Nicholas Bate

The Lean of Life

with Michael Wade

Andrew Munro

adds thoughts and detail to the Tools of Excellence.

The Essential Tools for Excellence: 2: The Play-list

Man is a generalist. No harm in that: he/she is remarkably adept at adapting and to enhance this process has created a batch of tools which allows him/her to perform to the highest levels. 

When push comes to shove, what are the Tools of Excellence?

2: The Play-list

Music: the instant mood changer and enhancer. You need to write, to cook, to lift weight, to relax? Music will help. 

Start with this one.  Beatles, Beach Boys, Bennet, Berigan, Bass and a whole lot more. 

Still Eclectic.

Just a touch lighter for the discerning citizen.

The Essential Tools for Excellence: 1: The Notebook & Pen.

Man is a generalist. No harm in that: he/she is remarkably adept at adapting and to enhance this process has created a batch of tools which allows him/her to perform to the highest levels. 

When push comes to shove, what are the Tools of Excellence?

1: The Notebook & Pen

Paper and ink. There it is: no power needed, discrete, ultimately flexible. On a plane, on the beach, back-backing in the Western Isles. The tool which allows you to plan, record, create, schedule, sketch and write a love note. Never be without the pair.

Which? The moleskine sketchbook. 13 x 21 cm top quailty paper. No lines; why be restricted? Super hard-back: why take risks with your greatest thoughts? Plus a Staedtler triplus fineliner in any colour you fancy. 

Zombie Music

with Matthew Lang.

Wrong Question 7: How Long Should I Talk For?

It's the wrong question: instead ask 'what point/s do I want to get across?'

Why? Too many presenters (and schedulers of presentations), focus on units of time: 'talk for 30 minutes, please'. A presentation has a purpose. Know the purpose and talk for the time required to achieve that purpose remembering that (1) so often, less is more (2) judicious use of 'take-away' support materials can allow you to concentrate on essentials and have time for Q&A (3) that reading to an audience points that they can read for themselves is not the best purpose of gathering in the conference room.

Bonus 1: Love Presenting, Hate (Badly Used) Powerpoint

Bonus 2: Wrong Question 1: Where do I find the (loads of) money I need to start my own business?

Bonus 3: Wrong Question 2: How do I escape from the rat race?

Bonus 4: Wrong Question 3: How Do I Find More Time?

Bonus 5: Wrong Question 4: How Do I find my passion?

Bonus 6: Wrong Question 5: How do I get someone to make me a manager?

Bonus 7: Wrong Question 6: Why Don't My Goals Ever Happen?

Tsundoku

Yes; it has a name.

Road Trip Checklist

revealed.

How Many Of The Greats of History

would fail at the first interview?