Leaders who radiate positive energy attract followers It's well known that leaders and in fact anyone who radiates a positive energy is likely to attract those who want to be around them and will be more successful in leadership roles. Apparently, Herb Kelleher who founded successful Southwest … [Read more...]
7 expressions of love in relationships
What is your experience of love? Do you think of your partner; your children; your mother; a friend? Do you remember past hurts, current joys? A while ago I wrote a blog entitled: It's all about love or the lack thereof, I made reference to the 7 expressions the Ancient Greeks used to … [Read more...]
Set for less stress during lunchtime in a pre-school
In this Stockholm Pre-School, the children know when the restaurant is open and when they feel hungry, they sign themselves out of their group area to go and eat. They choose what food they would like, how much they want and where they would like to sit Some of the staff eat lunch in the … [Read more...]
Why is empathy a vital competency for leaders?
Have you ever found yourself in situations at work that blur the lines of professional interaction with your colleagues? Some managers face the challenge of empathizing with upset colleagues but struggle to address their performance later on. During my leadership and management courses, … [Read more...]
What does empathy have to do with social change?
I was on a travelling from the Greek island of Agistri to Athens. Sitting in the cafeteria, writing my notes in preparation for an online session about the power of empathy. One of my travelling companions asked: Aren't we all empathic? Companion: "What type of people will attend a session … [Read more...]
Education tour Sweden- freedom and responsibility
This year's education tour to Sweden is complete. We had a wonderful time seeing old friends and making new acquaintances. We share our culture, our humanness and our passion for pre-school education for young children. I met my friend and colleague, Annika Sparrdal Mantilla 6 years ago. We both … [Read more...]
Democracy and freedom work together in pre-school.
Empowering children to express themselves: to understand what equality and inclusiveness mean and to learn about the use of power and being part of a community in the widest sense, is essential for the well-being of our global community. I've enjoyed many visits to pre-schools where these values … [Read more...]
Can you keep your head when all around you are losing theirs?
This morning, the words of the poem ‘IF’ by Rudyard Kipling fills my mind. Can you keep your head when all around you seem to be losing theirs and blaming you? If you're a parent or lead a project or organisation, I'm sure you will have experienced this at some time. Placing blame on others makes … [Read more...]
Adopting an attitude of gratitude is the key to living a happy and fulfilled life.
When we experience every situation in life as an opportunity to learn we give birth to an attitude of gratitude, which is the key to living a happy and fulfilled life. Sometimes you may feel stuck in a problem, or overwhelmed with issues and not able to think clearly about the solutions that are … [Read more...]
The heart of the matter- empathic communication in pre-school education
It was Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, who said: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” I'm excited to share this article with you. It explains some of the practices of the Ängbybarnen pre-school group in Sweden. Central to the school's pedagogy is … [Read more...]