Richard Martin’s Post

"Actions, Not Words" Do actions reveal more than words? This article dives into how behaviour, not rhetoric, uncovers true intentions. Explore leadership, business, and geopolitics through the lens of ends, ways, and means to see how actions define outcomes. What do you think speaks louder: words or actions? Let’s discuss! #ActionsNotWords #Leadership #Strategy #DecisionMaking #geopolitics https://lnkd.in/e-k9NJUu

I have long admired Simon Sinek - his work and well viewed Ted Talk on 'How great leaders inspire action' which enabled many of us to find our 'Why' was instrumental in defining my companies purpose. Now he shares his thoughts on Strengths (Gallup's The CliftonStrengths® to be precise). In the video he points out, in a house-building metaphor, that if 'Purpose' is the foundation of a house, then Strengths are how you choose to build it. Strengths are the 'doing' part. He also recognises that Strengths (or weaknesses) may not be helpful terms and he prefers characteristics and attributes. When we think about values, they are not just words or ideas we believe in—they are deeply ingrained beliefs that shape our behaviours and attitudes. Values like integrity, empathy, or perseverance influence how we act and who we become. For example, if someone values integrity, that value will manifest in their actions, leading to characteristics like honesty, dependability, and trustworthiness. It’s not the behaviour that defines the value, but the value that drives the behaviour. In this way, values form the foundation of our character, guiding the choices we make every day. On the flip side, our characteristics and attributes also shape and refine our values over time. Someone with a natural inclination towards curiosity or resilience might develop values like open-mindedness or growth. It's a dynamic relationship; as we grow and encounter new experiences, our attributes can evolve and, in turn, influence the values we hold. This creates a feedback loop where who we are and what we believe constantly inform and shape one another, helping us grow into more authentic versions of ourselves. Want to find your purpose or maybe explore what drives your behaviours? Connect with me today and I will share my thoughts and how you can find your why and explore your strengths, characteristics, attributes and of course, values! https://lnkd.in/ef5phRqi

You probably heard about the intriguing “Six Degrees of Separation” principle - the idea that two random people in the world are just six or fewer social connections from each other. It’s fascinating to think about how interconnected we all are. If there is a possibility to find connections in 7.8 billion people, imagine how many interconnections exist in a company of 200 employees! And yet, time and time again, decisions are made in a very linear fashion: more sales lead directly to more revenue; fewer people mean lower expenses; good at something is always good at everything. But does it really? More sales will bring more revenue, but only if production is ready for increased volumes, customer service has enough agents, purchasing can keep up with raw materials, and the business has a somewhat capable system to track and manage all of that. Or, while the promotion of the skilled employee sounds fantastic, does this person have any leadership experience? Who will take over day-to-day tasks? How will the team react to one of them becoming a boss? Considering all the existing interconnections while making a decision called SYSTEM THINKING. It’s an incredibly useful way of thinking, in many cases – the only way of thinking that can bring positive results. And at the same time, it can be very overwhelming. If you believe the decisions in your business are often based on the liner instead of system thinking, here are a few steps you as a leader can take to start changing it: 1️⃣ Take time to create the Company’s Map - a physical picture of all the interdepartmental connections within the business. It doesn’t need to be pretty, but it needs to reflect the company’s processes accurately.  2️⃣ Before making a final decision, look at the Company’s Map and ask yourself – Who else will be affected by that and how? And after finding the answer, ask yourself again – Who else will be affected and how? And keep asking until there is no one else left. 3️⃣ The more you practice the first two steps, the faster and easier the decision-making process will become. #coaching #leadership #humanresources #business

Here is an insightful article published in HBR by Dr. Robert Cialdini and Steve Martin on using persuasion to spur lasting organizational change. Feel free to like, share, and comment. #sales #salesmanagement #training #learninganddevelopment

"Winners never quit and quitters never win." There's an exception to every rule and strategic leaders know that there are times when quitting is necessary to win. Read my latest post on the Strategic CEO Substack. #StrategicCEO #leadership #strategy https://lnkd.in/g46Jv4vp

Learn how to value your time Your most important asset Trust me, the most precious commodity you'll ever have is your time Remember that. When you price your services, when you pay for the time of others, when you determine how much time goes into something, don't underestimate the value of your experience When someone contracts your services, they're not paying for how long it's going to take you to do that task They're paying you for quality service done quickly because you've taken the time and years to build your network and your expertise Remember this, it's absolutely critical and arguably the most important thing for you to remember At MagikMedia we're able to get things done quickly because we've spent the hours outside of our time building our networks, growing our expertise, learning our craft, allowing us to do the work in the most effective and efficient manner possible A useful method for determining how to value your time, is to look at the opportunity cost of what you could be doing instead of what you're contracted to do and to value yourself accordingly So for example, if you want the CEO's time, think about what you as a CEO would be doing instead, likely running your company, that's a huge opportunity cost #leadership #peopleandculture #growthanddevelopment cc: Daniel Abrahams

Your System is a Furnace of Potential When you upgrade your internal operating system, everything changes: - Your energy amplifies. - Your leadership sharpens. - Your impact multiplies. - You win back time. Today’s limits are ONLY a result of running on outdated codes. Old habits, beliefs, and patterns—even those that were once your strengths—might now be the barriers holding you back from your next level. - You push harder when things get tough, but burnout follows. - You believe you have to do it all yourself, leaving little room for trust or delegation. - You prioritize goals over relationships, and fulfillment feels just out of reach. Clearing these old codes is the solution. And here’s how: 1- Reflect: Identify one belief or habit that’s limiting your growth. (Example: “I have to work harder to succeed.”) 2- Upgrade: Commit to replacing it with a new perspective or action. (Example: “I can achieve more by working smarter and leading others.”) 3- Explore: If you’re ready to go deeper, let’s talk about how to accelerate your breakthrough. The potential is already within you. It’s time to unlock it.

Your most valuable asset is your time. DO NOT WASTE IT! Efficiency in completing a task often reflects years of experience and learning. When a job takes 30 minutes, it’s the result of a decade's worth of skill and knowledge. This underscores that time is our most valuable asset. Invest in continuous learning and skill development to maximize your efficiency. RECOGNISE the hidden efforts behind quick execution and VALUE the expertise that makes it possible.

Leaders need to cultivate strategic thinking to navigate through the turbulence of today's unprecedented business challenges. Here are six qualities of great strategic thinkers and how to cultivate them. https://buff.ly/3uMqsWx #strategy #business #discipline #nextbigideaclub

Learn how to value your time Your most important asset Trust me, the most precious commodity you'll ever have is your time Remember that. When you price your services, when you pay for the time of others, when you determine how much time goes into something, don't underestimate the value of your experience When someone contracts your services, they're not paying for how long it's going to take you to do that task They're paying you for quality service done quickly because you've taken the time and years to build your network and your expertise Remember this, it's absolutely critical and arguably the most important thing for you to remember At MagikMedia, we're able to get things done quickly because we've spent the hours outside of our time building our networks, growing our expertise, learning our craft, allowing us to do the work in the most effective and efficient manner possible A useful method for determining how to value your time, is to look at the opportunity cost of what you could be doing instead of what you're contracted to do and to value yourself accordingly So for example, if you want the CEO's time, think about what you as a CEO would be doing instead, likely running your company, that's a huge opportunity cost. #leadership #peopleandculture #growthanddevelopment cc: Dan Abrahams