We can all marvel at the great innovations that enrich our lives today. These innovations aren’t just restricted to products like iPhones many of us carry around, but also techniques and processes like CRISPR gene editing that has the potential to correct genetic disorders and diagnose and treat cancer.​

Behind these innovative products and processes is the work of some very creative people. I am envious of the creative spirit that drives these individuals to achieve the things they do. Interestingly we were all creative once, way back in our childhood days. While most of us moved into other areas of endeavour a few never lost that creative spirit. It turns out that we all have the capability to be just as creative  as we were, or even more so. So how can we boost our creativity?

In Happiness and sustainability, the US slips another four places down to 18th position in the United Nations 2018 World Happiness Report.

​The US used to be at the top of the index. Despite having one of the highest incomes per capita, the well-being of its citizens is dragging it down.
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​The influence of the West was already in decline before the US turned its attention away from international matters to focus on making ‘America great again’. The void leaves it to other powers to take over from the US that threatens to undermine the world order. Europe too has its challenges. Has the West runs its course? What is to be done?

Tom Peters is associated with 'In Search of Excellence' which, with Robert Waterman, was published in 1982. This book sparked a revolution in leadership thinking of the day.

You can Listen to Tom Peters on Radio NZ (30 mins) about his latest thinking on leadership and sustainable success.

 During this talk are:

• management by walking around (9:50)
• myth of the management guru (14:30)
• failure to invest in R&D and people (18:30)
• on boards filled with friends and neighbours (22:20)
• Google study into the attributes of most effective employees (24:15)
• the moral responsibility of leaders (28:55)

Look out for Tom Peters new book, 'The Excellence Dividend: Meeting the Tech Tide with Work That Wows and Jobs That Last'

  
The United Nations has released the 2018 World Happiness Report. Finland leapt up four places to become the happiest country in the world. They are now ahead of Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Switzerland. Finland is regarded as the most stable, safest and best country in the world.
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​New Zealand remains unchanged at eighth position in the rankings. Meanwhile the US that

Using ‘um’ in a video is quite different to how it is used in face-to-face conversation. ​

​I was brought up with the belief that using the word ‘um’ was a sign of poor speaking skills and should be avoided during conversation. Perhaps this is wrong. Maybe ‘um’ has an important use in normal conversation.

​What does the research say?