The war in Ukraine shows us one thing: abuse of power still runs rampant in leadership. It’s horrifying to witness. We were meant to be done with autocratic lethal nationalism. Yet here we are. Many of us watching would say, “I would never…” Or so we hope. Can we fall into power traps? The answer is ‘yes’. So let’s protect ourselves from ourselves with these vital strategies.
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Three essential habits for high performing leadership teams
Performance is crucial for every team. It’s how we measure progress in the game of work. Obsessing about the scoreline is not how we improve the play. It’s only by improving our habits, relationships, and systems that we can generate better results in the long run. High performing teams master these three elements, plus three critical habits. Read more in this month’s article.
Read More7 ways to avoid corporate culture failures that devastate
Corporate culture makes or breaks your organisation. Avoid little known leadership traps with these seven tips.
What results do you want for your corporate culture?
All of us want to be part of a great culture at work. We want to belong, be excited by our work, enjoy the company of our colleagues, and feel part of something better. It’s a vibe thing, right? That’s not the whole story. As leaders, we need to identify and be intentional about the results we want in our culture too. That way we can measure what matters most.
Read MoreEnd of year leadership reflection tool
We are just about to say goodbye to 2020. Many would say, ‘good riddance’. It’s been epic. And yet, there is much to savour and be grateful for, if we choose to look there. My annual End of Year Reflection tool is now ready for your downtime over the holiday break. Enjoy!
Read MoreWant a positive corporate culture? Nurture the influencers!
Hierarchies are old school! Command and control is fading. The organisation chart is dead! We need to meet the new complex world with a new approach. Enter crowdocracy and networks: the new tools of engagement.
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 MoreThe #1 mistake in handling corporate culture problems
How many times have you heard, “It’s a personality clash”. That’s the default response when it comes to people stuff problems. And it is not always true! In fact it’s true much less often than you think. Here’s what the issues are really about.
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 MoreBest Leadership Articles of the Year
Looking for some good reads? I’ve captured my best writing from 2019 to help you boost your leadership focus. Enjoy!
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Read MoreNew Year Leadership Review and Free Planning Tool
End of year means a few things: celebration, downtime, parties, food, rest, recovery. It should also include REFLECTION and PLANNING. It’s one of my favourite times to take stock. Every year since 2002 I have developed and shared a new reflection and planning tool. I’m thrilled with this year’s edition. Free resource, no opt-in required, share abundantly. Enjoy!
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Read MoreImagine if... a powerful leadership mindset
Ever feel like you don’t fit? You don’t belong? A black sheep? What if you could experience something different? What if you always felt like you belonged? What would change for you then?
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Read MoreA leadership framework for motivating the unmotivated
Motivation is a tricky thing. When we have it, it feels great! All in and let’s go. When we don’t have it, every day drags on like a two-legged dog. How do we motivate others when we don’t feel motivated ourselves? Let’s look at the causes, then solutions.
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Do you need to challenge your leadership B.S (belief system)?
We’re never so wrong as when we think we’re right. Our beliefs are rules we make up about what is right and wrong and how we should run our lives. Some of these are useful - like “It’s good not to hurt other people”, and “Always brush your teeth before bed.” Some beliefs are less useful and can spark polarisation, marginalisation, and other things finishing with ‘ation’. Might it be time for a B.S. review?
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How to deal with the Four Devils of People Stuff
Do you have people stuff issues at work? Do you witness negative attitudes, critical feedback, undermining, back-biting, emotional outbursts, simmering sullenness, or other unplesantries?
You may have the Four Devils of People Stuff at play in your workplace. Like the four elements of wind, water, earth, and fire, the four elements of behaviour, emotions, attitude, and thinking can combine for devastating effect. In combination, they create the Four Devils. And these devils can test you mercilessly.
Find out what spell you can cast to keep the nastier aspects at bay.
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Read MoreA leadership framework for outstanding team chemistry
“Please wash up after yourself. I’m not your mother.” Good ole passive aggressive notes in the workplace! It’s but one of the ways we erode team harmony and foster poor feelings. Great team chemistry needs simple agreements to start with. Do you have the fundamentals in place?
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A leadership framework for when they fight!
What happens when your staff are at each other’s throats and hate each other’s guts? Leadership is so much easier if people would just get along and do their job. But people come with personalities, baggage, and agendas. As leaders we need to help them sort it out before their grizzling turns to barking. Heads up: it’s going to take a lot of listening, nodding, understanding, and translating. This is a leader’s guide to navigating team tension.
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Read MoreHow to grow your leadership in every season
Half the year is gone! Now is the perfect time to reflect on how things have gone, and where things are going. Leadership too runs through seasons and we need to be sure we are making use of these natural rhythms to make the most of our leadership contribution.
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Read MoreDon't get derailed: A leadership framework for difficult conversations
Emotions are a troublesome thing in difficult conversations. Rather than feeling boundless, we end up frozen, shut down, or worst - explosive. They lead us off track from the constructive progress we wanted to make in the first place.
Why catastrophising can be a useful approach
The wisdom of Petyr Baelish from Game of Thrones
3 steps to preparing for the worst
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Read MoreIs doing nothing a leadership option?
Speaking up is an ordeal. There is plenty at risk: reputation, relationships, remuneration. Is it sometimes better NOT to speak up? Are there times when it’s better to keep to ourselves and let the cards fall as they may? How does this stack up if we are committed to being Boundless Leaders?
Risks of being a whistleblower
What to consider in speaking up
How to find your own commitment to action
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