Armel Le Cleac'h has today set a new record for the Vendee Globe solo round the world race of 74 days.   The Vendee Globe is arguably the greatest endurance sporting event on the planet,  there is simply nothing like it and the levels of resilience and self leadership demonstrated by the skippers are remarkable.   Watch the finishing footage and zoom forward to 1hr 6mins for a really emotional piece where Armel expresses his emotions after facing pressure on a daily basis for the entire race.   Click here for footage>>> and select D74 arrival of the winners.  Hot on his heels ever since a third of the way into the race is Alex Thompson who's due to finish this evening.  Alex cruelly lost  his lead when he broke one of his foils a third of the way in which reduced his yacht's efficiency by around 20% yet he has continually threatened the leader since. Track his progress here.

"A true British underdog story: Phil Sharp overcomes all odds with Transat podium finish"  Daily Telegraph, June 2016.

We're proud to welcome Phil to the team as a keynote speaker.  We've supported Phil in his drive towards competing in the Vendee Globe race for several years and have always believed that he has the talent, dedication and drive to become one of the most successful British racing skippers in history.   Phil has impressed us with his fresh and honest account of competing in some of the most physically and mentally challenging sporting events on earth as a solo skipper.   As a keynote speaker Phil is ideal for corporate events, particularly where you're looking to reinforce themes such as preparing for success, winning mindset and above all else never giving up.    Please get in touch if you'd be interested in learning more.

The Lighthouse Associates team have had a hugely successful start to 2016:

• 7 programmes delivered in partnership with Marine Performer to Carnival Maritime in Hamburg.
• 5 programmes for First and Senior Level Leaders from Reliance Industries in Mumbai.
• 3 hugely rewarding days leading  Durrell’s Conservation Managers programme (DESMAN).
  
• Multiple engagements with clients in the legal, fiduciary and healthcare sectors including a moving event with the Scottish Neo Natal Nurses Group in Glasgow who work under extreme pressure to bring premature babies safely into the world.
• Over 20 virtual classroom sessions delivered to BP managers and graduates 

 
Looking ahead we have a busy few months working with new and existing clients will be announcing new associate relationships shortly.
 
Thanks to all of our clients, associates and partners for a great start to 2016!

In Mumbai with First Level Leaders from Reliance Industries and Megan Anderson.  Exploring the challenges associated with middle management through a game of human chess!

Second programme with Marine Performer in Hamburg with Sea and shore based leaders in the Carnival Group.    Excellent session focussed on creating greater collaboration between ship and shore, across the brands and between deck and technical functions at sea.   Secret seems to be mutual trust and respect,  empathy and understanding and a touch of humanity under pressure!

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared his views on Emotional Quotient (EQ) recently and having worked internationally with thousands of individuals over the last 15 years we share his view that "in the long run, EQ trumps IQ".  We believe that EQ is the most under developed ability in the workplace and presents a significant opportunity to any organisation committed to its people.  

As part of our own commitment to developing our skill set we are proud to announce that we are now a certified partner of MHS Assessments and following successful assessment Mark, Will and Karen are now accredited in the use of the EQI 2.0.

​This powerful resource is one of the only psychometric assessments that measures EQ in a valid and reliable way and has applications for individual & team development at both team members and leaders.  For more information please get in touch and download the following resources.

1. EQI 2.0 Factsheet
2. Sample report
3. Sample 360 leadership report ​

We came across an excellent article on the power of "hard" and "soft" influence by Major General MacKay detailing the thinking and action that led to achieving a key strategic aim in Afghanistan in 2007.    Some simple and powerful reminders for business came out of it:

1. In an influencing situation be crystal clear on the outcome you need to achieve.  Sounds obvious but are we all aligned and clear on what we need out of the situation?
2. Do your homework.  Who are the key people we must influence and who can help us influence them?  Do I know who the key players are? Are there others who I may not have considered?  
3. Plan, plan and plan again.   While plans rarely remain intact once activity begins, the process of planning prepares us for different eventualities.
4. From complex to simple.   Planning is  (and should be) a  complex process.  The communication of the plan must be simple, crisp and memorable.   A powerful example of this is the one page outline below containing all of the information required for those "on the ground" to develop and execute against the higher intent.  Can your organisation's intent be explained and shared  in a meaningful way on one page?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-ff9a9c01-faa4-4038-b4e9-83e619460e1f