My (mostly) weekly thoughts on leadership, high performance, wellbeing and more.
Have a read through, or you can see a complete index here
How to manage emotions through change
A mistake I often see leaders make is to try and snap people from the point of first hearing about a change to being totally on board with it, skipping over all the uncomfortable complexity in between. Here’s why that doesn’t work
Hit a plateau? Try this
Hitting a plateau when you’re trying to make a change can be frustrating. Here’s some ways through it…
Are you leading a team or a group?
Efficient managers are great for groups, but teams need more. Groups gather for tasks; teams unite to achieve a vision.
If we aren’t machines, then what are we? I asked ChatGPT…
It is an enduring mystery why we insist on crushing people in the name of productivity. Here are some alternative ideas…
Let’s unplug the machine metaphor once and for all
This humans as machines thing has got to go.
5 things to do when the going gets tough at work
Surprise! Work isn’t always easy. Here’s 5 things to do when the going gets tough – and a nifty downloadable infographic for you
Empathy as a leader - some tips
I sometimes hear leaders worry that empathetic leadership is some kind of soft and squishy nice-to-have thing that trades off performance. Are we really still having this conversation?
Why “sorry, not sorry” isn’t as annoying as it sounds
In both your work and personal life, “sorry, not sorry” is about recognising that your decisions may not always align with societal norms or expectations, but they are true to who you are and what you value.
The power of selective affirmation: when you say “yes”, what are you saying “no” to?
Saying "yes" to something is not merely an affirmation but a subtle, often overlooked declaration of priorities. Here’s why and how to take control of your own time and life…
Alone in the tundra? Here’s your compass
Figuring out your true north is a bit like trying to tune into a radio station while on a road trip. There's a bit of static, some stations come in clearer than others, and every so often, you hit that sweet spot where everything comes in loud and clear. Your compass questions are there to help cut through the static, asking you to consider not just the job title you want, but the impact and fulfillment you seek.
Instead of goals, try compass questions
As we return to our professional lives after the summer break, it’s a perfect moment for introspection and setting the tone for the year ahead. This year, I’m shifting from setting traditional goals or resolutions to embracing what I’m calling “compass questions”. Here’s my 4…
Dial down for summer
Are you tired? Me too. The festive season isn't just about celebration; it's an opportunity to dial down, reflect, and prepare for the year ahead. Here are five ways to make the most of your summer break.
Leadership: 10 ways you’re making it worse
You mean well, right? Even the most well-intentioned leaders can sometimes inadvertently make situations worse. Here are ten common leadership mistakes and how to avoid them.
And breathe out – the beauty of the pause
Pauses are powerful – here’s some thoughts on how to use them well.
3 Counterintuitive Retirement Tips for Professional Services Partners
Retiring from partnership in law or professional services firm means deep personal and professional identity shifts. You’ve been operating in one mode for a long time – possibly your whole career in the one place. How to prepare for a new kind of life?
Psst: 4 ways you're unwittingly encouraging a gossipy work environment
I love some tasty spilled tea as much as the next person, but gossip at work is a double-edged sword. As a leader, your actions and attitudes can inadvertently fuel a negative gossip culture. Here's how you might be doing it and what you can do instead.
5 tips for giving feedback to your boss
Need to give some potentially unwelcome feedback to your boss? Some will welcome the direct approach, but often a little tact is more effective.
Here are 5 tips for giving feedback to those above you (or really, anyone) …
The time-wasting allure of “comfort tasks”
As we navigate the corridors of our professional lives, comfort tasks often become soothing and familiar landmarks. They can also be a trap. Here’s why, and what to do about it.
Guiding the Wise: Leading a Team with More Candles on Their Birthday Cakes
You've just landed a leadership role (congratulations!) and your team is seasoned, skilled, and let's just say it, has been around the solar system a few more times than you. They've got experience tucked in their belts while you’re still trying to figure out where the coffee machine is. No worries – here’s what to do.
Gen X lawyers can work with Gen Zs… here’s how
The law firm hierarchy used to be clear: work hard, put in the hours, respect the pecking order, do what you’re told, and await your turn. Not anymore.
Here’s what’s changing, and how to adapt.