Stop…no really stop!

Do you? Do you actually pause long enough to both think & look after yourself. I’ve been more acutely aware with some health stuff lately - but I experience it everywhere with clients & colleagues alike. Whether facing the reality & impact of pressure; getting a quality of feedback & tough love that takes you forward in new ways, or, being honest about your ability to relax - please don’t do it all alone!

Virtual coffee always on offer…

#leadershipitspersonal

#findwhatyouneed

A little luck alongside all your own resources - never hurts!

Being aware of so many things starting & new beginnings at the moment, I’d like to wish a little luck & support to (naming only a few):

Olympics officially opening - I have my eye on the Men’s gymnastics with all that happens in the arena & support/back-up ready should you need it.

End of one school & into a whole new world & adventure come September for my god-daughter & so many others.

All my past & future NHS clients waiting to find out how a new government will impact in the short, or longer term, on the pressures & challenges they face.
And so much more any of us could add to the list…

But one thing I am certain of, is that with help, support & challenge you all have amazing resources within yourself - talents, intuition & and resilience to try things out as well as ask for help.
But accept the luck & I cannot wait to share the journeys with you.
#leadershipitspersonal

What's Essential for Impactful Facilitation?

I’ve been asked many times, & it’s an important question, what’s the difference in how I facilitate & what’s important to me in my work with clients.

And if I solely think of recent weeks - part of a team leading a group of international women through a 10-day intensive self-leadership programme, or, 3 rounds of Clinical Leadership Action Learning - I would say as a start:

- I have a core desire to unlock what’s reallly going on
- I’m not afraid to challenge & say what others won’t
- Working with what bubbles up in the room & within others holds so much growth
- It’s important to face into conflict & harness what it shows you
- It’s essential to contract & keep contracting to create a safe environment, but, one that still holds value for individuals & the organisation!

Is this an obvious list? Seems simple?
After 30 years I’d say I’ve shaped & reshaped how I work & adapt to what clients need, but that never stops.

I have space for a couple of new clients in the next few months, & always welcome a conversation to see where it takes us.
#leadershipitspersonal #actionlearning #coaching

The Personal Side of Leadership - Complete set of 10

But how do you demonstrate yours?

Bringing all my recent posts together, here is a reminder of the characteristics & behaviours I see as pivotal in us as leaders, in how we interact with others & demonstrate how self-aware we are. Why pause or get into these in more depth? Because in my experience, if we don’t challenge ourselves & take time to get into ‘this stuff’, we’re not taking responsibility for our own impact or potential!

That’s why within my individual & team client work, I will always be scanning to help you tune into which need testing out or developing further:
1. Self-awareness
2. Emotional intelligence
3. Empathy
4. Communication
5. Integrity
6. Adaptability
7. Accountability
8. Motivation
9. Vision
10. Listening

The list may seem simple & are likely elements you’ve likely seen in different settings many many times. However, if you think about what’s requiring your attention right now - investing in your own self-leadership & finding someone who will challenge you - it’s worth it!
hashtag#leadershipitspersonal hashtag#selfawareness hashtag#stepback

Exploring the Personal Side of Leadership (7 & 8 of 10)…

My penultimate pairing of qualities & attributes essential as leaders, have me thinking of all the struggles I'm witnessing right now to get this balance right. With so many clients & colleagues, I'm seeing them literally feeling like they have to have their armour on daily to navigate (maybe that's also setting the tone of how I feel about these two as I write?) & I get it. But can you find another way other than 'shields up'; working with what is in your control & how you work with the pressure?

7. Accountability: High on the list as something we need to foster & instil in others, & we do. However, first taking responsibility for one’s own actions & decisions is crucial in leadership, setting an example for the team & absolutely setting or reinforcing the culture. Including how we handle making mistakes, how we handle pressure & how we treat others.

8. Motivation: No surprises this starts with us, we can't help showing when it's missing for us too. But it's definately our role to inspire & motivate team members to achieve their best results, & we can involve them in finding out what will 'really' make a difference. It's not the continuous new campaigns or shiny things that last, but how you engage & treat people that counts.
#leadershipitspersonal #accountableleadership

Exploring the Personal Side of Leadership (5 & 6 of 10)…

As my train speeds me to a client, & an afternoon of Action Learning, where not everyone can yet trusts the process & it’s value (understandable) - these two qualities are very much on my mind.

5. Integrity: Trust is cited so often as being pivotal in how others respond to us, especially when everyone is under pressure or uncertain. Built on what we say & do, a leader’s honesty, reliability, & consistency in actions & decisions are always noticed.

6. Adaptability: As leaders we need to be flexible & willing to adapt to changing circumstances, demonstrating resilience & problem-solving skills. Actively experimenting & encouraging other to do so, making sure we check-in on perception versus reality.
#leadershipitspersonal #takingyoufurther #leadingbyexample

Leadership that takes you on…

Exploring the Personal Side of Leadership (3 & 4 of 10)…

From a warm & very friendly Mumbai, about to work with a great leadership team, I have the next two personal attributes, skills & qualities on my mind:

3. Empathy: A leader’s ability to understand & relate to the emotions & perspectives of team members fosters trust & strong relationships. But there’s an art to this, a need to be aware of your own emotions, what drives you & what triggers you as much as the effort you put into finding out about the other.

4. Communication: Clear & open communication is essential for leaders to convey their vision, provide feedback, & maintain transparency. How about starting with knowing & really knowing what you need, what you know & what you are asking for, before jumping into what you’re going to say. And, just as important - are you united as a team or a lone wolf?
#leadershipitspersonal #empathyinaction #communicationmastery

Leading the way takes more than simply having a vision

Exploring The Personal Side of Leadership (1 & 2 of 10)…

The qualities, characteristics, & behaviors I see as pivotal in a leaders interactions with others, demonstrating the extent of their own self-awareness. The more depth you can get into these, with challenge you trust, the more insight you have for impact:

1.Self-awareness: Effective leaders understand their strengths, weaknesses, & values, allowing them to make informed decisions & better relate to others.

2. Emotional intelligence: Understanding & managing one’s emotions & those of others is critical for navigating interpersonal dynamics.

#leadershipitspersonal #leadershipinsight

That’s my reading material sorted for the next few months!

I’m noticing the importance of where I am now, investing heavily & even more curious than in my early career. Maybe on my mind as my kids are starting out, exams all done finding their careers, & reminds me how I was all those years ago!

What am I thinking?

One thing I do know, is that my curiosity is definitely at the forefront of helping my clients - individuals & organisations find out & tackle what’s important right now