A new hope

At this time of year, for the last few years, I have been selecting a word to 'adopt' as a background theme for the coming year. And the 'adoption' was in support of a charity called "I can" which specialises in helping children with communication difficulties. But this charity have ceased this money raising campaign so I was left with a conundrum: do I carry on selecting a word and who do I now support instead.

My answer was yes and I have chosen to support a local charity called "Clearly Speaking" who work with children local to Buckingham where I live, who also have communication difficulties. (You can find out more about their work here)

But what word should it be for 2017?

My word for 2016 was Dance! For 2017 my word is....

Rapprochement

Rapprochement: "(especially in international affairs) an establishment or resumption of harmonious relations: ‘there were signs of a growing rapprochement between the two countries’ "

It seems to me that the world is in great need of more rapprochement: not just between nations, but between communities within those nations as well. 2016 appears to me to have emphasised the fractures and divisions in our world. And I am reminded of the words of Jo Cox MP, murdered on the streets of her constituency this year. She said in her parliamentary maiden speech, as we all know now, that we have "far more in common with each other than things that divide us".

By choosing rapprochement (very deliberately I have selected a French word that we have incorporated into English) as my theme for 2017, I will be doing all that I can to search for, magnify and celebrate all the things we have in common across our many divides, whilst respecting our differences too. As I have said many times: we all live under the same sky, we all bleed red and we all want a better future for the generations to come.

2017: a time for more rapprochement...

Leadership in Films lives on

I am hooked as I can't seem to give up seeing the leadership themes in contemporary movies... (but I am going to stick to the short form posts!)

Jason Bourne is rather tedious and left me rather unsatisfied: it just didn't have the edge of the original films. The narrative seemed engineered to tick various boxes. A sequel too far. Leadership theme: beware distractions.

Suicide Squad has been rather burned by the critics and so I was not expecting much (the film was my son's choice!) But actually I quite enjoyed it. Even though the narrative is somewhat predictable and chaotic (can it be both?), it was satisfying in a schlock dark super hero kind of way. Leadership theme: given the right context, all people can discover their integrity and leadership potential.

Hell or High Water is a crisply made film with some excellent cinematography and superlative acting. It feels very authentic: you can almost taste the dust and smell the sweat. This is an unforgiving film about anti-heroes and unaccountable villains. Go see when you get a chance. Leadership theme: sometimes there can be no closure no matter how much it is needed.

Court is an intriguing film set amid the Indian legal system, although maybe system is stretching it to a level of coherence and logic that maybe makes the word inapplicable. Like the legal processes in India (as depicted) this is a slow film, but also an intensely engrossing one as well. The acting is understated but all the more powerful because of it. Leadership theme: never underestimate the power of patience.

Captain Fantastic is an unsettling film that will make you question what you think you know about parenting. It is a quirky story about a man and his six children who live in a dense Oregon wood from which they have to emerge into the screaming daylight of suburban America. Acting and narrative is top notch: you will not forget this film. Leadership theme: it isn't just conventions that hold society together, it is far far more than that.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a sublime peach of a movie that will have you crying, laughing and gripping the edge of your seat in equal measures. Fabulous acting by all concerned. This is a must, must see film! Again the core themes are parenting and challenging conventions. And New Zealand looks amazing! Leadership theme: to arrive somewhere, you have to leave somewhere else first.

_____________________

Blogs 196 to 201: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms

Leadership in Films: drawing the curtain

I have got to a point and although it may change, I am going to stop this series of blogs where I discuss movies from the point of view of leadership. With the 12 brief reviews below, I will have got to 195 movies reviewed and squeezed for a leadership theme.

This is not to say, that I will not do the odd one, now and then, but I think it is time to call a halt as it is not exciting me anymore. That is always a good time to stop....

But as my swan song, here are some brief reviews of the movies I have seen recently:

Absolutely Fabulous is absolutely brilliant and they managed to transfer well onto the big screen with some big screen locations. Many of the old gags are there adequately and nostalgically revamped for the movie. A good one to see. And leadership theme: running away is not an appropriate way of showing responsibility (but since when was AbFab about responsibility anyways?!)

Ghostbusters is great and I preferred it to the original series of movies. Heresy I know to say this, but this is a very successful re-imagining of the story line with a mainly female cast and updated to boot. Terrific fun, I hope they do the other movies too. Leadership theme: technology is nothing without good solid teamwork.

The BFG is a beautiful crafted film by one of the best filmmakers around: scrumdiddlyumptious CGI and magical acting by all concerned. Roald Dahl would have been very happy, I believe. Leadership theme: with courage, trust and humility in good measure, leaders can achieve almost anything.

Finding Dory is a thoroughly charming film which will have you believing in talking fish and octopuses being able to drive lorries... ridiculous really! Good narrative which will take you through some twists and turns. Leadership theme: never lose hope of a good outcome.

Star Trek: Beyond is almost all that one hopes a trek film should be: good action, good humour, a narrative that pretty well holds together, a little nostalgia and some ludicrous things that could never really happen. What is lacked was a dollop of philosophy to top it off. Leadership theme: never underestimate serendipity

Up for Love is an enchanting French film about a woman who agrees to meet a man after he finds her mobile phone, following a flirtatious telephone conversation. She then discovers he is about a foot shorter than her and the film follows the path of their relationship. It will keep you smiling and guessing. Leadership theme: size does matter but not in the way that you might think it does... 

Nerve is a tight thriller that will make you feel like you are on the back of motorcycle travelling at speed. The plausibility of the story line is mainly what makes is so shocking and compelling: are you a player or a watcher? Go see this sometime. Leadership theme: all leadership involves some gambling, but do you know what your limit is?

Swallows and Amazons is just a bit too clunky for my taste: the acting is wooden and the story (though probably true to the original) is disjointed. Great scenery though! Leadership theme: the path to a goal is not always a straightforward one.

War Dogs starts really well but then seems to trail off as if the writer, actors and director all got bored. It is a true story but I think a little more tension could have been injected to keep it pacey. Leadership theme: always know in detail what you are getting into...

Bad Moms is a laugh out loud movie: I thoroughly enjoyed its raunchy humour, and satire on American school PTAs and some of the people involved in them. Go see this! Leadership theme: stopping doing things for people can be very empowering, for both parties!

Mechanic: Resurrection is a tedious movie with about much narrative complexity as an Enid Blyton book for ten year olds. True there are some clever set pieces but the story is decidedly pedestrian: I almost walked out. Leadership theme: be careful of alluring distractions which can take you away from your main focus.

Pete's Dragon, on the other hand is a peach of a movie with a strong story and great cameo parts. It is obviously directed at a young audience but it is richly satisfying for an old geezer like me too! Leadership theme: never let anyone deny what you have seen with your own eyes.

_____________________

Blogs 184 to 195: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms

A tall tale

Tale of Tales is an intriguing and hypnotic film that draws you in to an increasingly surreal world that at one level seems entirely ordinary but then turns your assumptions upside-down. The films weaves together some bizarre fairy tales which serve to remind you that fairy tales are at their core, often quite horrific and gruesome.

You will not fall asleep as these stories keep you wondering where they will turn next and whether any of the characters live happily ever after. And I won't tell you except to say that some of the characters undergo something of a transformation. An intriguing film that will linger in your mind for quite sometime! Some of the cinematography and sets are stunning.

One character shines out as a leader from the film. They manage to rise above the adversity they experience and become confident, strong and decisive. The sorts of qualities we always wish to see in a leader. This is from a character who earlier in the film appears to be the essence of meekness and compliance.

Can people (not currently leaders) become leaders? Can leaders become better leaders? Can better leadership be coached in or only out of a leader? What role do those who are being led have in helping their leader be a better leader? And if a leader loses the confidence of those they are meant to lead, can that ever be recovered? The lessons from this film are yes, yes, out of, an important but not critical one and the jury is out although coming through adversity and growing in confidence, can make a real difference... All relevance of these questions to the current leadership election in the British Labour Party is entirely yours to be made (or not so).

Are there different kinds of leadership?

_____________________

Blog 183: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #TaleofTales

I don't like bullies

Central Intelligence is an intelligent film. It is also very (laugh out loud) funny and has that narrative circle that I particularly like. There is a special sub plot around bullying that gives the film a powerful undertone. And did I say it was funny?

The plot works (just) although it is not quite Homeland. And it is full of some neat cinematic references. The comedic acting is well timed and seeing 'The Rock' act like putty is delicious. This is a class buddy movie just shouting out for a sequel or two as there is plenty of scope to take the story forwards. Go and see this soon, you will not be disappointed.

No leader should be a bully. Aside from the fact that bullying is wrong, it does not work. I knew of a leader who was known as 'The Exocet' because if anything went wrong on the shop floor and he got to hear about it: he would be there in a flash and explode at anyone who happened to be standing nearby. This behaviour did not help with the company's efforts to build quality into all that it did.

Bullying creates fear and dutiful compliance when in fact what businesses need are people who enjoy being at work and feeling free and confident to innovate. By all means, people should be held to account, but this can be done without the need to resort to bullying in all of its forms.

How do you create confidence in the workplace?

_____________________

Blog 182: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #CentralIntelligence

Who is the alpha dog?

The Secret Life of Pets was always going to be a winner: with that title how could you fail? The idea that pets do some strange and miraculous things when we are not looking is just delightful: it certainly delighted the youngsters I heard laughing in the cinema when I went.

The narrative is a little bit shaky and does not quite loop around even in this universe where animals can drive vans and organise underground inter-species meetings. But it is very funny and full of some great visual humour. You can probably wait until it is out on DVD. But do see it.

The story hinges on a difficult relationship between two dogs who are thrown together. Their ability to bury their differences (or not) provides much of the fuel for the narrative. Who will be the alpha dog?

As leaders, do we always expect to be in charge? Do leaders expect to be the 'alpha dog'? Or is their leadership in letting go? Perhaps true leadership is shown not by always getting one's own way but by ensuring the decision making process is one in which the right way emerges...

As a leader, are you always in charge?

_____________________

Blog 181: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #SecretLifeofPets

Busy busy busy (3)

Stuff, just stuff!, is taking up quite sometime at the moment. So again - three films to intrigue - short reviews:

I didn't know whether to take Gods of Egypt seriously or not. Special effects wise it is a stunning film inhabited by stunning people. The story is convoluted (to say the least!) and gives an impression of trying to be in epic mode but some of the lines are just too corny for words... Leadership Theme: keep your friends close and your enemies closer!

Even though we all knew how Independence Day: Resurgence was going to end, they managed to string it out in an almost unpredictable way. Sfx are of course amazing and there are some sweet cinematic allusions (watch for the wing mirrors). Overall, it is harmless, but good to see on the big screen. Leadership Theme: do everything that you can to avoid confusing madness with great insight.

Learning to Drive is quaint and charming film about two people's journeys colliding over driving lessons in New York. There are no car chases or steamy love scenes, just some quite reflection on what love means and the importance of family. Leadership Theme: help often comes from unexpected places. Look for the unexpected...

_____________________

Blogs 178/179/180: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #GodsofEgypt | #IndependenceDayResurgence | #LearningtoDrive

Book launch

Yesterday evening I held a launch for my book in the University of Buckingham Bookshop. The event was hosted and introduced by Sir Anthony Seldon, the Vice Chancellor of the university and Alison Cameron, the Bookshop owner and manager. My wonderful daughter, Jess Harvey, also talked how she went about illustrating the book.

It was a thoroughly lovely evening with close friends, colleagues and connected people in Buckingham.

Here is the speech I gave:

Good evening and thank you all for coming along.

I would especially like to thank Sir Anthony for agreeing to host this evening and to Alison in the University Bookshop for all your help in making tonight happen. And thank you to Nigel Adams for making the connections join up too. Thank you all.

Cracking Questions is the first book I have ever written and it will probably be my last unless I can focus on writing a novel that is bubbling inside me. But the world is full of management books. Why on earth would I wish to add another? 

Perhaps because I think there is a small gap in the world business library for Cracking Questions…

To use a military expression: we live in a VUCA world. Our world is more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous than it has ever been. By a significant factor. And this means all organisations - from small to big, from public to commercial, from all points on the compass - need to be able to dance and weave their strategy like never before. There is no room to be anything less than optimally effective,efficient and economic in use of increasingly scarce resources. 

And it is my belief that organisations do this best when the whole organisation is doing its best.

Sadly far too many management theories and practices live only in the rarefied air of a few - usually the senior managers and staff. The few might also be the hired consultants spinning their way into the the fabric of the organisations. I think the most strategic and successful organisations are ones in which everyone is part of that strategy and success - because each person has a critical part to play.

So this is mainly why I wrote the book. It is a short, simple, readable and practical book that is focused on helping people come up with their own creative ideas that would improve the ways in which business is done: more economy, more efficiency and more effectiveness. 

And because the book can be used by anyone, wherever they sit in an organisation, it also helps people shape their own working lives. This is also part of the reason for writing the book. Most of my life - personal, professional and political - has been about trying to find ways in which to help people become true authors of their own lives and not characters in someone else’s narrative. 

And I felt there is room for a book that does not need an army of consultants to back it up. Too many organisations, it seems to me, are addicted to using external consultants while their own in-house talent is overlooked or worse diminished. 

So what is the book about? The core idea is very simple: in all organisations there is a complex web of processes and procedures that have evolved into the way that they are. Many of these processes are not working very well. But rather than spend months process mapping to the point of physical and spiritual exhaustion, Cracking Questions take a radically different approach. Choose a process, map it only lightly and then ask a series of questions.

Each question is a solution looking for a problem. So called inductive problem solving. Some of the questions when asked will not reveal any innovation. Whereas another one or two may well. I guarantee an improvement or two will be found.

Indeed, the book comes with a money back guarantee - if nothing useful is discovered after reading the book, I will refund the money used to purchase it. 

So that is it. There are chapters on leading change and service restructuring. There is also a comprehensive crowd sourced bibliography in the back as well. It may only be a thin book but it is fat with ideas about improvement.

So I thought I would just read a couple of the chapters to give you the flavour...

Busy busy busy (2)

Referendum is taking up quite sometime at the moment - and my book launch is happening this week as well!! So again - three films to intrigue - short reviews:

The Nice Guys is delicious fun. It is an exquisite homage to the 70's and with more than a knowing nod to Pulp Fiction in its zany approach to criminal mayhem. The police seem to just stand by and watch! Leadership theme: sometimes things are not what they seem!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is a romping and pacey movie with a fair few laughs. However, it does not have the same wow factor of the first one in this new franchise. If they make a third, they will need to step up the narrative content. Leadership Theme: use your whole team because not everyone is like you.

I saw Youth at the local film club as I missed it on general release. This is quite an amazing film but with a slow burn. But its builds to an almighty crescendo. See it if only for a rare appearance of Jane Fonda. Leadership theme: never say never.

_____________________

Blogs 175/6/7: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #Youth | #TheNiceGuys | #OutoftheShadowsTMNT

Busy busy busy

I know, if I have the time to see movies, I really ought to have the time to write each one up. But right now a combination of work and EU Referendum campaigning (and etc.) means I don't. Sorry! So here are some brief reviews and leadership themes:

Angry Birds: Should have stayed as a game: too contrived. A few funny lines but most were probably funnier on paper. Leadership theme: anger has its place and can sometimes achieve remarkable results!

A Hologram for the King: A delightful movie that takes you to a destination in Saudi Arabia that you never dreamt about. Leadership theme: the importance of being open to new adventures is what makes people special, and leaders know that.

Money Monster: Gripping thriller and although the trailer hinted where it was going, you will still hold your breath for most of the film. Leadership theme: remember you are always on camera and what you say is noted.

_____________________

Blogs 172/3/4: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #AngryBirdsMovie | #AHologramfortheKing | #MoneyMonster

Kabubble

Whisky Tango Foxtrot is a bit of a chaotic movie, but in many ways that represents the chaos of life in the 'Kabubble' as the press corps called Kabul during the (latest) Afghan war. Journalist Kim Baker is thrown into the life of a foreign correspondent and the film watches her 'journey' and (to an extent) how her values change... As with many films, it leaves you with the question as to how or even if you might have changed in similar circumstances.

Given that it was filmed thousands of miles from Afghanistan, it gives a plausible representation of what life must have been like. The script and editing are tight and some of the characters are simply delicious, especially the general played by Billy Bob Thornton. This is gritty and sometimes funny story based on real events. Go see this.

One of the things I admire about the armed forces is their capacity to be uncompromising and inflexible. Without giving anything away, there is a moment in the film where a marine says to the principal character something like "No way Mam, not going to happen, not on my watch!"

Sometimes leaders have to be that definitive too: sometimes the no (or yes) has to be written in big bold letters, as it were. This might be on matters of strategy, organisational values or simply a procedure that is (rightfully) sacrosanct. But any leader needs to know what their boundaries are.

When was the last time you were definitive? (Why?)

_____________________

Blog 171: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #WhiskyTangoFoxtrot

A totally glorious movie!

I had to be persuaded (by my good wife) to see Florence Foster Jenkins as I could not quite get what the point of it was... But I am very glad that she did, because this is a thoroughly marvellous movie that blends humour, pathos and romanticism into an almost perfect fusion. Combine this with the sets, costumes and music (yes, the music - especially Frédéric Chopin) and this is a beautiful and uplifting film.

Meryl Streep continues to surprise and amaze me with her acting: there is nothing this woman cannot do. Watch her eyes in this film, especially. And Hugh Grant is fabulous: he really does have depth after all! And the rest of the great ensemble combine to tell a strange but poignant story that will delight you. Go see this!!

We all know the story of the emperor's clothes where he is persuaded to believe his new garments are so fine that although he cannot see them, they are there nonetheless. In a not dissimilar way, the lead character in this movie is allowed perhaps even encouraged to believe she can sing. When does self belief become self delusion?

Leaders need to believe in themselves and have confidence in what they are saying, doing and deciding. But leaders also need people who can tell them the truth, even if it hurts. Without these truth tellers, leadership can become a very fragile thing...

Who are your truth tellers?

_____________________

Blog 170: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #FlorenceFosterJenkins

My kind of film

There is one word that sums up Our Kind of Traitor: taut! This is a gripping thriller of the highest calibre with strong acting and a plausible narrative that will keep you guessing as it weaves between Marrakesh, Paris, London and the Alps.

I could make a case that this could well have been a TV series and maybe could still have attracted the same calibre of actors. But sometimes, you need the quiet of cinema to focus on the plot line and sink into feeling that you are part of the film. This is an excellent edge of the seat movie. Go see it!

A critical part of the story is when one character decides to trust another with something of life threatening importance. And for the sake of the story, these two people have never met before but are randomly thrown together.

Some people have argued that some of the most successful leaders are those that are able to spot and appoint the best people to their management teams. But there are some strong arguments in favour of more rounded selection processes that assess candidates for a position. Without a doubt, good leaders are able to get the measure of people, often fairly quickly. But whether this is a skill that can be unpacked and acquired is a moot point...

What clues do you look for when seeking to choose someone?

_____________________

Blog 169: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #OurKindofTraitor

Bad sequel

Bad Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising really ought not to have been made. Not because some of the 'humour' is borderline (if not over the border) sexist, racist and probably other 'ist's too. No. It is because the storyline is chaotic, unconvincing and lacking any comedic integrity. The cinema was mostly empty so I think people are voting with their feet.

Some American humour is very good: I am a fan of such programmes as The Big Bang Theory because the humour is subtle and builds. Whereas this film is just crass and clunky with about much grace as a concrete junk yard. Do not bother going to see this film.

Feeling valued or undervalued is a key theme within the movie and provides a modicum of narrative integrity (but not much!) I write this blog on a day in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Week and on IDAHOT2016 day itself as well. In different ways, both campaigns are about truly valuing other people no matter what their mental health status or orientation is. The campaigns are about creating a world in which all are respected and valued, without prejudice, discrimination or worse still hate and threats of violence.

Leadership begins and ends with valuing people. Unless you really value people and those same people know that you value them, your leadership will not exist. You might manage or instruct them, but unless you value those people, you will not be leading them.

What do people say about how much you value them?

_____________________

Blog 168: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #BadNeighbours2

Questions, questions, questions...

I like questions and so it is no surprise that my first book majors on asking questions. But prompted by an invitation to come and talk about why questions, especially good and 'cracking' questions, are so important has got me thinking about quite why I like questions so much.

Fundamentally, I like questions because they create a space, a pause, a vacuum which pulls in thoughts, reflections and insights. Indeed, all human knowledge, if not endeavour of all kinds, begins with questions

• What is happening here?
• What is causing this?
• Why is this different from that?
• What is the difference that makes the difference?
• What is over there?
• What is on the other side of that?
• Who am I?
• Who are you?
• Why are we here?

We are surrounded by questions and far fewer answers. Anyone who has been around a two year old knows that. But questions drive us forward, even when we have no answers to hand

One of my favourite psychological models is that of George Kelly who postulated that essentially, human beings are scientists. He argued that we spend our days attempting to understand the physical and social world around us. We ask questions, we invent experiments, we observe results and we interpret our world using patterns, reflections and hypotheses. (In my view, the reason why soap operas are so popular is that it allows us to vicariously test our theories of human behaviour: "James said that to Phoebe last week, I reckon next week... she will do this...")

So we are scientists. And what do scientists do? They ask questions and create methods for answering those questions. Without questions there would be no science, no progress, no light.

All questions are good, but some questions are better than others... I particularly like questions that:

• get underneath what is happening, that open the bonnet as it were
• take people to a different place, where they did not imagine they could go
• can be repeated, gently probing deeper and deeper layers of understanding or self awareness
• challenge people, making them wriggle but not squirm
• open up new vistas, new possibilities, new ideas...
• surprise people and make them smile with a tilted head
• that suggest ideas, but in a way that means the person comes to those ideas in their own fashion
• make people stop, and momentarily dumbfounds them as they struggle for an answer
• build bridges, rapport, common cause and mutual understanding
• help people praise and value themselves, and what they have achieved
• make people laugh, perhaps nervously or confidently or both

Poor questions do the opposite of these. So...

• What kinds of questions do you like?
• What questions work best for you?
• How do you make sure that not only is the content of the question good, but the way it is asked makes it good too? 

Cry in the sky

Eye in the Sky is the best film I have seen about modern warfare. You will probably hold your breath for the entire length of the movie. The narrative, direction and acting will not let you go for one second. This is a film that will make you glad that you are not a general, a front line soldier or a senior politician (unless you already are one of these).

This film illustrates a classical ethical dilemma (I won't say which) that will have you sitting uncomfortably in your seat as you are forced to imagine what you would do, at every twist and turn, as the scene plays out (this is a real time film, like High Noon). Go see this film for its own sake. But also see it for Alan Rickman's last role which he acts superbly: I will not forget one particular line he delivers very well, near the end of the movie.

The aspect of leadership I want to highlight in this movie is that of networked leadership. It is sometimes easy to think of leadership as if there is only ever one leader in a context. What this film more than adequately illustrates is that leadership is never singular: it is almost always a complex dance involving several people.

Networked leadership involves clarity about one's own and others' roles and authorities, an ability to influence and not resort to command, a deep capacity to listen and appreciate others' perspectives and a willingness to find consensus, and value that consensus as the best way forward. To say that is not easy, is an understatement. This film illustrates this brilliantly.

How effective are your networked leadership skills? 
_____________________

Blog 167: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #EyeintheSky

Liberty Equality Fraternity?

Bastille Day is good electric roller coaster of a thriller: action, chases, twists and turns, with (I think) some cinematic references to The French Connection and Diva (and probably others). I won't list them, but there are some narrative holes... but you can gloss over those and ignore them. (Or they might irritate you to bits!)

Direction, cinematography and acting is tight: Idris Elba putting in his bid to be the next Bond perhaps? Clearly the movie is set up for a sequel which I think could and should be better than this one: more plot and less set up. A good film to see

A key point in the narrative hinges on spotting patterns and and having the intuitive confidence to act on this. Seeing patterns is what (in part) makes us human, I believe. We can all see shapes in the clouds...

But how well do we harness this ability in the workplace? As a leader, do you create the conditions in which people with a hunch, can act on it? Or is your workplace so constrained by strict procedures, and limits on authority so tight that the ingenious power of your staff to spot and act on some pattern happening is squashed?

How can leaders ensure that patterns can be harnessed?

_____________________

Blog 166: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #BastilleDayMovie

Up to 11pm Special

Since seeing Midnight Special, I have been asking people what they thought of the ending of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Those old enough to remember said it was disappointing. To which I say: me too and it's a bit like this new movie, Midnight Special.

Up until the last twenty minutes it is a tight, tense and unpredictable thriller with convincing understated acting. But then it seems as if the writers and sfx budget ran out of puff. True, some may find the climax of the film a satisfying ending and you will only know if you see it... But if you are like me at all, you may well be saying: really... is that it?

One of the narrative tensions in the film pivots on reconciliation: will two key characters find enough common cause to help them find some peace between each other, or not? True reconciliation is a beautiful thing to see and better still, experience. Hatchets can be buried and the past put behind us.

Sometimes though, animosity and anger run very deep, so deep that reconciliation seems impossible. Good leaders can make the impossible, possible. Through a combination of supreme patience, resolute focus on the goal and an earnest search for the common ground, leaders can make this happen. Sometimes, for the sake of a business, it really needs to happen.

How good are you at making the impossible, possible?

_____________________

Blog 165: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #MidnightSpecial

Good Queen Hunting

The Huntsman: Winter's War is cracking good movie with plenty of pace, humour and an engrossing narrative (for a film of this kind). I like the way that the film wraps around the previous movie: a sort of sequelprequel. I have not seen the previous film but that did not get in the way for me.

There are some meaty narrative tensions around love, betrayal, reconciliation and revenge. I know this is from a fairy tale universe, but occasionally it would be good to have a film where the baddies are not vanquished and love does not (eventually) conquer all... But there again, would anyone want to see such a film? This is a film to be enjoyed.

One of the aspects of this film that I like a lot are the many strong female characters that inhabit the film. I like this because, typically films of this kind (fantasy epics) do not. It is even rarer to enjoy the performance of a female comedic lead (well done Sheridan Smith).

As always, diversity adds strength and vibrancy to an ensemble. The art of good leadership is to make sure that such diversity is always present through carefully designed non-discriminatory and open recruitment and development strategies.

How diverse is your leadership?

_____________________

Blog 164: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #TheHuntsmanWintersWar

Bit of a super mess

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was probably a great idea when it began but in my view, it all ends up in a bit of mess that stretches credulity to the limits. I won't say in what ways my incredulity was stretched (there were more than one) except to say: Superman is an infinitely strong and invulnerable alien whereas Batman is a strong human with a few Earth made toys...

I know: it is a superhero movie and one has to suspend quite a lot of credulity... (that is the point) but even within the DC universe, surely there are some limits otherwise we can Lois Lane swallowing a magic potion and becoming even stronger than Superman. Yes it is well directed and actors have practised looking steely, thoughtful and somewhat upset simultaneously, and the sfx are brilliant... but it did not quite work for me.

I have always liked the quiet, determined and science based leadership of Alfred, Batman's 'butler'. It seems to me that Batman would be little more than a rich (but damaged) young man with a flash car, were it not for Alfred's help.

Sometimes in organisations there are the obvious leaders who attract all the attention and seem to single handedly make the weather. Very often though, the success of such leadership is underpinned by the back room leaders who make it all work seamlessly. These leaders are often unsung but are just as important.

Who are the back room leaders in your organisation?

_____________________

Blog 163: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #batmanvsuperman

Cracking Questions: now into second month of publication!

Zootastic!!

Zootropolis (Zootopia in the US - heaven knows why...) is a must see movie! Go and see it this evening, or even this afternoon if you can make it! You might be sitting next to bunch of eight year olds who just think it's a fantastic jolly animal cartoon. But you will know by the end that it is an extraordinarily subtle, funny and satirical allegory for a world corrupted with hate, prejudice and intolerance.

Oh yes: and see it for the sloth scene alone, which had me falling off the seat in hysterics. This is a good movie. Perhaps one that should be shown to all primary school children as part of the Government's 'Prevent' campaign. Great plot, great voice over acting, great animation. A film to surprise and delight you! Who could not love a film with a perky feminist bunny and a sly fox with a heart of gold..!

So many forms of leadership are on display in this movie from the avuncular, if slightly dim, mayor to the keen bunny who just wants to win over everyone with her energy and charm. And with many variations in between: including fear, manipulation, force, humour, appeasement and doughnuts.

This is a film about diversity (loving the doors on the train!) and how there are always great variations in both leadership and those who choose to follow. There can be no single form of leadership that is always correct. As the world is diverse, so must be leadership.

Within your leadership team: how much diversity of style is there?

_____________________

Blog 162: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

#leadershipinfilms | #zootropolis

High expectations but low rise ultimately

As is not unusual these days, the High Rise trailer was far better than the film. As such I went with high expectations but in the end I was a tad bored and not a little disturbed. This is probably one of the most disturbing films you are likely to see at the cinema this year: so be prepared!

The acting was earnest but the plot was confusing and it went on far too long, I assume to stay reasonably faithful to the original J G Ballard story. I must say though, I have to admire Tom Hiddleston's stealth campaign to be cast as the next Bond: as one character says to his character in the film "you are one of the few people who look better with their clothes off than on". So if he can nail looking not too bad in a dinner suit, he has probably got it in the bag.

One of the things that always irritates me about dystopian films like this, is the oft casual assumption that society descends into vicious anarchy in the absence of clear leadership and control. I don't agree that would happen as I think a new form of leadership would emerge.

But I think what is likely is that in such circumstances, is the quality and speed at which new leadership is established is dependent on the leadership that was present before. Excellent leadership does not leave a vacuum behind. Instead good leaders create the conditions into which the next leadership can come into being easily and swiftly, once the occasion demands.

How well are you creating the conditions for the next leadership?

_____________________

Blog 161: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

Everybody was Kung Fu fighting...

Kung Fu Panda 3 is a work of art: both fine art and comedic art. It is a beautiful film to watch and a great film to enjoy. I did fear that the narrative energy would have run out for this third film. But no. This franchise is still on top of its game and delivers lots of delightful and very funny moments.

I love the way it has dumbed down Taoism but in a way that Taoism cannot be dumbed down... really. It is of course a ludicrous story but that is fine: it has no pretensions of being true to life. The voice over actors are delicious with some surprise castings: make sure you watch the closing credits. Go see!

When the Way is forgotten
Duty and justice appear;
Then knowledge and wisdom are born
Along with hypocrisy.

In my view, even with the best procedural manual in the world, you cannot really 'bottle' good customer service. An excellent leader is one who is able to create the environment in which great service is naturally and effortlessly offered to all clients and customers.

How much are you having to force good service into your organisation?

_____________________

Blog 160: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

Not many films make me angry... (SPOILER ALERT)

I was expecting an action movie with lots of explosions. Which indeed London Has Fallen is. But what I didn't expect to see is half of the Metropolitan Police suddenly turn into gun toting terrorists: which is both ludicrous and offensive. Would the producers have made a film in which the US National Guard were found to be riddled with terrorist sympathisers? No. I thought not.

And essentially this film is a computer game turned into a movie. I like books of movies and movies of books. But a film that centres mostly on people running around corridors shooting at each other is frankly tedious. And the notion that two people in a crashed helicopter who are not even wearing seatbelts (huh?) can walk out of the wreckage and then run around is just too silly for words. But if you want to see some great special effects of what London would look like with a few buildings blown up... do go and see it.

The theme of this film is almost 'don't trust anyone!' Anyone you think might be friend could easily turn out to be an enemy. (And on that basis, shoot first and ask questions later, if you can be bothered.)

Who do leaders trust? Who can leaders trust? I am not suggesting that leaders are surrounded by enemies out to take them down. But it is likely that many leaders will not always know in whom they can confide. I think good leaders make sure that they have a confidante - someone they can trust to listen, not betray confidences and bounce ideas around with, maybe even crazy ideas.

Who is your confidante? 

_____________________

Blog 159: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

Should you choose this film?

The Choice is the latest in a growing line of romcomsad movies that will make you cry and laugh in almost equal measures as you observe another romance blossom (and fade a little...) on screen. I almost got too grumpy with this movie as it seemed to be so clinically designed to make you reach for the tissues.

It does have all the usual romantic ingredients, freshly mixed like a salad at a barbecue. It even has Tom Wilkinson who pops up as a genial patriarchal vet who can bring animals back from the dead.  It was probably him and the great acting by the leads that kept me from being too grumpy with the film's 'formula'. But only just... It could and should have been a darn site more subtle that it was and I am left wondering whether Nicholas Sparks was altogether happy with the screenplay... It is a wet afternoon movie, or wait until the DVD.

Most of life and therefore leadership is about making fuzzy choices. Of course, there are moments when big choices have to be made (as in this film) but most of the time we can make choices that we can later unravel or paste over.

Leaders, perhaps by definition, probably have to make many big (and irreversible) choices that affect other people. But maybe also, some leaders create artificial conditions that magnify the importance of their decision making...? Perhaps leaders might do well to translate some of these big choices into fuzzy ones: there is leadership in that strategy too...

Have you made some 'big' choices that might have been better made as a series of fuzzy ones?

_____________________

Blog 158: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

Unique masterpiece

Anomalisa is an unforgettable film: one that will leave you wondering and marvelling at both the animation skills and the narrative. This is a must see film! It is difficult to say too much about it as doing so will, in all likelihood, give too much away.

But just know this: this film will not proceed as you might expect. It will make you think about the world in a very different way and in that respect it is a true of work of art. Great art disrupts us and interrupts our usual way of seeing things. This film does just that. Go and see it... now. As another reviewer (or more) has said: this film is a masterpiece.

This film is about many things. One of those things is authenticity. Being true to oneself and speaking authentically to others is what marks a great leader. Leadership is built on authenticity. Of course, it is deliciously ironic that an animated movie should be about being real: feeling real and seeing that in others.

Since it has been established that once you can fake sincerity, you've got it made (variously attributed), it might be said of authenticity too. Except, I think, authenticity is only really felt on the inside: only a leader knows whether she/he is being authentic or not...

Are you always authentic?

_____________________

Blog 157: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with updates at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

Singled out

How to be Single is... OK... The dialogue at times is brilliant and the humour is rib tickling. Rebel Wilson is (as always) excellent: she has great comedic timing and I hope will be around for many years to come. But the story confused me. I know I am easily confused, but there seemed to some loops in the narrative that did not quite work for me. I did miss the first five minutes... but that not ought to matter that much... ought it? Maybe I am just not in the target demographic.

So, script and narrative: great, mostly. Acting: also good but not stand out good. Overall feel: a good romcom that could have been just that little bit tighter. One to wait for until it gets to DVD? Probably a good date movie though (ironically... dangerously?)

Towards the end of the movie there is nice reveal, not a huge twist, just a neat surprise about one of the characters. Should leaders be surprised about what others can do or have in their metaphorical kit bag? At one level, yes but at another, no...

Of course good leaders should always be prepared to be surprised by the hidden talents of the people that they lead. You just never know... But also: great leaders are good at creating the conditions within which these talents can emerge and blossom.

How good are you at creating the conditions within which people can showcase their talents?

_____________________

Blog 156: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with an update at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

Hail the Coen brothers!

Hail Caesar is a peach of a movie. It is, in my view, a near perfect film as it surprises, delights, tickles and shocks in delicious measures. There are some wonderful vignettes that all hold together in this 50s Hollywood romp that will leave your cheeks aching.

The acting, the dancing, the sets and the costumes are sublime. This is one of the best Coen Brothers' movies I have seen in a long time. It even beats the Big Lebowski. Go see it, and on the big screen: it is worth it for the set piece dances.

The lynchpin character's loyalty is tested throughout the film and of course I won't say how that story line plays out. But it got me thinking about loyalty and how much of a person's loyalty to a business or organisation is dependent on the leadership they get...

And I conclude, quite a lot. Not everyone, of course, will up sticks if their loyalty is tested to destruction by poor leadership. But perhaps even worse, they will stay and just be that little less innovative, committed, helpful as their loyalty has been eroded.

So how do you know whether your leadership is boosting or reducing the loyalty of the people you lead?

_____________________

Blog 155: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with an update at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

Gripping secrets

Secret in Their Eyes is a great movie which seems to have almost slipped out with little fanfare and trailers. But this is a subtle, harrowing and understated film that deserves your attention. This film is based very closely on an original  (El Segreto de sus ojos) and has been compared less favourably to it.

But go see this for no other reason that Julia Roberts' performance. It is a very different Ms Roberts on show and she plays the part with great determination and skill. Chiwetel Ejiofor is excellent too. Critics have not been raving about this film. I was gripped by it though but it is far from light!

Secrets corrode well being. Secrets can sit like parasitic worms at the back of our consciousness, burrowing away at our mental health. The bigger the secret, the bigger the worm. Although many people appear to have the ability to live with such secrets, this is probably at some cost.

In this regard, I am not talking about confidences or matters that deserve to kept undisclosed. The secrets of which I talk are the ones that are edged with guilt, if not completely woven with such a feeling. Secrets such as these are never going to help make things smooth. Leaders need to be aware of how their behaviour may foster the keeping of secrets, that will eventually come to be destructive, even to the leader.

How do you ensure that whilst there can be confidences, guilt ridden secrets are not encouraged?

_____________________

Blog 154: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with an update at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.

Is Grimsby that grim?

Grimsby paints a pretty bleak picture of the town. What Borat did for Kazakhstan, Nobby has now done for Grimsby. Unsurprisingly, the townsfolk are less than happy. But it is a film you ought to go and see nonetheless: this is satire after all.

Though I feel I should warn you: the humour is not just irreverent, it is decidedly scatological, silly, shocking and at times, violent. But I enjoyed it! Whilst there are jokes at the expense of a caricature of Grimsby folk (and others), there is also much about family loyalty and love in there too. Line your stomach first, but then go and see it!

Part of the narrative of this movie centres on Nobby suddenly discovering his inner secret agent skills. Yes... it's a stretch! But it reminded me of some research in an organisation that sought to discover the profile of the people who were the most innovative. Was it their education, their job role, their family background etc? What they found was that the people who were most creative and innovative were those who defined themselves as such. And that was the major difference that made the difference...

So in my view, one of the things good leaders do is to encourage people to define themselves differently, and then discover how much talent they already have.

How are you helping people to redefine themselves?

_____________________

Blog 154: in my 2014/15/16 series of blogs about leadership ideas to be found in the movies of our time. You can read here as why I began doing this (with an update at the end of 2014 and 2015). Please subscribe to this blog if you want to read more. Thanks. Click the label 'film' to see all the others.