My (mostly) weekly thoughts on leadership, high performance, wellbeing and more.
Have a read through, or you can see a complete index here
The time-wasting allure of “comfort tasks”
As we navigate the corridors of our professional lives, comfort tasks often become soothing and familiar landmarks. They can also be a trap. Here’s why, and what to do about it.
Guiding the Wise: Leading a Team with More Candles on Their Birthday Cakes
You've just landed a leadership role (congratulations!) and your team is seasoned, skilled, and let's just say it, has been around the solar system a few more times than you. They've got experience tucked in their belts while you’re still trying to figure out where the coffee machine is. No worries – here’s what to do.
Gen X lawyers can work with Gen Zs… here’s how
The law firm hierarchy used to be clear: work hard, put in the hours, respect the pecking order, do what you’re told, and await your turn. Not anymore.
Here’s what’s changing, and how to adapt.
How to make your team hate Mondays
If you've ever wondered how to cast a dark cloud over the start of the workweek, I’m here to help.
Here are some top-notch (though not recommended) ways to make Mondays the most dreaded day for your team…
Don’t compare your backstage to other people’s front-of-house
The lights are on, the audience is watching, and there's an expectation to deliver. In these moments, it's easy to gaze across and compare our own behind-the-scenes chaos with the polished performances of our peers.
Here’s why we shouldn’t.
3 Times You Should Listen to Your Gut, and 3 Times You Shouldn't
In the work context, gut instincts are important but shouldn’t be the sole determinant in your decision making.
Here are three instances when listening to your gut feeling can be the right thing to do, and three when it’s not.
5 Questions to ask yourself before that big meeting
Preparing for a crucial meeting?
Elevate your insight by asking yourself these 5 questions.
New to executive leadership? Connect the dots with systems thinking
Ever played one of those games where you connect the dots to reveal a hidden picture? Moving into executive leadership is a bit like that.
One of the superpowers you’ll want in your kit bag is systems thinking.
How do you balance compassion and accountability? You don’t…
I often hear clients ask how to balance driving accountability in their teams while remaining true to their value of treating people well.
Here’s why that’s the wrong question…
Senior executive leadership: 3 traps, and how to avoid them
I’ve noticed three clear themes in the challenges talented leaders face as they approach their first senior executive role.
Here are the red flags to look out for, and what to do about them.
Are You an Accidental Cult Leader?
Some leadership practices verge on the culty…. see if you’re doing any of these!
Ten things your team hates about you
Don’t be a hater-maker… here’s 10 leadership pitfalls to avoid.
5 Secret Fears of Senior Leaders
Senior leaders are often seen as pillars of confidence and decisiveness. However, beneath their authoritative exteriors, these leaders grapple with their own set of fears and uncertainties. Here are 5 of them ...
Yoda’s tips for mindfulness without the minutes
In the style of Yoda and with absolutely no apologies for the nerdiness, here are three ideas to find calm in the busyness of your day, that take literally no extra time.
All you need to change is your mindset…
Most People Aren't Out to Ruin Your Day. How Do You Handle the Ones That Are?
Sometimes we encounter people at work who consistently rupture relationships, belittle others, or straight up lie and scheme their way through the ranks. What to do?
Why you don’t need to sacrifice your life for the promotion
Let's break free from the fallacy that a senior position means sacrificing your personal life…
5 ways introverts can develop executive presence without the “ick” factor
Are you an introvert whose skin crawls at the idea of “executive presence”?
This week’s article is for you!
What is executive presence and why does it matter?
Something I hear from leaders approaching their first executive leadership role is their desire to develop more “executive presence”. Quite often, it’s the primary goal in our coaching brief.
So what does “executive presence” even mean, and why does it matter?
Be consistent – sometimes. Wait, what?
I had an interesting discussion with a client today around the value of being consistent as a leader. It’s great until it’s not… here’s why.