Merry Christmas! 

I couldn't help but notice that this year everything started much later than usually or it is only me. For example, the Christmas jingles on the radio which only started on the 1 December, the Christmas lights seemed to go up later as well and even shops seemed to have decorated their windows later. Even the weather is only just beginning to change.

Nevertheless, the spirit of the holidays has arrived. The comforting, tempting smell of baking whafting through the house and Christmas party spirits are beginning to rise. It is also getting dark earlier and earlier, which makes me want to put the fire on and snuggle up. Here in our house we decorated our tree last weekend. It is always a bit of a celebration for us.  The frantic busyness is slowly turning into a sense of excitement.

How do you feel about the approaching closure of 2018? Has the year brought you all that you set out for at the beginning of the year? Many are still scrambling to achieve some last minute goals before the holiday break starts. Much has happened on the world stage, which no doubt has left traces in people's consciousness.

I wonder what has changed for you in the last 12 months? How will your current position influence what you want for 2019? Perhaps the article in this edition will be able to give you some inspiration for this.  

With this in mind and a massive apprecation for allowing me to share part of your journey, in whichever capacity. I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and magical festive season.

The Mystery of Accountability       

I am frequently asked in workshops or coaching sessions: So, what actually does “Accountability” mean?  And how is it different from responsibility?

Given that there are occasions where people often complain about things not happening, or going to pot or indeed opportunities being missed, there could not be a more appropriate time to pick this topic up and write about it. Therefore, in this article today I explore:

• What the definition of accountability is;
• Why it is an important topic right now;
• How we see the impact of accountability – or its lack;
• Who should take it; and also
• What usually gets in the way.

Definition: What is accountability?

Someone who is accountable is completely responsible for what they do and must be able to give a satisfactory reason for it: She is accountable only to the managing director. The recent tax reforms have made government more accountable for its spending.  Politicians should be accountable to the public who elected them.

(Cambridge Dictionary Definition)

Read more here to demystify accountability.

The Challenge of Projects

Any of us face a number of projects throughout our lives - privately as much as in business. Can you think of one project that under way right now? Perhaps you are designing a new product, looking to gain market share, planning to move up in your career, have taken responsibility for a small part of a bigger project, perhaps you are moving house or thinking of retirement. Maybe you are building a new aircraft. 

All of these projects have one common challenging denominator and that is: How to get the most effective result. Over the course of 2018 I have been developing a programm that helps unravel this challenge and strengthens you as a person at the same time.  

Watch this video: to decide for yourself if this is the support you are looking for and make you accountable for your achieving your project.

Tankstelle - Recharging Your Batteries

There are several ways to recharge after an intense period of life or work. There is an awful lot of talk these days in the media about mindfulness and the power of meditation. When we started to introduce these tools years ago in our workshops people were still very suspicious about them.  Meanwhile, both have been recognised almost as a skill that helps everyone to lead a more balanced life. 

What works well for you to recharge? How do you deal with things that drain you? ... and what do you notice in respect of your agility (flexibility)?  

Brainwave is a wonderful mobile app which is perfect for a quick recharge throughout the day. In addition here is a guided meditation for those quiet half hours.

Quote of the Season

 

Be the change you want to see happen, instead of trying to change everyone else." 

— Arlene Lorrance, 1974, "The Love Project"