Transforming culture and routines - lessons from the frontline
19 Nov Motivation is a very personal thing and it can differ. Succes is defined in the same way, very personal. I learned a lot about coping with different motivators and success definitions when I was a... read moreMaking sure your people do the Right Thing
15 Oct Big question for all leaders is “How can I make sure my people do the right thing?” When leaders I train ask me this question I tend to counter a bit Socraticly asking “What is the right thing?” ... read more“Welcome to the Matrix!”
03 Sep Early this year I was working with a client facilitating a certification workshop on Service Excellence when we were requested to welcome a high level visitor wanting to meet the new members of ... read moreBeware of Crisis-Sales Coaching
02 Apr There is Crisis-Management, Crisis-Communication - but is there also Crisis-Sales? In my opinion there is - and as far as I have seen it is not the most likable way to execute this profession. ... read moreWhy Distance Coaching needs to be Differentiated on Personal Needs
01 Apr Distance Coaching is more relevant than ever. How do you connect with your people on a personal level, keeping them motivated and focussed on their priorities in challenging times like we are now ... read moreBe your own Example
30 Mar Many presentations I attend start with “inspiring examples”. For example stories about relatives who contributed to the development of the presenter as a child, or local celebrities developing ... read moreTaxi-driver Wisdom
07 Feb When I was traveling in Denmark for work I got involved in an interesting discussion with one of my taxi drivers. Normally I am not necessarily talkative when driving from hotel to training ... read moreTurning a Dull Corporate Initiative into an Energizing Event: 3 golden rules
13 Dec CEO’s are struggling to create buy in for new corporate initiatives. As new strategies are launched constantly from Headquarters local operations react with a certain reluctance and skepticism ... read moreFirst costs earned are costs not made
18 Oct A good friend of mine uses to make a joke saying: “Today I saved 200 euros..” He presents this as a cliff hanger and you are supposed to ask as a follow up: “Ok...interesting...what did you do?” ... read moreEver needed to look a Cow in the Ass?
23 Aug The Dutch are famous for a couple of things like tulips, windmills, directness and liberal Amsterdam. I would like to add to this the Dutch talent for making up expressions nobody understands - ... read moreDon’t be afraid of STEEP
28 Jun Unlike some other trainers I like to be trained myself. My personality profile allows me to practice what I preach albeit with questionable results depending on the art and mastery level required.... read moreActivating Your Team from Behind Your Desk... How does that work?
03 May Over the years many leadership gurus have eloquently told us about the latest trends and best practices differentiating managers from leaders and coaches from mentors. Common denominator in all ... read morePlastic Surgery
14 Jan Companies tend to adopt similar change models at the same time - like a wave overtaking ships one by one. Many times you wonder if this new model is really the best for this particular company - ... read moreLook for Progress, not Perfection
19 Nov A while ago I was talking to one of my clients about recruiting talents and he said: “You know Marja, we are all looking for a sheep with 5 legs - and seem to forget that most sheep only have ... read moreIf Perception is Reality, Is Reality Perception?
24 Sep About the Mouse who wanted to become a Cat “Enough is enough” Mouse thought now that he had lost his entire family to the appetite of cats. “If this continues I will be next in line to be ... read moreMismatching formal and informal Culture blocks innovation
30 Jul Groups have always fascinated me - groups can make me feel uncomfortable because of a certain hostility towards participation, alternatively they feel like a warm bath in a very cold winter as ... read moreEngagement Transformation Workshop
13 Jul Friday August 17th Workshop Engagement Transformation - 9.30-12.30 Interactive workshop on how engagement is perceived and activated in current business to drive Performance and Growth moving from... read moreEngagement - Why Bother?
04 Jun Companies are more interested in engagement studies nowadays than they were a decade ago - actively investigating ways to create engagement amongst all stakeholders in their businesses. Why this ... read moreEmpower: Claim Your Space
04 Jun Yesterday I was talking to someone over the phone when we touched upon “writing a book”. Our discussion was interesting and it just evolved from talking about experiences in business and views on ... read moreEngage: If you do not play you cannot win
09 Apr Many times I have seen people struggle with change - changing conditions, changing situations, changing roles, changing neighbours, changing weather, changing parking places, changing roads, ... read more
The book
06 Mar Sports are in my view essential for the development of quality behaviour favourable for society, business and personal well being and functioning. Sports help you maintain a balance in stressful ... read more
