What will it cost when we speak truth to power? Short answer: a lot. When we speak up against injustice, those in power have a vested interest in shutting us down. And if we don’t speak up? Even more is at stake. As leaders, here’s what we can do to build a culture of speaking truth to power, and creating a better world while we are at it.
Read MoreBlog
Blog
Team development strategies to lift productivity
Ever worked with a high performing team where things just ripped along? There was high energy, constructive disagreements, proactive solution finding? This team nirvana is possible, if we cultivate the right conditions for the team.
Read MoreKnow thyself and other leadership strategies
Under pressure? It’s easy to crack. As leaders, we need to be able to respond with grace regardless of the emotional chaos around us. But how? Read on, Macduff.
Read MoreTeam development strategies for when stress hits
Banging doors, swearing, and raised voices. Stressed out staff don’t always behave in the most professional way. As leaders, what can we do to prevent these outbursts?
Read MoreCreate a leadership mindset that's ON for innovation
Now is the time to innovate, to get set up for the new normal, to be on the front foot as we tiptoe through the covid tulips. But let’s face it, who has the energy for innovation right now? Change is hard at the best of times, let alone when we are still juggling the uncertainty of a pandemic world. Ugh. Yet innovate we must, or face the oblivion of irrelevance. Here’s how to enthuse your team (and yourself) with innovation energy.
Read MoreHow to make team development events meaningful
It is with great joy I am running my first live, in person training event since armageddon March 12. That’s nearly three months! Gathering in person is a serious commitment when it’s so easy to stay at home. We’ve got to make it special and meaningful. Here’s how.
Read MoreA leadership approach for 'not-to-be-missed' team events
Since the shut down, the absence of events has either been a blessing or a curse. One thing is for sure, it’s made us rethink the ones we do by default. When we are allowed to gather once more, in small or bigger groups, events will need careful consideration.
Read MoreLeadership strategies for resetting the team
How are you feeling right now? How is the team doing? Thinking of reopening the office, or do you have a semi-open one now? With no end in sight, the pandemic is draining our collective mojo. Anxiety is taxing and people are exhausted. We can however put a line in the sand. We have made it through the first stage of the pandemic, from crisis control to whatever you want to call this current state of affairs. Now is the perfect time to undertake a team reset. Here’s how.
Read MoreLeadership strategies for motivating remote teams
Same day, same four walls. How is cabin fever? If you’re struggling, chances are your team is too. Let’s take a look at what we can do to help each other stay sane.
***
Read MoreLeadership strategies for uncertain times
As we move more firmly into the Great Cocooning, we need to be mindful of our core responsibility as leaders. Where there is uncertainty, let us provide clarity. Where there is fear, let us provide hope. Where there is doubt, let us provide chocolate. It makes everything better. Let’s look at some practical things we can do right now to lead with confidence, though the way is masked in fog.
***
Read MoreLeadership self-care for surviving the hard decisions
Every leader everywhere is making hard decisions in the face of uncertainty. No one wants to deliver bad news that puts people in an even harder situation. Yet, this is what is happening. It’s a tough burden to carry. Let’s take stock of what can help.
***
Read MoreA leadership perspective on giving and receiving news
Have you ever been caught off-guard by someone’s message to you? Words are volatile things and they can be devastating. How do we navigate the turmoil of an emotional fallout?
***
Read MoreTeam development: the best of both worlds?
Wouldn’t it be nice to cherry pick the best parts of your top performers? The charisma of Janet with the quality work of James? The genius of Tania with the easy going nature of Josh? Does such a well-rounded entity exist? Sadly, no. But we can learn to manage the shadow and light of each.
***
What to do when your senior leaders suck at people stuff
When folks with authority lack people skills it spells trouble for everyone. Attitudes cascade with effect from the top and if the attitude stinks of ‘I don’t need management training’, or ‘I know all that stuff already’ while they go on and create upset teams, then the organisation is in for a rough ride. The solution does not start with the leaders, it starts with systems.
***
What makes a leadership conversation tough and terrible?
Do you avoid tough conversations? Do you stress about the fallout after the fact? What makes conversations so challenging in the first place? In this article we unearth the cause of what makes a conversation tough, a circuit breaker to make it easier, and a tip to keep our imagination in check.
Why conversations feel tough
A circuit breaker for de-escalation
What to do before going into a tough conversation
***
Leadership strategies for when you screw up
We all screw up. Most of us don’t expect to screw up. The shock of it is almost as bad as the consequences of it. The real pain of screwing up is often the disappointment of not living up to our own expectations. How do we move through the heady emotions and make good again?
Are some incidents impossible to forgive?
What good can come of shame?
How long should we feel bad?
***
Read More