your support and encouraging comments throughout this year. I hope you have a great Christmas and take some time to unwind before the challenges of the new year. Most of all I hope 2009 will be happy, healthy, and prosperous for you.
I hope you enjoy this review of the Sharpening the Axe year.
2008 in brief...
Change As John Lennon once said: “Life is what happens to us while we are busy making plans.” In February I urged you to challenge yourself to be different in 2008. I encouraged you to take some time to reflect on your business and personal goals. I suggested asking yourself how important they really are to you and what’s stopping you from working towards them. It’s never too late! If you haven’t done it already, take a good hard look. We |
Creativity and why businesses need it In March I posed the question, ‘what happens when your competitors become just as lean and competent as you and your cost effectiveness is no longer a unique advantage?’ My answer was that’s when creativity really comes to the fore. Creativity is not just about the Arts. There is a huge need for better ways of doing things. The future needs better thinking and part of this better thinking is going to demand creativity. |
Making teams work “Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare.” This statement by Patrick Lencioni says it all for me. In the June issue I shared my view that teamwork remains elusive in most companies. It’s my belief that we mistakenly think team effectiveness is about getting on well together and doing lots of stuff. We assume that an afternoon of raft building and a set of tasks will glue the team together and make it a finely honed unit. It doesn’t work because we don’t do the right things or give it enough priority as our busy schedules take over. It’s something I referred to as the ‘Busy Fool’s Syndrome’. Click here to remind yourself how to build a high performance team. |
It can be lonely at the top September’s newsletter was based on my interview with Sainsbury’s CEO, Justin King. His philosophy is that anyone in a leadership position who retreats to the comfort of their ivory tower and shuns the realities of their position is sure to fail. You have to stay in touch - something that’s particularly true during these difficult economic times. His advice was, don’t deny your situation, however grim it may be. That’s when people need clear and visible leadership and to know someone up there is in charge and is taking decisions. |
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Asking yourself the really tough questions. November’s newsletter was based on my interview with Roger Lewis, CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union. I looked at dealing with failure, but also how to deal with success. We all know how to to learn from failure, but how many of us find time to celebrate success? I mentioned that an increasing number of companies are adopting Appreciative Inquiry. It’s a technique that lets them learn from their successes and build on the energy that exists in the business. I think it’s vital for the challenges ahead. Click here to read the Roger Lewis interview. |
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And finally ...
I’ve had lots of positive feedback from you about my ‘tips’ section so here is my last tip of the year: just in time for the Christmas break.
The tip is in the title of my newsletter. We all know the importance of recharging our batteries, or as I term it ‘sharpening the axe.’ I am going to urge you to do just that this Christmas. 2008 has taken some getting through and 2009 will provide just as much of a challenge.
My advice is that it (whatever 'it' is) will be there when you get there. So put your feet up and enjoy the following pearls of wisdom:
Don't underestimate the value of
Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you
can't hear, and not bothering.
~Pooh's Little Instruction Book,
inspired by A.A. Milne
One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one's work is terribly
important.
~Bertrand Russell
Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life
trying to save.
~Will Rogers, Autobiography, 1949
The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a
river without feeling guilty about it.
~Author Unknown
For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.
~Lily Tomlin
Have a very Happy New Year!