I’ve just finished reading “The botany of desire” by Michael Pollan which explores the relationship between man and four significant plants (the apple, the tulip, marijuana and the potato) to uncover what’s going on. One of his basic premises can be summed up in this paragraph from the introduction: “What existential difference is there between [...]

Tags: employee engagement, engagement, Leadership and management, Leadership skills, unofficial leaders

If you are an experienced leader, how do you think other people react to you and the team you have created? Do they see you as a humble individual who is proud of their achievement and wants to share the joy of their creation with others? Or do you give a different kind of impression. [...]

Tags: emerging leaders, Fierce leadership, inconsistent leadership, Reputation, Support for leaders, unofficial leaders

Just as a gardener goes through different stages with their garden, so do leaders of teams in the workplace. Each of these stages or phases requires attention and employs a different range of skills. There are 4 main phases that you need to consider, whether you are talking about plants or people: Prepare For gardeners [...]

Tags: emerging leaders, Fierce leadership, inconsistent leadership, Karen Schmidt, Purpose, Support for leaders, unofficial leaders, www.letsgrow.com.au

One unexpected thing I am learning as a volunteer at the City Farm (www.nscf.org.au) is being more resourceful. With limited resources a lot of things have to be improvised and a lot of recycling goes on. For example, an old Council garbage bin has been turned into a clever bulk watering system for seedlings, old [...]

Tags: Employee benefits, engagement, Small Business, unofficial leaders, www.nscf.org.au

I am currently reading the latest book by my favourite author Bill Bryson. Called “At Home: A short history of private life”, it analyses the past to look at why we live the way we do by explaining where certain household items, terms and practices came from. It is fascinating stuff, even if he does [...]

Tags: emerging leaders, employee engagement, Fierce leadership, Karen Schmidt, Leadership skills, Reputation, unofficial leaders, www.letsgrow.com.au