Use this framework to put decision-making theory into practice
I was savouring a coffee from my new coffee maker when a wide-eyed and breathless soldier stumbled into my makeshift office. My cup was poised in my hand — the aroma was fantastic — and the thought of drinking it was more alluring than anything I could imagine that this soldier might interrupt me with. This had better be good, I thought.
“Sir! The guards think there is a bomb at the gates to the camp!”
I put the cup down; coffee time was over.
I started out my career as a bomb disposal officer in the Army. From there…
A short bio of Simon Ash
Hi and welcome!
Let me introduce myself. Let’s start with the two most common questions people ask someone when meeting someone for the first time. Usually these are:
‘What is your name?’ and ‘what do you do?’
So, let me answer these in turn:
Who am I?
My name is Simon Ash. Pleased to meet you!
What do I do?
Professionally I am a writer, podcaster, public speaker, leadership coach, strategy consultant, entrepreneur, business owner and Army Officer. As you can see, I like variety in my work, but I have a particular interest and expertise in decision-making and leadership development.
My other roles include husband and…
To solve a problem first ask: is it a tame, critical or wicked problem?
What is the biggest problem that you are facing now?
How would you define that problem? Maybe you have not even thought to define it, you are simply getting on with trying to solve it. But, research shows, that it is important we understand the nature of the challenge in order to bring the right solutions to bear.
As John Dewey put it:
“A problem well-defined is a problem half solved.”
Let me share some wisdom that has really helped me in problem solving.
You may well have heard people talk about ‘wicked’ problems. This phrase comes from a useful…
Combining work from several sources can give you income, freedom, and opportunities that exceed the old model of the salaried position
I have a portfolio career. I have developed this career steadily over the course of more than a decade. Over this period my work has developed from side hustles and freelancing into a proper career, one with purpose, direction, and development opportunities. This career allows me the flexibility and variety I crave. I get to work on the things I love, support my family, and enjoy the lifestyle that I want.
Sound too good to be true?
Well, I will share how I have built this career and made it financially sustainable.
What is a portfolio career?
What does the term portfolio career mean, and…
If you do not understand the true meaning of power, then you could be undermining your success
Studies show that you could well be wrong about the concept of power. Answer these two questions and you will see:
- Do you think you are powerful?
- If you had more power, would you use it well?
Hold that thought and read on. Whether you are thinking correctly about power is largely dependent upon the answers to these two questions.
You are likely to have answered no to the first question. To the second question you are likely to have answered yes. If so, then evidence suggests that you are probably wrong on both counts.
Do you think you are powerful?
Before we decide if we…
Sage advice for leaders from an entrepreneur, best-selling leadership author, and Master Executive Coach
Nick Chatrath is an entrepreneur, Managing Director and Master Executive Coach. He has worked for McKinsey and Company, been a business founder and a CEO. He has a DPhil from Oxford University and has co-authored a best-selling leadership book. He has coached MBA students, politicians, special forces soldiers and CEOs. In other words, he knows what he is talking about!
Apart from being a serial over-achiever, he is also my coach and friend! Here are some key lessons that I have learned from my discussions and coaching with Nick.
Leaders need to take time to reflect
When you speak to Nick you realise that being is at…
Being self-aware requires time. What’s more, to connect thoughtfully, spiritually and emotionally with ourselves (let alone others and our environment) does not always come easily.
Therefore, it is important to find ways we can be more mindful in everyday activities. The exemplar of using mundane activities as spiritual opportunities was probably Brother Lawrence (author of The Practice of the Presence of God) who was able to pray while doing the dishes. I, for one, struggle with achieving this level of mindfulness.
Where I do feel more naturally thoughtful and mindful is when outdoors. …
Acts of leadership are more important than leadership roles
Here is a challenging thought: what if there are no leaders, just acts of leadership?
We often think about leadership as a role, but maybe this designation misses out on large aspects of what leadership really is.
It makes us question how we define a leader. What is leadership? Is it an identity, a measure of influence or the impact we have?
Leadership as identity
So what? What if there is no such thing as a leader?
The first time I heard this, everything inside cried out no! There was a rebellion at the very idea. After all, I am a leader. …
Superheroes and the problem with the ‘Great Man’ theory of leadership
I heard the crack as my collarbone gave way. Surely this should not happen to a superhero. Where had I gone wrong?
Scroll back 30 seconds.
A Superhero in training
My cape billowed behind me. This was mainly because my Superman suit was too big and there was a draft in the hall. But the steely look on my face, that was 100% genuine.
The family was watching television, but not me. I laughed at their weakness. Mortals! They would watch greatness on the screen, but I would achieve greatness, right here in the hallway of our home.
This was no time for sitting…
Is there a difference between great leaders and good leaders?
It only takes a quick scan of the media to see that some of the ‘great’ leaders of the world are deeply flawed. There are countless examples of politicians whose integrity is being questioned or business leaders who have pursued profit at the expense of everything else.
Yet these leaders have risen to prominence in our society. They could be defined as great, even effective in some ways, but are they actually good? And if they are not good, how have they risen so high?
The crisis in leadership
There have been plenty of…
Simon Ash
Lover of adventure. Fascinated by questions and decision making. Also a leadership coach, writer and podcaster. https://therightquestions.co
