"Global Leadership with Greg Parry"

Conspiracy theories have been around since the beginning of time. We may, or may not, believe in superstitions and many stories that were designed to explain phenomenon that are not easily understood. Our governments don't always play these things straight either. If a narrative matches their agenda then they may be happy to let these ideas run their course.  More recently there has been an attack on science, "facts" and media sources, with claims that they are not truthful. Maybe some of these attacks are fair as we gradually lose faith in what we believe to be true, or not. We know that social media spreads these ideas rapidly because of the algorithms that are designed to satisfy our particular needs. By default, if we want more information on a particular topic it will be fed to us. And 45% of people who believe Covid-19 deaths are being exaggerated by the authorities get a lot of their news on the virus from Facebook, more than twice the 19% of non-believers who say the same. 56% of people who believe that there's no hard evidence coronavirus exists get a lot of their information from Facebook, compared with 20% of those who reject the conspiracy theory. Sixty percent of those who believe there is a link between 5G and Covid-19 get a fair amount or great deal of their information on the virus from YouTube. There is a profile of conspiracy theorists or followers that shares these ideas prolifically. We need to understand this mindset and why some are more attracted to  conspiracy than others.

Co-Founder and Senior Managing Partner of GSE, Shanna Parry has gone from American school teacher to international education expert, widely regarded for her skills abilities to lead education in culturally diverse locations. Twice named as one of the Top 30 Global Gurus in Education she is a highly sought after guest speaker as well as being an outstanding project leader of new schools. In this podcast she speaks about her professional and personal transition from growing up in the US to now working, living and traveling in locations such as the Middle East and China. Culture shock, adaptation and how to develop highly effective interpersonal relations with people of other cultures are just some of her key strengths. Family, friends and work colleagues understand her passion for travelling in ways that demonstrate an ability to fully engage with cultures. There is a greater depth than just food, fashion and flags in both her business and personal life. A truly insightful discussion about her life and future within an international context. (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

We need to dream! Sadly as we get older our dreams become conditional. We learn so much about “reality” and create so many rules or obstacles in our own minds that our dreams become stifled. Dreaming creates appetite. It creates a compelling vision that we want to reach for. It motivates us because of the appetite it creates. The next step is to backward map that dream and turn it into a plan but it must first begin with a compelling vision for the future. We also need to share these dreams and vision in stories. Stories reach people at a much deeper level that standards, KPIs and traditional work expectations. Our own dreams need to become shared dreams by all team members. The energy and motivation will become infectious and people will work harder to achieve them. Lets be “kids again.” Lets be open minded and passionate. Lets unleash true potential so that we break rules and truly make a difference beyond standard conventions. Lets reinvent, by embracing a paradigm and way of thinking that ignores excuses and in powerful and compelling ways makes dreams possible. (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

I have never been a big fan of traditional voting on complex and important decisions. The outcomes of a yes/no vote rarely represent true consensus. When we are serious about leading a healthy and principled organisation and we genuinely want to move things forward it is important to understand the power of genuine consensus. When we reach genuine consensus the team moves forward. Committed, engaged and resolute. How many times have we made a decision based on a simple vote but in practice what we thought represents\ed agreement on a visionary idea was in reality a vote on “Hey, who wants to end this meeting quickly.” 🤷‍♂️😄 How to Vote ? Participants raise their hand a little differently! 5 fingers  4 fingers  3 fingers  2 fingers  1 finger  A fist which obviously means, “I Vote NO!”  Remember, strong leadership delivers results. It might sometimes be more pertinent to invest more time to get effective commitment so that you know you can truly achieve your goals. In this podcast we explore this alternative model so that you can use strategies that maximise your performance and get improved results!

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing International Entrepreneur and Digital Media Expert Tamar Hela! Tamar is an entrepreneur who works with Fortune500 companies on lead generation through LinkedIn. She is the COO of Genius Encel. She’s also the Founder of Shanghai’s official LinkedInLocal community.  Before coming to China, she worked with various celebrities and professional athletes in the United States as their trusted editor. We spoke about cultural differences, human behaviours and leadership. She shares her experiences living and working in China as well as her advice for those wanting to make a difference. ......and a 14hr train ride, squatty potties, food, the covid19 pandemic, mental health, education ..... and more. Learn about building communities and adapting to cultural differences from an expert in digital marketing based in Shanghai, China. (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

While vision and values, charisma and motivation might be important for leadership you also have to get the job done. The skills of persuasion and influence are essential if you want to turn ideas into reality. We need to have tools that help move people forward and we need to remove objections. It requires excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. This podcast aims to help leaders practice and develop interpersonal skills by providing a set of strategies and skills that you can employ when things are not moving as fast as you would like them to be. We explore several strategies leaders can implement that help diffuse conflict, bring people on board and achieve genuine and authentic consensus.  (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

In this podcast we explore how systems work and an approach to understanding how to get the greatest leverage for change. We too often focus only on small parts and not the whole. In order to make significant and sustainable change we need to understand the interactions that occur between parts. As human beings we are wired to enjoy and value human interaction. Working in teams makes sense. When we value the interactions and improvements that people can discover and implement themselves we will see greater improvements. As leaders we are most often not the best people to make changes. We should set the standards but not always outline the pathway to achieve it. There may be a better way. Edward Deming is most famous for helping to transform the Japanese car manufacturing industry from something not credible to one of the finest quality and efficient production systems in the world. Peter Senge believes very strongly that we should be looking at the whole picture rather than the individual problem and he has helped organisations and schools embrace these ideas. Both of these thought leaders have significantly shaped a way of thinking and organisational change that is far more effective than traditional methods.  We will explore these ideas and how they can apply to international contexts. (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

Decision making can be difficult in any context but it can be even more challenging in culturally diverse environments. In this podcast we explore the decision making tools called "Ladder of Inference" and "Perceptual Positions" as ways we can become more effective. Decision making tools help us become more effective by challenging us to look at things from a different perspective. Ladder of Inference  (Chris Argyris and Peter Senge) Using The Ladder of Inference helps us look at facts in an unbiased way and not to judge too soon. It is a way of making us become aware of reasoning processes and how to use own convictions and experiences in a positive manner. Perceptual Positions Perceptual positions is a form of modelling that allows us to step into somebody else’s shoes, and see what they see,  hear what they hear, and feel what they feel. Perceptual positions help us get a much better impression of another persons ‘reality’ and it helps us move from being reactive to being much more strategic. Leadership is more effective when we are reflective. These models are an effective "play book" that helps us know how to proceed when things are challenging, cloudy or less obvious than you may think. By using these frames of reference we can walk confidently forward while being more clearly aware of the why and the how. (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

This podcast aims to explain what International Schools are, their history and role in developing the next generation of global leaders. My passion for global leadership includes a belief that we don't learn leadership skills by accident. They need to be developed and applied in order for us to truly develop our leadership potential. International Schools have been very successful in achieving this based not on their "non-local" curriculum but on their philosophy of being international-minded. They play an important role as models of what can be achieved when we embrace and see the benefits of cultural diversity. At a time when this Pandemic Crisis has challenged us globally we know that the people who can adapt best are those who can think critically, adjust and solve problems in a dynamic way. Those who are multi-skilled and have a broad background and skillset will be the most successful. This also includes the values of being generous and serving others. It is a time when we need to come together as a global world, embracing the connections that are helpful between nations. (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

Most people have a desire to be more interesting. We all know that being more interesting is attractive but it also helps us have better relationships with others and to be more effective.  This 5min version on this very popular topic was created for another podcast series where I was an invited as a guest presenter.  (Feel free to share with others) To "be interesting" makes us more engaging and successful with others both personally and professionally.  In this podcast I talk about this concept of being more interesting and some strategies we can use to achieve it.

We need to understand what Xenophobia really is. It is naivety. It is a lack of knowledge. It is previous limited experience that may not represent the whole. It is not knowing the truth!  On the other hand Xenophilia means the sympathy we have for a stranger. An affection for unknown/foreign objects, manners, cultures or people. It is time to love the differences. It is time to see the benefits in the differences. It is time to educate the xenophobia out of people and help people see how valuable being connected to different cultures truly is.  In this podcast we will explore these concepts and talk about ways that we can create a new generation that values this more. Our education systems must teach through exposing learners to diverse perspectives.  If we understand then adjust our thinking then our behaviours can be more appropriate and effective.  (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

Most people have a desire to be more interesting. We all know that being more interesting is attractive but it also helps us have better relationships with others and to be more effective. To "be interesting" makes us more engaging and successful with others both personally and professionally. In this podcast I talk about this concept of being more interesting and some strategies we can use to achieve it. These techniques are very important for young people but they are equally important for ourselves. It is also important to "be interested" in others and to connect with the things that make them interesting. Have you noticed how effective it can be to demonstrate interest in others and to balance conversations out to make sure the other person is speaking more than you are in a conversation? There are also some ways that you can make a "less interesting" person or topic, more interesting. There are ways to direct the conversation in ways that will help you engage in your areas of connection. Relationships are at the core of both happiness as well as effectiveness in our personal and professional lives. Let's learn to be both "more interesting" and "more interested." (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

There is a lot of time for reflection right now as we try to navigate difficult circumstances in the world. What are you reflecting on and what are you learning? This podcast serves to share some of my thinking about the world right now and what we can learn from it. Our children must learn by it so that they can prepare for an ever changing world and one that will change even more than we could have predicted. Although I too am stressed by some of the things we are faced with I am very enthusiastic and proud of some of the things we are seeing. *(All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

Recently we have been facing a Pandemic Crisis that is effecting our lives in many ways. It is making decision making difficult and making our lives less balanced. When we have control over events or we have a set of strategies and course of action that we are confident in, then we are less stressed. We can get better at managing stresses. We can train our brain and our actions to make better choices and take smoother pathways given the circumstances. We may not always be able to control all parts of the outcome or the cards we are dealt in the first place. We have a lot more control however over the steps we take and the role we play in managing a crisis. Being self aware and equipping ourselves with better default behaviours will help us succeed.  We can achieve better outcomes if we take some of these very important steps and employ suitable strategies. *(All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart) *However, this podcast was also inspired by a recent blog I wrote of the same title https://www.gsineducation.com/blog/how-stress-can-affect-our-clear-decision-making-in-a-crisis

Its times like this that we need to stay motivated but it is also times like this that we feel like our world is spinning and shaking us from all directions.  Firstly, we need to recognise that this is ok. Motivation is not on tap in a regular and constant stream. It gets knocked around, changes direction and it needs attention.  We need to find balanced positions and stay motivated both for ourselves and for our teams. In this podcast we talk about the strategies we can employ to keep momentum moving in spite of obstacles. Setting goals that include the "why" and a very clear plan to achieve them. We never know how close we are to achieving our goals and the "large" obstacles may one day seem very small in hindsight. *(All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart) *However, this podcast was also inspired by a recent blog I wrote of the same title https://www.gsineducation.com/blog/how-to-stay-motivated-when-your-world-is-spinning

Many of us want to become great leaders but we fight daily with the distractions that get in the way of good habits. The greatest leaders seem to have a range of perfect behaviours that are unconscious and natural. This podcast aims to show you strategies that help you change behaviours and make then automatic and part of your daily persona. We will explore ways to anchor your new habit to an old and established habit. The key is to create a swarm of new tiny habits around a lofty goal.  Rules don't work but systems do. When our systems recognise that each part is important and reliant on the next we can achieve our goals. What comes first? Values and beliefs or behaviours. I think the behaviours start first and we explore why. We explore a step by step way to move good leadership to a state of "automaticity."  (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

At the time of writing this there are hundreds of thousands of Coronavirus cases and  a large number of deaths. The numbers are changing rapidly. Billions of dollars are being wiped off the share market and people are suffering immeasurably. The world is suffering under this global catastrophe in so many ways. Health and well being, the economy, jobs and the personal challenges facing people are incredible. But, we need to stay strong, determined and look beyond this.  This podcast is an informal "stream of consciousness." No notes and no script. Just a sharing of thoughts on how we can navigate one of the most challenging times of our lives, as leaders, in many forms.  How a crisis and stress can affect our performance  Maintaining a balance or returning to balanced positions  Reframing the crisis - how we can make a difference  Cultural perspectives on leadership and behaviours It is time for us all to step up and make a difference.   We don't know how close we are to a clearer pathway - be prepared.  We can turn this around and navigate our way through challenging times.  Join with me in taking a significant role as leader of your company, school, family or circle of friends.  (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

Based on feedback to share more detail about my experiences in different countries I thought I would share some examples from the field.  The Middle East is a fascinating region and much more diverse than people may think. With approximately 20 different countries, many religions and a rich ancient history it is no surprise that understanding cultural difference will play a large part in your leadership success. By understanding a little more about cultural differences our leadership can be more effective. I hope these stories and my first hand descriptions help you understand a little more. (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

Based on feedback to share more detail about my experiences in different countries I thought I would share some examples from the field. Having lived in China for 8 years and continuing to work on many projects there, we have lots of stories to share about cultural differences. China is a fascinating place but also very different in terms of culture. We are shaped by our previous experiences, the people we spend time with, in fact our life history. China has centuries of that! How we think, what we value and what we believe are very different. Personal behaviours are very different in a country like China that has been shaped by very different cultural, political, social and economic forces.  Leadership practices need to adapt to and understand these very different characteristics. I hope these  stories from the field help you understand what to expect. (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart)

Culture is powerful. It's central to what we see, how we make sense of our world, and how we express ourselves. When people from different cultural backgrounds work together, values often conflict. At times that we don't understand each other we react in ways that make relationships less effective. We are often not aware that cultural differences are the cause of miscommunication and ineffective work practices. Global leadership needs to understand this and it needs to be different. Global leaders need to be highly skilled at accurately reading people and situations. We need to adjust personal behaviours to reflect the situation and be more effective. (All of my podcasts are one take - no edits - no script - keeping it real - natural dialogue from the head and heart) <<< in our next episodes >>> Exploring stories from the field: Case studies and stories from Asia and the Middle East