Leah Mether in Willow Grove, Victoria, Australia | Consultation agency

Leah Mether

Locality: Willow Grove, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 409 938 277

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• Public figure
• Consultation agency
• Motivational speaker

25.01.2022 This week I’m unpacking my ‘People Drive Performance’ model to show how the focus and communication within a team impacts its culture and results. Today I’m talking about a stiving culture.... In a striving culture, things are looking up. People are focussed on the tasks they must do and doing them right. There’s a pragmatic ‘let’s get the job done’ approach. Communication is functional and as needed. People have enough information to do their tasks well, feedback is given, and performance conversations are had. Unfortunately, behavioural issues are often overlooked if someone is getting the results they need. The result is a working team often with a good manager, rather than a leader at the helm. People are striving to do good work and their performance is described by words such as solid, fine and satisfactory - but not outstanding. For some, this is where they are happy for their teams and organisations to be. And that’s ok. But if you want to take that next step up, there’s something that’s missing. What do you think that might be? #culture #focus #communication #performance #leadership #softskills

25.01.2022 Do you use your out of office to manage expectations around your responsiveness to emails? I do and it has been a game changer. I’m not talking about just using it when you’re physically out of the office, but rather when you’re in training, meetings, or working on a big project or task you need to focus hard on for the next few hours.... Tonight on Ask Leah (2:54), I share how using your out of office more effectively particularly when working from home can help reduce your stress levels and allow you to better manage your inbox. #askleah #managingme #selfmanagement #outofoffice

24.01.2022 Want to build trust with your team? Lead with warmth first, strength second. I draw on Amy Cuddy’s research from the HBR article ‘Connect, Then Lead’ in my book and also in many of the workshops I run.... This visual capture of the research sums up why warmth is so important for our communication and leadership. As Cuddy says, the way to influence is to begin with warmth. What do you do to connect with your team? Visual capture by @tnvora #communication #leadership #trust #warmth #softskills

24.01.2022 Want to be world-class at the front of the room or on camera? Then I highly recommend Donna McGeorge's stunning new pop art graphic handbook, ‘Captivate’. I've loved reading Donna’s practical tips and strategies over breakfast for the last week and will be implementing some of them into my own work straight away.... Thanks, Donna, for so generously sharing more than 25 years of experience in such an engaging way. (P.S. I tried to pick my favourite bit but couldn’t choose! This book is full of gold.) #captivate #presenting #speaking #engaging #facilitation

24.01.2022 **PUBLIC EVENT TOMORROW** A lot of people have been asking me about public workshops lately but because I'm at capacity with in-house sessions for organisations, I haven't been able to offer any. So, if you want the chance to hear me speak about the Five Cs of Effective Communication, join me and the team from EmpowHer East Gippsland for this webinar and online networking event tomorrow.... Tickets still available.

24.01.2022 Want to avoid conflict and confrontation? Ignoring the problem won't make it magically disappear. In fact, it usually has the opposite effect and makes it grow.... If you want to stop small niggles developing into big issues, communicate early and communicate often. Get good at nipping problems in the bud and having uncomfortable conversations early rather than letting things develop into whopping great issues. Need help with that? Check out my free resources at https://leahmether.com.au, my YouTube channel, or grab yourself a copy of my book 'Soft is the New Hard: How to Communicate Effectively Under Pressure' in time for Christmas. #communication #softskills #softisthenewhard

23.01.2022 Dealing with the feeling - are you ready for what's to come? 2020 has been a year like no other and while we’re all looking forward to a more ‘normal’ 2021, it would be naïve to assume the return of staff to offices will be without its challenges. No-one responds to stress and change the same way and just as we had to manage the sudden transition to working from home, leaders now have a responsibility to help their teams reconnect and adjust to working on-site under new restr...ictions. That's why I've created a new half-day workshop for leaders called 'Reconnecting Teams: Dealing with the Feeling'. This training, which can be delivered face-to-face or online, equips leaders with skills and strategies to: Reconnect with their teams and others in the organisation. Communicate and lead with warmth to get the best out of people. Manage their own and others’ anxieties, concerns, and emotions. Create shared expectations to defuse conflict. Bookings are now open for delivery from February 2021. Get in touch to find out more. #communication #leadership #softskills #dealingwiththefeeling

23.01.2022 This is an outstanding and important listen. Put it at the top of your list today.

23.01.2022 LinkedIn is not a dating site. Although tonight's episode of Ask Leah was recorded specifically for LinkedIn, I wanted to share the message here as well (2:13). On behalf of women everywhere, please help spread the word.... #communication #leadership #genderequality

23.01.2022 You can’t lead others unless you first lead yourself. It’s cliched because it’s true. This week I’m running my ‘Managing Me’ bite-sized workshop for three groups of team leaders spread across Victoria and Sydney.... The workshops are part of my mini three-part leadership program which also includes a workshop called ‘Connect, Then Lead’, and an accelerator held a month down the track to embed learnings. Essentially, the focus is on leading self, leading others, and taking the step from knowing to doing. Whether you call it self-management, self-care or putting your oxygen mask on first looking after yourself is essential if you want to lead others well. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity. In this article from Harvard Business Review, Palena Neale explains why Serious Leaders Need Self-Care, Too. Many of these tips are included in my workshop. I’d love to know, how do you practice self-care at times of stress? https://hbr.org/2020/10/serious-leaders-need-self-care-too #managingme #selfcare #selfmanagement #training #leadership

23.01.2022 Thank you. Sorry. I was wrong. I love you. Help.... I’m not ok. No. I don’t know. These simple statements are often some of the toughest to say. All require courage and vulnerability. All can be game changers for your relationships and life. What are you not saying that you know you should be? #courage #communication #softskills #softisthenewhard

23.01.2022 Choose kind: Join me next Thursday for this free event. I’ll be talking kindness with the fabulous Kerryn from Girls With Hammers and Tanya from Wombarra Consulting as part of a collaboration with Women in Gippsland. I’d love to see you there.... #kindness #choosekind #WorldKindnessDay

22.01.2022 I often say this in my communication workshops .

22.01.2022 I love seeing a business recruit with an explicit emphasis on soft skills ! I had the pleasure of working with the Raw Harvest team this year and am a long-time fan of Lizi and the incredible business and cafe she has created (not to mention the amazing food and coffee). Located in Newborough, this is an awesome opportunity for chefs, baristas and front of house specialists.... Check out the info below . #softskills #softisthenewhard

22.01.2022 What’s in the box? Yesterday I facilitated an all-day online strategy session for the board of a government organisation. My instructions from the chair? Make it interesting and a bit fun because people are Zoomed out.... And so, enter the box... I worked with the organisation to create surprise hampers for each participant, filled with beautiful produce from the region and some quirky activities (hello party popper and spinning top). Each item was wrapped and numbered (shoutout to Louise for her product selection and packaging) and throughout the day I gave instructions on which one to open and when. There were nuts to sum up the 2020 year, jelly beans to follow the ‘bean counter’ report, chocolates, handmade soap, a keep cup with the organisation’s trademark behaviours on the side, and much, much more. It added anticipation, breaks, laughs and sustenance to a productive session. Being apart and on a screen doesn’t mean you can’t inject some creativity into your meetings and workshops. And if you’re looking for a way to do that, the shared surprise hamper idea works a treat.

22.01.2022 A great listen on leadership, considering different perspectives, and not getting sucked into polarity. #leadership #communication #softskills #softisthenewhard

21.01.2022 I love a good book. Always have. And although I’m a voracious reader all year round, on our annual camping holiday at Nicholson I devour even more. So far I’m three days and three books in. ... Book one was an absolute cracker: Honeybee by Craig Silvey. I very highly recommend .

21.01.2022 Feeling blue? Go green . This week I co-presented a workshop with Leanne Potter from Lifeline Gippsland on behalf of Latrobe City Council. It was for community groups looking for tips on how to reconnect face-to-face as COVID restrictions ease.... In it, Leanne spoke about research that has proven the link between getting outside in nature and improving mental health. In fact, some psychologists even prescribe green therapy as a core part of people’s recovery. While I’m not feeling blue, being active in nature is definitely how I recharge. So this weekend I’m off to Wilson’s Prom for two glorious days of bushwalking . What are you doing this weekend to get your dose of green? Me on top of Mount Oberon at the Prom a few months ago. #mentalhealth #exercise #nature #bushwalking #selfcare #selfmanagement

21.01.2022 Don’t use a big, complicated word when a simple one will do. Fancy, overly formal or verbose speech doesn’t make you sound smarter, in fact, it often has the opposite effect (unless you’re in a field where this is required, like medicine or law). Go with clear, plain-speak language rather than jargon for the win. It shows you know your stuff and as Einstein said, The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.... What is jargon? As Jessica Stillman explains in this article, jargon is when technical language makes your communication less clear. And new research shows the more worried people are about their status, the more buzzwords they use. https://www.inc.com/jessica-sti/language-jargon-hiring.html #jargonfree #keepitsimple #plainspeak #communication

21.01.2022 UNITE Way back in March, amid the crazy early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Julia Steel had the outrageous idea to bring together the world’s leading speakers in a massive free online conference. Over 19 days, 15,000 participants from 32 countries joined 172 speakers in the VID19 Conference.... I was honoured to be one of those speakers, presenting my keynote, ‘The Five Cs: How to Communicate Under Pressure’ to people from all over the world. You can find the recording on my website here: https://www.leahmether.com.au/media/ Now, Julia has compiled the key ideas from 13 speakers into a powerful book called UNITE. It features chapters from two of my favourite thought leaders the wonderful Cathy Burke and Lynne Cazaly. I’m chuffed to have my contribution recognised too in a list of all the speakers within the book, along with my mug in a collage on the back and inside cover. Thank you, Julia, for pulling off a truly remarkable event that helped so many at a time of great need. This book captures the essence of the VID19 Conference beautifully. #vid19conference #speaker #communication #leadership #unite

21.01.2022 Wow, what a great Christmas present this review of my book is on LinkedIn!

20.01.2022 Exercise is my stress reliever. What’s yours? Four mornings a week, my home office becomes my home gym. Thanks to You & Mia Fitness and Zoom, I still get to workout live with my usual crew, complete with banter and good natured trash talk .... Exercise has been crucial for my mental and physical health over the last six months. It has helped me manage my stress levels while juggling a full-time business and three primary school aged boys learning from home. My other stress relievers include reading a good novel, baking, walking around Blue Rock Dam, puzzles, and a cuppa outside in the sun. Knowing what refuels us and scheduling a couple of these things into our day is so important. What are your go-to stress busters? #exercise #mentalhealth #womenshealthweek #stressrelief

20.01.2022 Communicating at Christmas in 2020. On last week's episode of Soft is the New Hard on Gippsland FM, I shared some tips with Jenny about how to keep your cool and communicate under pressure at Christmas. You can click on the link below to hear our conversation.... https://share.getcloudapp.com/qGulE2XL Tune into my last radio segment of the year tomorrow morning with Bryce Eishold at 6:45am on 104.7 FM.

20.01.2022 What a treat to have my book included in these gorgeous (and delicious!) gift boxes of local produce created by the awesome team at Full Circle HR & Business Services for their clients this Christmas. I so hope the recipients enjoy the read! Thanks to the team for also gifting me a box (minus the book!). The food was amazing .

20.01.2022 Good leadership is about asking good questions. It builds trust, creates connection, improves culture, and leads to better problem solving and innovative thinking. In this HBR article, John Hagel III encourages leaders to ask questions of their team with curiosity and vulnerability.... I also recommend the books ‘Leaders Who Ask’ by Corrinne Armour and ‘Lead Like a Coach’ by Karen Morley if you’re interested in learning more about the power of leaders asking great questions. What are your favourite questions to ask your team? https://hbr.org//good-leadership-is-about-asking-good-ques #communication #leadership #softskills #softisthenewhard

20.01.2022 Book two of holiday reading was Unite by Julia Steel. This book was a by-product of the global Vid-19 Conference I had the pleasure of speaking at way back in April. It features chapters from some of my favourite thought leaders and I even got my mug on the back cover.... #vid19conference #unite #book #holidayreading #whatsleahreading

20.01.2022 This week I’ve been unpacking my ‘People Drive Performance’ model to show how the focus and communication within a team impacts culture and results. Today I’m looking at the highest rung on the ladder a thriving culture.... In a thriving culture, driven by a true leader, the focus is on getting the best out of people by empowering, motivating and developing them. There is an individual and collective desire for growth, and people feel valued for who they are, not just what they do. Communication is clear, curious and kind. People know where they stand, robust conversations are had in a respectful way, new ideas are explored and discussed, feedback is open and honest, and the focus is on getting the best outcome rather than being right. Emotional intelligence and personal responsibility are high, different opinions are encouraged, and people at all levels hold themselves and each other to account. The result is a high performing team that delivers high value to an organisation. So, where does your team sit? The good news is, no matter what level your team is at now, by improving the way people communicate, you’ll improve your culture and results. #culture #focus #communication #performance #leadership #softskills

20.01.2022 Consider yourself a strong and resilient leader? Without compassion, resilient leaders will fall short. If you want to get the best out of your team during this challenging time, focus on leading with warmth first, strength second.... One without the other won’t work and getting the order right is crucial. Strength without warmth will create a disconnect with your team and feelings of contempt (for both you and them). Warmth without strength will make you ineffective as a leader and you won't get much done. Connect first on a human level, show compassion and empathy, and then lead your team with resilience and strength through the storm. This article by Carol Kauffman in Harvard Business Review is an absolute cracker and essential reading for any leader. I’d love to hear your thoughts. What could you do today to bring some warmth into your leadership? If you’re interested in having me deliver my live online workshop ‘Connect, then Lead’ in your organisation, get in touch. https://hbr.org//without-compassion-resilient-leaders-will

20.01.2022 Proofread or peril! This week I'm delivering my workshop, 'Write It Right: Report Writing for Business', to staff across a large government organisation. Tonight on Ask Leah (3:07) I share three of the practical tips I give for proofreading your written work.... How do you proofread? #writtencommunication #communication #softskills #writeitright

20.01.2022 Tonight on Ask Leah... "Help! I keep getting conflicting instructions from leaders. One tells me to do a task and then the other tells me not to because it's not my job. I feel like I'm the meat in the sandwich. How do I handle this?" To hear my tips, check out the video below (3:55).... If you have a communication or self-management question you'd like answered, send it through and I'll do my best to answer it in next week's episode. Soft skills are hard. Make them easier. #askleah #communication #leadership #softskills #softisthenewhard

18.01.2022 "What do you do if you're delivering an online presentation and the technology glitches?" This question came up in my workshop 'Attention Please: How to deliver engaging presentations' yesterday. Oh, the irony when 45 minutes later my power went out while I was in full flight presenting to a team.... In the moment, I was forced to take my own advice of controlling my controllables, and then answering three questions: 1. What's the worst that can happen? 2. What's the reality if it did happen? 3. How can I mitigate the worst from happening? While I couldn't control what happened, I could choose how I responded. Check out tonight's episode of Ask Leah to hear what I did. #askleah #communication #softskills #onlinetraining #presentation #publicspeaking

18.01.2022 Leading with warmth boosts engagement. And don’t be mistaken, engagement is not some light, fluffy ‘nice to have’ concept. Engagement builds profit and boosts performance.... It’s yet another example of soft skills getting hard results. In this article by Andrew Rains for Forbes, the case for improving employee engagement even in challenging times is backed by 2017 Gallup research that showed engaged employees lead to about 17% more profitability, 41% fewer absences, and up to a 59% reduction in employee turnover. Rains shares his 3 C’s of Employee Engagement: clarity, communication and coaching, along with simple yet powerful tips on how leaders can guide their teams to success through the COVID crisis. What tip do you have for showing your people you care? Connect with me to find out more about my training, speaking and mentoring. https://lnkd.in/dFhaTwz #engagement #leadership #communication #clarity #coaching

18.01.2022 Want to make a great impression and get the best out of those around you? Lead with warmth and show people you care. Click on the link below to hear my conversation on the importance of leading with warmth on last week's 'Soft is the New Hard' segment on Gippsland FM. https://share.getcloudapp.com/qGuldvWY... You can tune in live each Thursday morning at 6:45am on 104.7FM. #softisthenewhard #communication #leadership #softskills #radio

17.01.2022 I thought being kind was easy? Tonight on Ask Leah (3:13) I share why being nice is easy but being kind to yourself and others can be much harder. Want to talk more kindness? Join me tomorrow night at 7pm for a free online Talking Kindness Gippsland event.... I’ll be joined on the virtual couch by Tanya Heaney-Voogt from Wombarra Consulting and Kerryn Vaughan from Girls With Hammers for an informal conversation with plenty of laughs. This event is supported by Women in Gippsland and includes some great giveaways from local businesses. You can register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/talking-kindness-gippsland- #womeningippsland #gippykindness #choosekind #worldkindnessday

17.01.2022 A goal without a plan is just a wish. If you've got something you want to achieve in 2021, putting a practical plan in place to help you get there is essential. I kicked off the first Soft is the New Hard segment of the year on Gippsland FM last week with a conversation with Bryce about the need to plan for success to stop ourselves from self-sabotaging.... You can listen by clicking on the link below. https://share.getcloudapp.com/X6u0wv7Q Tune into this week's segment at 6:45am Thursday on 104.7 FM. #radio #softisthenewhard #softskills #plan

17.01.2022 Be a STAR: How to find and prepare examples to use in a job interview. Check out the fourth video in my 'Job Seeker Secrets' video series, brought to you by Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN. #jobseeker #communication #preparation #doyourhomework #successisinthepreparation #getajob #jobseekersecrets #beastar

17.01.2022 Applying for a job? Watch this . I had so much fun putting this 'Job Seeker Secrets' series of short videos together for Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN. Each of the five videos is jam-packed with practical tips and strategies to help you land that job - whether you're a high school student looking for your first part-time role, or someone looking for your next position.... Please share with anyone you think may benefit.

17.01.2022 What's been your biggest learning for 2020? What are you most proud of? On tonight's episode of Ask Leah (2:52), the last for the year, I share why it's important to look for the learnings and celebrate the wins of 2020 before you move onto 2021. (NB: Simply surviving is a win in my book and something to be celebrated!) ... Don't underestimate the growth you've had under pressure, challenge and change over the last 12 months. Although none of us ever want to do it again, and wouldn't wish it on anyone else, if we learn from our experiences it may just be the making of us. #askleah #communication #leadership #softskills #reflection #softisthenewhard

17.01.2022 Wait. What? How on earth is it almost December? Does anyone else feel like this is both the quickest and longest year on record? Happy Friday folks and happy last weekend of November.... We're almost there (and hopefully next year I'll be back on a stage).

17.01.2022 Shhhhhh, I’m back. Unfortunately, my time off turned into a bit of a write off (shingles anyone?) but school’s back (yippee!) and I’m looking forward to three great months of training, facilitation, coaching and mentoring to see out the year. To ensure I am on top of my game, I’m working hard to get my immune system back on track, so hit me with your top tips in the comments below.... Shoutout to the fabulous Marina McInnes from Cider Tonic for getting me well on my way. Marina was my mentee in last year’s Startup Gippsland program and my first port of call for natural ways to boost my recovery. You can check out her products at https://cidertonic.com.au/.

16.01.2022 Job Seeker Secrets #3: Write it Right

16.01.2022 Calling all Gippslanders! Applications for the 2021 Gippsland Community Leadership Program are now open and I encourage YOU to apply. I did the program in 2017 and loved it. Reach out if you have any questions or would like to find out more.

16.01.2022 Leading effectively especially during a crisis takes patience. If you can’t retain your composure in the face of frustration or adversity, you won’t be able to keep others calm. When your direct reports show signs of strain, you need to support them, not get irritated.... This article from David Sluss in Harvard Business Review includes some great tips about how to become a more patient leader something I know I need to work on myself. I particularly love his reference to the US Navy SEALS saying, Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. I hope you find it useful too. #patience #communication #leadership #softskills https://hbr.org/2020/09/becoming-a-more-patient-leader

16.01.2022 Those new whiteboard feels . Happy weekend .

15.01.2022 Yes, I am a child of the 80s. No, I make no apologies for it. Yes, the 60 leaders from East Gippsland in my workshop this morning and I may be silently rapping along to Ice Ice Baby for the rest of the day .... I so love what I do! #onlinetraining #collaboration #communication #leadership #softskills

15.01.2022 Tonight on Ask Leah, I pose a question to you (4:05). I'd love for you to reflect on it and answer as truthfully as you can. Take care everyone.

15.01.2022 Times of greatest challenge are also times of greatest growth. In my last 'Soft is the New Hard' segment on Gippsland FM or 2020, I spoke with Bryce about the importance of reflecting on our learnings from the year that's been before looking to the year ahead. You can listen by clicking on the link below.... https://share.getcloudapp.com/llun0Xxm #communication #softskills #softisthenewhard #leadership #reflection

15.01.2022 Applications are now open for the Gippsland Community Leadership Program. I completed the program in 2017 and can't recommend it highly enough.

15.01.2022 "I don't do feelings but know I need to. How can I be more vulnerable with my partner?" This is a question that comes up surprisingly often in my coaching and mentoring sessions, usually from the guys. It's a question I was asked again last week and I thought I'd share my response (with permission).... Whether it relates to work or home life (and let's face it, the two are more intertwined than ever!), if you have a communication or soft skill question, send it through and I'll do my best to answer it for you. And if you haven't watched Brene Brown's 'The Call to Courage' documentary on Netflix, do yourself a favour. #communication #vulnerability #emotionalintelligence #courage #softskills

15.01.2022 Looking for a Christmas gift or Kris Kringle present for a work colleague, family member or friend? Order a signed copy of my book, Soft is the New Hard: How to Communicate Effectively Under Pressure, and I'll pop it in the mail for you today. I'll even throw in one of my famous highlighter pens (those who know them, love them).... Head to https://leahmether.com.au/book to grab your copy and if you'd like me to include a personalised message, shoot me an email ([email protected]) with the name of the recipient and I'll get to work. Merry Christmas! #softisthenewhard #softskills #communication #leadership #book

15.01.2022 People drive performance The culture and performance results of a team are driven by the focus and communication of its people. In my experience, that culture can range from thriving to diving.... At the bottom end of the scale, a diving culture is high cost for an organisation and delivers low value in terms of performance. While at the top, in a thriving culture the value is high and the cost is low. Over the coming week, I’ll break down each level of this model to show you how improving the way your people communicate will improve your culture and results. Along the way, I encourage you to reflect on the culture, focus, communication and performance of your team. Be honest about which level you sit at now and identify where you want to be. What elements do you think contribute to a high performing team? #peopledriveperfornace #softskills #communication #leadership #culture

14.01.2022 Check out Gippslandia’s new online shop! It features a wide range of local products, including my book ‘Soft is the New Hard: How to Communicate Effectively Under Pressure’. Thanks Gippslandia . ... #proudgippslandian

14.01.2022 Sometimes you just need a good laugh to shift the stresses of the week. So, on this World Kindness Day, my gift to you (courtesy of the fabulous Jimmy Rees) is this video. Enjoy and I hope you laugh so hard you cry, just like I did .... #happyfriday #WorldKindnessDay #gippykindness

14.01.2022 Gippsland is the new Mayfair . Merry Christmas!

13.01.2022 Are you spending your days in ineffective back-to-back online meetings? Have you stopped to think about how you could do it better? On last week's episode of Soft is the New Hard on Gippsland FM, I shared tips to help you make your online meetings more efficient and effective. You can tune in by clicking on the link below.... https://share.getcloudapp.com/12uJlg6L Want more advice to help you half the time and double the impact of your meetings? Then run, don't walk, to get your hands on a copy of the fabulous Donna McGeorge's book The 25 Minute Meeting. It's jam-packed with practical tips to change the way you run both your in-person and virtual meetings. #meetings #communication #leadership #softskills #onlinemeetings #workingfromhome

13.01.2022 Want to have tough conversations more effectively in the workplace and at home? Remove 'absolute' words. Tonight in a short, sharp episode of Ask Leah (1:35), I share why removing words like 'always' and 'never' will increase your chances of being heard.... If you have a communication or soft skill question you’d like answered, send it through via private message or comment below and I’ll do my best to answer it next week. #askleah #communication #conversations #feedback

13.01.2022 This is a powerful piece by a powerful woman .

13.01.2022 Kindness can change the world. But it's not soft and fluffy. Kindness - to yourself and others - takes great courage, strength, empathy, humility and vulnerability.... Let's face it, sometimes it's easier to get angry, play victim, blame, and justify. That's why so many people do it. Join me, plus Tanya Heaney-Voogt from Wombarra Consulting Kerryn Vaughan, and Kerryn Vaughan from Girls With Hammers, this Thursday night for a FREE Zoom Talking Kindness Gippsland event supported by Women in Gippsland ahead of World Kindness Day. You can register by clicking on the link below. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/talking-kindness-gippsland- #womeningippsland #gippykindness #choosekind #worldkindnessday

13.01.2022 Learnings from 2020: The value of values. What’s been your biggest learning in this crazy year? Mine has been the value of living my values and using them as a sat nav to guide me through tough times.... My work is underpinned by six core values and returning to them again and again this year has helped me not only survive but thrive. Here they are. I hope they help you too: Have a crack: Be courageous, play a big game, push outside your comfort zone, don’t fear failure, aim high, and be persistent. Lift people up: Make a difference, empower and champion people, choose collaboration over competition, and always remember when the tide is high, all ships rise. Love Mondays: Love and be excited by your work. Approach life with zest, bring passion and enthusiasm to everything you do. Stay hungry: Try new things, keep learning, be curious, seek continuous personal and professional growth, and strive to do and be your best. Kill your darlings: Be adaptive, embrace change, evolve and don’t fall in love with your ideas, and let go of things that no longer serve you. Be you: Be authentic. Stay true to yourself and your values, and don’t compromise who you are. What has been your biggest learning in 2020? #values #purpose #haveacrack #reflection

12.01.2022 I've been speaking to a lot of leaders and teams about burnout and stress lately. Many are balancing precariously on the edge of it, others have toppled into it. In the latest episode of Brené Brown's Unlocking Us, she speaks with the authors of 'Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle'. It's worth a listen for anyone trying to manage themselves under pressure. #stress #burnout #Selfmanagement

12.01.2022 Managing conflicting political views. In a world where politics is growing more and more divisive, how do you manage a team of people who have conflicting political views? Although this article by Rebecca Knight in HBR was written for an American audience, the advice is just as applicable here in Australia where there are many strong and opposing views.... Her tips include: Set an example. Don’t ban political talk. Don’t force it. Establish rules of engagement (emphasise respect, promote self-reflection, seek to understand). Call out inappropriate comments. Talk one-on-one. Foster open-mindedness in your team. Hold yourself to the same standard. Seek outside advice. How do you manage political talk in your team? https://lnkd.in/dVpTccx #politics #communication #leadership

12.01.2022 After a massive couple of months delivering online training and coaching to leaders and teams across Australia, it's time for me to take a break. These school holidays I'm excited to be saying: to client delivery... to remote learning for the kids (thank goodness that's done!) to having the whole family cooped up inside, and to being attached to a screen Instead, I look forward to saying: to sunshine to good books outdoor adventures with the hubby and kids to socially distant public gatherings with friends to recharging I might pop up on social media here and there if the mood takes me but I might not too. I'll be back on deck fully from Monday 5 October, ready and raring for a big end to the year. #managingme #calmthefarm #selfcare #regionalvictoria

11.01.2022 I'm so looking forward to being able to sit across from my clients in the same room again. In the meantime, how lucky are we to have the technology that allows us to see and speak with each other over a screen? Another big day of one-on-one mentoring for me today.... I hope your Friday is a good one. Thanks to Herd Coworking for the location in this shot (how gorgeous are those chairs!) and to Colour of Life Photography for the pic.

11.01.2022 Excited to be able to put a sticker on my book! Soft is the New Hard: How to Communicate Effectively Under Pressure is a finalist in the Australian Career Book Award 2020. The awarded book will be announced at an online presentation on 17 October.... *This award is supported by the Royal Society of Arts Oceania. #careerbookaward #RSAOceania #softskills #communication #leadership

11.01.2022 I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I absolutely love what I do! Huge shoutout to Tanya from Wombarra Consulting and Kerryn from Girls With Hammers for being my awesome co-hosts at the inaugural Talking Kindness Gippsland event last night, supported by Women in Gippsland. A glorious 1.5 hours of fun, warmth, inspiration, kindness and dancing on the eve of what is today World Kindness Day.... Thank you to everyone who joined us. We were blown away by the incredible openness and generosity of the group. Happy World Kindness Day . Photo credit: The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation #gippykindness #worldkindnessday #makekindnessthenorm

11.01.2022 Job Seeker Secrets #2: Pick up the phone. Thanks to Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN for engaging me to put these videos together for secondary students (and really anyone) seeking employment. #jobseeker #communication #preparation #doyourhomework #successisinthepreparation #getajob #jobseekersecrets #pickupthephone

11.01.2022 Who's happy it's Friday? Wow, what a massive week of delivery it has been! Six workshops and three coaching sessions done . I absolutely love what I do and it's such a privilege to support leaders and teams through the challenges and pressures they're facing due to COVID-19.... Soft skills really do get us through hard times . Now, it's time for me to practice what I preach by investing in some good self-care tonight. Happy weekend everyone.

10.01.2022 Meeting overwhelm is real for so many at the moment. People’s brains are fried from screen fatigue and back-to-back, hour-long inefficient talk fests. I’ve been sharing tips on how to do meetings more effectively in many of my training sessions but I might have to add this strategy from November on my Dilbert calendar to the list .... Happy Friday folks! #meetings #onlinemeetings #productivity #effectiveness

10.01.2022 "How do I best respond to someone who always talks me down? "Anytime I share my wins or successes with my sister she is negative, critical, or accuses me of big-noting myself." In this week's episode of Ask Leah (4:45), I share three key tips for responding to this type of behaviour.... They are: Have a conversation. Understand it's about them, not about you. Choose who you share your success with. If you have a communication or soft skill question you'd like answered, send it through and I'll do my best to answer it next week. #askleah #communication #softskills #softisthenewhard #ownyoursuccess

10.01.2022 JOIN ME FOR FREE COMMUNITY GROUP TRAINING Is your community group starting to think about rebuilding and re-engaging face-to-face? Join me and Lifeline Gippsland at this free Latrobe City Council workshop next Wednesday 18 November from 6.30pm8.00pm via Zoom.... RECONNECTING GROUPS - DEALING WITH THE DOUBT The importance of groups reconnecting and why clear communication is key. Managing your own and other people’s anxieties. What can you do as a group to stay resilient and positive under pressure? How an adaptive mindset will help your group survive and thrive. Looking out for your own and others mental health. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/reconnecting-groups-dealing

10.01.2022 Are you on my mailing list? My latest newsletter hit inboxes this morning. You can read it or sign up to receive future editions by clicking on the link below.... http://eepurl.com/hg2w1H #communication #leadership #softskills

09.01.2022 Music communicates so much . Check out this incredible tribute to Helen Reddy at last night’s Aria Awards. Turn it up and sing it loud.... https://www.smh.com.au//aria-awards-2020-julia-gillard-int #iamwoman #communication

09.01.2022 I’m not good at boundaries. My purpose is to make a difference and I genuinely love helping people through the work that I do. While I really like that about myself, sometimes I’m guilty (ok, most of the time ) of taking on too much and saying yes to things when I should say no.... But the reality is I can’t help all the people all the time, time is my most precious resource, and I have three very important reasons to make sure I don’t give all of my energy away to others. So, this year I’m putting practical steps in place to help me set and protect my boundaries. That includes hiring a new team member (more on that soon), only taking a certain number of bookings each week, and shifting my mindset (I AM good at boundaries when I have them in place). I know that if I don’t put some structure around it, it just won’t happen. I’ve also put a reminder front and centre on my desk where I’ll see it and my gorgeous boys, Sam, Callum, and Lucas every day. What are you doing to protect your boundaries and time in 2021? #time #boundaries #makingithappen

09.01.2022 "Keep me in the loop." That's the instruction a leader gave to his staff recently. But what does that even mean? What does he want to be told about? In what level of detail? How often does he want his staff to check in? When we give instructions it's important that we get specific because no-one else thinks like us.... Set people up for success: What does done look like? What am I actually asking for? Have I assumed they know what I mean or given them the information they need to perform the task how I want it? On last week's Soft is the New Hard segment on Gippsland FM, I spoke with Bryce Eishold about why being clear and specific is so important when asking for what we want and need. You can listen by clicking on the link below. https://share.getcloudapp.com/YEuyzL1B #softisthenewhard #softskills #communication #leadership

08.01.2022 Are you heading towards burnout in what has been a crazy, high-stress year? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are skating dangerously close to the edge and barely hanging on as they limp towards Christmas. But while a lot has been totally outside our control in 2020, have you stopped to think about the self-sabotage traps you may be falling into that are making your stress even worse?... In this article in Harvard Business Review, author Kandi Wiens identifies five traps that contribute to stress and burnout. They are: 1. The overly adaptive trap. 2. The perfectionist trap. 3. The imposter syndrome trap. 4. The over-engagement trap. 5. The ‘I can’t do anything about it’ trap. I encourage you to reflect honestly on whether you fall into one or more of these traps. I know I do (traps one and four are my danger zones). Let me be clear: Talking about self-sabotage does not put responsibility for managing stress solely on the individual and absolve leaders and organisations from taking real action to care for their staff. As Wiens says: organisations must continue to examine and fix their major causes of burnout. And leaders must listen to and acknowledge their teams’ distress and take meaningful steps to alleviate that suffering. But in the meantime, we can increase our awareness of the traps we fall into personally and then take action to address them. https://hbr.org/2020/11/is-self-sabotage-burning-you-out #selfawareness #stress #managingme #calmthefarm #selfregulation #emotionalintelligence

08.01.2022 I am proud to support the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign and am committed to being part of creating a new story.

07.01.2022 Adaptability in action. An all-day power outage in my home town today meant I had to find an alternate location to deliver the first half of my online Write it Right report writing training. But where to go? ... My usual haunts for workshop delivery and meetings are still all closed to private bookings and the organisation I was working with still can’t allow people on-site. Going to a friend or family members’ house was also problematic given most are working from home themselves, and having to tell them to keep silent and scarce seemed a bit unfair . In the end it was a teacher friend who saved the day. Of course it was - teachers are incredible! So, with her fast internet, reliable electricity, and a few improvisations, I was able to deliver - thanks Liza! Whether it’s a challenge at my end or a challenge at yours, we can always find a way through if we’re adaptable, open minded and solution focussed. #adaptability #writeitright #softskills #teachersrock

07.01.2022 Equipping leaders with practical strategies to make the 'people part' of leadership easier is one of my favourite things to do. Here's some feedback from Andy who attended the recent online 'Soft is the New Hard' communication and leadership training I ran with DELWP Hume. Thanks Andy! ... #softisthenewhard #communication #leadership #softskills #peopleskills #humanskills

07.01.2022 "Hello Dan, it's Joe here..." From the master communicator of musical storytelling, happy gravy day. https://youtu.be/FozoWgvh-m4... #communication #music #ausmusic

07.01.2022 A morning walk to clear my head before a big day of workshop delivery. And boy has the weather turned it on . Regional living is the best.... #home #willowgrove #bluerockdam #bawbawshire #visitgippsland #proudgippslandian

06.01.2022 And that my friends, is a wrap! Shoutout to the many individuals, teams, and organisations I’ve had the privilege to work with, train and support during this crazy, testing year. Your resilience, compassion, tenacity, and leadership has been inspiring.... If ever we’ve needed the soft skills to communicate and self-manage under pressure, it has been 2020! A huge thank you also to the many people who have in turn supported, championed, and encouraged me. It has been a momentous 12 months of challenge, change, and growth in which I've delivered 89 workshops and 86 coaching sessions - most of them online from my office in Willow Grove. Now it’s time to rest and recharge with my nearest and dearest. I’ll be taking a break for most of January but will pop into your feed occasionally when I’m feeling inspired. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all and here’s to big things in 2021. #communication #leadership #softskills #softisthenewhard

06.01.2022 Hubby picked up my new rechargeable lights today to improve the lighting in my office during online presentations. The timing has proved impeccable and they just paid for themselves. Windy night = power outage and dinner by Bunnings light .

06.01.2022 ASK LEAH Tonight’s question is a tough one: My senior manager often gets emails and messages mixed up and then blames the wrong person for the perceived mistake. I’m not sure how to deal with this or if it’s intentional on their part or not. It’s frustrating when you’re on the receiving end and copping the blame for something you didn’t do. How can I address this?... In my response (4:35) I talk about the importance of tone, empathy, clarity, and having a conversation. To the person who sent this one in, I hope it helps. Good luck! If you’ve got a question for me, send it through and I’ll do my best to answer it next Wednesday evening on Ask Leah. #askleah #communication #leadership #softskills #softisthenewhard

06.01.2022 Great books on effective communication are rare! But Soft is the New Hard by Leah Mether does the genre justice Detailed and practical it has the right balance between theory and application. This book is a masterclass and a coach rolled into one. Thank you Suman Kher for your wonderful and comprehensive review, and for making my book the first in your #sumanrecommends series for 2021! You can check out Suman’s full review here https://sumankher.com/2021/01/07/book-revie...w-soft-skills/ What was your first read of 2021? #softisthenewhard #communication #leadership #softskills #book #bookreview

05.01.2022 DON'T MISS OUT! FREE TRAINING WEDNESDAY NIGHT Is your community group starting to think about rebuilding and re-engaging face-to-face? Join me and Lifeline Gippsland as we deliver a FREE workshop called 'Reconnecting Groups - Dealing with the Doubt' on behalf of Latrobe City Council on Wednesday 18 November from 6.30pm8.00pm via Zoom.... Learn about: The importance of groups reconnecting and why clear communication is key. Managing your own and other people’s anxieties. What you can do as a group to stay resilient and positive under pressure. How an adaptive mindset will help your group survive and thrive. Looking out for your own and others mental health. To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/reconnecting-groups-dealing

05.01.2022 The words we tell ourselves have the power to influence how we feel. I was reminded of this last week when, in a morning of frustration, I caught myself muttering over and over, "I hate remote learning." The good news is, small tweaks to our language can have a big impact.... Find out how I reframed my inner dialogue in my latest article below. https://www.leahmether.com.au/watch-your-words/ #communication #mindset #selfmanagement #resilience

04.01.2022 What a thrill to be one of six finalists in the Australian Career Book Award 2020 for 'Soft is the New Hard: How to Communicate Effectively Under Pressure'. This morning the award ceremony was held via Zoom and while mine wasn't the awarded book, it was incredible to be in the mix. Huge congratulations to Megumi Miki whose book 'Quietly Powerful: How your quiet nature is your hidden leadership strength' took out the prize.... The awards are open to writers across Australia and New Zealand and supported by the Royal Society of Arts Oceania. Thank you to the RSA and to everyone who has read and supported my book over the last 18 months. #book #rsaoceania #australiancareerbookaward2020 #softisthenewhard #softskills #leadership #communication

04.01.2022 Just because your people are apart doesn’t mean you can’t go ahead with team building or strategic planning workshops. Both can be delivered in an effective and engaging way online. No, I’m not making this up promise!... Over the last six months, I’ve had the pleasure of creating and facilitating interactive team development and strategy workshops for a number of organisations. Rather than be dull and boring, they’ve been full of discussion, connection, and innovative ideas. Here’s what Elaine Mowat from East Gippsland Water had to say: Leah did an amazing job adjusting what was originally intended to be a one day ‘out of the office’ team professional development workshop prior to lockdown, to a remote setting using Zoom. Leah facilitated four bite-sized 1.5-hour workshops over a four week period. Using this format, we were able to engage all 16 members of the team during the sessions and use the time between for extra thinking to reflect and prepare for the next session. Leah is very professional, flexible and easy to work with. She was able to meet all our needs to achieve the outcomes we wanted, while ensuring all voices were heard and made to feel welcome. If you're interested in learning more, get in touch.

04.01.2022 Are you leading a remote team? Make sure your virtual meetings are as psychologically safe as possible. You can help people feel comfortable raising questions, concerns, and ideas without fear of personal repercussion by using some simple functions featured on many video conferencing platforms, including:... Hand raise. Yes/No. Polls. Chat. Breakout rooms. Video. Audio only. I also highly recommend having someone facilitate or lead the meeting to help ensure all voices are heard. For some great tips on how you can make your online meetings more psychologically safe, check out this article in Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org//how-to-foster-psychological-safety-in-vir #psychologicalsafety #trust #onlinemeetings #virtual #remoteteams

03.01.2022 , ? . ? I'm not like most trainers. I'm not interested in teaching flash-in-the-pan tips that lead to minimal or no change. ... I'm focussed on taking people from knowing to doing and delivering long-lasting results. I bring experience, practicality and process to my clients, to deliver training that is real-world, relatable to your people and relevant to your organisation. Fifteen years’ experience working with thousands of people from a broad range of backgrounds, industries, professions and positions. A practical, straight-shooting, plain-speak approach that is actionable and connects. A step-by-step process that underpins communication and lays the foundations for success. Want to learn more about working with me either face-to-face or online? Get in touch. Send me a message or check out my website at https://leahmether.com.au. Only a few available dates remain for 2020 and I'm now taking bookings for 2021. #communication #selfmanagement #leadership #softskills #trainer #speaker #facilitator #mentor

02.01.2022 Last night I helped my favourite local sporting club navigate the online world by chairing their AGM on Zoom. It was fantastic to see such a big turnout and shoutout to those who gave the technology a crack for the first time . It was exciting to hear what season 2021 holds for our little club.... Go Hills . #facilitation #onlinemeeting

02.01.2022 Each Thursday morning at 6:45am I have the pleasure of chatting with Bryce Eishold on 104.7 Gippsland FM about all things communication, self-management and soft skills. Last week, I shared five self-sabotage traps we can fall into that increase our stress. This conversation was based on the fantastic article by Kandi Wiens in Harvard Business Review.... To listen, click on the link below and don't forget to tune in this Thursday. https://share.getcloudapp.com/4guO7bxO #communication #leadership #softskills #selfmanagement #softisthenewhard #radio

01.01.2022 Communication at Christmas can be fraught at the best of times. But this year, after the cluster-storm that has been 2020, the potential for conflict is higher than usual, with many people stumbling towards the finish line exhausted, traumatised, and polarised in their opinions. Tolerance levels are low, tempers short, stress levels high, and patience virtually non-existent.... Many of us are not at our best and when we’re not at our best, our communication is not at its best either. So how can we make it through this holiday season with our relationships with family, friends and colleagues intact? How can we communicate effectively when we’re so on edge? To help you out, I’ve dusted off my 10 strategies for managing difficult conversations at Christmas and given them a 2020 update. Merry Christmas folks. #communication #leadership #softskills #softisthenewhard #christmas2020 https://www.leahmether.com.au/how-to-communicate-at-chris/