Quote EQ4U UPDATE – OCTOBER 2026

EQ4U UPDATE – OCTOBER 2026    

The term ‘audacity’ can be defined as ‘a willingness to take bold risks’ and is associated with boldness, daring, fearlessness and bravery. An alternative definition suggests audacity is: ‘having the courage or confidence of a kind that others may feel shocking or rude’. This month’s EQ leadership audacity theme relates to the former – i.e. a leadership behaviour that takes a bold and courageous approach to considering, communicating and delivering policies and practices – including reflection on potential emotional impact. The following quote prompts reflection of sagacious thought before audacious action, with particular reference to political leadership:   

‘I encourage all of us, whatever our beliefs, to question the basic narratives of our world, to connect past developments with present concerns and not be afraid of controversial issues.’

YUVAL NOAH HARARI

Weblink for the above: AUDACITY – EQ4U

A comprehensive text on the concept and benefits of what they describe as ‘Being Adventurous in Life and Work’ by Stephen Carter and Jeremy Kourdi in ‘The Road to Audacity, is included in EQ4U’s books section: EQ GENERAL BOOKS – EQ4U

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

Key behaviours relating to audacious leadership include:

• Challenging the status quo
• Questioning rules/orthodoxy/conventional wisdom
• Pioneering new approaches
• Being prepared to take risks
• Willingness to accept responsibility
• Maintaining curiosity 
• Delegating to and supporting others
• Being prepared to face criticism and challenge
• Supporting others who challenge inappropriate behaviour

Warmest & best wishes

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2026

EQ4U UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2026    

This month’s theme, leading and managing organisational change, requires an emotionally intelligent leadership approach to its introduction and implementation. Not forgetting that despite the term ‘change’ being touted by politicians and others as being necessary and desirable, change is inevitable and not necessarily positive or welcome. The following quotes are salutary reminders:

‘In all the world nothing can be said to be certain, except change, death and taxes.’

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

‘It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.’

CHARLES DARWIN

Weblink for the above plus other quotes: CHANGE – EQ4U

A ‘what’ and ‘how to’ lead transformational change checklist:

Leading transformational change – checklist

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

Key behaviours relating to effective change leadership:

• Express a coherent vision – articulate what success look like

• Seek commitment – engage with people to stimulate their interest

• Champion innovation – listen and be open to new ideas

• Consider emotional impact – thoughtfully consider emotional effect

• Encourage open and honest feedback – encourage others to share views constructively

Warmest & best wishes

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – AUGUST 2026

Delegation, this month’s theme, is the practice of assigning authority and responsibility to another person to carry out specific activities needed to fulfil the requirements of your leadership role. The opposite of effective delegation is micromanagement, the effect of which is likely to be frustration, confusion and lack of motivation. The following quote encapsulates a critical attribute for leaders in roles seeking to influence significant and meaningful change. The recent UK change of political leadership springs to mind:

‘If you want to do a few small things right, do them yourself. If you want to do great things and make a big impact, learn to delegate.’
JOHN MAXWELL

Weblink re above quote: LEADERSHIP – EQ4U

A ‘what’ and ‘how to’ delegation checklist: Delegation Checklist

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

Words and phrases relating to effective delegation:

Responsibility versus accountability – remember that the delegator remains accountable for the outcomes of delegated tasks.

Objectives – intended specific and measurable outcomes for delegated tasks.

Clarification – comprehensible explanation and guidelines given for intended outcomes.

‘Delegation not abdication’ – often quoted as a cautionary reminder to those whose delegation approach is about dumping tasks on others without accountability or providing appropriate guidance and support.

Warmest & best wishes

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – JULY 2026

Following on from last month’s character topic, this month’s theme is a deeply meaningful one of legacy and the lasting impact we leave. A theme that’s critical to us all as individuals and how we’re genuinely remembered by others, and significantly applicable to global political leaders whose decisions have wide ranging impact. Steven Covey’s habit 2 ‘Begin with the end in mind’, i.e. define clear goals and outcomes before acting, from his ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ book springs to mind. Political leaders in our troubled world need to take particular note:

‘One day you’ll be just a memory – do your best to be a good one.’

UNKNOWN

Weblink re above quote: PHILOSOPHY – EQ4U

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

Legacy encompasses both tangible and intangible memories and items we leave behind. Associated words:

Achievements – enduring tangible or symbolic successes.

Heritage –valued objects and qualities such as historic buildings and cultural traditions.

Values – principles or beliefs that continue to guide others.

Memories – personal or collective recollections.
Reputation – the lasting impression left behind.

Vision – the forward-looking impact or inspiration left for others.

Warmest & best wishes

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – JUNE 2026

This month’s ‘character’ theme integrates with and follows on from last month’s ‘values’ topic, and is again, fundamental to who we are as individuals and how our the essence of our character influences our thoughts and behaviour. Leaders’ characters and the impact of their resulting decisions and behaviour is undoubtedly important to their organisation and the people who they lead, and critical in scenarios where decisions and behaviour have a wider, and sometimes global impact. The first quote has general reference, and the second’s emphasis on power, condemnatory to leaders who abuse or misappropriate their control.        

‘Your life choices aren’t just about what you want to do; they’re about who you want to be.’
JOSHUA ROTHMAN

‘Nearly everyone can stand adversity, but if you want to test a person’s character, give them power.’
ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Weblink re above quotes: CHARACTER – EQ4U

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

Words and their meanings reflecting key negative and positive character traits; universally relevant and especially significant for prominent political leaders whose decisions, influence and behaviour have wide reaching consequences:

NEGATIVE:

• Hegemonistic  – aiming to establish or maintain superiority, dominance, control or influence over others. (Originally derived from the Greek word hēgemonia, meaning “authority” or “rule,” it was first used to describe the political and military dominance of one city-state.)

• Hubristic  – exhibiting excessive pride, arrogance, insolence, vanity or overconfidence, often to the point of recklessness, frequently implying a disregard for others’ advice or rules and a belief in one’s own invulnerability or superiority. 

• Braggadocious  – praising yourself, speaking too proudly about your own achievements or importance.

• Prevaricate – speak or act in an ambiguous or evasive way to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.

• Kleptocratic – a leader, government, or system that enriches itself through theft and corruption at the expense of the people it governs.

POSITIVE:

• Sagacious – possessing keen mental discernment by showing understanding and having the ability to make good judgments by applying sound reasoning and intelligence.
• Integrous – acting consistently with ethical principles; building trust and credibility by being honest; creating a culture of transparency where team members feel safe to express their ideas and concerns.

• Conciliatory – seeking to overcome hostility, placate, win over, reconcile. (From Latin conciliare)

• Solicitous – showing genuine concern about people’s wellbeing, intended to show that you care about the feelings or opinions of others.

• Profundity – showing great knowledge or insight.

Warmest & best wishes

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – MAY 2026

This month’s ‘values’ theme and quotes of the month reflect on both corporate ethos and personal influence. While corporate values espoused by senior leadership encapsulate what the organisation stands for, personal values both in a leadership capacity and in private lives and relationships are fundamental to who we are as individuals and how our values impact on our thoughts and behaviour. Political world leaders’ values and decision making are irrefutably critical in times of war and conflict and applicable to the current global scenario. The American Democrat politician John Kerry’s quote seems especially pertinent:

‘Values are not just words; values are what we live by. They’re about the causes that we champion and the people we fight for.’

JOHN F. KERRY

Link: CHARACTER – EQ4U

‘It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.’

ROY DISNEY

Link: CHARACTER – EQ4U

*GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

Words and their meanings potentially misunderstood/miss expressed:

Sceptical – having doubts or reservations

          versus

Cynical – believing others’ self-interest/ insincerity prevails

Affect  – to influence

          versus

Effect – a change that results when something is done or happens

Complement – refers to something that completes or enhances

versus

Compliment – an expression of praise or appreciation

*Grammar notes are dedicated to the memory of ‘Ruthless Editor’ Kathy Watson.  Kathy’s book: ‘Grammar for people who hate rules’ is a helpful reference source. Link to book: https://amzn.to/2AaV5bE Warmest & best wisheson.  Kathy’s book: ‘Grammar for people who hate rules’ is a helpful reference source. Link to book: https://amzn.to/2AaV5bE

Warmest & best wishes

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – APRIL 2026

EQ4U UPDATE – APRIL 2026  

This month’s theme is mutual respect – a critical attribute for effective relationships including in leadership roles.

A note also to reference a request received from a US contact to include an article relating to violence among children and teens. While this article refers to children in US, its findings, other than the reference to firearms which is a particular US issue, and its learning points, also apply to the UK. Link: CLICK TO READ

This month’s EQ leadership perspective first quote encompasses emphasis of the brevity of time we have and focuses on the need for a sustained effort of respect for all – a critical approach to mitigate the potential for violent behaviour. The second emphasises the need for understanding:

‘All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart or whether we commit ourselves to an effort, a sustained effort to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children and to respect the dignity of all human beings.’
BARACK OBAMA

Link: CHARACTER – EQ4U

‘Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding’.

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Link: COMMUNICATION & UNDERSTANDING – EQ4U

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

A reminder of the distinction between referencing ‘fewer’ and ‘less’:

The simple rule for using ‘fewer’ or ‘less’, is that if things can be counted it’s ‘fewer’, and if unable to be counted it’s ‘less’. Fewer/less distinctions have been noted on my peeve list for many years and Kathy refers to this in her ‘Top 10 misused words’ list on page 137 of her book. A couple of examples of erroneous uses of ‘less’ when it should have been ‘fewer’:

• Article, Sunday Times, June 28^th 2020, P9 – ‘Less than three months…….’
• ‘Call Me Dave’ biography, P154 – ‘Less than twelve hours earlier………’

*Grammar notes are dedicated to the memory of ‘Ruthless Editor’ Kathy Watson.  Kathy’s book: ‘Grammar for people who hate rules’ is a helpful reference source. Link to book: https://amzn.to/2AaV5bE

Warmest & best wishes

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – MARCH 2026

EQ4U UPDATE – MARCH 2026   

Recent news events relating to the Epstein scandal, including the downfall of former Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson has prompting public distaste for the people  involved, particularly for the perceived privilege entitlements of the individuals who are part of elite establishment networks. Undue deference seemingly facilitating entitlement demands and expectations.

The news items around this prompts March’s ‘values’ theme, i.e., our ‘moral compass’  and the guiding principles and beliefs we live by so demonstrably lacking within the institutions and by the individuals involved. This month’s quote is a compelling progressive narrative:

‘Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.’
GANDHI

The above listed on: CHARACTER – EQ4U

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES – to be resumed next month.

Warmest & best wishes

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2026

This month’s theme of interdependence relates to individual, team, organisational, national and global levels. The critical need for recognition of interdependency at a global level has however become dangerously compromised by political leaders whose self/national-interest takes precedence over a rules based world order. The first of this month’s quotes emphasises the importance of relationships, and the second, while not directly related to interdependence, highlights an invaluable approach to deal with non-authentic communication at every level:

‘The strongest relationships are built by people who don’t need each other to survive, but choose each other to thrive.’
STEPHEN HEDGER
‘Be polite and respectful, but severely allergic to bullshit.’
PIERS MORGAN

The above listed on: COMMUNICATION & UNDERSTANDING – EQ4U

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES
Words related to interdependence:
• Ally – a state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose
• Affiliation – close association/connection with others
• Reciprocity – the practice of exchange for mutual benefit
• Cooperation/collaboration – the action or process of working together for the same end

Warmest & best wishes

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – JANUARY 2026

A ‘values’ theme, i.e., the beliefs people have, especially about what is right and wrong and what is most important in life that influences their behaviour, feels a fitting topic for the beginning of a new year. And the values displayed by the world’s political leaders and their actions taken as a result that have the potential to affect us all are critical.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, global leadership has come under particular scrutiny, and as the recognised leader of the Western world, a momentous opportunity to show principled global leadership was however cataclysmically avoided by US President, Donald Trump. Rather than emphatically condemning President Putin’s actions and unequivocally asserting the US’s ability to retaliate in support of Western democracies, on a visit to the US, President Putin was instead sycophantically treated as an honoured guest rather than the egregious warmonger that he is. A deeply troubling, catastrophic, hubristic and shameful approach, resulting in continued killing and destruction that could have been mitigated by principled, timely use of the threat of the US’s military power. Expediency trumping virtue springs to mind.

Both words and actions can convey honesty or hypocrisy in displaying true character and intention. The first of this month’s quotes emphasises a mismatch between words and action, and the second quote indicates the importance of having integrity based principles and values:
 

‘What you are thunders so loudly above what you say that I cannot hear you.’
RALPH WALDO EMERSON
‘If you stand for nothing you’ll fall for anything.’
ALEX HAMILTON (& OTHERS)

 
The above listed on: PHILOSOPHY – EQ4U
 
GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES
Extreme opposite terms with particular pertinence to leadership behaviour:
 

Sycophancy – obsequious behaviour towards someone important in order to gain advantage.

          versus

Opprobrium – severe criticism/ blame.

Pusillanimous – weak and cowardly, frightened of taking risk.

          versus

Bravery – courageous behaviour or character.

Warmest & best wishes