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July 10, 2024

The pros and cons of hybrid working: A guide for modern leaders

Since 2020, the workplace landscape has experienced a seismic shift, with hybrid and remote work models becoming the new standard. This transition challenges leaders to innovate and adapt, ensuring their teams remain productive, engaged, and satisfied. According to a Microsoft report, 82% of company leaders believe their teams are just as productive, if not more, since the shift to hybrid work. But what are the downsides? This blog explores the benefits and challenges of hybrid work environments. Understanding hybrid work Hybrid working is a flexible model where employees split their […]

June 12, 2024

What is situational leadership and how best to use it?

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to leadership. It requires adaptability and a keen understanding of the individuals being led. One approach to this complexity is situational leadership, a model designed by Blanchard and Hersey to help leaders tailor their approach based on the developmental level of their team members. And this approach really does work. A study examined the impact of situational leadership on job satisfaction and employee performance within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The findings revealed that this leadership style has a significant positive effect, […]

May 13, 2024

What is the difference between training, coaching and mentoring?

When it comes to personal and professional growth, you’ll often hear the terms training, coaching, and mentoring banded around. While they all aim to help people develop and improve, it’s essential to grasp their differences to use them effectively. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart and when to use each one. Training: The foundation of upskilling Training typically involves imparting knowledge or teaching specific skills. It’s like providing a roadmap for navigating an unfamiliar environment. During training sessions, instructors take a directive approach, offering instructions, advice, […]

April 12, 2024

How to get the managerial balance right

Navigating the complexities of effective management is a constant balancing act. Whether you’ve recently stepped into a managerial role, are adjusting to new dynamics with peers, or dealing with challenging team members, diplomacy is key. If you’ve ever wondered how to tackle a friend’s underperformance at work or questioned the role of personal likability in professional success, you’re not alone. These are common challenges faced by managers. In this blog, we’ll explore the balance leaders must maintain – the sweet spot between keeping professional distance and building meaningful connections with […]

March 12, 2024

What is the role of emotional intelligence in leadership?

In the modern workplace, emotional intelligence has emerged as a highly sought-after interpersonal skill for leaders, surpassing the conventional intelligence quotient (IQ). According to a study conducted by the Center for Creative Leadership, 75% of career setbacks are due to emotional competencies, such as challenges in managing interpersonal issues, ineffective team leadership during periods of adversity or conflict, and difficulties in adapting to change or building trust. In this blog, we’ll look at how you can lead and manage your team by applying Daniel Goleman’s psychological theory of emotional intelligence. […]

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 […]

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