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SUMO Explained
The SUMO approach and materials have been built up by internationally recognised speaker and best-selling author Paul McGee over twenty years. In essence they provide a set of tools for empowering us as individuals and as organisations. Today, SUMO is needed more than ever.
The SUMO Principles
SUMO can be summarised by six principles, which are designed to help you create and enjoy a brilliant life. If you are wrestling with life’s challenges, these principles will help you do so more successfully.
1. Change your T-Shirt.
Taking responsibility for where
you find yourself in life.
Being proactive not passive.
2. Develop Fruity Thinking.
The impact and importance of
attitude and mindset.
3. Hippo Time is OK.
Managing your emotions and developing resilience under pressure.
4. Remember the Beach ball.
Building better relationships with customers and colleagues.
5. Learn Latin.
How to overcome procrastination
and take positive action.
6. Ditch Doris Day.
Forget 'whatever will be will be' - take action to create the future
you want.
SUMO is Needed More Than Ever
The private, public and charitable sectors are facing unprecedented challenges and changes - ones which require choices to be made. But how can we be sure we make the right choices - those which lead to positive and powerful action?
When you have toothache or need an operation, you wouldn't think of trying to do it yourself. Nor would you wait for the pain to simply go away. Either choice could make things worse. It's the same when facing changes and challenges in life. The wise choice is to ask for help from the professionals, those with the experience, the tools, the training. That's where SUMO comes in.
Why Choose SUMO?
SUMO means 'I choose' in Latin. SUMO is all about equipping you with skills for life to help master the challenges of today and the future. Dealing with change, building better relationships, developing a resilient attitude to life, maintaining morale and motivation, dealing with stress, inspiring confidence, releasing potential, building character, creating possibilities… these and many other positive results are at the heart of SUMO - Mastering Challenges… Skills for Life!
But SUMO also stands for 'Shut Up and Move On'. It's a phrase to say to ourselves (and sometimes others) when we are acting or thinking in a way that is hindering our ability to succeed.
'Shut Up' is about stopping what you're doing, taking time out to reflect, 'pressing pause' on our non-stop schedules, letting go of baggage and beliefs that hinder our potential. And then we're ready to 'Move On'. Tomorrow can be different from today. Don't just think about it - take action.
SUMO is innovative and accessible, memorable and meaningful.
You can learn more about how SUMO and the six principles can make a difference to you by arranging a presentation or seminar, attending a SUMO Academy or by exploring the material on this site.
SUMO success! What people say…
Every organisation these days needs to be looking for value for money... we made an investment in over 2,500 of our staff attending a SUMO seminar with Paul McGee. Staff were given insights and ideas that could help them be more effective at work, deal more positively with the challenge of change, and build better relationships with both the public and colleagues. The overwhelming feedback has been that the sessions were inspiring, thought provoking, humorous but above all practical in helping my staff make a positive difference. I would have no hesitation in recommending Paul McGee and his SUMO philosophy to any organisation.
Julie Spence,
Chief Constable, Cambridgeshire Police
May I on behalf of everyone at Manchester United who attended your session, thank you for a great presentation. The feedback has been excellent and all very positive and I know the ideas within your SUMO message are greatly appreciated.
Kenneth Merrett,
Former Club Secretary, Manchester United FC
In our twenty years of running conferences, Paul McGee is the only speaker we have ever invited back. That above all, explains the benefit we feel we have gained from hearing Paul's SUMO philosophy.
Doug Perkins and Dame Mary Perkins CBE,
Founders of SpecSavers
According to Microsoft 30 million PowerPoint presentations are made every day. Hence I wanted to learn how I could stand out from the crowd as a presenter rather than blend in with the lap top. Two days with Paul McGee gave me the tools, insights and know how to become a confident and compelling presenter. So much so I have just finished my first international speaking engagement in Australia. Two days with Paul has to be worth the investment - so grab the opportunity.
Jonathan Handford,
Managing Director, Newman Property Services
You inspired the audience with your SUMO techniques. You were practical, motivational and entertaining.
Miles Standish,
Managing Director, UK Life and Pensions, Towry Law Group
The feedback has been unbelievable! Delegates were using some of the 7 questions during the conference. Lots of fun, but at the same time, lots of learning.
Philip Turner,
Operations Director, NHS
Paul you did not disappoint. Staff morale needed to be lifted during this period of change and your approach injected new life into our conference. Aside from your truly motivational presentation, we also appreciated the copious amounts of humour.
Fiona Tuffs,
Marketing and Development Director, North East Chamber of Commerce
I know that many people personally thanked you on the night for your inspired message and how they had been challenged to change the way they deal with situations. However it is remarkable that two months on, the messages that you gave us are still remembered and talked about. Our teaching staff have gone onto give positive 'can do' messages to the pupils and frequently refer to SUMO and how we can 'Move On' to greater things both as individuals and as a school.
Julia Carey,
Headteacher, Victoria Community Technology School
SUMO may sound very simple but it is the truth of life!
Archana Schafer,
Managing Partner, EMA International, Dubai
After listening to your presentation I have made some radical changes to my coaching plans and techniques. You have opened up my way of thinking with your extremely motivational and thought provoking SUMO approach.
Mark Tolley,
Sports Coach, Cumbria County Council
Your day in the store made a big difference. The average score of how people felt able to cope with change moved from 71% to 94% - a great move, especially starting from a reasonable base. Your SUMO ideas are frequently used.
Paul Sanders,
Store Manager, Marks and Spencer
Paul McGee speaks from the heart and has a passion that makes his content even more powerful. This passion isn’t one of those ‘showman types’ but is based on a deep seated belief in what he has to say and what he has to offer his audience.
Paul Bridle,
President of the International Federation for Professional Speakers
Out of all the presentations at the conference, your SUMO principles had the most impact on me. SUMO is spreading like wild fire in South Africa as I tell all and sundry! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.
Melodie de Jager,
Director, The BG Connexion Ltd, South Africa
Paul you're not a motivational or inspirational speaker…. I actually think you're a life changing speaker. You give people the tools to change their lives.
Nigel Risner,
Television Presenter and Speaker
We live in a complex world. Paul McGee's messages stand out because they're clear, simple and above all they work. We have a short time on this planet and we need to make the most of it. SUMO shows you how. By applying these ideas I believe you can make a BIG difference in every area of your life, personally and professionally.
Marie Mosely,
Business Psychologist