Perspectives

Management ·

Don’t Ignore Me

I was coaching an AsiaPac President whose company had been bought by a larger organisation. He’d negotiated his exit and was weighing options. Over dinner, he showed me a spreadsheet he’d made with five options, and we went through each scenario. One option was with a large MNC. He’d been in an off-on dialogue for…

Communication ·

It’s Never “All About Me”

“You know the times you impress me the most are the times when you don’t even try.” –Joni Mitchell One of the common behavioural issues confronted by executive coaches are with people who are compelled to let everyone know they’re smart, or smarter than those around them. It’s a blind spot, and am sure they’d…

Communication ·

Cross-cultural tête-à-tête over noodles

I recently had lunch with a Hong Kong Chinese friend, a seasoned executive who’s worked in MNC’s for a number of years, we caught up on a new job he’d recently taken. He’s settled into the role well enough, and I asked how he and his new [Western] boss get along. He said it was…

Coaching ·

The Business Dietitian–4 points on shedding excess habits

When I coach someone, the goal is often a behavioural change, similar to changing a food or tobacco craving. Although I can’t lose someone else’s weight or kick their habit, I can usually help guide them to be better than they are, change some patterns, and ultimately improve their presence. The ideal time to use…

Hints & Tips ·

Why we dislike writing CVs–but shouldn’t

For many of us, writing our own CV is unpleasant, a thing to be put aside until it needs to be done. Often the resistance is because a CV rehashes the past, forcing you to highlight your genius, repeating how many times you’ve re-organised the company and saved the day. Seldom do we write–or talk–about…

General ·

Who Do You Think You Are?

Over a coffee last week, a friend recounted how she was adjusting to her [somewhat] new job, and from the sound of it, she’d been able to tackle it quite well, and was enjoying the work. She works for a US organisation, and as we’re in Singapore, I asked her about the lines of communication…

Hints & Tips ·

Self Promotion is NOT Self Aggrandising. Build the former and avoid the latter.

Over lunch with a senior-level executive who had been with a US MNC for a nearly 3 years, working Southeast Asia. He mentioned that in another year or two he’d like to return to the United States on the coattails of the company, better for the kids, quality of life, and so forth. “Sounds good,”…

Talent and Hiring ·

It’s called HIRING Manager For A Reason

A client of mine, a large MNC, made a job offer to a senior candidate I’d presented. They liked her very much and were eager to get her on board, as is true with any good hire. The provisional offer went through the HR team in China, They sent her an email with the package…

Talent and Hiring ·

Friend or Foe? That Elusive “Fit” Of Diversity When Interviewing Candidates

Is it Granada I see Or only Asbury Park Is it a fancy not worth thinking of Or is it At Long Last Love? Cole Porter wasn’t writing about hiring people, but I am. When interviewing candidates, what elements do you gravitate towards? Intellect and academic pedigree? A common work history? Significant achievements? “Presence?” Hobbies?…

Coaching ·

Don’t disappear into the job

The job won’t bury you; you can do that all by yourself. When I coach senior execs, I often find two different career groups. The first have recently gotten a new position, internally or externally. The second are looking for their next job (outside the company), and have not actively done so in years. This…