27th February Newsletter - Raging Bull

Jacob Aldridge, about 1 year ago

You would know, if you've ever had a conversation with me for more than two minutes, that I like to tell a joke. In an era when joke-telling is being killed by the email forward, I consider my propensity an essential service to our language. And as a writer and an orator - where every sentence of mine is carefully crafted, each word selectively chosen - I'm acutely aware that writing a joke requires different tone, pace, and pauses than telling a joke out loud. You see, I'm a big fan of language. So I was saddened to learn that... Read More

20th February Newsletter - Context

Jacob Aldridge, about 1 year ago

Last week I wrote to you about Perspective; at Shirlaws, we use the word 'Context' to help define and communicate a specific perspective for a business or individual. Just as we make different decisions in a 'personal context' versus a 'business context', so too running a contextual filter like 'friendly', 'profitable', or 'understanding' can help make decisions easier.Individuals run their own contexts, and there are also different layers of context within a business. When these different filters are out of alignment then decisions take longer to make, and confusion or frustration can creep in.I take the time to set a... Read More

13th February Newsletter - Perspicacity

Jacob Aldridge, about 1 year ago

I made a note at last week's 'Thrive, not Survive' presentation in Brisbane about the importance of perspective. The ability to hold the helicopter-view of the economy - or your business - means you are less likely to be sucked into the micro demands, which ultimately are not important. Working with clients as a business coach, I often see the benefit they gain when they learn the perspective skill. The questions they ask are more pointed, and strategic. They make progress towards their vision at a much faster rate. And the meetings with me tend to become half as long,... Read More