Being ALIVE as a Leader - What could that be like for you right now?

If you've paused recently, or need to, to be honest about whether you are in survival mode as a leader, in your work or with key relationships - don't you want more? Being alive could mean so many different things for you beyond coping day today. It's about taking action and starting with the right questions. Maybe to get you started...
- What is having the biggest impact on my energy right now?
- Do I know what's getting in the way of me being as effective as I want to be?
- What's stopping me enjoying my role?
- Does anything feel out of my control, yet I'm responsible for making it happen?

Or do you need help getting to the core of what needs you attention, critically looking at what's going on professionally & personally, because you can't change things with others if you don't start closer to home! So my call to action for you is take some time for yourself & reach out to someone you trust - don't do it all alone & you know how to reach me if you want a conversation or healthy challenge.
#leadershipitspersonal #leadershipcoaching

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