A Masterclass in Leadership - Book Launch

I’m excited to announce that over the last year (longer actually) I’ve been working on my latest book and I’m just weeks away from the book becoming available for purchase!

What’s the Book About?

The book is titled Leading High Performance Teams

I know the title really says it all, but unlike other leadership books that are big on theory, I share my own experiences of what really works through practical, tried and tested insights. Inside the book, I will share the lessons, experience and skills acquired to lead for high performance and what is needed to be a successful business adventurer. You can read more of the outline and topics covered here.

But today I just wanted to let you know about the upcoming launch and to invite you to sign up for a newsletter that will give you access to a free sample chapter as well as my Business Adventurer Newsletter.

Pre-Order and Save

The great news is that for a limited time I am also making the book available for pre-ordering at a 10% discount. All you need to do register to claim your 10% discount when the book is published. I’ll send you an email to let you know when the book is published.

Get on the Email List

As mentioned above – I’m offering everyone the opportunity of joining an email list that will give you access to a free taster chapter of the book as well as my free newsletter. You can sign up for this here.

Sharing Insights : Conrad Dickinson

Conrad is a successful businessman in the northeast of England and has also become a highly successful British polar explorer with an impressive portfolio of achievements that include the 'Polar Grand Slam' - skiing unsupported to the South Pole, North Pole and across Greenland. Conrad is the first Briton to achieve this feat! Here's what Conrad had to say about motivation and risk.

Your polar journeys are truly inspiring and show that the seemingly impossible is possible. What is it that motivates you day after day on your journeys?

CD:
If you stopped and looked at the big picture, you would never start! it's just too overwhelming. The trick is to break it into bite size chunks...one step, one two hour march, lunch break and the end of one day. At the end of the day you then say "well I got through today, so I'm sure i can manage tomorrow" and so on

Your polar journeys are particularly high risk endeavors. How do you approach risk?

CD:
I minimise risk by exceptional detailed planning and research into all aspects of the expedition, after that you rely on the phrase coined by Rune Gjeldnes - "guttsing it" - it basically means you attack something you are scared to do, but all the planning and reasoning tells you it will work out in the end...and mostly it does!

To explore more on Conrad visit:
http://www.northpoleclassic.com

Starting out on Your Leadership Journey

Just starting out on your leadership journey? Newly promoted and feeling a little disorientated? Here are some quick insights on what works me when I am leading new teams:



Know your Team
You’re not going to win your team over immediately. Start by getting an idea of their capabilities and interests.

Communicate
Teams work best when everyone knows what’s going on and who’s responsible for what. Nothing destroys a team faster than mistrust or the hiding of information.

Relax
Leading into the unknown is like the beginning of a polar journey. Everyone is tense, and itchy. Then you start to ski, and you forget about everything else but the task. Forget about the noise; focus on the goal.

Remaining Positive

An ability to take things in your stride, adopt a problem-solving attitude and stay optimistic can make the real difference between ultimate success and failure. While others around you may feel like keeping their heads down, a positive attitude will ensure that progress through a difficult period will be sustained. As a business adventurer, optimism and a ‘can do’ mentality, can have a real positive impact on others.

Here are some great tips for keeping your optimism up:

Keep Learning
Through learning you will develop your own leadership and technical skills gaining confidence. Read books, attend training course, listen to inspirational speakers and find a mentor to support your journey.

Keep Good Company
Socialise with people who are motivated and exhibit actions that show self-discipline and commitment. People with integrity will provide you with drive and a sense of purpose in your whole outlook.

Avoid Negative Company
Nothing will demote you faster than people who never produce results, seldom keep their word or always see the negative side of situations.

Sharing Insights : Dave Pearce

Dave Pearce is a mountaineering instructor, a TV/Film Safety Coordinator, a leadership consultant and professional speaker. His life has been packed full of adventure including working with Bear Grylls on the television series 'Born Survivor' and 'Man Versus Wild', re-enacting Captain Scott’s race to the pole in the television programme 'Blizzard: Race to the Pole'...and scaling some of the largest rock faces in the world - most notably on the 22nd of May 2003 summiting Mount Everest via the challenging and difficult North Face.

It was a summit 'push' that almost failed due to desperate prevailing conditions! Here's what Dave had to say...

Dave, your mountaineering achievements are truly inspiring. We often see mountaineering as an individual adventure, how important was the team?

DP:On Everest I was a member of a great team where everyones interdependence provided the foundation for the confidence we needed to reach the summit in some quite desperate conditions. Having a strong team on a mountain like Mount Everest is key to increasing your chances of not just success, but also survival. The team provided inspiration, support and a collective and measured assessment of the situations we had to face.

Your mountaineering exploits are particularly high risk. How do you approach risk?

DP:I am quite pragmatic about risk, I approach it with measured thought and set of rules and values that I live by; and ultimately, with a strong desire to return home safely to my family. For me reaching the summit of any mountain has always been a bonus.

What do you do when you are not scaling mountains?

DP:I work hard and play hard. When not away I devote much of my time to my wife and three daughters; which in itself an adventure!

To explore more on Dave visit http://www.peakaspirations.co.uk/