Naomi is a transformational leadership expert, executive coach, mentor, speaker, facilitator, and cultural change specialist. She has a proven track record in delivering strong leadership, high performing teams, simplified and integrated businesses, and resilient cultures. She has worked with countless leaders over the years helping them to step into their leadership potential and drive their businesses to higher levels of performance.
What is your favourite, or most used, inspirational quote?
I have so many! Right now it’s: “You can’t get to courage without rumbling with vulnerability. Embrace the suck”. Brene Brown. That’s so relevant to anyone with their own business!
What does great decision making look and feel like for you?
Great decision making to me is when I’ve asked the right questions of the right people, reflected on all the available data, connected with my values, then acted swiftly. In those moments, I feel like I’ve done the right thing by all stakeholders, including myself.
When was a time you were at your decision making best?
When I’ve listened to my heart. Sometimes it’s been at odds with the logic, but it’s never let me down. Under pressure when time is of the essence, I fall back on my instincts and move fast but I always check in on what my heart says. That way, no matter how tough the decision is, I can sleep at night.
Who inspires you? Why?
The people who inspire me are those who lead from the heart, happy to go against the grain if it’s the right thing to do. The most current example of that for me is Jacinda Ardern.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a better decision maker?
What I have learnt over the years is as a leader, you are expected to make decisions no matter how difficult they are. You’ll be forgiven for making the wrong decision but you won’t be forgiven for not making a decision.
There are lots of different approaches and decision making models out there but I have my own model that has served me well over the years:
C: Consult (the right people who are smarter than me and close to the problem)
L: Listen (I mean really listen, not just pretend to)
I: Introspection (but not for too long!)
M: Make the decision (it might be a tough one, but you’re paid to make decisions)
B: Back yourself (if you’ve done the earlier stages, you should feel confident with what you decided)
I also believe it is important to circle back with those who provided input to advise them of the outcome. Because it’s all about relationships and it’s the right thing to do.
What are you reading/watching at the moment?
Reading: The Joy of Genius by Gay Hendricks. Watching: Killing Eve. Completely addicted.
What is the most effective strategy you use for keeping your Ape (your emotional reactive state) in check?
My APE state is reacting. The most effective strategy I use for that is to take a deep breath, stop and reflect, and ask some more questions.
What type of decision maker are you?
On the S-DMF, I am an Achieving Strategist
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