Wordsmiths

February 12, 2024

Creating your leadership brand

Creating your leadership brand Your professional identity as a leader isn’t just about titles and positions—it’s about the impression you leave on those you lead. Welcome to the idea of leadership branding, where we explore how you can shape your identity as a leader. What do you want to be known for? As a leader, have you ever wondered what your team says about you when you’re not in the room? Creating your leadership brand is about answering that question. It’s a reflection on the qualities, behaviours and values you […]

January 12, 2024

The evolving landscape of leadership

The evolving landscape of leadership The dynamics of leadership have transformed over the last few decades. From the autocratic rule of the past to the collaborative and inclusive models of the present day, the evolution of leadership styles has been a remarkable journey. In this blog, we look at the shift from traditional management to the visionary leadership we see today. Command and control Let’s start with the Industrial Revolution and the 80s – an era dominated by leaders who wielded authority with an iron fist. It was a time […]

December 7, 2023

How to have difficult conversations with external stakeholders

In the world of business, having difficult conversations with external stakeholders such as clients or suppliers for example can be a daunting task. Whether it’s telling them they can’t have what they want or challenging a late payment, these conversations often put us on edge. But with UK businesses reportedly chasing around £50 billion in unpaid invoices, it’s time to develop the skills and assertiveness to address these issues directly. Here’s how… Eat the frog It’s important to acknowledge that difficult conversations with external stakeholders are often put to the […]

November 7, 2023

Tips for handling difficult conversations in the workplace

In any workplace setting, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself handling difficult conversations. Whether it’s addressing an underperforming team member, discussing a sensitive topic with a peer, or facing a managerial responsibility, these conversations are often the ones we’d rather avoid. They can make us feel uneasy and anxious, and even make us wish someone else would step in. If this is you, you aren’t alone. According to the ‘The Learning Habits of Leaders and Managers’ report, 50% of managers cited difficult conversations as the biggest challenge they face in […]

October 8, 2023

Mastering personal impact: The power of assertiveness

As we navigate our careers, how well we communicate, work together and express ourselves shapes our path. This blog dives into personal impact, spotlighting assertiveness and cooperation. We’ll look at common behaviours like aggression and passivity, see why they’re not ideal, and discover why assertiveness is the best way to communicate effectively. What is assertiveness? ‘Assertiveness is an honest and appropriate expression of your feelings, opinions and needs’ according to Hadfield and Hasson. It’s about standing up for yourself and your rights while maintaining an open and respectful attitude toward […]

September 8, 2023

Modern leadership: Mastering the art of influence and persuasion

In the world of modern leadership, mastering influence and persuasion sets great leaders apart. In this blog, we uncover the unique dynamics of influence and persuasion, exploring their crucial roles in effective leadership. Influence vs. persuasion What’s the difference between influence and persuasion? Persuasion can prompt someone into action or decision without necessarily securing their genuine agreement. In contrast, influence requires investing time in building trust as a foundation for inspiring action or decisions. It’s a process that involves earning authenticity. The three circles of persuasion So how do you […]

August 3, 2023

The power of assertiveness: learning to say no to your boss

The fear of saying no to our managers at work often weighs heavily on our minds. As employees, we strive to be liked, and seen as productive and valued team members, which can lead to a habit of saying ‘yes’ to every request that comes our way. However, constantly taking on more than we can handle leads to overwhelming workloads, increased stress, and less ability to prioritise effectively. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of assertiveness and discuss strategies for learning to say no to your boss in a […]

July 6, 2023

Boosting team productivity: strategies for effective collaboration in the workplace

In the modern workplace, team productivity plays a crucial role in achieving organisational success. According to a survey conducted by McKinsey, highly collaborative teams are 20-25% more productive than their less collaborative counterparts. Effective collaboration and streamlined teamwork are vital components that contribute to a team’s overall productivity. In this blog, we’ll explore key strategies to enhance your team’s productivity both on and offline. Cascading team objectives Clear and well-defined team objectives serve as a compass for focused and aligned effort. Ensure that team objectives are communicated and cascaded effectively, […]

June 1, 2023

The power of marginal gains: small changes for long-term success

In today’s competitive professional landscape, achieving consistent and significant improvements in workplace performance can be challenging. However, by embracing the concept of marginal gains, you can unlock your full potential and achieve long-term success. In this blog, we’ll explore the profound impact of marginal gains, using real-life examples from renowned figures such as David Brailsford, Peter Bregman, and Hal Elrod. We’ll also share top tips for putting small changes into practice to enhance your performance. What are marginal gains? Marginal gains involve making small, incremental changes in various aspects of […]

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