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Whenever there is an important soccer match in my country, people seem to transform themselves into soccer experts. These 'experts' then mostly talk about what the team is doing wrong. This, unfortunately, is a way of thinking which is deeply ingrained in my country's culture. And not only on the soccer field.

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Category: Inspiration

Feedback is seen as very insightful, yet most people do not ask for it. It is often associated with criticism and not seen as a learning opportunity. In most cases, insufficient knowledge about the 'rules of the game' lies at the heart of this negative image. Recently I facilitated a workshop for supervisors and the misconception about feedback soon emerged. All supervisors experienced feedback as negative or corrective and did not utilize nor practice this learning opportunity. By not asking for feedback, leaders overlook opportunities to show their leadership. Six tips for leaders.

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Category: Leadership

I recently went to the exhibition 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2010' (www.nhm.ac.uk/wildphoto) in my hometown. What struck me was the diversity of the images and the way the photographers had developed the theme "life on earth". The resulting photos varied from animal portraits and close-ups of plants to animal behavior, wild places on earth and influences on nature, such as erosion and colorful deposits of minerals in the Rio Tinto.

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Category: Inspiration

Unlock people's potential! This is the headline which the Volkskrant, one of our national newspapers, put above an article about coaching. In the article coaches came across as caricatures, more like amateurs than professionals. The article was off the mark, in my opinion, as there are many well trained and certified coaches. Looking for a professional coach? This list will help you to find one!

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Category: Coaching

These times are characterized by constant change. The resulting demands on the flexibility of individuals and organizations are high. Constant change also calls for a different style of leadership than before, more facilitating and less directive and controlling. More pro-active and less reactive. More oriented to development and growth than 'only' to career aspects. With focus on sustainable results instead of on 'quick fixes'. And with an outlook beyond technical skills, as leadership and change ultimately come from within.

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Category: Leadership