B is for... Brave and Bold Both as someone seeking help and support and the person offering it, we need to put insecurities and concerns to one side and let people in. Don't worry about what the other person thinks of you (just make sure you are with someone who you can trust), being brave and bold (and perhaps even ballsy!) in asking and answering questions will lead to much more powerful answers.
Chartered Management Institute head Ann Francke thinks that conversations about football at work leave women feeling left out and should be curtailed. Is she right?
A is for... Accountability Good intentions are one thing but they often fall by the wayside when it comes to putting new ideas and commitments into practice. A strong mentor or mastermind group should be there not just to point you in the right direction but also to keep you on course and encourage you to keep going. Accountability for commitments made in previous sessions should be part of every agenda.
I was interviewed by Camilita Nuttall just before Christmas and really enjoyed the experience. I even enjoyed listening back to the interview when it was released on her podcast recently - and I don't always say that. You can listen here or download it on your podcast provider.
The front page of this morning's Times makes for interesting reading. According to the article, "The prime minister's chief adviser has appealed for 'weirdos and misfits' to come to work with him in 10 Downing Street".
A is for... Ask A simple place to begin...if you don't ask, you don't get. When we are struggling to find the right answers it's easy to assume that everyone around us understands and will step in to help but, even in a close relationship or with a mentor, our challenges aren't always clearly visible to others. We need to articulate them clearly to let people in.
You might know me as "Mr. Network". Here's why I'd like that to change...
I am indebted to Gina Lazenby for this detailed review of my recent 'Just Ask' workshop.