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 ...

By Heather Campbell >> Getting in after work yesterday, on a cold winter’s evening, I was tempted to avoid venturing outside to exercise – until I read this article. The evidence that Jack Groppel presents about the relationship between exercise and individual and business performance is compelling. It certainly got me off the sofa and pounding the streets. And it got me thinking about ways to get people off their seats and moving round more as part of their everyday workplace activities too. Given ...

By Heather Campbell >> In helping leaders to become more confident and competent communicators, exploring how to give effective feedback is one of the core areas that we encourage our clients to focus on. And giving clear, succinct and meaningful feedback continues to be one area that even the most experienced leaders struggle with. When examining this topic, there are two particular techniques that many leaders still use – but that really need to be put out to pasture. The first of these ...

By Heather Campbell >> One of the first signs that Christmas is nearly upon us? The John Lewis Christmas advert on TV. Schmaltzy, sentimental, tear-jerking, heart-warming – however you choose to describe this ad, it holds important lessons for any leader who has a message to share and needs to make sure it sticks. What follows are straightforward techniques, yet far too often leaders ignore them in the rush to prepare their communication. This is a big waste of time and energy – ...

By David Mason >> It’s important to acknowledge that in any debate, both sides believe that they’re right. And we, as human beings, are hard-wired to gravitate towards the things that reinforce our beliefs or existing knowledge, rather than refute them. Take the recent case of the dispute at the Grangemouth petrochemical plant. Leaving the politics aside, the language that was (reported as) being used added fuel to an already inflamed debate, one in which both sides believed their perspective was the ...