Why ‘Ponderings’?
My brain is like a cooker/stove top. It has ‘stuff’ bubbling away on it all the time. Some is quietly blipping away in the background. Others front of mind and needing my attention.
I’m inspired by conversations, news items, articles, events and these blogs are the results of those musings!
The manager who thinks they are being kind
DISC and Insights tell you how people communicate when things are calm. They tell you nothing about what happens under pressure. Here's the layer underneath, and the supportive manager who's really in control.
Why being a control freak is a good thing!
Most leaders know the circles of concern, influence and control, but knowing the model and using it under pressure are two very different things.
What thinking do you do before you hire?
Most SMEs don't hire badly, they hire late. Learn how strategic team design and a proper person specification can prevent costly mis-hires in your growing business.
What does a high-performing team actually feel like?
Forget the metrics for a moment. Here are the signs your team is genuinely high-performing, from psychological safety to honest feedback and real autonomy.
What shapes you as a leader?
I have been exploring how our early attachment styles might show up in how we lead. We know that race, culture, gender and many other characteristics shape who we are as leaders. But so does our childhood. Read this article to find out more…
‘Tis the season that stretches relationships
While we're all decking the halls, workplace tensions can be rising faster than Santa up the chimney.
The three questions every high-performing team must answer
High-performing teams don't just happen by chance. They are built on clear focus, effective time management and continuous information flow.
Overcoming the curse of competence
Many leaders believe that lacking solutions or needing input from others somehow makes them appear less competent. Does asking for help really signal weakness, or does it demonstrate humility?
Overcoming your leadership shadow
Every leader has a leadership shadow. If we fail to address these shadows, they restrict our leadership potential and impact the people we lead.
The loneliness of command
In this article, Johanna explores the loneliness of command and shares how it’s possible for leaders to have better difficult conversations with their teams.
Are you a leaky leader?
Are you a Leaky Leader?
And how to make changes for the good of you, your team and your business.
Many years ago when I was serving aboard HMS Illustrious, a Chief in my team commented, “I can tell your mood by the way you walk through the office”.
In a hierarchical organisation like the Royal Navy, making a comment like that to a senior officer takes a certain level of confidence (and some might say courage).
But, decades later, I can still recall that exchange with absolute clarity.
Why?