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.
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How 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 MoreHow to stop the Ground Splitter undermining corporate culture
Backbiting and nasty comments. Whispered corridor conversations. Furtive looks and silent staring at the computer. Back in the day when we shared offices, this kind of behaviour ate away at the culture like a hungry termite. Now that we are remote, it still happens, but in private zoom rooms. How can we stop the two-faced nastiness?
Read MoreHow to avoid the Water Bomber - One of the Four Devils of People Stuff
Some people light up a room when they enter; others when they leave it. Ever been around someone who was a breathing bag of whingeing? An emotional bagpipe, constantly squeezed and wailing? Chances are we've been that Devil too. Let’s look at how we can avoid letting our inner Water Bomber out into the open.
Read MoreHow to tame a Storm Driver - One of the Four Devils of People Stuff
Ever been on the receiving end of an emotional tirade? Witness a tantrum at work? It’s a marvel to behold. Like watching an approaching storm, we can be awestruck and terrified at the same time. When it comes to people letting an emotional rampage loose at work, the devastation can be harrowing. Let’s move to quell the storm.
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Read MoreHow to spot the Firebug - One of the Four Devils of People Stuff
Let’s face it, we’re not always at our best. There are times when tempers fray, jealousy flares, irritation settles under the skin like shingles. If we are to move away from the worst part of us, we need to be able to spot the devils when they appear.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Read MoreDoes your leadership need to acclimatise?
I am guessing this is not what you signed up for: leading through a global crisis with a river of unknowns to cross. No doubt something new is needed. We need to adjust and acclimatise. This is not going away in a hurry.
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Read MoreA leadership mindset is overrated
Mindset is all the rage; growth mindset vs fixed mindset, start up mindset, fail forward fast mindset. It’s rubbish! Mindset is a by-product, not a starting point. Stop trying to fix your mindset!
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Read MoreStructure creates leadership freedom
How much structure do you have in your day? Chances are you could do with more. The more structure we have, the more freedom we can experience. Structure takes out a lot of decision-making and allows us to focus on what matters most. Here are some insights into different types of structure.
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Read MoreHow to stop anonymous feedback destroying corporate culture
We have a pretty terrible relationship to feedback. We’re afraid of it. We feel wounded by it. We can use it as a weapon. No wonder many would advocate for giving feedback under cover of being anonymous. Well-intentioned mechanisms like this can wreck a culture, not encourage it. Here’s what to do.
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Read MoreBeware of this leadership and influence trap
As leaders we want to have a positive impact. We show up to influence. How we go about doing that can be challenging. We are not taught the subtle art of influencing. Much of what we know is in popular media, and this is not always the best example. Here is a trap to avoid.
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Read MoreBetter collaboration - the heart of people stuff
Collaboration is all the rage. We’re meant to work together for common goals, share ideas, and emerge triumphant. The reality is often different. Simmering tensions and silos can be real obstacles. Let’s look at reasons for resistance, and tactics to dissolve them.
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Read MoreRefocus your leadership perspective for better buy-in
Influence is at the heart of leadership. If we take stewardship of a group to create a better future, we need influence skills to harness the brilliance of its participants. Getting buy in for our own brilliant ideas can be a challenge. There are some core obstacles we need to be aware of if we are to succeed.
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Read MoreHow to kickstart a great corporate culture
Do you like Mondays? Culture has everything to do with whether or not Mondays are a drag or delicious. This week I’ve got a podcast episode coming out interviewing Colin Ellis on his insights around creating a great culture. In the meantime, here is a great starting point - writing a culture manifesto.
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Read MoreChange Perspective for Better People Stuff Power
When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at don’t change - we do. I believe in the power of perspective for better leadership. In this article, we look at how a simple shift can alter a lifetime of pain.
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