About James

I've been an unconventional leader since I was a teenager. First with the scout movement, then the Territorial Army. After university I joined the UK civil service on a graduate management development programme. My career is now in its third decade and I've worked in Finance, HR, policy, strategy, IT, change, operations management and internal consultancy. Over the years I've mentored, coached and developed dozens of senior managers and hundreds of people.

Benefits Realisation & Benefits Owners

Every project needs to be supported by a robust business case showing the benefits. In central government we have a five case model for business cases set by the HM Treasury Green Book. Each case sets out the benefits that Continue reading Benefits Realisation & Benefits Owners

My Expectations of Leaders

view from the window at Civil Service Live 2016

Last week I ran an induction/introduction session for my new senior leadership team where I set out my expectations from them as leaders. I made some notes on the train up to the meeting, partly as a rehearsal and partly Continue reading My Expectations of Leaders

[How-to] Action Learning Set – practical guidance

This post is the start of a How-to guide on running an Action Learning Set based on my own experiences of being both a participant and a facilitator. What is an Action Learning Set? An Action Learning Set is a group of Continue reading [How-to] Action Learning Set – practical guidance

Sherpas & Adventurers – MPA Guest Speaker

Cathy O'Dowd on Pedraforca (photo: Cathy O'Dowd)

The other week I was at the Major Project Association‘s 30th annual dinner in Claridges. I sat with some interesting people and learnt a fair amount about tunnel boring machines and banking, not a usual combination. However what really sparked Continue reading Sherpas & Adventurers – MPA Guest Speaker

Negotiation 101 – Understanding Brexit Negotiations

Negotiation 101 isn’t a direct comment on the Brexit negotiations, but I’ve written it this week as a bit of background for all those commenting on the Brexit negotiations that don’t seem to have any clue whatsoever about how one Continue reading Negotiation 101 – Understanding Brexit Negotiations