What’s the main thing you need to be an outstanding leader?

One of the most common questions I am asked when people find out I am an executive coach is, “What’s the main thing you need to be an outstanding leader?”  My answer is outstanding leaders know how to connect with people and get the best from them. It is not about making everyone happy, but … Read more

Employers struggle to understand why people are quitting

Gary always said thank you when his team members delivered something they had promised him. Whether it was a simple report or a complex recommendation, it did not matter. He always expressed his heartfelt appreciation and made sure they did not just brush it off. People went away, glowing from his acknowledgment. Of course, they … Read more

Are you connecting with the people around you?

Dan knew for sure that one of his team members was a future senior leader. He first got to know her by talking to her about the range of her experience, both personally and professionally. Over time he discovered that she could be counted on to deliver on what she promised. He could see that … Read more

Are you dealing with the non-performers?

When Paul weeded out some non-performers in his organisation, his team breathed a collective sigh of relief. He had exhausted the carrot tactics of encouragement and positive feedback but had deferred the stick approach, thinking that his team may react badly. On the contrary, once he acted decisively, they were upbeat and told him that … Read more