We have been taken hostage not just by an infectious little spec, but by the considerable power it wields to inflict fear, pain and loss into our lives. For the first time in the lives of many of us we have a gun to our heads, and we are under threat both physically and psychologically.…
DetailsCaptain Blackadder: This is a crisis. A large crisis. In fact, if you got a moment, it’s a twelve-storey crisis with a magnificent entrance hall, carpeting throughout, 24-hour portage, and an enormous sign on the roof, saying ‘This Is a Large Crisis’. A large crisis requires a large plan! And yes, Captain Blackadder, we are in crisis. COVID-19 is one of those Black Swan…
DetailsWhat is culture and what is its impact on organisations? This was the discussion theme for Blacklight’s Round-table Dinner held recently. Our guests included senior leaders from a host of notable businesses and distinguished representatives from academia. The backdrop was a stunning view of the sparkling Thames bordered by the historic white walls of Shakespeare’s…
DetailsIn the midst of the hot weather engulfing the UK this summer we are becoming accustomed to a new volatile weather phenomenon particularly characteristic at night: the electric storm. Formerly, a feature of evenings in balmy climes, we now have our own domestic version of this tempest fit with rain, thunder, lightning and strong winds.…
DetailsThe theme of mental health awareness week 2019 is body image. Poor image affects mental wellbeing and this, in turn, can impact people’s ability to perform at work. The big question is, what can employers do to raise awareness and engage with mental health issues? And not just this week but every week and day…
DetailsWe all have mental health, just as we have physical health. Both change throughout our lives, and like our bodies, our minds can become unwell. There is a strong business case for leaders and organisations to make it their main priority to promote good physical and psychological health for all staff. At Blacklight, we can…
DetailsUnquestionably spring has arrived. Look at the parks and gardens: blossom, buds, weeds and all evidence of life as the sunshine triggers growth. As a response, we sow seeds, plant bulbs, prune, cut grass, add fertiliser, clean ponds: the garden centres get inundated. We are hopeful our efforts and designs will pay dividends as the…
DetailsAjit Menon contributed to the second edition of The Unconscious at Work. His chapter is entitled Beyond the individual; reframing blame and responsibility for ‘rogue’ behaviour in the financial services industry. The chapter explores the influences of behaviour for those in the industry from an individual, organisational and societal level. It also outlines implications for…
DetailsWe were recently published in the Financial Conduct Authority’s discussion paper – Transforming culture in the Financial Services The Denial of Reality: An exploration of some of the unconscious forces at work in Financial Services (p92) https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/discussion/dp18-02.pdf
DetailsBUILDING RESILIENT ORGANISATIONS, PROMOTING MENTAL WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE We all have mental health, just as we have physical health. Both change throughout our lives, and like our bodies, our minds can become unwell. There is a strong business case for leaders and organisations to making it their main priority to promote good physical and…
DetailsHelping leaders open their eyes to challenges, interpret complexity and access creativity. We live in a world of growing complexity and disruption. Ever increasing demands are being placed on financial services organisations by regulators, clients and the societies they operate in…
DetailsThe fog covering the management of culture continues to linger and wrap leaders in uncertainty. Earlier this year, I wrote optimistically on the concept of a Healthy Culture and alluded to the work coordinated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. And so, after a lull, the FCA recently held a video conference…
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