Barack Obama was a man who simplified life. He only wore blue or grey suits because it made it easy to decide what to put on each day. He cut out micro-decisions like this because it gave him headspace to focus on the important things. He knew that multiple micro-decisions led to stress and decision-fatigue. Apparently, Steve Jobs wore identical black outfits for the same reason. Busy senior leaders need to channel this thinking too. But too often, they don’t ...

In 2024, most leaders are all about keeping it real at work, and part of this is creating an environment of open and transparent communication. Being upfront and clear with each other is the secret sauce to making our teams stronger and more nimble. But, let’s be honest, even though everyone nods along to the tune of transparency, it’s not what’s actually happening most of the time. It’s hard to be open and transparent when communicating ‘upwards’ because it’s hard ...

In this week’s blog, I address the third most common topic that comes up in executive coaching conversations I have with C-suite leaders and Directors – dealing with unsatisfactory performance or behaviour at executive level, and how to get people back on track. The other two most common topics are influencing upwards and managing burgeoning workloads, which I’ve addressed previously. Unsatisfactory performance or behaviour occurs at every level in organisations, for a myriad of reasons. But at top levels, where ...

I’m continuing to explore three crucial topics that often dominate discussions in my coaching sessions with Directors and senior leaders – managing workloads, getting individuals back on track, and influencing the boss. Last week we delved into influencing upwards. This week, let’s focus on the challenge of handling burgeoning workloads, a common struggle for leaders. In my coaching experience, creating space and regaining control are key to tackling workload issues. Here are my top eight steps to help you take ...

How can I manage all the work? How can I get this person back on track? How can I get my boss to agree? If you’re anything like the Directors I coach, at least one of these has been on your mind this week. These are the three topics that most commonly come up in my coaching conversations. That’s why, over the next three weeks, I’m going to share with you practical steps you can take to get on top ...

In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, we all find ourselves navigating unprecedented challenges. As markets shift, and the pace of change accelerates, it becomes crucial for leaders to adapt and reshape their paradigms. Embracing a new mindset is not just about survival but about flourishing in an environment that demands constant innovation. Breaking free from conventional leadership practices requires leaders to embrace more collaborative, adaptive, and future-oriented approaches to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape effectively. Wow! Big ...