By Heather Campbell >> This is the second in my series of blogs about how to simplify the whole messy area of having conversations at work. In this one we’ll look at how to start a conversation in a way that is focussed, coherent and engaging. Starting a conversation causes a surprising amount of angst. Small talk or no small talk? If small talk, how much? How do I get to the point without causing offence, and in a way that ensures everyone involved ...
By Heather Campbell >> Boy oh boy, how did the simple interaction of conversations between leaders and the people they lead get so complicated? Coaching conversations, performance conversations, mid-year reviews, one-to-ones, feedback – each one with different paperwork to complete and different models to follow. Are these interactions communication, conversation or dialogue? And what’s the difference anyway? No wonder leaders want to busy themselves with tasks and hope the people stuff just goes away! So, let’s make this easier. Forget about all the ...
By Heather Campbell >> I ran my first coaching skills programme for leaders way back in 1992 – more than two decades ago! At that time the concept of managers coaching was a bit ‘out there’ and I recall the lively debates around whether or not managers should coach their teams, and why. In the intervening years, coaching has become a burgeoning industry in its own right and managers are nowadays expected to coach peers and bosses as well as direct reports. They’re even ...
By Heather Campbell >> I am currently reading Richard Rumelt’s excellent book Good Strategy/Bad Strategy: The Difference and Why it Matters (2011) and find it a refreshing and insightful exploration of what strategy, strategy-setting and strategic thinking are about. This is a book that was recommended to me, and in turn I recommend it to you. The book got me reflecting on the importance of engaging people at all levels in strategy, and the frustration leaders feel at the difficulty they face in doing so. In ...
By Heather Campbell >> I recently spoke at the Hr Network Conference in Edinburgh, exploring the theme of ‘playground games’ in the grown-up workplace. The theme resonated with the senior business professionals present, with all of us acknowledging that we indulge in playground games far more often than we like to admit. What about you? Hands up if you’ve ever done any of the following: not spoken up in a meeting and then complained afterwards about a decision; whinged about the status ...
By Heather Campbell >> Let’s make one thing clear. If you ever say “I don’t play politics” and truly believe this statement, you are deluding yourself. How can I be so certain? Because good leaders engage in ‘healthy’ politics every day at work. Here are just some examples of healthy – and indeed intelligent – ways in which to play politics. Build a network of people that you can bounce ideas off Tailor your argument to fit your audience Check out people’s ...