Meetings – The Specialist-Generalist

April 16, 2019April 16, 2019 John Worne Meetings, Presentations, Specialist-Generalist

Take a breath…

I was talking to another Specialist-Generalist last week about 'presentation skills' and the thing I was taught about breathing... In essence, most people (who aren't aware of it) use their entire lung capacity in their first statement; do that and you can't not 'gulp', notice your heart is beating too fast and stumble or choke … Continue reading Take a breath…

November 30, 2014December 30, 2016 John Worne Chairing, Specialist-Generalist

Musical Chairing: listen to more voices not fewer to find harmony

By John Worne Boards sometimes need to listen to all the players - not just the loudest - to really perform. It's a tough job chairing any kind of board; you're there to assure scrutiny, accountability and governance. But the pressure is always on to 'get through the business', cut discussion short and 'keep out … Continue reading Musical Chairing: listen to more voices not fewer to find harmony

Here's what Harvard Business Review has to say on 'Imposter Syndrome', every Specialist-Generalist's constant companion:

"We’ve all had that feeling of being unqualified to do something we’ve been tasked to do. But the fact that everyone occasionally suffers from impostor syndrome (even CEOs and Prime Ministers) doesn’t make it any easier to handle.

Try these three things:

1) Recognise there are positives to being new in your field. When you’re not steeped in the conventional wisdom of a given profession or industry, you can ask questions that haven’t been asked before or approach problems in ways others haven’t thought of.

2) Adopt a learning mindset. Focus more on what you’re learning than on how you’re performing.

3) Know that you’re not alone. If you’re feeling like an impostor, chances are that others feel the same way."