The boardroom - Page 4 of 4

The recession is kind to good businesses – and cruel to the poor ones. What can you do in a recession to be great?

Northern Lights | 13 June 2010

René Carayol was the inspiration at this year’s Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC). The headlines were all about Brian Blessed – and you have to admire the fact that this famous actor climbed Mounts Everest and Ararat in his 60s and 70s. But I felt like the little boy with the Emperor’s clothes – was … The recession is kind to good businesses – and cruel to the poor ones. What can you do in a recession to be great?

The Catholic Church – a lesson in (poor) crisis communications

Northern Lights | 4 April 2010

The Guardian this weekend reports “The archbishop of Canterbury has said the Catholic church in Ireland has lost “all credibility” because of its poor handling of the scandal of paedophile priests.” Two weeks ago the pope made an unprecedented move and issued a letter of apology to Irish Catholics. No doubt he thought this would silence … The Catholic Church – a lesson in (poor) crisis communications

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus

Northern Lights | 15 February 2010

Why has this phrase become so widely used and accepted in everyday life and relationships – yet its principles overlooked in the workplace? Michael Skapinker of the FT last week wrote about the continuing lack of women at senior levels in the workplace and covers the current debates on when and how women will make … Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus

Toyota needs ’emotional’ leadership

Northern Lights | 7 February 2010

Toyota drivers ‘should not panic’. That was what Miguel Fonseca said at 7.50am on Friday morning. Painful. Toyota UK’s managing director admitted the Prius hybrid had brake problems, but there was no need for a recall. The interview was unconvincing and as part of a crisis management strategy, hopeless. Coming on the back of sticking accelerators, the … Toyota needs ’emotional’ leadership

Leadership skills for charities

Northern Lights | 12 November 2009

Sometimes the days you most dread are the most stimulating! Northern Ballet Theatre was offered a day on corporate governance from the Clore Leadership Foundation. The deal is that if you accept, the whole board absolutely HAS to take part in this. As a board member, I went along this morning thinking a whole day … Leadership skills for charities

In a recession you have to keep communicating

Northern Lights | 5 November 2009

A number of clients have recently been mentioning variations on a theme. That in a recession you have to talk to your teams more than ever – even if there is nothing particularly new to say. Stephen Martin, chief exec of Clugston, a leading construction company, took part in the Channel 4 programme, Undercover Boss … In a recession you have to keep communicating

Tony Blair

Northern Lights | 1 November 2009

Scanning this morning’s papers, I see Tony Blair is believed to have been in discussions with Tesco to help them open offices in the Middle East. I do feel Blair is seriously missing some wise counsel around him – or totally ignoring it. Love him or hate him, he had built up a reasonably credible … Tony Blair

A number of clients are looking for directors of communications.

Northern Lights | 1 October 2009

I’ve noticed a recurring theme with several clients recently. A number are looking for directors of communications. It struck me today that these are all very senior, strategic posts and each client sees these positions as absolutely critical to the success of their businesses. They are going to great lengths to get the right person … A number of clients are looking for directors of communications.