RWC Blog

In my view the greatest attributes that a leader can possess – over and above being an accomplished and articulate communicator – are “integrity” and “transparency”. Both of these traits are instrumental in developing stakeholder trust, and the greater your integrity and transparency the more you will be trusted…particularly if/ when you “walk the talk” and do as you say. Great leaders have no qualms about sharing information – they know what the positive consequences are of sharing relevant information…

The principle of “division of labour” has long been established in the field of economics. Essentially it recognizes that in order to achieve best possible desired outcomes, an organization must appoint the right people and the right number of people  to do the right things at the right time. Too many times (still) business owners attempt to cover a number of bases (work functions) which well and truly exceed their capacity (and often their capability also). I consider that this…

Although some people may not believe it, the ability to mind-read is still very much a fantasy and not a reality. If this is indeed the case (and it is), then why is it that so many people don’t communicate their thoughts to others ? I have worked with people who seem to revel in their own brilliance (quietly in their own mind) – yet fail miserably to share their brilliance/ thoughts with the outside world. The fallacy for these…

During my lifetime to date I have formed and fostered constructive relationships with many people. When I reflect on the reasons why these relationships have been so positive I have concluded that two essential ingredients were involved: Mutual respect – and this respect was displayed by each person to the other. Kindness – and acts of kindness were performed by each person for the other.  And that’s it. I firmly believe that if people are concerned about forming and nurturing…

There seems to be a growing fear among some employers that somehow talented employees will over-throw them if they engage them in their business. I have seen this attitude first-hand in recent years – and have been on the receiving end of this attitude also. How narrow and small minded ! Astute business owners don’t fear talented employee prospects – they embrace them. Such employers understand the powerful positive difference that talented employees can make to their business, and typically…

Have you ever wondered why some organizations really flourish, move forward at a commendable rate and realise their objectives; whilst others are problematic, tend to go around in circles as the same problems reappear and remain unresolved, and they never quite realise their goals ? Have you stopped to think why such differences in organizations are evident ? Having been involved with a diverse range of organizations to date, I am confident I know why. Progressive, forward-moving organizations typically reflect…

Some organizations stop advancing due to the owner (inadvertently or not) thinking that they alone know what is best for their business. They don’t acknowledge the input/ ideas/ contributions of others, and typically are quite change-resistant. I have seen the consequences of employees choosing not to speak their minds (give their honest opinions) to their employer. In these cases the businesses concerned had become semi-dysfunctional and the employees had become disenfranchised from the business (basically simply doing as they were…

In my experience, it is poor/ ambiguous/ lack of/ untimely communication which remains the single biggest reason why organizations of all shape/ size/ orientation/ industry affiliation become semi or fully dysfunctional….or instead (at the other end of the scale) become magnificent. Without question, students must develop outstanding communication skills – oral and written – to only then enjoy positive functional relationships (both in a work context and in other areas of their lives)…and a good amount of success in their…

For as long as human beings remain “social animals” (the degree of which will always vary between individuals) we will always have a need to “belong” – to connect with other people. Whilst digital technology has made it more convenient to connect with others – particularly those living a long distance from ourselves – I believe that the strongest connections able to be established between people (both now and into the future) are those that are formed and fostered face-to-face.…

Over the years I have been at the front-end of providing vision and setting strategy for a range of different organisations. I guess it is this bent/ passion which has led me to look at the way in which in New Zealand at least commerce education providers and business leaders/ advisors alike remain transfixed on the traditional SME scale business model as being the best option for most budding business owners to pursue. I have quite a different (and opposing)…