Tag: career development

  • Not All Advice Is Helpful

    Not All Advice Is Helpful

    Early on, in one of my roles, I was given a piece of advice from a boss: “Don’t go native.” The message was clear, don’t get too close to the shop floor. Keep your distance. Maintain authority. Not sure I agreed with this advice, and here’s the problem I had with it…Leadership without connection doesn’t…

  • The Myth Which Is Called Momentum

    The Myth Which Is Called Momentum

    Momentum is a myth in manufacturing.And believing in it is costing you performance. If your production results depend on “momentum”…you don’t have a system. I once heard a football manager say:“Momentum is a myth.” But he was right. Commentators say:“They’ve got all the momentum.” What they’re actually seeing is:– Rehearsed patterns– Clear roles– Relentless training–…

  • You’re Maxed-Out At 40%…
Based On Your Mindset.

    You’re Maxed-Out At 40%… Based On Your Mindset.

    I recently read Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. One idea really stood out. He talks about the “40% Rule”. The idea that most people stop exerting effort when they’ve only reached around 40% of their true physical or mental capability. So what is this voice telling you to stop?It is your survival-oriented regulator. Its…

  • How To Find A New Level To Operate At.

    How To Find A New Level To Operate At.

    How do you condition yourself so you’re not found wanting when the pressure increases? In my early 20s, I ran the London Marathon without really knowing how to train properly. I finished in just over 4 hours. Two weeks later, I ran a half marathon in 1 hour 34 minutes, still not really understanding recovery…

  • “I Thrive on Pressure” — Or So I Thought

    “I Thrive on Pressure” — Or So I Thought

    For a long time, I genuinely believed I thrived on pressure. If you’ve spent any time in manufacturing or operations, that belief probably feels familiar. Deadlines.Escalations.Audits.Customer demands. Those things aren’t occasional, they’re constants. And over time, you learn how to operate inside them. You learn how to stay sharp when others wobble. You learn how…

  • Why Coaching is Rarely The First Thing People Try When Giving Up Alcohol

    Why Coaching is Rarely The First Thing People Try When Giving Up Alcohol

    If you’re a high performer thinking about giving up alcohol, coaching is almost never the first option. By the time someone reaches out, they’ve usually tried everything else, many time over. Here’s what typically comes before coaching; 1. Willpower This is always the starting point. “I’ll just stop.” “I’ll be more disciplined.” “Plenty of people…