About James

I've been an unconventional leader since I was a teenager. First with the scout movement, then the Territorial Army. After university I joined the UK civil service on a graduate management development programme. My career is now in its third decade and I've worked in Finance, HR, policy, strategy, IT, change, operations management and internal consultancy. Over the years I've mentored, coached and developed dozens of senior managers and hundreds of people.

[How-to] Action Learning Set – practical guidance

This post is the start of a How-to guide on running an Action Learning Set based on my own experiences of being both a participant and a facilitator. What is an Action Learning Set? An Action Learning Set is a group of Continue reading [How-to] Action Learning Set – practical guidance

Sherpas & Adventurers – MPA Guest Speaker

Cathy O'Dowd on Pedraforca (photo: Cathy O'Dowd)

The other week I was at the Major Project Association‘s 30th annual dinner in Claridges. I sat with some interesting people and learnt a fair amount about tunnel boring machines and banking, not a usual combination. However what really sparked Continue reading Sherpas & Adventurers – MPA Guest Speaker

Negotiation 101 – Understanding Brexit Negotiations

Negotiation 101 isn’t a direct comment on the Brexit negotiations, but I’ve written it this week as a bit of background for all those commenting on the Brexit negotiations that don’t seem to have any clue whatsoever about how one Continue reading Negotiation 101 – Understanding Brexit Negotiations

Inquiry as a Tool for Leaders

Inquiry should form the basis for leadership decision-making and action, because without productive inquiry you cannot be certain what needs to be done.  Here’s a bit I wrote for an assignment while studying Leadership, Influencing and Change with the Open University. Continue reading Inquiry as a Tool for Leaders

Sal Khan: Let’s Teach for Mastery [TED Talk]

I watched this TED Talk on teaching for mastery and thought it was interesting. I think it’s an excellent way to approach learning, especially as an adult in the workplace. In practice it means structuring learning so that we only move Continue reading Sal Khan: Let’s Teach for Mastery [TED Talk]