December 2018
ISSUE 130
newsletter-header.png

Lessons in Leadership

I was in discussions recently about the Thai Cave rescue. You may recall the situation where a soccer team of 12 boys and their coach were rescued from 2.5 km inside a cave filled with water from the monsoon rains in Northern Thailand. It was an impressive feat that combined the knowledge and skills of a number of teams from around the world; the soccer coach, Navy seals, expert cave divers and the more than 10,000 volunteers. There are some valuable lessons in leadership and team work that can be derived from the event.


1) Leading by Example

The coach, who also happened to be a Buddhist monk, kept the boys calm and encouraged them to meditate throughout the unfolding situation. This helped the boys remain focused and minimised their use of the dwindling oxygen supply. His courage, support and leadership was certainly key to their survival in the cave itself.



2) Engagement and playing your part

All the teams involved dedicated themselves to working within their fields of expertise and performing their role even though there was no guarantee of success. This sense of a shared goal was the central motivating factor behind the sincere and committed engagement of the many individuals involved in the rescue.



3) Clear Intention, Vision and Focus

From the outset the goal of finding the boys and rescuing them was clear.While many options were considered, including leaving them in the cave for 4 months until the monsoon was over, it was realised that there was no other
immediate way to save them but diving them out.
The focus then shifted to the best options to do this considering the boys could not swim, the poor visibility in the cave system, cold water and strong currents. A rescue like this had never been attempted before and the experts were not optimistic that it would work. The vision of the operation’s leaders, the meticulous planning, decisive decision making and exemplary organisation enabled the mission to be accomplished. It was an extraordinary achievement.


For me this situation highlighted how leadership, vision, focus and team engagement are critical components in navigating the myriad challenges that we face in both our personal and professional lives.



Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for the end of the year and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2019. Thank you for your support and engagement and I look forward to interacting with you in 2019.


newsletter-secion-brk-img.png

Podcast Recommendation:

In keeping with the theme of Leadership this month, I have selected a podcast on Courageous Leadership which ties in well with my discussion on the Thai Cave Rescue. I hope it resonates for you.

Click here to listen





newsletter-secion-brk-img.png

Book Recommendation:

2206574.png

This is Marketing, Seth Godin

Seth Godin has been an inspiration and revolutionary in the world of marketing via his books, online courses and lectures for many years. In this book, Godin provides a timeless, genuine and effective approach which grounds itself in true connections as well as empathy, generosity and emotional labour. The book outlines the process on how to identify your smallest audience, create the right signals and signs to position your offering, build trust and permission and give people the tools to achieve their goals.



I have been a fan of Seth Godin’s for a long time. I like his approach that marketing is not about reaching the masses but more about honing in on your niche. It’s more about reaching the customers you seek to serve rather than finding customers for your products and services. It’s the act of making change happen. It’s an unconventional marketing book that challenges your thinking and approach to the subject.




Newsletter Footer
YoutubeLinked InRSS