The following Leadership Insights capture the thoughts of Luke Brown, Principal, Our Lady Help of Christians, Cairns. He covers a range of career and professional development topics, as recorded during a question and answer session with Trak Search. This conversation is part of a series targeted for leaders and aspiring leaders with the information best used in […]
Is ‘fear setting’ more helpful to your growth than a ‘goal setting’ process?
You have to love Tim Ferriss. Ever since I read his book ‘The 4-Hour Work Week’ I became a fan….although, I’ll add, not of all his work. But whether you love him or not, there can be no doubt that he makes you think. A TEDtalk he delivered last month is a classic example. He […]
Learning to ask the right questions – for career development and personal growth
In the latest of our ‘Leadership Series’ of interviews, Catherine O’Kane (Principal of All Hallows’ Brisbane) spoke of constantly working to improve her skill in learning to ask the right questions. She explained that we all ask a lot of questions. But do we ask the right questions? How do we know the right questions […]
Is your focus on performance hindering learning and growth?
Do you have a real opportunity to improve your skills? In this recent TedTalk by Eduardo Briceno, he speaks of two “zones” that we need to be aware of: the Learning Zone and the Performance Zone. He suggests that many work and school settings are too heavily focused on performance and outcomes. This focus actually […]
Starting a new role? How to position yourself for success
The adage about never getting a second chance to make a good first impression is relevant when starting in a new role. The first week in a new position is important, whether you’re an acrobat or a zookeeper – and every role in between. So what can you do in your first weeks when starting […]
Are your weekends killing your career?
Too many of us regularly disregard Dr Stephen Covey’s 7th habit: the need to ‘sharpen the saw’. We all know about preserving and enhancing your greatest asset – you – but do you REALLY do so? How many of us actually ‘blunt the saw’ by our regular weekend activities? At one stage in my career […]
The ‘art of conversation’ – a lost skill to be regained?
The art of conversation helps us develop positive, trusting relationships. The conversations we have day-to-day with our peers, managers and team members creates the climate for relationships to grow. This can be the foundation of a rewarding and successful career. How often have you listened to someone and did so while looking for the chance […]
Can we make data humane? Can we give it personality?
Data can overwhelm us and we easily become lost in the detail. The classic Lyn Sharratt book ‘Putting Faces on Data’ is about personalising data. Giogia Lupi leads a data design company and she speaks similarly to Lyn. In Giogia’s 11 minute TEDTalk she promotes the concept of ‘data humanism’ and the need to bring […]
Referee choice – will they help or hurt your chances?
My colleagues Lauren and Penny both had very difficult conversations recently with people over their referee choice. They both had candidates who were either unable or unwilling to provide ‘suitable’ referees. We were concerned that poor referee selection would hurt the chances of both people. We all understand the dilemma: Applicant Fred does not want […]
Leadership Insight Series: a Conversation with Catherine O’Kane, Principal, All Hallows’ School
The following captures the thoughts of Catherine O’Kane, Principal of All Hallows’ School, Brisbane. She covers a range of career and professional development topics, as recorded during a question and answer session with Trak Search. This conversation is part of a series targeted for leaders and aspiring leaders with the information best used in conjunction with discussions […]
