If We Are On A Journey Together, We Must Work Together!

We have many things in common when we are on a journey together. We have a common destination, shared experiences, wins, and losses.

During our travels, we may be responsible for different things and want the liberty to make our own decisions. But if our choices impact the journey, they are no longer our personal decisions. Instead, they become the group decisions. Furthermore, during the journey, if we are not performing our duties well. It is not our problem; it is everyone’s joint problem.

In the projects, we may represent or own a discrete area. However, we must note that our decisions, performance, and activity impact the entire project. So, we must listen with intent and take ownership of the feedback.

Similarly, we must understand how other areas impact the overall project. Suppose the others are not performing well or making wise decisions. In that case, it is our responsibility to take remedial action.

If we are on a journey to win and lose together, we must work together!

Influence has the power to blind us, yet it can also open our eyes to endless possibilities—sometimes both at once. We’ve all heard remarkable stories: wealthy individuals giving up everything to become monks, monks stepping into UFC rings, or fighters challenging...

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Life is a journey toward the same inevitable destination: death. Along the way, we often forget about this ultimate reality. As we approach the end, much of what we struggled to achieve loses its significance. When the destination feels distant, we tend to live as...

If I think life is tough, I just need to remind myself that it could be even worse. If I feel like I’ve hit rock bottom, I need to ask myself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” From there, the only way is up. The truth is, life can be full of surprises,...

Our challenges present us with countless opportunities to transform. The pain they bring acts as a catalyst for change. We succeed by adapting and embracing new models of reality. We fail by remaining trapped in repeating what we’ve always done.

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Get a couple of kids together, and they will find a way to play. Playing is what they enjoy, and they find every possible way to do it. Somehow, as we age, we start to think that playing is limited to kids. Grown-ups don’t need to play. The reality is that we never...

There is a clear distinction between influence and control. Influence stems from who we genuinely are, while control arises from who we want others to become. Influencing others is liberating—it allows us to have a positive impact effortlessly. In contrast,...

Thanks to technology, my parents can walk again with knee replacements. I can travel the world comfortably, purchase quality products globally, manufacturers can precisely estimate their bill of materials, and logistics companies can ship goods efficiently and...

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Local Governments offer a wide range of services to their citizens, facilitated through various communication channels. These include interactions between citizens and different council teams. However, providing a unified, seamless experience remains a challenge for...

Have you ever watched monkeys grooming each other? It's such a natural act—they spot parasites on each other's bodies and clean them away. These parasites are clearly visible to others, yet the monkeys can’t see them on their own. We’re not so different. We easily...

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There are countless books on leadership, thousands of podcasts streaming, and blog posts published every day. Yet, when I sift through all this information, the advice often boils down to the same common-sense principles. And yet, good leaders remain rare. It’s a...

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There was a time when community engagement meant sitting across from real people, hearing their voices, and understanding their concerns face-to-face. Councils relied on traditional methods like community meetings and public forums, paper-based surveys and...

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We are often conditioned to measure success solely by results. However, I believe the true measure of success lies in the combination of effort, intent, process, and teamwork. Measuring success purely by outcomes offers only one dimension. A more holistic approach...

Apple products like iPhones, MacBooks, Apple TVs, iPads, and AirPods work seamlessly together. But try connecting Apple devices with Android or Windows platforms, and you’ll experience the frustration of incompatibility. Enterprise software isn’t much different. To...

When budgets are tight, we often ask ourselves: How can we do more with less? But this is a question we should consistently consider in everything we do. How can we achieve more with fewer resources? How can we optimise the investment of our time and money? How can we...

If you think that developing reports for your organisation is expensive, then you need to know how much the following are costing you: Making decisions without factual information Cost of reactive decision-making because you don’t have access to real-time information...

The good old ways have always been working and may continue to work. But that is no reason to avoid change. If those methods take enormous time and resources yet deliver little value, then as leaders, we must take the initiative to transition to better ways of...

Business improvement and technology implementation projects are inherently challenging. When forming project teams, we often rely on Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the core business. These employees, while deeply knowledgeable, are usually engaged in their...

If my business outgrows the software we implemented last year, I would view it as a sign of progress and success. Dwelling on the cost of software we’ve outgrown is unproductive. That very software likely played a crucial role in moving us forward and enabling our...

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Achieving substantial outcomes within Local Governments often feels like an uphill battle. With limited budgets, resources, and in-house skills, and sometimes a lack of unified commitment from leadership, each department seems driven by its own priorities....

Local governments often struggle with limited budgets, aging IT infrastructure, manual processes, and legacy reporting solutions. Here are a few thoughts for leaders to make a difference in the current environment: Invest as if It Were Your Own MoneyApproach every IT...

Many smaller shires and local governments face challenges when investing in projects due to limited budgets and tight resources, making it difficult to prioritise strategic initiatives. One effective approach is to map all projects based on their benefits and effort...

In essence, process improvement aims to standardise procedures to reduce deviations from an established standard, creating consistency and efficiency across operations. For example, in a Local Government setting, standardising the application process for building...

The long-standing debate between Best of Breed (BoB) and All-in-One (AiO) software solutions is often revisited, yet for many established local governments, this discussion has lost its original weight. Moving from one approach to the other isn’t a straightforward...

I can always earn more money, but I can’t buy more time. Or can I? In reality, I can use my financial resources to reclaim my time by outsourcing tasks, hiring help, or automating routine activities. Money can buy things but it cannot buy happiness. Or can it? When...

Processes surround us in everything we do. While they are often unseen and rarely documented, they underpin every task, whether large or small. When we seek to improve a process, any enhancement is often only temporary unless there is a structured approach to...

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I often assume people respond directly to what I say, yet I sometimes overlook that their reactions are shaped by where I speak from. Their responses hinge on my perceived position relative to them—whether that’s social, financial, relational, or in the corporate...

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Enterprise process and service improvement initiatives can be highly complex, making it difficult to engage various teams within the Council. Different departments, such as revenue, rates, finance, planning, and building, have their peak busy periods, where urgent BAU...

Change begins from within. Often, we recognise a problem but see it as overwhelming and complex. We might hold onto the hope that someone else will step in and solve it for us. Take, for instance, the quality and efficiency of service delivery within our team. The...

Improving service delivery requires a dynamic approach, combining various strategies tailored to an organisation’s needs. It is crucial to understand that this process is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing cycle of assessment, action, and reassessment. As...

Process improvement is a distinct discipline requiring specialised oversight and strategic focus. Department managers in local governments may not have the capacity or expertise to drive effective process enhancements. Establishing a Chief Process Officer (CPO) role...

Here are some key questions I pose to any project team focused on enhancing business processes “on paper.” By "on paper," I mean the creation of well-intentioned as-is and to-be process diagrams, with the hope that one day these improved processes will be implemented...

Improving efficiency often comes at a cost. Sometimes, there’s no budget for it. Other times, it’s simply not a priority. But stakeholder pressure to improve service is a constant. As decision-makers, this can add stress to our roles. That’s when we can get creative...

Weeds and parasites thrive effortlessly, designed by nature to emerge, exploit resources, and blend seamlessly into their surroundings—often invisible until they’ve taken hold. They may seem harmless initially, but left unchecked, they spread, draining energy and...

One powerful way to become a game changer is to redefine the game itself. When we shift the rules, it impacts everyone—players, stakeholders, and the entire ecosystem. A new rule alters the environment, and that change forces everyone involved to think and operate...

The adage, “We get what we pay for,” often falls short in the realm of B2B procurement, particularly in local government technology projects. When implementing complex solutions like enterprise software, digital infrastructure, or data management systems, cost does...

As executives, our role is to make decisions. Delaying, avoiding, or making hasty decisions is equivalent to neglecting our responsibilities. These actions not only hinder our effectiveness but also create a ripple effect, preventing our teams from moving forward. For...

There are several reasons why local governments struggle to keep up with the pace of technology. One of the most common issues is the lack of timely executive decision-making. Let’s be honest—executive teams are often overwhelmed, juggling too many competing...

We must know enough to be effective.Before I demand anything, I must first understand my needs. When I aim to improve something, I need to have a clear picture of what excellence looks like. When I make buying decisions, I must know what constraints I’m working...

Why do government institutions tend to be inefficient and lag behind in technology adoption compared to commercial organisations?The answer may be this: because they can. However, this is not the full picture. Government inefficiency is often the result of...

If I say to my 10-year-old daughter:"I expect you to keep your room in good condition,"the instruction is clear, but may not fully communicate what I expect from her. If I take a more prescriptive approach that makes sense for her age, I might say:"Please make sure...

Would I do it if it were my own money? Perhaps sincerely asking ourselves this question before proposing a new project, calling a meeting, or entering into an argument would likely change how we act and respond. We might think twice, or even more, before making...

There is a clear distinction between activity and impact, though we often use these terms interchangeably. The common assumption is that more activity will naturally lead to impact. For example: We have executed 450 test cases; Written 500 lines of code; Called 4000...

We are lazy by design. We conserve energy and use the minimum possible brain power. We like to be well-fed and keep ourselves entertained. We crave security and safety. There’s nothing wrong with this. For most of us, it’s simply part of being human. However, to truly...

Have you ever encountered an organisation responsible for offering such a long list of services? Community engagement and events management Infrastructure projects and contracts management Assets maintenance and management Revenue management Planning and building...

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Don't let those mean people take your goodness away. They want you to be like them. They want you to act like them. They hope one day you’ll mirror their mean actions. But don’t let them. Keep your goodness intact.

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Change resistance is often one of the late stages of change management. Prior to resistance, organisations typically face change avoidance and ignorance, where employees play the ‘we’re busy’ card and sideline change communications. The first challenge, therefore, is...

When we set aside our ego and begin our search for truth, we share our narrative—how we see the world, the problems we face, and the challenges we encounter. Our blind spots, limiting beliefs, and opportunities may be hidden from us, but they are often clear to...

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When life feels challenging and we find ourselves helpless, it often doesn’t mean there’s no way forward. Instead, it’s a sign that we’re exhausted and frustrated with the current situation. Our mindset gets trapped in a negative spiral. Often, it runs its course,...

Checklist to Live Life: The environment does not sway my heart. I work with no expectations. My goals are rooted in the amount and quality of my work, not in the pursuit of outcomes or results. I observe the unity in all things and the all-encompassing nature of one....

Alcohol, drugs, and other substances that can alter your state of mind are just one form of poisonous consumption. They are substances, and excessive intake is called substance abuse. However, we are exposed to many other forms of poisonous consumption. The following...

Not every problem is our problem. However, we may be impacted by problems caused by others’ actions or inactions. We can choose to point fingers and wait for others to solve problems that affect us. But by doing so, we give away control over our own fate. Perhaps, a...

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Distance can strip away feelings of joy, pain, and sorrow. Over the phone or web, I may pretend that life is fine, even if deep inside I feel miserable. Those feelings, though hidden, are real and affect my work and family life. That’s why it’s essential to...

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We may take pride in being busy. However, we can be busy due to many wrong reasons, such as; firefighting customer complaints, employee HR issues, rescuing bad projects, and undertaking manual labour where automation is so accessible. Most living beings on our planet...

Life moves on with the faith that the future will be brighter. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s worth pushing ahead despite the struggles. We hold countless hopes, desires, and assumptions that the seeds we sow and nurture will grow into strong trees...

We can be good. But first, we must know what good looks like. The standard response to the following questions is often – Yes, we are good! How well are your business systems supporting your current and potential future needs? How are you managing continuous business...

Leave life alone, and it will complicate itself. When we are on autopilot and in the mad rush to satisfy society’s dumb norms, we do not help either. We complicate our life even further. For instance, We may not need more. We may not need to wait for weekends or...

When the resources are limited, and we have no clue how much more is left, we must be concerned about spending them. One such resource is our time. So, I must first develop clarity on my end goals to effectively utilise this valuable resource. Then, I must satisfy...

“When I earn over $150K, I will be happy.” Vs “I am happy and will earn over $150K.” “I want a leadership position so that I can lead people.” Vs “I lead people and will be in a leadership position.” “I will retire early and live my life to the fullest.” Vs “I am...

Strategic initiatives are important but often not urgent, making it easy to deprioritise them as organisations focus on immediate tasks that require attention. As a result, many organisations remain entrenched in day-to-day operations, continuing with outdated, manual...

Imagine a surgeon who is about to go into operation theatre, and he is agitated. His tense face makes others in the room concerned and too tense to operate effectively. We may all agree that the operation's success is at serious risk. Now, think of the corporate...

It is often perceived as safer to adopt a more conservative approach—think twice, proceed with caution, and ensure a measured response. Let others make decisions when needed, providing a shield to cover and protect yourself. This way, you gather enough evidence to...

Firefighting in business is becoming the norm. Managers and executives are constantly fighting fires lit by shortfalls in services, employee issues, the sales pipeline, systems and change management issues, and much more. It is a vicious circle as well. When capable...

My weaknesses hide behind my inability to take and stick with my decisions. My sufferings stem from being on autopilot and not being present now. My immaturity shouts out when I pretend to know it all. My foolishness manifests when I think I am controlling the stage...

Decisions require mental resources, and because our brains naturally seek to conserve cognitive energy, we often stick with past choices, even when we have the option to change. This tendency is evident when selecting service providers, like banks, insurance...

It often requires excessive effort to maintain appearances and seem competent. Most of us would rather win an argument than foster a meaningful interaction. I believe that by focusing on contributing to others' lives and prioritising their needs over my own...

I can truly give back to the community only when I genuinely own something. To truly own it, I must have complete control. But the highest form of service may come when I lose myself and recognise a single master within everyone I serve.

Many things we are obsessing or stressing about would not matter in a few months. Most people around us are busy with their lives and pay little attention to our failures and shortcomings. Even if they know, they will forget in a few months. Most of the decisions we...

Consider these questions: Should I invest in real estate? Should I quit my job and start my own business? Should I invest in automation within the business? All significant decisions are difficult. There are too many moving parts and many things we don’t know....

For goal setting, we are conditioned for ‘more’. For example, we may have targets in gyms to lift more weight. However, learning different sets of exercises may be more beneficial. Alternatively, we may gain better results by sticking to the exact weights, increasing...

Today's results stem from our past input and decisions. If the outcomes are positive, it doesn't necessarily mean we're on the right path. It doesn't mean we should immediately change course if they're negative. Instead, results provide a valuable opportunity to...

Many of us are sacrificing today to have a secure and prosperous tomorrow. I am referring to the sacrifices of not living fully today but hoping to live tomorrow. These sacrifices are to push on with time, play safe, and not take risks. This could be our plan. But...

I may claim my good deeds are for others, but often, they are for me. They are likely to keep me happy and fulfilled, boost my ego and pride, and make me a little happier after thinking about them. While they may appear noble and service-oriented, they can often be...

As leaders, we cannot directly change our people, but we can change the working environment that may influence our people. When it comes to changing environment, the change must start from within. So, we practice what we are preaching to others. If we want others to...

It is easier to be vague and add multiple disclaimers in one sentence. With some practice, anyone can learn to be slippery so others cannot get us on their hook. Committing to the outcome with definitive time and deliverables isn't easy. But this commitment and...

I am blessed with the trait of getting uncomfortable in a comfortable position. When things become repetitive and simple, my mind starts to ponder new challenges. This keeps me on my toes and helps me become a better version of myself. It's not always a good story...

Our level of arrogance is directly proportional to our level of success and inversely proportional to our level of maturity. This could explain why: Companies that were once on top are seen nowhere now. Top performers found themselves out of touch and out of the...

On the path to achieving goals, I work hard and try to do the best I can. However, I've learned that it's crucial to maintain a balance. When I stretch myself too thin, other parts of life, such as health and family, start to suffer. It's a constant juggling act, but...

The history of craftsmanship is a testament to the inevitability of technological advancement. Those who failed to adapt and effectively use tools in their trade were eventually left behind. Tools are designed to make craftsmen more efficient, effective, and creative....

I may dismiss high achievers by thinking, 'What sets them apart? After all, we all breathe the same air.' But their distinction lies in what they do with the opportunities they have. Their actions, habits, values, and even luck have shaped their success. They are...

It is convenient to open the door closest to where I am now. After all, it makes sense. Why search for new paths when I can try to open the door in front of me to move on? However, when the door does not open, I have a perfect opportunity to grow. This growth can...

Every day, I get into hand-to-hand combat with these champion time busters. Procrastination Boredom Allowing work to expand to the timeline without adding additional value Postponing major decisions Active distraction by (mobile, emails, shopping sites) Doing...

When decisions and judgments are complex, over-analysing does not improve our situation. We are likely to be better off first understanding our current state of affairs: What is at stake? For example, software projects, company acquisitions. What can we lose? For...

Ideas constantly fall out of conversations. Some are ordinary, others can be good, and a few are great when we get lucky. As leaders, we are not listeners, but miners. We keep mining until we get some good or great ones out. We mine by controlling the discussion...

As leaders, rational decisions are expected of us. However, our choices are biased by our moods, environment, recent wins/losses, personal preferences, love/hate, most recent decisions, time availability, and countless others. Hence, let us not assume that we are...

If I am not here forever and leave everything behind, then there is nothing I can achieve. After all, I may only attain something if I can keep it with me forever. I would instead learn to be more present and utilise life fuel efficiently because that is perhaps all I...

Saving money is good, but often it is silly to save on: Investing in cheap software Finding stingy workarounds to optimise software licenses Holding payment of vendors and pushing ways for additional discounts Finding the cheapest possible resources and consultants...

One thing that binds us together is our ability to demonstrate that we care. We care about the well-being of members of our team. We care about their personal goals and aspirations. We understand their circumstances, limitations, and constraints. We know where they...

Enterprise software is an expensive endeavour. There is a considerable cost involved in licensing and implementation. Sometimes, it may be overwhelming. We may question whether investing in and committing to implementing enterprise software is wise. To reach any...

Make a selection from the following: Learning to play: Guitar Vs Clarinet To be: CEO vs. Small Business Owner Buying watch: Rolex Vs Grand Seiko Most likely, you will pick the first option. Why? Because they are more cool, raise our status, boost our egos, and make us...

My indecision in improving my business is a form of self-harm. While I may have excuses like being busy or thinking business improvement projects can wait, this lazy decision-making costs me. Our businesses need our love, care, and sacrifice. It’s not wise to keep...

Who I am and what I can be are fundamental questions that I must consider seriously. The first can enlighten me about myself, and the second can remind me of the opportunities I might miss if I don't explore the path of possibilities. This introspective journey is...

What I did yesterday looks ordinary today. The artifacts I delivered a few weeks ago need updates, and there's much room for improving our current processes, software, and tools. I am not one to settle for doing what we've always done. My commitment to constantly...

We service our vehicles per the set schedule to ensure they function correctly. We check many things before going out on a journey. Similarly, it is good to consult a doctor occasionally to ensure our wellbeing. But how about our organisation? An independent health...

Good listening is not enough. Before we listen, we need to have an environment where others can speak comfortably. They open up and talk from their hearts. They express themselves with full faith and trust in us. Getting to the positions where others open up to us...

Yes, I can see that others are better players. They have been more successful and privileged. They are blessed with natural strengths and skills to succeed, and I accept and respect that. I have been sad about this for some time, but I have learned to admit and adopt...

One of the most common requests I hear is the desire to have everything in one system. While this aspiration is understandable, the ideal approach is to create a seamless working environment that integrates existing business systems. This practical solution allows...

We often test the patience of our most patient teammates. Hardworking employees often get more work. We often get lazy while reviewing the work of perfectionists. The above examples have one thing in common: we are lazy by default. It's important to recognise when our...

Exhaustion is a real thing. It not only affects our thinking, patience, and decision-making, but if it lasts too long, it can raise our stress levels and cause burnout. This should be a concern for all leaders. Technology projects are a battle against the status quo....

If you have an important meeting at a new place, you research the route and prepare for the journey. Similarly, when it comes to selecting and implementing enterprise software (ERP/CRM), learning from others who have been there before can be invaluable. However, we...

In business, the BAU (Business-As-Usual) work keeps the lights on, while the project work is the key to making the lights shine brighter and pocket more. It's crucial to strike a balance between these two. Businesses often struggle to keep the lights on because all...

Before making hiring decisions, we follow a set process to ensure that the new employee is capable and fit for the job. Similarly, with defined criteria for business projects, we can significantly increase our chances of success. However, we do not appear to have any...

Our decisions, seemingly insignificant in the present, have the potential to shape the lives of those who will come after us. We are not just making decisions for ourselves, but for the generations that will inherit our choices. Inheritance of material and wealth is...

It's easy for me to make choices based on my past experiences. I've developed a preference for certain dishes and coffee, and I've found comfort in the same restaurants over the years. I stick to clothes of known brands, sizes, and styles, all based on my past...

Effective communication is akin to crossing a bridge to the other side and connecting deeply. Often, we remain on our own imaginary islands, leading to communication gaps. To mitigate this issue, we must cross the bridge and understand others before seeking to be...

When I think of others as superior, then my energy is likely to be spent on impressing the other person. When I think of another person as inferior, my energy is likely to be wasted on boosting my pride and ego. When I am at a stage where I see all as one, my energy...

I have no control over my birth or death. Much of what I do aligns with what others in my age group do, suggesting that the aging process influences the broad direction of my evolution. My environment, genetics, and experiences shape my thinking. Overall, I may have...

Working with great leaders is like riding a powerful tide; their presence propels us forward seamlessly. They alleviate our burdens, like painkillers, helping us forget our struggles and reach our full potential. These leaders leave an indelible impact on us,...

Our common perception of an organisation or team is a top-down hierarchical structure. The executive and management sit at the top and actual workers are at the bottom of the hierarchy. While it is a typical representation, it is often too wrong. Maybe we need to...

After working hard to attain reasonable positions of power, status, wealth, and luxury, I realised that they are reasonable goals to aim for. These goals are good because, when I attain them, I realise that they are not the end. They are rather a manifestation of my...

My Karate Sensei teaches us to always be in a stance. As we move around, kick, and punch, we transition from one stance to another. A stance represents power and stability. When we maintain our stance, we have a better chance to protect ourselves, attack, and win....

Business capability development requires our capacity. In other words, we must have the capacity to work on the business to improve its capability. However, if the entire staff is fully utilised in operations, we will continue to stay where we are today. So, if we...

While playing it safe, taking little risks, saving cents but losing dollars, sweating the small stuff, keeping things secret, and trying to get more from others than we give, we are likely to make little progress. Big leaps of progress require a clear goal and the...

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