Blog

Transforming culture and routines – lessons from the frontline

Motivation is a very personal thing and it can differ. Succes is defined in the same way, very personal. I learned a lot about coping with different motivators and success definitions when I was a Sales Director managing a team of direct and indirect reports across the world. Main challenges…
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Making sure your people do the Right Thing

Big question for all leaders is “How can I make sure my people do the right thing?” When leaders I train ask me this question I tend to counter a bit Socraticly asking “What is the right thing?” It all starts with giving your people the responsibility to make choices…
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“Welcome to the Matrix!”

Early this year I was working with a client facilitating a certification workshop on Service Excellence when we were requested to welcome a high level visitor wanting to meet the new members of his team. Having a quick “When, How, What” we found a good moment for his introduction. He…
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Beware of Crisis-Sales Coaching

There is Crisis-Management, Crisis-Communication – but is there also Crisis-Sales? In my opinion there is – and as far as I have seen it is not the most likable way to execute this profession. Crisis-Sales is earmarked by desperation. Crisis-Sales Coaching happens when there is a crisis or economic turmoil…
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Why Distance Coaching needs to be Differentiated on Personal Needs

Distance Coaching is more relevant than ever. How do you connect with your people on a personal level, keeping them motivated and focussed on their priorities in challenging times like we are now experiencing? A good way to start is differentiating your approach based on each person’s typical preferences. A tool…
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Be your own Example

Many presentations I attend start with “inspiring examples”. For example stories about relatives who contributed to the development of the presenter as a child, or local celebrities developing communities, or sports coaches who have made a huge difference in the life of etc. Like everybody else I can make a…
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Taxi-driver Wisdom

When I was traveling in Denmark for work I got involved in an interesting discussion with one of my taxi drivers. Normally I am not necessarily talkative when driving from hotel to training location, so it was quite special that this discussion happened. Especially because of the turn it took. We started…
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Turning a Dull Corporate Initiative into an Energizing Event: 3 golden rules

CEO’s are struggling to create buy in for new corporate initiatives. As new strategies are launched constantly from Headquarters local operations react with a certain reluctance and skepticism towards initiatives targeting to deal with future challenges. People are more concerned with day to day challenges like “How am I coping…
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Ever needed to look a Cow in the Ass?

The Dutch are famous for a couple of things like tulips, windmills, directness and liberal Amsterdam. I would like to add to this the Dutch talent for making up expressions nobody understands – but nevertheless seem to make sense – coupled with the urge to speak up and give our…
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Don’t be afraid of STEEP

Unlike some other trainers I like to be trained myself. My personality profile allows me to practice what I preach albeit with questionable results depending on the art and mastery level required. Latest experience being trained myself occurred this winter on the steep slopes of the French Alps during a skiing holiday…
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Activating Your Team from Behind Your Desk… How does that work?

Over the years many leadership gurus have eloquently told us about the latest trends and best practices differentiating managers from leaders and coaches from mentors. Common denominator in all trends so far has been the level of personal involvement as a positive means of constructive interaction. The latest trend however…
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Plastic Surgery

Companies tend to adopt similar change models at the same time – like a wave overtaking ships one by one. Many times you wonder if this new model is really the best for this particular company – is it going to help this company become a new and more effective…
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