Behind the Scenes — Packaging Insert Part 2
A short video that reveals our die cutting tools (no sound). The first tool is the die cutting from. It has knives for cutting and to create fold lines. The second tool is the backing tool, with waste holes for when the board is punched out.
Triathlete Syndrome
What can we learn from "Triathlete Syndrome"?
In this week’s The Sunday Scholar we look at how “Triathlete Syndrome” must be avoided. How it relates to you, your team and your organisation. And what you can do about it. We talk about finding balance, favourites in your team and fewer eggs in one basket.
The Sunday Scholar is a weekly podcast—and email newsletter. It takes a lighter look at leadership. You can download to your podcast player, or subscribe to newsletter via website.
60th Anniversary Special
QUESTION. When’s the best time to start a Bullet Journal?
Answer. 10 years ago.
QUESTION. When’s the next best time to start a Bullet Journal?
Answer. Today.
It was a habit that started 10 years ago. Before that, I used a page-a-day diary. Over the years, it’s developed. And become one of my most treasured items.
For me the benefits are clear
Think in ink—it clears your head
A place to capture all ideas (the good, bad and ugly)
A reference to hold yourself accountable
My latest bullet journal is Volume 60. Yes, I’ve got 60x Moleskine Notebooks sat at home in my Reference Library.
When everyone else is scrambling over the latest productivity and note-taking app in the future. I’ll be pleased that I made the decision to go offline all those years ago.
Behind the Scenes — Packaging Insert Part 1
Die cutting tool using to create the Twelve Scholars ‘X-Wing Version 3’ Packaging Insert
How you do anything is how you do everything.
It’s been eight weeks in the making. From initial ideation to final delivery. To produce a special presentation box that has a certain WOW factor. And we think you’ll like it!
This photograph shows one half of the die cutting tool using to create our ‘X-Wing Version 3’ packaging insert. And it looks incredible.
The craftsmanship, the locking nuts, the recessed holes. I feel humbled and privileged to witness what Excellent looks like behind the scenes.
Inspire, be inspired!
The HARD reset
A new month is always an opportunity to reset. Draw a line in the sand. Review what you’ve achieved. Focus on the future. But I’ve always used July as a HARD reset.
It’s a HARD reset because you’re half way through the year. Blink and it’ll be Autumn. Soon it’ll be Christmas. It requires an open and honest conversation—with yourself.
Here’s a few HARD reset questions to consider this weekend.
What’s on track? And what’s off track?
What are you taking responsibility for?
What needs to happen (for the rest of this year), to make it a successful year?
How will you start July? What will you be doing differently?
Packaging Production Line
Today’s the day our packaging insert for the Leadership Compass went into production.
A big thanks to everyone at Belmont Packaging for making me feel welcome. You’ve got a great factory and it’s good to about your future investment.
The "Twelve Scholars Tube Insert X-Wing Version 3" was always going to be a challenge. And the team at Belmont has proven again that Anything Is Possible!
The attention to detail in setting up the job was second to none.
A special thanks to Elise, Gareth, Phil, Simon and Anna for their support throughout the job.
Look forward to working with you all again soon.
Find your happy place
Where do you go to relax and reset?
One of the most important ways to avoid setbacks is to find your happy place. Somewhere you can truly switch off and unwind. It’ll help avoid burnout (too common in entrepreneurs). And focus on the task in hand. Plus it will put things into perspective. What’s not to like?
My happy place has always been the sauna—combined with a swimming pool. But recently, both have been out of action due to a refurbishment. And I’ve felt it. My diet, health and mental well-being have gone out the window. My work and creative output has suffered too.
Now, after two months, the sauna and pool are open again—they look great. But the temperatures are not what they ought to be. I can cope with cold water. But the sauna temperature isn’t quite there.
I’d say the pool is satisfactory. And the sauna is poor.
After 60 minutes on the top shelf last night, I felt more anxious than when I went in. And that’s not normal.
Inspired by Ogilvy
At last, a leadership compass that’ll guide your team—no matter the situation.
What makes Twelve Scholars the perfect choice for leadership development?
I’ve taken inspiration from David Ogilvy this week. Having digested his two books last week, I thought I’d have a go at writing headline copy that compares to his famous Rolls-Royce advert from March 1959.
The Leap to Leader
There’s a lovely article in this month’s Harvard Business Review (Jul-Aug 2023). Written by Adam Bryant, it argues that to succeed as a senior leader, you need more than just special skills and competencies. You need a new mindset.
The article covers many of the themes we discuss on our Leadership Development Programme.
Be clear about what you stand for
Hone your decision making
Set the bar for your team’s performance
Master the art of compartmentalisation
Build self awareness.
Craft your personal narrative.
The articles concludes, “Leadership lessons are all around us. Take in as many as you can and make the time to reflect on what you discover.”
The article is adapted from Bryant’s new book, The Leap to Leader, which will be available next month.
(And yes, I’ve just pre-ordered my copy!)
New Product Brochure
TWELVE SCHOLARS presents a thoroughly modern leadership development programme. Copies of our new product brochure are being posted on request. Alternately, you can download your copy here.
Excellence in Canada
I’m really pleased that our new Leadership Development Programme has landed in Canada. Posted last Monday, it took 7 days to clear customs and arrive safely with our customer.
First impressions count.
“Excited to have received my Twelve Scholars box of goodies. You model ‘Excellent’ in everything you do. Well done. John.”
Looking forward to helping more leaders grow.
Inspire, be inspired!
Tuesday Tutorial
What’s the most important tool in your leadership toolkit?
Our latest Tuesday Tutorial discusses one of the most important tools available to you. We call it the Thick Red Line. Rather than focusing on Excellent and Good instead we focus on Satisfactory and Poor.
A tooth beyond repair
After an emergency trip to the dentist last weekend, my suspicions were confirmed. The decay was too great. The tooth had already cracked. The condition was poor. Root canal treatment was offered—but with no guarantee of success. Instead, I chose extraction. For this would be satisfactory—good enough to move on.
Dental Decay
In this week’s The Sunday Scholar we establish the root cause of dental decay—for you, your team and your organisation. We discuss why an apple a day is never enough, and what you can do to avoid dental decay in the workplace.
First class delivery
It was a first class delivery—with a second class stamp. A short story in exceeding expectations.
Second class mail aims to reach its destination by the third working day. This is what we expect—and considered good.
When it arrives the following day, you’re obviously delighted. It exceeds our expectation—and considered excellent.
When it arrives the following week, it’d be considered satisfactory.
And if it didn’t arrive at all. Well, that would be unacceptable—and considered poor.
Together—Excellent, Good, Satisfactory and Poor can be used in all sorts of situations.
At Twelve Scholars, we call it the EGSP Framework®
Life as a postage stamp
“Imagine yourself as a postage stamp.”
That’s the advice I was given 25 years ago when working on a project. A simple and yet effective form of value stream mapping.
I’ve used this technique many times since. It’s all about following the process and looking out for opportunities.
And I’m using it today—to improve our scholar experience. Mapping the customer journey and identifying “moments of truth”.
Always learning. Always striving for Excellence.
Track and trace update II
Good news! Our parcel of leadership material has cleared US Import Customs. It’s arrived in Louisville, Kentucky. And now heading north to Canada.
First class experience
When was the last time you sat down wrote a letter?
I don’t know about you, but there’s always something special that goes on. It’s that personal touch. When writing a letter. And when receiving a letter.
And although I tend to use second class stamps (£1.15 for a large letter). It’s never a second class experience.
Track and trace update
Hooray! Our parcel to Canada has arrived at Castle Donington (UK) and cleared customs. Estimated delivery is Tuesday, 20 June.
Oh, Canada
Unbelievable. We received an order today—from Canada!
It was for our Essential Scholar leadership development programme. And two copies of our beautifully bound printed journal!
A case of Twelve Scholars leadership material is now being track and traced 3,300 miles via UPS.
A big thanks to John and his team for placing his trust in Twelve Scholars.
Inspire, be inspired!