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Businesses Learning from War

Commerce and war are both about achieving goals with scarce resources in a dynamic, often hostile environment. In peace and war, on the battlefield and in the corridors of power, there are lessons in the military experience which can be learnt by commercial companies to their profit. Ian Gardiner offers keynote talks from which every company and organisation can benefit.

Succeeding in Chaos

Ian Gardiner has prepared a programme based on the military doctrine of Mission Command which is a style of leadership and followership which promotes decentralised management, freedom and speed of action, and initiative.

This shrinks decision cycles, helps to ensure that all decisions are aligned with the goals of the business, and puts decision making in the hands of those best placed to make decisons. It also fosters ownership and clarity of thought. Using the chaotic nature of war as a stage, Ian Gardiner describes the process which has emerged from the crucible of defeat to deliver victory on the battlefield, and which all organisations can adopt to their profit.

 Who is it for?

  • Team leaders in large complex organisations.
  • Organisations that have difficulties aligning their leaders and teams to the strategic direction and objectives of the business.
  • Organisations where leaders are not able or willing to make decisions that support the central purpose of the organsation.
  • Organisations where subordinate teams are not encouraged or equipped to make decisions.

  What will you get?

  • Leaders and teams that are more motivated, informed and aligned to achieve the goals of the business.
  • A more nimble organisation that can implement strategy quickly in response to the changing demands of the market.

Succeeding in Chaos is tailored to the client's needs. It can be a once-off 40 minute motivational talk with Q & A or it can be developed into a number of sessions with interactive exercises, thereby anchoring the concept more surely in people's minds. Succeeding in Chaos offers original, absorbing, thought provoking lessons drawn from the searing audit of war which offer valuable insights for all business leaders which will help them get the very best out of their people.

Read article in CNN International:

 http://edition.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/02/05/military.lessons.warfare.business/index.html?iref=allsearch

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Ian Gardiner is also available to give absorbing illustrated talks based on his books In the Service of the Sultan and The Flatpack Bombers. To hear him talk about the Dhofar War in Oman go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38L2yVxHS04

 The Speaker........... 

Ian Gardiner is a Visiting Lecturer at the UK Defence Academy and Member of the Professional Speakers' Association. Drawing on extensive experience in the Royal Marines, and as chief executive of a £25 million charity employing 240 people, he is well qualified to explain how military thought and practice offers improved competitiveness in business.

PSA Member.gif

To contact Ian Gardiner ring:

(0044) (0) 131 332 4754

or 077 76 40 06 71

or e mail   iangardiner@hotmail.com

"Ian's lecture style is natural, humorous, and packed with knowledge and first hand experience."

Andrea Lowde, Cruise Director, MV Discovery

"Ian Gardiner ignites his audience. He has a highly motivating, inspiring style of talking and presenting."

  Michael Goder, BakeMark Deutschland GmbH, Germany 

"Powerful, passionate, professional and original: Ian Gardiner gave us a most valuable and relevant tool to help us raise our corporate leadership and decision making to a new level."

Simon Crowe, Vice President Corporate Planning, Transocean Inc  

"Ian's presentation was professionally delivered in a style which captivated the audience. Ian's ability to link his real life experience on the battlefield to challenges and issues we face daily in the business setting was first class."

Finance Director, RBS Global Banking & Markets

"The quality and professionalism of Ian's content and delivery were superb."

Des Diamond, RFU Coaching Development Manager

"Ian provided a most enjoyable session. His historical and business leadership examples made the link clear to the delegates what they require for successful leadership and communication."

Aileen Strachan, HR Training and Development, Talisman Energy

"Ian's message was very relevant and his observations accurately bridged the Military and Commercial worlds. His delivery was thoughtful and compelling. Ian provided a very worthwhile part of our team-building and objective setting work."

Robin Watson, Director, Petrofac Facilities Management

"Fascinating talk drawing on some truly incredible experiences. Definitely setting a standard in leadership and team performance for us to aspire to. Of direct relevance to decision-takers and leaders in all commercial companies."

George Cobb, Brand Manager, Nestlé

“The feedback ….very positive. The lecture was encouraging and thoroughly enlightening. Your professional insight into leadership left them with many thoughts for reflection. I have learned a great deal from your presentations which have influenced many young officers, providing them with an inspirational role model."

The Director, Junior Naval Staff Course, UK Defence Academy


“Thank you for such an eye opening talk...like most non-combatants, I have spent any number of hours listening to grand plans, global strategies and battlefield tactics…..but had no conception of….the sheer terror, the unpleasantness and the confusion which is what the grand plans are ultimately reduced to. An occasion which will live long in my memory...a stellar performance.”

 Fettes College, Edinburgh

 “…..your lecture universally praised by the student body….simultaneously thought provoking and entertaining.” 

The Director, Advanced Command and Staff Course, UK Defence Academy

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