Marcus Dimbleby

The lack of challenge and critical thinking in today’s workplace is a common problem. The WEF Future of Jobs report recognises critical thinking as THE essential skill… yet it’s the most lacking. This is why the tools and Techniques of Applied Critical Thinking (ACT) are an essential capability for individuals and organisations. Workshops running throughout the year - discover more https://www.effectivedirection.com/act-sales

To build a growth-oriented culture that embraces change, encourages learning and development, and puts people first, leaders need to think and behave differently. They can employ various practical strategies and tactics, such as: 1. Developing emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership 2. Encouraging open communication and feedback loops 3. Establishing a learning and growth mindset across the organization 4. Nurturing a psychologically safe environment for experimentation and innovation 5. Implementing effective coaching and mentorship programs 6. Recognising and rewarding resilience and adaptability in employees 7. Integrating continuous improvement practices in daily operations Taken from the book “Big Things Fast”.

In my experience of working with many executives and middle managers, you first need to understand what you actually need. What’s the problem you’re trying to solve. Coaching is very specific offering and often the opposite of what is needed. Mid-career leaders often need a little tough love, hard truths revealing, clear guidance, and a trusted confidante that they can sound off to. Ultimately, we all need some Effective Direction. It’s not just a clever name.

Become a better leader! Most stress and burnout is self-induced. Just like most businesses die from self-inflicted wounds. Leadership is a mess, we’re seeing incompetence at scale. It’s the no.1 cause of failure for all those shiny digital and Agile transformations failing at a rate greater than 70%. Why? Ineffective leadership. Employee engagement is at a 9-year low, 23% globally. Europe the lowest of ten global regions at 13%. That is appalling. Why? Ineffective leadership. The root cause of all problems organisations are facing can be traced back to… Ineffective leadership. The cause of stress and burnout in both themselves and the people they have working for them… Ineffective leadership. Time to think differently 📕

Diversity without inclusion is delusion. Too many HR agendas are missing the point with their pick & mix diversity selection process. It’s not good having a diverse workforce if you don’t include them. And groupthink prevents people speaking up. The only diversity any organisation needs is diversity of thought. But so few know how to enable that. Much easier to tick a few % boxes ☑️ 📦 Time to teach your workforce applied critical thinking skills. 📕

Don’t communicate, let your people discover the need for change. Engage them to do the analysis, to surface the problems within your organisation, to face into the lies you’re telling yourselves on a daily basis, to identify the enemy within, and to recommend clear paths to success and the actions required. This way will quickly bring ownership and far more effective change, as once you see these things you cannot unsee them. So don’t bring in some big consultancy to take your watch and tell you the time. All the answers you need lie within. Engage your people. Teach them applied critical thinking, enable Red Teaming as a core capability, and you’ll see game-changing impact.