Category Archives: Reflections

Reflection: Surviving the Storm – Lessons from a Disaster at Sea

By Peter Cottrell CA(SA) This reflection is part of our series on Leadership Response in a Time of Crisis, focussing on Surviving the Storm.  We draw on lessons learnt from a disaster at sea, the 1991 sinking of the Oceanos off the Wild Coast of South Africa.  A moment of extreme crisis at sea brings into sharp focusContinue reading “Reflection: Surviving the Storm – Lessons from a Disaster at Sea”

Reflection: Surviving the Storm – Personal Wellbeing

By Peter Cottrell CA(SA) The Covid-19 crisis presents as a storm with poor visibility where the end outcomes are far from known.  It is unusual in that there have been times of rapid change and upheaval, together with radically changed personal circumstances. One of the key themes of surviving a storm is care for the wellbeingContinue reading “Reflection: Surviving the Storm – Personal Wellbeing”

Reflection: Leadership Response in a Time of Crisis

By Peter Cottrell CA(SA) In a previous reflection “Life Beyond: The Inspiration of a Life at Sea” I shared a vision of hope from an inspirational South African seafarer, Constance Nengovhela.  As I reflect on Constance’s story, it offers much insight into the strategy for surviving a crisis, including a realistic assessment of the severityContinue reading “Reflection: Leadership Response in a Time of Crisis”

Life Beyond: The Inspiration of a Life at Sea

By Peter Cottrell Constance Nengovhela is an inspirational South African, offering a vision of hope that is so desperately needed at this time in our history. Born in Ha Mashau village in Limpopo, Constance serves as an active seafarer on international shipping routes.  In between, she is an entrepreneur having launched an inspirational clothing line “LifeContinue reading “Life Beyond: The Inspiration of a Life at Sea”

COVID-19: Relief for the Poor and Vulnerable

Our President has made another great call for solidarity and action by our country and we face a further two weeks of imposed lock-down.  There are three prongs to the government’s response to the Covid-19 Pandemic: An intensified public health response to slow down and reduce infections; A comprehensive package of economic support measures toContinue reading “COVID-19: Relief for the Poor and Vulnerable”

Covid-19: “Hands and Hearts” (a reflection)

Dear clients, colleagues and service providers In our senior staff meeting on Monday, we were reflecting on a theme of “Hands and Hearts”.  In this strange new reality most of us are working at home, or possibly be taking a mandatory break, in a place of physical isolation.  I have heard of numerous accounts ofContinue reading “Covid-19: “Hands and Hearts” (a reflection)”

COVID-19: Guidelines for Electronic Meetings

By Winette van der Merwe Here are some guidelines to ensure that electronic meetings are as effective as possible: If the meeting is on a new electronic platform, download the software well in advance of the meeting. Test your video and audio before the meeting. Check that your device is charged and/or that the powerContinue reading “COVID-19: Guidelines for Electronic Meetings”