Decision-making overload is a common experience among managers. But you can process choices more efficiently and achieve better outcomes by using a checklist: Write down five benefits of the decision (or things it will impact). This helps provide clarity quickly....

When introducing a new idea it helps to invest as much energy in communicating – what you say and how you say it – as you did in coming up with the idea itself. In the uncertainty of lockdown and with communication channels changing this can be forgotten, too often...

Flow enhances performance by improving concentration and motivation; which in turn drives engagement, fulfilment and productivity. The challenge is that for some people remote working, the impact of lockdowns or simply poor managers can mean constant interruptions....

What have you learned recently? A learning mindset and agility are vital prerequisites during times of challenge and change. People that are learning-agile are able to future proof their career, moving on from skills and ideas that are no longer relevant to new ones...

It’s appraisal time again, so what makes a great conversation about performance in 2021? How can we help people develop the way they work? Here are some thoughts: Listen, and use your emotional intelligence. What’s not being said? What language is used? Think...

The answer is yes – and it matters. Great leaders are both consistent and open to new trends, and they adapt to them fast. Here’s how: Know what needs to be consistent: non-negotiables, deliverables. Prioritise, set goals, and remember that how you succeed is as...

Achieving success is easier with a strong peer network: a group of trusted colleagues who can provide feedback, share insights, and support you when you need it most. Here's how to create one: Be intentional about who you want in it. It can be a mix of people and more...

After a busy day it can be a struggle to leave work behind. Too often we take out our job-related stress on others with micro-aggressions or impatience. Here are some ways to make sure that work troubles stay at work. “Depressurise” with an end of work habit. Connect...

At a time when trust, connection, business relationships and technology are converging and assuming huge significance and impact – notably with people working remotely more frequently – leaders increasingly need to have strong social media skills and a presence...

We are now well into a world where we are routinely engaging in virtual meetings, and, with a future of virtual communications ahead of us, it is time to ask: are we being as effective as we could be, virtually? Having delivered close to 100 virtual training sessions...

It is easier when we are busy, under pressure or facing unusual, challenging circumstances to make every decision in the same way. Easier, but not effective. One of the biggest pitfalls is to spend an equal amount of time on each decision – an approach that will short...

Look after yourself and others by focusing on head, heart and health. This is by far the most important thing we can do, turning the challenge of surviving a global health scare into a more positive opportunity. All of us need to look after our “head”, meaning our...

Struggling organisations find it difficult keeping employees engaged because leaders are often more focused on directing, telling, or shifting strategy. The best way to revitalise a business while simultaneously energising its people is to do several things,...

Meetings sometimes have difficult issues that need resolving, and you won’t accomplish much in your meeting if there’s an elephant in the room. Several techniques will help: It starts with you: raise the issue yourself to get the group unstuck. Ask people to explain...

At a time when trust, connection, business relationships and mobile technology are converging and assuming huge significance and impact, leaders are increasingly expected to have a strong social media presence. However, many still view social media as a broadcast...

We all recognise that good listening means sitting silently, making eye contact, questioning and, when necessary, paraphrasing what you heard. However the best listeners go deeper by trying to understand the substance of what the other person is staying. This can be...

Imposter syndrome is when we feel unworthy, over-promoted perhaps, or simply unqualified to do something. The truth is that everyone occasionally suffers from imposter syndrome, even the most senior executives. Next time you feel like you’re in over your head, try...

Brilliant bosses work hard at several things, consistently and effectively – and in particular they make work meaningful and enjoyable for employees. They’re most successful when they adhere to a few best practices: Manage individuals, not just teams. When you’re...