We’ve all heard the jokes about the number of (insert relevant profession) it takes to change a lightbulb. But recently I witnessed an exercise that got me thinking – when we ask groups of people to work together effectively, do we give enough thought as to how that group will make a decision?
Blog Archive
Decision Making - How many execs does it take to change a lightbulb?
Posted on April 23, 2013 by Emer O'Donnell
Three great leadership lessons - inspired by Declan Kidney
Posted on April 05, 2013 by Paul O'Dea
Declan Kidney knows that professional sports team management is brutish. Wins are quickly forgotten and sentiment turns quickly toxic when results don't meet expectations. Most leaders performance evaluation is conducted in private. Not so a professional coach, even a Monday morning pundit (like myself) feels we have a right to review the coaches performance. Yet whatever public sentiment lingers, I believe Declan Kidney's legacy includes three great leadership lessons:
Want to Make your Startup Succeed - Be yourself with "More Skill"
Posted on March 19, 2013 by Paul O'Dea
Last week, I met famed leadership expert Gareth Jones (author of Why Should Anybody be Led by You?). Jones speaks about large companies and draws lessons from great leaders like Mandela and Branson. It got me thinking - how would his lessons apply to startups?
Discussing the Elephant in the Room - Impact on Business Growth
Posted on February 26, 2013 by Paul O'Dea
The phrase 'the elephant in the room' is often used yet it's impact is less frequently talked about. Sure we can all play along acknowledging the 'elephant' but not discussing it. However I wonder what impact this elephant ignoring has on growing companies?
Lunchtime Laughs With LinkedIn - Different Roles Have Different Views
Posted on February 25, 2013 by Emer O'Donnell
Whilst browsing through Linkedin at my desk today over a sambo I came across an interesting discussion on how different roles in a business have a different view on life.
'State of the heart' beats 'State of the art'
Posted on February 14, 2013 by Paul O'DeaComments
I often have the privilege of providing business coaching to smart CEOs in the tech sector. Many struggle to get the story of their business straight. It gets clouded in a fog of digital speak. It is hard not to be seduced into colluding with these CEOs trying to improve their PointPoint deck.
Successful market entry - the challenge continues
Posted on February 04, 2013
Successful market entry is a challenge, whether you are a tiny startup seeking your first market, or a more seasoned entrepreneur searching for growth. In fact history tells us that for every four attempts only one is successful. With these daunting statistics it makes sense to prepare as best you can. Taking on a new market is an issue that affects all parts of the business and poses numerous challenges - understanding the market, identifying partners, appraising the competition, recruiting suitable staff etc.
Giving and receiving advice for startups
Posted on January 17, 2013
We work with startups all the time. On iGAP we meet 25+ new ones every year, each with their own set of challenges and issues to figure out. A friend of ours, let’s call him Jeff, has recently set up an internet business. One evening last week Jeff popped over for some advice and feedback on his beta site.
What is the right number of founders in a startup?
Posted on January 15, 2013
Someone asked me an interesting question recently - what's the right number of founders in a startup? Most of us only have the agony or ecstasy of a few startups so this an important question to consider early on.
Observe Customers Interacting with Your Product…It can be surprising
Posted on December 20, 2012
Last Thursday we had the pleasure of welcoming Justin Knecht (@verticalbones) back to The Gibson Hotel for our last iGAP session of 2012. Justin has been with us before and it's always been a great session, but this year there was a swist to the tale.
