The power of selective affirmation: when you say “yes”, what are you saying “no” to?

Saying "yes" to something is not merely an affirmation but a subtle, often overlooked declaration of priorities. Here’s why and how to take control of your own time and life…

Madeleine Shaw15 February 2024leadership, priorities, values

Alone in the tundra? Here’s your compass

Figuring out your true north is a bit like trying to tune into a radio station while on a road trip. There's a bit of static, some stations come in clearer than others, and every so often, you hit that sweet spot where everything comes in loud and clear. Your compass questions are there to help cut through the static, asking you to consider not just the job title you want, but the impact and fulfillment you seek.

Madeleine Shaw8 February 2024leadership, goals, values, compass

Instead of goals, try compass questions

As we return to our professional lives after the summer break, it’s a perfect moment for introspection and setting the tone for the year ahead. This year, I’m shifting from setting traditional goals or resolutions to embracing what I’m calling “compass questions”. Here’s my 4…

Madeleine Shaw2 February 2024leadership, goals, values

Dial down for summer

Are you tired? Me too. The festive season isn't just about celebration; it's an opportunity to dial down, reflect, and prepare for the year ahead. Here are five ways to make the most of your summer break.

Madeleine Shaw22 December 2023leadership, work life balance

Leadership: 10 ways you’re making it worse

You mean well, right? Even the most well-intentioned leaders can sometimes inadvertently make situations worse. Here are ten common leadership mistakes and how to avoid them.

Madeleine Shaw15 December 2023leadership, work life balance

And breathe out – the beauty of the pause

Pauses are powerful – here’s some thoughts on how to use them well.

Madeleine Shaw8 December 2023

3 Counterintuitive Retirement Tips for Professional Services Partners

Retiring from partnership in law or professional services firm means deep personal and professional identity shifts. You’ve been operating in one mode for a long time – possibly your whole career in the one place. How to prepare for a new kind of life?

Madeleine Shaw1 December 2023leadership, retirement, professional services

Psst: 4 ways you're unwittingly encouraging a gossipy work environment

I love some tasty spilled tea as much as the next person, but gossip at work is a double-edged sword. As a leader, your actions and attitudes can inadvertently fuel a negative gossip culture. Here's how you might be doing it and what you can do instead.

Madeleine Shaw23 November 2023leadership, culture, gossip

5 tips for giving feedback to your boss

Need to give some potentially unwelcome feedback to your boss? Some will welcome the direct approach, but often a little tact is more effective.

Here are 5 tips for giving feedback to those above you (or really, anyone) …

Madeleine Shaw17 November 2023leadership, influence, feedback

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.

Madeleine Shaw10 November 2023leadership, productivity, prioritisation

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.

Madeleine Shaw3 November 2023leadership, productivity, confidence, performance

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.

Madeleine Shaw27 October 2023leadership, law firms, gen x, millennials, gen z

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…

Madeleine Shaw20 October 2023leadership, teams, authenticity, authentic leadership

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.

Madeleine Shaw13 October 2023leadership, Impostor Syndrome, confidence, self reflection