Effective Challenge Podcastproductive, happy & well

ECP039 - Strategic Execution - the importance of patience Welcome to this week's episode, where we'll discuss the crucial role of patience in strategic execution. We all know how frustrating it can be when a well-crafted strategy fails to produce the desired results, and we're left wondering whether we should abandon it altogether. However, often, the key to success lies not in scrappi...

Welcome to this week's episode, where we delve into the important topic of Personal Accountability. In a slight departure from our usual format, I share a poem that I read a long time ago and how it resonates with me to this day. The poem is called "The Man in the Mirror" by Dale Wimbrow.   Throughout the episode, we explore various themes, including the influence of other people, pe...

In this week's episode, we delve into an important but often overlooked aspect of productivity: the damaging effects of self-criticism. Throughout the episode, we explore the following topics: The origins of the pressure to be productive and how it has evolved over time, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The negative consequences of self-blame and destructive behaviors resultin...

In this week's episode, I delve into the important and unavoidable topic of "other people's opinions". I start by examining three general considerations associated with opinions and then move on to explore three positive characteristics, three potential downsides, and three ways to use the opinions you receive. Opinions are ubiquitous and shaped by our upbringing, life experiences, and environment...

In this week's episode, I discuss the topic of pursuing progression.  To do this, I talk about the importance of having real clarity on what you are pursuing and considering this from several perspectives. I then consider what it means to progress and provide three areas to consider, our behaviours, skills and knowledge. Please message me at damian@effectivechallenge.com with any thoughts, co...

ECP034 – Halting that negative imagination In this episode of the Effective Challenge Podcast, I’ll explore the power of imagination and its impact on our lives. Specifically, I’ll discuss the value of positive versus negative imagination and how each can affect our responses to the world around us. As human beings, we have the unique ability to imagine both positive and negative situations. While...

Every day we make decisions that have the potential to change the course of our lives. But we rarely stop and think about how to get better at making these decisions. This is a topic of interest based on the messages I received from episode 31  of the Effective Challenge podcast Valuing Decisions. And that's not surprising given the impact decisions have on our productivity, effectiveness and...

ECP032 Anger is a volatile fuel In this episode, I explore an important subject of Emotional Intelligence. I look at the topic of anger following something I'd read from one of the Stoics. The podcast explores two questions: What might the issues be with operating from a place of anger? What are things we might be able to do to help manage and sometimes avoid anger altogether? Please contact me wi...

ECP 031 – Valuing Decisions In this episode, I look at the importance of values and having a bigger-picture framework to help make decisions. Given the high volume of decisions we make in any one day, having an approach to help us can lead to improved productivity and results. Which ultimately enhances our health and happiness.  The cast also gives an overview of the Stanford University Decision Q...

Welcome back. This is the first Effective Challenge Podcast since March 2020.   In this short episode, I talk about the reasons why there has been such a gap since episode 029. I also ask listeners to consider the impact of the stories they might be telling themselves and do they help or hinder.

In this weeks episode, I give a reminder of the PRIME model which I've referenced on the podcast previously.  The PRIME model provides a basis to consider our personal foundations. These feel more important than ever given the challenges of the Coronavirus which is impacting the UK and beyond. I then go on to talk about an approach which can help you respond to situations when our plans chang...

ECP 028 How does your environment shape what you do? In this episode, I take a look at Rangan Chatterjee's interview with John McAvoy .   John's McAvoy transformed his life from convicted armed robber to elite Nike sponsored athlete.  I consider what lessons we can extract from his experiences. I personally took so much away from this interview. I've pulled out five areas to share: · Whe...

ECP 027 O to the Q - Promoted from Within In this episode, I respond to a question from a listener who has been promoted from within a team and is concerned about the impact this could have on her relationship with her colleagues. In addition, I respond to a question about last weeks episode relating to breathing to help become more present.  The Box Breathing technique is recommended as one...

In this episode, I discuss the habit we can get into where we construct a mental bridge between where we are today to a place in the future I call FUDLand.  FUDLand is a place of fear, uncertainty and doubt. There are some unhelpful consequences of this type of thinking. I also consider some alternative ideas about how you might shift your thinking to become more present. Please let me know y...

In this episode, I consider the impact the stories we tell ourselves can have on our actual behaviour.  Based on a real-life experience I witnessed in a coffee shop and the reaction someone had to spilling a cup of coffee. I pose the question to consider what stories you are telling yourself and if they are helping or hindering. Any comments or observations please drop me a line to damian@eff...

Questioning Quotes - in this episode, I discuss a William Shakespear quote "there is no go or bad, only our minds make it so". I consider what could have been behind the quote and how it might apply to our everyday lives. I also observe the connection with many of the things we talk about today in the context of mental health. I'd be really interested in hearing which quotes inspire you, particula...

ECP 023 Don't overlook the youth Something a bit different in this episode.  I have a special guest to talk with.  Amelie, my daughter. We discuss: Tech Cooking Techniques for learning The art of influence and persuasion As always the cast draws out some practical things we can do to work on our own performance. Amelie will definitely be back for future episodes. I'm keen to increase the...

ECP 022 Mind Weeding In this episode, I consider how much our minds need weeding so we can grow and bloom just like our gardens.   Often peoples minds are filled with thoughts that just are not helpful.  I discuss the benefits of considering three questions which can help: Do I want this thought? How is this thought serving or hindering me? What will I do as a result of this thought? As...

ECP 021 2020 some housekeeping The ECP Podcast has taken a break for the first part of 2020.  This new series (or season depending on which you prefer) kicks off with a few messages about things that are planned for the podcast in 2020.   Different episodes will have different bitesize features. This will include: Q&A - where I'll answer questions that people ask me that are likely t...

As the days tick by in December, we edge closer to Christmas and the holiday season. A time to kick back, probably eat and drink a little too much, laugh with family and friends and perhaps reflect a little on 2019. At least that’s the idea. The reality is very often different. In preparing for a merry Christmas many people will put more thought into what crackers to buy than their own wellbeing....

In this edition of the Effective Challenge podcast, I discuss some of my observations about delivering in an agile environment. Topics include: Providing the bigger picture clarity Keeping things simple Keeping people in synch You do have plans Feedback as a way of working Recognition of the wider delivery environment Without due consideration of these six areas, it's easy to quickly find the prom...

In this episode, I discuss the growing need to dedicate time and effort to define the work that needs to be done in order to reach an objective.  In fact, defining the work is actually work in its own right. I look at this topic from three angles: Defining the Macro The value of a weekly review and plan session Creating daily focus. I make reference in the episode to a Bill Gates documentary Insid...

In this episode, I discuss the topic of innovation.  I've worked in and with teams looking to innovate and have made a number of observations about what can work best when it comes to innovation.  I discuss seven in this cast.  They are: Clarity of objective. Build trust and openness in the team. It's a mindset not an event. Move quickly from theory to practice. Plan do review appro...

In this episode, I discuss the tendency some people and teams have to become too fancy about the approach they use to achieve a goal.  The approach can get in the way of the progress they want to make often as a result of: Becoming too complex Getting lost in the approach Failing to bring people with them Struggling to prioritise and make decisions I talk about four things you can do to help...

This is the final of a four-part series which has been considering the Effective Challenge BEST model. This episode focuses on the choices we make around how we use our time.  Among other things, I discuss the potential downsides of finding yourself operating from a 'latest and loudest' mode,  consideration that we need clarity and principles as opposed to the latest gizmo or tactic and finally ho...