Effective Challenge Podcastproductive, happy & well

ECP 023 Don't overlook the youth Something a bit different in this episode.  I have a special guest to talk with.  Amelie, my daughter. We discuss: Tech Cooking Techniques for learning The art of influence and persuasion As always the cast draws out some practical things we can do to work on our own performance. Amelie will definitely be back for future episodes. I'm keen to increase the impact of the Effective Challenge podcast so please share with at least one person who may find the content useful or could do with something a little lighter in their podcast feed.  Please share any comments and or observations with [email protected]

ECP 022 Mind Weeding In this episode, I consider how much our minds need weeding so we can grow and bloom just like our gardens.   Often peoples minds are filled with thoughts that just are not helpful.  I discuss the benefits of considering three questions which can help: Do I want this thought? How is this thought serving or hindering me? What will I do as a result of this thought? As always there is plenty of practical things to start exploring straight away. If you have any questions or observations as a result of the cast please drop me a line [email protected] If you think other people you know might benefit from this content it'd be great if you could share. Also, if you are so inclined please leave a review on your podcast provider. I'd really like to increase the reach and impact of the podcast in 2020 so your help really is appreciated.

ECP 021 2020 some housekeeping The ECP Podcast has taken a break for the first part of 2020.  This new series (or season depending on which you prefer) kicks off with a few messages about things that are planned for the podcast in 2020.   Different episodes will have different bitesize features. This will include: Q&A - where I'll answer questions that people ask me that are likely to be of benefit to others. Quote Thoughts - where I look at wise words from others and give my take on what I think the quotes are aiming at. Team Talk - where I'll come up with topics teams can use at their meetings to raise awareness of different performance approaches. Media Corner - where I'll consider different performance-related books, podcasts and talks. Of course, the Podcast will still continue to have the more in-depth look at particular subjects.  And a common theme throughout any podcast will be what people can practically do to make use of the content discussed. As always It'd be great to hear your thoughts and feedback. Of course keep your questions coming - I'll need them for the Q&A cast - [email protected].   Please share the podcast with people you feel would benefit from the content and if you are so inclined, head over to your podcast provider of choice and leave a review (particularly those 5 * ones...).

As the days tick by in December, we edge closer to Christmas and the holiday season. A time to kick back, probably eat and drink a little too much, laugh with family and friends and perhaps reflect a little on 2019. At least that’s the idea. The reality is very often different. In preparing for a merry Christmas many people will put more thought into what crackers to buy than their own wellbeing. So, with that in mind, grab a mulled wine, mince pie and some space to listen to ideas wrapped up in wellbeing gift.  In this case, the gift stands for: Gratitude Innovation Forward Thinking Time I'm always interested in any comments or feedback from this or any other of the Effective Challenge Podcasts. Please share with others who you think may benefit for the content and of course please subscribe so you don't miss future episodes.

In this edition of the Effective Challenge podcast, I discuss some of my observations about delivering in an agile environment. Topics include: Providing the bigger picture clarity Keeping things simple Keeping people in synch You do have plans Feedback as a way of working Recognition of the wider delivery environment Without due consideration of these six areas, it's easy to quickly find the promise of delivering in more agile ways quickly turns to anarchy. I'm really interested in your thoughts on this subject and any feedback you may have about the podcast.  Please drop me a line to [email protected]. Please subscribe to the podcast and share it with people who you believe may benefit from its content.

In this episode, I discuss the growing need to dedicate time and effort to define the work that needs to be done in order to reach an objective. In fact, defining the work is actually work in its own right. I look at this topic from three angles: Defining the Macro The value of a weekly review and plan session Creating daily focus. I make reference in the episode to a Bill Gates documentary Inside Bill's Brain. It's available on Netflix. Here's a link to a trailer. I'm interested in your feedback and observations please drop me a line to [email protected] Please subscribe to the podcast through your usual channel and if you think others might benefit from the content, I'd be really grateful if you could share it with them.

In this episode, I discuss the topic of innovation.  I've worked in and with teams looking to innovate and have made a number of observations about what can work best when it comes to innovation.  I discuss seven in this cast.  They are: Clarity of objective. Build trust and openness in the team. It's a mindset not an event. Move quickly from theory to practice. Plan do review approach. Think about who you recruit. Alignment of reward systems As always I'm interestest in any thoughts and observations you have about this topic. I'd also be super appreciative if you've found this of benefit if you'd pass it on to someone else you think might appreciate the content.  And if I'm pushing my luck a 5* review always goes down well.

In this episode, I discuss the tendency some people and teams have to become too fancy about the approach they use to achieve a goal.  The approach can get in the way of the progress they want to make often as a result of: Becoming too complex Getting lost in the approach Failing to bring people with them Struggling to prioritise and make decisions I talk about four things you can do to help support yourself when thinking about the approach: Clarity of objective, understanding of the start point, and specific on what next. Working out the basics and do them brilliantly Importance of MI - what questions are you looking to satisfy. When it comes to MI, because you can doesn’t mean you should Start the approach small then, potentially expand As always I'm interested in any comments you have - please drop me a line to [email protected]  If you have found this useful and can think of someone else who might appreciate it, I'd be really grateful if you could share with them.

This is the final of a four-part series which has been considering the Effective Challenge BEST model. This episode focuses on the choices we make around how we use our time. Among other things, I discuss the potential downsides of finding yourself operating from a 'latest and loudest' mode, consideration that we need clarity and principles as opposed to the latest gizmo or tactic and finally how Stephen Covey's habits can help. I'm interested in any thoughts or comments you may have about this cast, please drop me a line to [email protected]

ECP 014 BEST Skills In this episode, I consider the third element of the Effective Challenge BEST model - Skills.  Often skills are the first place people head for when thinking about development.  In this cast, amongst other things, I discuss how it's easy to not give enough consideration to the informal skills learning opportunities that exist and the need to combine theory with the practical doing to really enhance our performance. I'm interested in any comments you may have from this cast - please drop me an email to [email protected]

This episode is part two of a four-part series where I look the Effective Challenge BEST model.  The focus is looking at the impact of our environment in the pursuit of a particular goal or project. I consider what triggers can be helpful to introduce into an environment to support more of what you want and less of what you don't want. To illustrate a practical use of the environment analysis I provide some examples of the work I did to consider how to create what I believe I need to train for the 2020 Tour of Flanders sportive. You can download a free Environment workbook from www.effectivechallenge.com to undertake your own environmental analysis.  I'd love to hear how you get on or answer any questions you may have. [email protected]

ECP12 Behaving your BEST In this episode, I introduce one of the models I use when working with individuals and teams - BEST. Where BEST stands for Behaviour, Environment, Skills and Time.  More specifically in this episode, I look at assessing our behaviour to get to improve our performance. With a particular goal in mind I do this through three areas: What behaviours do I want to see more of and less of?  How stimulus and response can impact us.  The use of reflection time to assess progress and what adaptation could be required. In future episodes, I will look at the three areas of the BEST model in more detail. Please subscribe to receive future episodes and if possible please leave a review - they really are appreciated.  Alternatively drop me a line directly to  [email protected]

In this episode I talk about a sporting challenge I'm taking on in 2020.  It's the Tour of Flanders in Belgium something I've wanted to do for while yet put off as I didn't want to commit to the training required.  The podcast cast draws parallels to other situations you might face in other settings.  Here are three: Get stuff out of your head to bring greater objectivity. When we know the level of commitment required we can make more informed choices. You don’t have to know the whole plan in detail to make progress. As always I'm in interested in any feedback or questions you might have.  Please send me an email to [email protected]

Something a bit different in this cast - the first Effective Challenge in Conversation episode.  This is the first of what I hope will be a number of conversations with people from different settings.  The overriding topic of these conversations is exploring how people have achieved change to improve performance.  Those of you who have listened to previous casts or engaged with other Effective Challenge material will know that getting basics in place and functioning well is a key element of sustained high performance.   The conversation is with Casper Chittingden and Richard Brockhurst – founders and owners of the 3 Aces Cross-fit gym, London. It's longer than previous episodes. This is deliberate to allow people to get a better feel for the Approached used by Caspar and Richard. In the conversation we cover a wide range of topics including: · The benefits of physical exercise and its impact to wellbeing outside of the gym environment · Working out how to get the best from people · Overcoming challenges through practical action and a mindset which encourages growth and learning.  Whilst the conversation if biased towards exercise, the majority of approaches used by Casper and Richard are readily applicable to other settings. Slight health warning on this one.  The recording took place in the gym which is located under the arches of a train track.  From time to time you'll hear the trains going by. I really hope that doesn't detract too much from what I hope is a useful conversation. As always I’m interested in your feedback - please drop me a line [email protected] If you feel so inclined please subscribe to receive future episodes or leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. Thanks in advance.

In this episode I discuss my observations of the different states people can find themselves in as they look to make sustainable changes to their performance.  I draw on work by Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross who made observations of the states people go through when receiving a terminal diagnosis.  This work has been adapted to help individuals and organisations manage change.  I have my own version of this which I have observed when leading change with individuals, teams and organisations. I encourage you to consider: The differences between enthusiasm and commitment. What emotional aspects might show up as you look to make change and balance these with the often more obvious tangible elements like goals and plans. Where possible doing this work up front to help you avoid the less helpful states towards the progress you want to see. If you are struggling to make sustainable change which of the seven states you could be in and what questions you could ask to help make the progress you desire. As always I'm interested in any questions and or feedback you have - please drop me a line to [email protected] For more information about how Effective Challenge can help you make the progress you are looking to achieve, please drop me a line or have a look at the website.

In this episode I discuss some of the benefits of building a 90 day plan to pursue a particular goal or project. This is relevant to both individuals and teams. I make the argument that being able to see a particular 90 day plan in the context of your other commitments and priorities increase the chances of success. I'm interested in your views about this topic, drop me a line at [email protected]

Prompted by an incident at the 2019 Giro D'Italia, where two riders got themselves into an exchange of words that led to one giving an apology and the other gracefully accepting it, this episode looks at what we could learn from their situation in everyday life.   It considers: some of the indicators that might mean we are more likely to say or do the wrong thing the need to resolve an issue you may have created through some emotionally fuelled behaviour letting go and allowing someone to apologise why accepting an apology doesn't make you a push over Previously I'd written about the Giro issue on the Effective Challenge Blog.  You can see what the two riders actually said to each other here: http://effectivechallenge.com/lesson-from-the-giro-giving-and-accepting-an-apology/ 

In this episode I discuss some of the challenges of trying to manage too many things inside your head and some options to consider to improve your performance in this area.  This includes getting better objectivity, getting better at prioritising thoughts and setting up your environment with appropriate thought capture tools.   I make reference during the cast to Brain Toss. This is an app I use for capturing thoughts I have whilst doing exercise. Here's a link: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/braintoss/id576226036?mt=8 I imagine it's available on other platforms too. If you have alternative tools then please let me know. I'm always interested in any feedback you might have.  Please subscribe if you  enjoyed this and please share if you think you know others who might get some benefit from the podcast. 

In this week’s cast I discuss careers and what it means to get your own definition of a career and how to pursue it.  Considering: - The implications of being in a career rush or rut.  - How to tackle overwhelm when you’re not sure what to do. - What you can practically do to build momentum in your career. As always, I’m interested in your thoughts and or observations about the cast and any topics you would like to see covered in future episodes. Drop me a line [email protected] 

Many organisation are setting up objectives for people to deliver. Of a standard approach is used for the wording of these objectives.  The SMART acronym is a common in example.  In this podcast I look at getting beyond the words and considering the relationship between the individuals delivery the objective.  Looking at challenge and support, the role each individual has to play and setting up a way of working which increases the chance of delivery success. The topics discussed are applicable in multiple settings not just business. 

The latest episode of the Effective Challenge podcast where the foundations of personal success are highlighted. To do this I use the PRIME model, where PRIME stands for Physical, Rest, Intake Mind and Energy. In addition, I highlight the very good Joe Cross documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly dead.

In this episode I look at an approach to improve the quality of our expectations versus the realty we might face.

Introduction to Effective Challenge podcast.