Learning to pause when things go sideways: a guide for tense conversations in teams

Most teams know when a conversation in the group may be heading into difficult territory, coming unstuck or going skewwhiff. Interpersonal tension might be rising. Someone’s body language or facial expression shows they’re frustrated. The person who’s usually vocal goes quiet. Or perhaps you all start talking over each other. You’ve become oppositional and people…

Read More

5 ways to influence up as a leader.

You’re a CEO who needs to get a significant project signed off from the Board. You’re a mid-level manager keen to let the exec team know they’re piling on too many conflicting priorities. You’re a front-line leader who wants your direct manager to adopt your idea. What do these three situations and leaders have in…

Read More

5 mistakes you’re probably making when you give feedback

If you’re still not sure whether nailing feedback conversations should be one of your main skills to prioritise as a leader, check out these studies: Gallup data shows that when employees receive “meaningful feedback”, they are almost four times more likely than other employees to be engaged. Meaningful feedback isn’t the norm, however. In another recent…

Read More

What do you want?

It’s a ridiculously simple question. But it’s not only one of the most powerful coaching questions I’ve used, it’s one that we don’t often ask ourselves – and one that can be difficult to answer. More often we ask ourselves: What should I do? What do others want me or need me to do? What…

Read More