Strengths» Strengths Academy

3 tips for building a second generation super team

Mike Pegg — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:20:00 +0000

“I face a tough decision,” said one leader. “Should I stay with my present department or look elsewhere for new challenges? Over the past two years we have built a tremendous team and won many awards. As a result, several of my key people have been headhunted. This leaves me with a dilemma. In some [...]

3 tips for developing your disciplines

Mike Pegg — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Peak performers have the talent needed to follow their dreams. They also have the desire and discipline required to reach their destination. “Sounds right,” somebody may say, “but is it possible to learn new disciplines?” “Yes,” and “No,” are the answers, because it depends on several factors. You must have the desire to develop new [...]

3 tips for expecting senior people to behave like directors

Mike Pegg — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:00:47 +0000

“The biggest transition many senior people must make is to behave like directors, rather than super-managers,” explained one CEO. “They must satisfy their bosses, think strategically and do whatever is required to deliver success. They must act as good models, build superb teams and manage by outcomes. Finally, they must make good decisions – especially [...]

3 tips for getting the right balance between service and self-indulgence

Mike Pegg — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:45:23 +0000

Take a look at your own life. Does it feel as if you have got the right balance between ‘service’ and ‘self-indulgence’? Some people dedicate their lives to service. They spend virtually all their time helping others, pursuing a cause or whatever. Other people seldom focus on serving others. They pursue a path of extreme [...]

3 tips for understanding the cottage, castle and cathedral

Mike Pegg — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:01:22 +0000

People can choose to work in three places during their lives: the cottage, the castle or the cathedral. Some try all three. Let’s explore these places to work. 1) The cottage. Creative people often start by working from the ‘cottage’. Because they have little money, they use their imagination to reach the market, provide great service and [...]

3 tips for being fully alive

Mike Pegg — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:36:00 +0000

When do you feel fully alive? You may be teaching, fixing a problem, renovating a house, selling to certain customers, leading a team or whatever. What are you doing right then? How can you follow these principles more in the future? How can you base your life on doing the things in which you feel [...]

3 tips for being a good service giver

Mike Pegg — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:28:12 +0000

“My role is simple,” explained one service giver. “It is to help people to succeed. That is what you do in the service business – whether you are a coach, teacher, software designer, sales person or whatever. This calls for clarifying the customer’s aspirations and focusing on their specific goals. You can then provide services [...]

3 tips for knowing your reasons for achieving peak performance

Mike Pegg — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:16:40 +0000

There are many triggers for producing great work. Some people do it because they are motivated by pure pleasure: some because they are driven by pain; some because they are committed to a personal philosophy. Let’s explore your reasons for delivering peak performance. 1) You can be motivated by pleasure to achieve peak performance. What are the [...]

3 tips for focusing on having a sense of wonder - rather than winning

Mike Pegg — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:55:25 +0000

What is your philosophy of life? Do you focus on enjoying ‘a sense of wonder’? Do you focus on ‘winning’? Do you focus on both? You can, of course, enjoy a sense of wonder whilst also striving to do your best. There are no good or bad philosophies, but there are consequences – both for [...]

3 tips for returning to your vocation during difficult times

Mike Pegg — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:11:57 +0000

How do you respond to difficult times? Much depends, of course, on the nature of the challenge – such as facing an economic, emotional or other kind of difficulty. Certainly you may spend some time in a ‘sanctuary’ – getting the full picture and mobilising resources – then launch into your action plan. There are [...]