Cocktails and Coaching

Have you ever met someone that you just don't trust, but you can't put your finger on exactly why?  I've recently heard of the concept that trust is an equation... Trust = Reliability + Credibility + Intimacy / Self Interest Reliability ... Do they do what they say they will? Are they consistent? And are they there when you need them? Credibility ... Do they have a track record? Are they an expert on the subject matter? Intimacy ... Are they open? Do they share about them-self? Are they honest? Do you know them personally? The interesting thing is that someone can have all of these qualities but Trust can be completely undone by the last element which is dividing all of that by Self Interest. Self Interest ... Are they political? Out for them-self? Just after one big goal? Their may be people where you can now absolutely pinpoint why it is that you don't trust them. But think about yourself, are there any elements that you need to address for others to trust you?

The key is for people to work hard because they want to do a good job for you, rather than because they fear you. To me it is really important that I lead by example... I want to be treated fairly so I treat people fairly too. That's not to say that I give people an easy ride. I have high expectations of people that work for me and around me, but I have even higher expectations of myself! I recently had a 17 year old come and work with me on work experience and he commented that we have a culture where people work hard because they don't want to let their teams and manager down rather than through fear. Which got me thinking...  What makes a good manager / leader? It's someone who: Doesn't make it personal  Makes decisions objectively Is honest  Is guided by internal moral standards Has self awareness  Demonstrates an understanding of own strengths and weaknesses Is good at disclosing about them-self Can help shape your ideas And I'd say my favourite... A leader ena...

I recently wrote a blog about balance and how to find out what balance means to you... Which prompted a conversation with a friend on how does 'one' actually find balance?... My favourite cocktail is a Caipirinha... To make it, you just need Cachaca (white rum), lime, sugar and ice... The right balance of all and it tastes amazing... Get the balance wrong and it's really not good!! I work full time and have 2 lovely little girls who are always full of energy! And I try really hard to balance work and motherhood (plus have time to go out for cocktails with the girls every so often)! It is important to me that I am the best I possibly can be, at whatever I do, whether I’m at work or at home. I need to feel that I am the best possible version of me.  I love my job but I also love being a mum, as I said, I have 2 girls who are 2 and 5 - don’t get me wrong, it can be hard work coping with early morning wake ups and the terrible two's! But I don't believe I have to choos...

I've learnt a lot about myself recently while spending a week at Telefonica University in Barcelona. I'm a fairly self aware person however the value of stopping, reflecting and gathering your thoughts is immense and I highly recommend it! While I was there I spoke to lots of people and the common theme that came out is the importance of balance. It is very personal and individual but whatever 'balance' means to you is worth exploring. For me, balance right now is about being successful at work and progressing my career but not at the expense of my family. For myself and my family, I want to create memories and I want to shape my two girls into wonderful people. True balance for me is recognising that me being successful at work compliments my ambitions for my family.  Questions you can ask yourself... Why do you get out of bed in the morning? (And not because your kids are jumping on top of you!!!) What are you passionate about? Are you proud of how you spend your time...