By Heather Campbell >> One of the hallmarks of a good communicator is their apparent self-confidence. Indeed, self-confidence tends to be seen as one of the core attributes required to be effective at just about anything. We’re not talking arrogance here – simply that underlying sense others get that we are comfortable in our own skin and able to handle whatever the day throws at us. But what do people do that leads others to conclude that they are – or are ...

By Heather Campbell >> Your staff are the people who ensure your organisation’s success.  No matter how much time and money you invest in developing strategies and processes, your employees implement them and deliver results.  If your people aren’t happy, they will be less effective in their roles, and your organisation will struggle to fulfil its potential. Of course, if your current staff aren’t effective, you can look to replace them – but more often than not this is a short-term and ...

By Heather Campbell >> We all give feedback several times a day. It could be saying to the barista that your morning coffee was perfect or it could be telling your partner that they look great in their new outfit; whatever it is, it has an impact. In the workplace, that impact could be the difference between seeing a distinct rise in efficiency from your staff and seeing them become reclusive within their role, carrying out only the minimum expected of them. ...

By Heather Campbell >> The quality of leadership communication in organisations is a critical element in building an engaged and high-performing workforce. When communication is good, people feel valued and respected, and trust builds. When it is bad, demotivation and low morale quickly set in. But leaders in organisations tend to over-estimate just how good communication is; those who report to them often have a radically different view. As specialists in helping leaders build top-notch communication, CommsMasters have recently launched a free, confidential Leadership ...

By Heather Campbell >> Organisations run like clockwork. People are cogs in a wheel. We are measured by our output. We report to line managers. Using language like this turns organisations and employees into machines. We use this language every day in our workplaces without considering its impact on the people and the organisation’s culture. What impact do the words that you use as a business leader have on those you are leading? Or for that matter, are you a business manager ...

By Heather Campbell >> Working in a team can bring out the best and the worst in all of us. Teamworking can be fun, energising and creative; it can also be draining, conflict-ridden and demoralising. Communication is at the heart of both effective and ineffective teamworking. Effective teams thrive on authentic, assertive conversations with lots of healthy conflict. Ineffective teams leave conflicts to fester, allow back-biting between team members and have conversations taking place within cliques rather than between all team members. ...