Here's an idea worth playing with

This is episode 2 of 5, of the Releasing Agility mini series, where I share the model and how it works. 

This episode of about leaning into the current reality of your business - and building a strategy.

The model is designed to get leaders and managers to think about what they want to move smoothly and quickly towards - and then to focus energy and attention towards the things that really matter. 

This model is what I use when coaching managers and leaders - and the first three steps firmly belong to them. 

Step 1 - Paint a picture of the future - tell a story

Step 2 - Lean into the current reality - what's stopping you from achieving this bright future?

Step 3 - This is the team to get it done, or is it?

Step 4 - Routines and Habits

Step 5 - Learning - there's always a chance to get better

This is episode 1 of 5, of the Releasing Agility mini series, where I share the model and how it works. 

This episode of about writing a story about the future - a painted picture.

The model is designed to get leaders and managers to think about what they want to move smoothly and quickly towards - and then to focus energy and attention towards the things that really matter. 

This model is what I use when coaching managers and leaders - and the first three steps firmly belong to them. 

Step 1 - Paint a picture of the future - tell a story
Step 2 - Lean into the current reality - what's stopping you from achieving this bright future?
Step 3 - This is the team to get it done, or is it?
Step 4 - Routines and Habits
Step 5 - Learning - there's always a chance to get better

In this episode I share the idea of a book being written about the business you work in. That book started on the first day of the business - and continues to be written every single day. It's therefore an idea to consider what your current chapter of the book is about. What's your contribution to this big book of the business? Is this chapter a horror, or drama, or action packed adventure?

Read the companion article over on Cultivated : https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/leadership-as-a-chapter-in-a-bigger-story/ 

Running a workshop is not a matter of turning up and hoping for the best. It is a craft — built through preparation, intention, and genuine care for the learning journey. This episode makes the case for taking teaching seriously, not as performance, but as responsibility, with 10 elements I personally use to run award winning workshops.

Read more in the companion article: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/teaching-is-a-craft/

Thanks
Rob..

In this episode I introduce the idea of Biophilic Design; designing workspaces to include more nature and natural elements. I dig into some of the science and see whether a "more natural" workspace helps with mood, emotions and productivity.

Join me as I wander around the local countryside and share ideas, tips and advice on how to include more nature in your home, or office, workspace - and why it's important.

Find the scientific articles, videos and images in the companion article: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/biophilic-design-workspaces/

Business improvement does not need to be mystical.

Beneath the programmes, beneath the jargon, beneath the theatre of transformation — two forces keep showing up. Friction and reward. Reduce the former. Strengthen the latter. And things begin to move. People move. Customers move. Work moves.

Earlier in my career I kept reaching for the same idea but used different words: resistance and outcomes. Later I found the sharper label in Richard Hammond's work on retail — friction and reward.

Read the companion article here: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/friction-and-reward/

In today's cast and post I'm introducing a model of leisure time from the 1920's! 

I'll introduce the Netflix challenge (a dysfunctional game being played at a workplace) and explain how I draw connections to work from what is a sociology lifestyle model.

How we choose to use our leisure time has been a hotly debated inquiry into society itself. I won't go that deep - but I will share how I see this model helping me as a leader.

Read the companion article: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/from-escape-to-creation/

I am in Zurich, capturing the sounds of the city - and also sharing 3 helpful ways to frame any conversation about value. We often need executive buy-in, support or air cover for our work, but many people fail to communicate these ideas effectively.

Well, here's an idea worth playing with - frame your requests in language that resonates and a frame that makes sense. I share the 3 elements of the frame as well as some cracking audio of Cathedral bells, rivers and more from Zurich.

As usual, you can find more content on cultivatedmanagement.com
You can find BTS footage, images and video from Zurich on my personal Instagram - @simplylambert

Thanks
Rob..

Hi,

I hope you are doing well. Welcome to another Here’s An Idea Worth Playing With (HAIWPW). The weekly audio show about ideas that I think are worth playing with.

I recorded this at lunch today, after recording a video about park benches (yes, you read that right). I was at Avington Park, a wonderful estate just outside of Winchester. It was cold. There were some menacing looking bulls. The swans were circling. Some bird watchers were hanging around.

And I was musing about the 8 different types of intelligence and playing with the idea that our workplaces may benefit from appreciating, amplifying and accelerating the diversity of intelligence. This list is from this source. 

The 8:

1. Spatial intelligence - Abstract and dimensional thinking
2. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence - Understanding our body
3. Musical intelligence - Sensitivity to rhythm, etc
4. Linguistic/Language intelligence - flow, correct words, melody, tone
5. Logical-mathematical intelligence - The ability to analyze problems logically (the classical idea of intelligence)
6. Interpersonal intelligence - The ability to interact effectively with others
7. Intrapersonal intelligence - Sensitivity to one’s own feelings, goals, capabilities and values
8. Naturalistic intelligence - The ability to understand nature

I mention:

• The communication workshop (we cover a couple of these 8 in this course).
• The Trinity of Career Development
• The 10 Behaviours of Effective Employees

That’s been an idea worth playing with. Have a fab week.

Rob..
Read the companion article: https://www.cultivatedmanagement.com/eight-intelligences-at-work/

In this episode I talk about using your calendar wisely by time blocking but offer some caution - simply filling your calendar with "stuff" often doesn't take account of your energy and attention. Some activities give energy, some deplete and all are vying for your attention. 

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

• Read the supporting blog post - https://cultivatedmanagement.com/time-blocking/
• The weekly newsletter - If you enjoyed this you can find a lot more in the weekly newsletter