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25.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... Some really good points in this article on the importance of CONNECTION ... truly connecting with your teams, your audience ... especially when articulating current circumstances, responses to those, new directions and changes. In these fast-changing times, people need lots of communication, are looking for clarity and above all - they are needing to feel connected to the leader and organisation. So ... how well do you communicate and relate t...o your employees, in ways they understand?. Research shows as many as 55% of employees say their managers never do so ... whereas more than 80% of managers think they do. Have you checked lately? The author offers 10 questions for leaders to ask themselves about their communcation and connection effectiveness. Check it out ... #Communcation #Connection #Clarity #Consistency #Trust

25.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... We're still riding those creative waves ... increasing with excitement the more content we create for each module of a new 8 month tailored leadership program we're rolling out in 2021. Getting the right balance and mix of content to suit a particular cohort, with such a diverse range of backgrounds, experience levels, locations and organisation size - is a challenge ... but made easier by proactively gaining feedback and suggestions from those... who are in this arena and experiencing what leadership is like ... what's working? what's not? what else is needed? ... to reach desired outcomes. Do you seek out alternative views? Could you benefit from a different set of eyes looking at your problems, proposals and projects? How diverse is your decision-making team? #Dare2DISRUPT #DiversityMatters #Feedback

23.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... During these extraordinarily disruptive times, the buzz words for leaders are about being [or building] resilient and agile. Without those things, leaders can become quite fragile. Resilience - comes from building a strong inner-core belief [knowing you have the strength to cope with setbacks], and set of behaviours [practices that strengthen your ability to adapt / overcome / bounce back]. ... Agility is a mindset, anticipation and readiness to willingly, rapidly and effectively adapt to change, manage changing situations and transition to 'new circumstances' with relative ease. This article offers some good insight and a useful formula to build more ROBUST anti-fragile skills: R - Recruit the brain [awareness of fears / stress responses] O - Operate in reality [awareness of the stories we embed] B - Build the postive [explore positive opportunties] U - Use intelligent risk [willing to take small risks and learn] S - Seek collective wisdom [work on solutions together] T - Tackle the infinite game [let go of short-termism, focus on longer-term benefits] How robust are your leadership skills? Are you coping with changes, striving to make changes, or thriving from embracing new approaches? Do you need help to rise up and lead changes in your organisation? We specialise in coaching and mentoring game-changing leaders. We know, from personal experience, it can be a lonely and frustrating process. Let's chat ... https://www.vitalleaders.com.au/contact

22.01.2022 #ThoughtProvokingThursday ... Did you know: Even though 75% of large companies in Australia have a work flexibility policy of some description, only 2.5% have targets around men taking on flexible working arrangements. What? So flexibility is only for women, because it's their responsibility to juggle the family caring stuff? Surely not in 2020.... Well, hello COVID ... which has rather abruptly showcased that people from all walks of life, all genders, in most sectors, and at all levels of seniority CAN work flexibly from home. We have chairmen and CEOs working from home offices and dining room tables, she says. Everyone is realising that people can be trusted to work from home. We now know organisations can adopt and adjust to flexible work practices, so let's not go back to 'old' thinking and unfair practices. It's time for long-term cultural and attitudinal changes ... long overdue in our opinion. Do you need to BE the change champion leading the way in your organisation? Or do you need help becoming more influential in that space? Chat with us: www.vitalleaders.com.au/contact We are experienced change leaders who have been coaching and mentoring others to explore opportunties for change, drive change, and inspire others to get on the change train. #flexiblework #genderequality #womenleaders #ElevateHERAus

22.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... This article, written by Kirsten Ferguson - former ABC deputy chair, company director, and leadership / executive coach, definitely provokes thought ... about the type of leadership that might have been accepted in the past [typical of the 80s/90s] ... but is no longer tolerated. In short: there was an extensive internal examination of Collingwood Football Club culture, and subsequently a damning report that exposed structural racism at the club... ... and in response President Eddie McGuire insensitively spun it as a 'proud moment'. Kirsten provides a really great example of what he could have / should have said ... what a leader with empathy, compassion and humility would have said ... starting with an apology and personal acknowledgement of failure and accountability for the culture. "The 'Do Better' report makes clear what has already been known to those who have been hurt by a dark and shameful part of our club’s culture. On behalf of the Collingwood Football Club, let me say how sorry we are, and how sorry I am, that systemic racism has been allowed to occur." ..... I commit to do better, just as the title of this report suggests. This is not a proud day for our club. It is sobering start to the work that I and others need to do to ensure this never happens again. ... Read on. We think this is a brilliant example, and while it's just words that were NOT spoken by McGuire, we also know that words like this written for leaders to just read out would come across as inauthentic if they don't in fact feel and act that way. Some leaders just don't get why they are there. There is no place for ego, spin or fake performances in leadership today. We are all very tuned into recognizing those deficiencies in those in lead roles. Do you agree? What do you think? ...

22.01.2022 #FOCUSED ... and not just on Fridays 2020 has been a challenging year all round ... for many of our clients and for us too. While we've appreciated the pandemic pause ...right now - we're excited and back in high energy mode. WHY? We've got a few major projects we're working on ... big stuff that we need to totally focus on for the next few months ... so we'll be hiding in the creative cave [aka: FNQ executive suite with beach view, sea breezes, flip chart paper lining the... walls covered in colourful squiggles and post-it notes, amongst a research library, and video studio corner]. Bliss So ... just letting you know - we're reducing our social media post regularity on this page ... to just weekly #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker posts. We value our client connections and are still available by email, phone, or through our website enquiry page. https://www.vitalleaders.com.au/contact Thank you for understanding. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay motivated. Stay connected. #Focus #TimeManagement #Priorities #Purpose #Choices

22.01.2022 #LEADERSHIPmatters ... Here's another helpful article with a great 7 step action strategy [image in contents section] to ensure you demonstrate empathy towards your customers and build stronger relationships during this time of crisis and uncertainty. Extract: "Over the past few months, companies have had to quickly adjust to COVID-19. The first step for many organizations was to stabilize operations and safeguard their own employees. From this position, companies can then ...find genuine, creative ways to show empathy and emotionally connect with their customers." Seven actions are: 1. Minimize risk by reducing physical interaction 2. Actively contribute to safety by innovating the product portfolio 3. Provide pragmatic help to customers in financial distress 4. Bring joy and support the emotional needs of customers ‘trapped at home’ 5. Actively shift customers to online channels 6. Stay reachable and treat customers with care in personal interactions 7. Demonstrate care for the community through company values Article by McKinsey & Co. #EMPATHYmatters #AGILITYmatters #Dare2LEAD

21.01.2022 #ChangeChampion ... So ... lately there's been a slight change of plans, right? Slight? - NO, freakin massive changes for many of our colleagues and clients ... with the CV19 impact causing: ~ cancellations of conferences and workshops ~ cancellations of travel plans ... ~ re-arrangement of office space and seating plans [now's not the time for hot-desking ] ~ forced focus on flexible work arrangements from home offices [opportunity to pilot it, perhaps ] ~ dealing with half-empty workplaces as some staff choose to self-isolate ~ major financial impact all round as customers choose to stay home and self-isolate. Unexpected, unwanted changes can be hard to take and it's hard not to zero in our focus on all the stuff we 'can't do' at the moment. BUT ... try focusing on what you CAN do. Look for the opportunities. They ARE there. If you are stuck at home or at work, and suddenly finding you have a lot more free time [as your calendar empties from cancelled meetings & conferences] ... think about using that opportunity to do some online professional development. Seriously. Why not build your EQ muscle in areas of: self-management, agility, catalysing change, resilience, coaching others. Our Vital SEIP Program is totally online, including: ~ Social + Emotional Intelligence Profiling ~ Emailed comprehensive report ~ 3 x 1:1 coaching sessions by phone, Skype or Zoom. Normally $995.00 packaged ... we are offering 10 Vital SEIP packages for $795.00 each. First 10 peeps ... Jump on this. E:[email protected] Make your move. #Opportunities #Change #Dare2LEAD #EQmatters

20.01.2022 #EQmatters ... It's no doubt that for many of us, these are times of heightened emotion. Fear, anxiety, survival, frustration [at people not following new social distancing rules], anger [at government inaction or border protection incompetence] ... these are all emotional triggers. They are not wrong nor is it a weakness to show these emotions. Emotions drive energy. Here's the thing: Emotions are sending us a message. They are an energy source. What we do with them eith...er sucks our energy or fuels our energy to do something. Humans, like pack animals, often respond to threats on survival by isolating, closed doors, retreating, hiding; picture head under covers. But that's not a good use of the emotional energy source. It's not how you solve problems. The same emotional triggers can be harnessed to look outward, upward and onward. To look ahead and get ready for the 'what's next'. Keep connecting and communicating ... work together to collaboratively solve tomorrow's problems. Linked is another one of global EQ Network - Six Seconds latest helpful videos. We love how all our networks are putting out supportive material. Now that's a positive way to respond. REMEMBER: You are not alone. We are all in this together. We are here for you ... open for business ... and encourage you to reach out. Complementary 30 min Zoom calls are available #EmotionalIntelligence #AgilityMatters #Triggers #Energy

20.01.2022 #ChangeMakersNOT ... Leadership is all about influencing and driving change ... encouraging new learning, innovation, growth, continually evolving for sustainability ... it's not about saying: "Naaah, it's just all too hard. Let's just cancel, stick our heads in the sand, do nothing and wait till it's all 'back to normal'". ... That ... is anything but leadership. Dynamic Leadership is what's needed here. Seems what we have is a bunch of dodos who can't organise themselves enough to all jump on and use the technology that the rest of us have been doing for months now. Just saying ... really poor response when so many other countries [yes - that 'pesky little upstart one' across the ditch too] are able to hold parliament via video ... have been for months? What do you think? #Dare2DISRUPT #Dare2LEAD #ChangeMaker #LeadershipMatters #CourageMatters

20.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... YES! Our two Directors - Gary Kerr and Jilinda Lee have always believed that working [or aspiring to] high-level, corporate, public sector and not-for-profit sector leadership roles should not mean living in capital cities and working from CBD corporate towers. It's made no sense for a long time. Many of us have had the opportunity to successfully work from home [and from regional locations] in consulting, project management, company leadership ...roles for years. In fact - 90% of Vital Leaders business is conducted online and delivered to clients not located where our home-office sits. Yes - that's right. We have clients spread around Australia, and more recently - our affiliated NFP division - ElevateHER has significantly increased it's global engagement. This year, our Directors proudly launched the state-wide network - Lean In Queensland, which is licenced and fully endorsed by LeanIn.Org; a well established global gender equality movement ... with the aim to encourage and support women's leadership aspirations and increase the number of women in lead positions. They run this from Cairns, FNQ ... not Brisbane. [Lean In Queensland is stage one ... watch this space]. Our point is: We hope CV19 has shown many 'old thinkers' that great leadership can come, not only from any chair, but from any location. #LEADERSHIPmatters #LocationOptional #Dare2DISRUPT

18.01.2022 #ThoughtProvokingThursday ... Westpac - "now has more men named Peter on its board than female directors." This article reminds us of one published some years ago [we'll find it and repost], where it reported that there were less women CEOs running large Australian companies than were run by men named John, or Peter, or David. Our point is: STILL? Again? ... Yep ... Westpac now has the same number of women on its board as it did in 1998. There's clearly a blind spot here. Not a good look for one of the big four banks that's dealing with deep-seated cultural problems. Why? 1. "They send a signal to the organisation's employees about the thinking and attitudes that pervade the group of people responsible for governance. Board appointments should be reflective of the communities they serve." 2. "They send a message to the customers, shareholders and regulators, about an organisation's values and its purpose. Westpac says diversity and inclusion are a priority but this latest move raises doubts about that." We believe diversity is key to driving the changes and implementing innovative solutions to produce the results needed - an economic recovery that helps everyone in our community to thrive. Our consistently espoused formula: LEADERSHIP + DIVERSITY = DYNAMIC GAME-CHANGERS. Perhaps that's the real hurdle: - resistance to changing the game? What's your thoughts?

16.01.2022 #ThoughtProvokingThursday ... As a leader, are you wondering what your workplace or office spaces will look and feel like going forward? For some, it's currenty like a ghost-town. For others, it feels like a small team in a foot-ball field space. ... For those who are one of only a handful of people physically present in the workplace, it can be lonely and lacking of important socialised connection. We've been saying for a while: it's pointless to expect things will go back to 'normal'. That ship has sailed. People have got used to working differently, more flexibly and discovered that some work can be done better from home, and some things thrive on physical interaction. It's not rocket science to redesign your work practices. Ask your people: what's worked for them, what hasn't, which bits of their role would they like to do differently ... going forward. Take this opportunity to set up your work spaces differently ... more conducive to collaboration and problem solving discussions. This Unispace article makes some good points and shares great workplace redesign tips ... a reimagining concept they are calling - Propeller. Check it out ... https://www.unispace.com//introducing-propeller-new-hybrid #Dare2LEADdynamically #ChangeLeaders #Flexibility

15.01.2022 #ThoughtProvokingThursday ... Some really great illustrations and points in this talk ... about why we need to move away from Hero - individualist, polished performance style leadership ... and embrace a more collaborative, enaging, interdependant leadership set of behaviours. If there's one thing that has been glaringly obvious through this pandemic, it's the differning approach to leadership: ... Super shiny story tellers [not always truthful or sharing the complete picture], focused on their own power and popularity, talking up big goals [without plans to sustain them], reject others input [or don't acknowledge it when used and rebadged]. VERSUS Interdependant, engaging leaders [embracing vulnderability, willing to ask for help], seeking collaboration, communicating openly, exploring solutions from shared ideas. Some may be initially impressed with shiny, salesmen leaders ... but not engaged in the direction they lead. People follow REAL leaders; those who know that it takes a team, a broad range of interdependence, those who value and acknowledge shared leadership. People lean forward to be part of that. AND ... that's the type of leadership we need right now. Do you need to take off your Hero mask and cape, and be REAL? #Dare2LEADdynamically #Collaboration #Leadership #Teamwork

15.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker So, here we are ... nearly the end of February - month two of 2021 ticked off. Out comes all the throw away lines: "Time flies, where did that month go?" "Feels like wheels spinning on the spot"... How are your 2021 goals progressing? Have you allocated time for them? Are they a priority? Realistically ... how many priorities can one have, before you just run out of hours in the day? Not everything can be important and urgent, right? Watch this video ... we all have lots of hours in a week, the same number as everyone. It's not that we 'don't have time' or 'run out of time' ... it's that we haven't set time for the priorities, and many of us are still wasting time on the unnecessary stuff. Like this social media post. Seriously ... we have recently conducted an audit on how much social media eats up our time and effort ...VERSUS ... the benefit factor. And, what social media channels our core clients frequent [if any], to review what's the best, most efficient way to connect. Facebook - specifically, this Vital Leaders company page, sits in the 'low priority / low engagement / low or no effort required' category. More of our professional clients are on LinkedIn, and most of them prefer to engage with us directly, through our website, email, phone, or Zoom meetups. We'll let you know when this FB page will be 'archived', and provide you with other ways to connect with us. So ... if you are still spinning wheels right now, revisit your priorities, audit how you choose to spend your time, and ruthlessly cut out the unnecessary stuff.

14.01.2022 #ThoughtProvokingThursday In times of uncertainty and rapid change, it has never been more important for leaders to ensure their people feel connected and included. The role of leadership in enhancing inclusion by focusing on ‘us’ as a team, not ‘me’ as a leader, requires new behaviours and mindsets for many. A new type of leader, caring and collaborative rather than command and control. Inclusive Leadership.... As outlined in linked article: The five disciplines of an Inclusive Leader: 1. Building and cultivating trust by setting aside ego and finding common ground, inclusive leaders help people feel comfortable and safe 2. Bringing together diverse perspectives acknowledging that other ideas are valid and can help us solve bigger problems 3. Make the most of the talent around them motivating and inspiring others to create a high performance environment 4. Having an adaptive mindset can think quickly, and confront challenges with agility 5. Able to achieve transformation by empowering others to use their skills and strengths, this is what drives results. How well does your leadership approach meets these? Or the better question may be: how would your cohorts and colleagues score you on these five disciplines? Building trust, situational awareness of diverse perspectives, inspiring others, adaptive / agile mindset, and catalysing change [challenging the status quo, initiating, leading, managing change] ... are ALL EQ competences ... included in the SEIP online self-assessment tool we offer in our leadership coaching packages - Vital SEIP Review, and embedded into our leadership programs. https://www.vitalleaders.com.au//9/Vital-SEIP-Brochure.pdf Is it time you built more inclusive and influential leadership traits? We can help you with that. Contact us for a chat. www.vitalleaders.com.au/contact #INCLUSIVITYmatters #EQmatters #Dare2LEADdynamically

14.01.2022 #LEADERSHIPmatters ... In these times of disruption, concern and uncertainty ... the best thing Leaders can do is deliver clear and consistent messages ... while showing compassion. Keep the overall instructions concise: ... Stay HOME - be with your family. Work from home, if you can, when you can. Stay HEALTHY - eat healthy meals, implement a daily exercise routine. Stay STRONG - be aware of your mental health, stay positive, meditate, read and learn new things to keep your brain active. Oh ... and limit your CV media stories intake to just daily updates from trusted sources. Stay FOCUSED - use this time wisely. Focus on what you CAN do now, and what you will do once this is over. Plan and prepare for the recovery phase and get ready to rise up. Stay CONNECTED - you are NOT socially isolating, you are physically distancing. Embrace the technologies that keep you connected. Learn to use ZOOM, Messenger Video, Facetime, Skype. Get creative and make your own family videos or FB Live posts. As Leaders, it's your role to set a good example of what to do, for the greater good of all our communities. So ... we're doing all of those things, and in reality - it's not that different for us, apart from no face2face meetings, workshops or conferences. We are still OPEN for business, from our home-office base. Still available for coaching, mentoring and delivering our online packaged programs ... and, we're increasing our connection with clients to offer additional support during these challenging times. Reach out if you need any help with boosting your leadership muscle or you have employees who are struggling with the changes. [email protected] [email protected]

13.01.2022 #TuesdayTip ... Leadership is a mindset, a set of behaviours driven by a desire to help others achieve, as a role-model, mentor and inspirer of positive action. We think this infogram is worth sharing, perhaps even print it out and put it up on your office wall. A great reminder of what it takes to be a Leader ... and that it is not a position, it's a deeply personally-felt purpose. ... #REALleaders #LEADERSHIPmatters #EQmatters

12.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... We came across this article in our research prep while collating content for a tailored eight month leadership advancement online course, we are rolling out for a client cohort in February 2021. Of course ... it's a perfect fit with our favourite topic: continual development of your leadership muscle ... starting with self-awareness, the need for emotionally intelligent leaders who focus less on 'I' and more on 'we'. ... Top tips: The only time as a leader you should use the word I is when making tough decisions where the consequences ultimately rest on you. The rest of the time use we. Allocate time for white space on a weekly basis ... time to reflect, rest and recover. It is easy to hear the voices we want to hear, so take time to listen for what you don’t want to hear. Ask yourself, how do you respond to failure or disappointment? Rabbit holes, or reflective lessons? Here's the thing: We don’t want superhuman leaders. We want human leaders. Strong from the inside out. Do you need to build that LQ [leadership intelligence] muscle? Ask us about our Vigour LQ program ... which can be tailored to your organisation's needs. Check it out here: https://www.vitalleaders.com.au//JIL0670_Vigour-LQ-Brochur

12.01.2022 #WatchTHIS ... please. This is Simon Sinek holding an online meeting with his team ... and what he tells them is REAL, RAW and we think - spot on. Key points:... These are NOT unprecedented times. Many of us have been through major business distuptions, needing urgent responses and pivoting to match new challenges. Those with a finite mindset will struggle through this disruptive times. It's those with an infinite mindset who will see this as a catalyst for change and new opportunities. Don't ask: 'how are we going to get through this?' Instead, explore: 'how can we change to get through this?' It WILL BE a different world on the other side of this. Take this time to explore what we could be using our passions and talents for, in a different way ... #motivation #Dare2LEAD #Dare2DISRUPT #Dynamic #Agile

10.01.2022 #RemembranceDay ... Lest we forget

08.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... In keeping with her progressive leadership style, NZ Prime Minister -Jacinda Ardern has flagged the potential of a four day working week, as one idea to boost the country's productivity levels as they rise up from the COVID-19 economic impacts. We think that's a great idea. That and all sorts of flexible work arrangements need to be seriously considered. Share the work load, at home and in the workplace. ... Tell us how that would work for you ... or would it? What other flexible work arrangements are you putting in place, post CV19? The world as we know has changed ... are you pivoting to match that or trying to return to 'same-old' practices? Be open to change. Explore options. Be agile. Successful leaders are situationall aware and adaptable. #Dare2DISRUPT #Dare2LEAD #AGILITYmatters

08.01.2022 #TakingaBREAK ... We've been taking a few weeks away from our normal office-hours routine ... A little break to rejuvenate while we wait for the next planned projects to commence [some things remain uncertain atm] A lot of strategic, future planning conversations about:... 'what's next?', 'what's needed and why?', 'who needs that?', 'where, when, how?' 'what's stage one / first actions include?' ... Like identifying the elephant that everyone is trying to avoid, naming it's characteristics, and working out how to address it one chunk at a time ... The old Q: how do you eat an Elephant? A: one bite at a time. While we love change and help others to identify strategic changes and opportunities ... sometimes we have to kick our own butt and get out of 'so last year's' thinking ... to review our own programs and products, and ask those all important THREE questions? 'whats working?' 'what's not?' 'what needs to change?' So, YES! We're developing new programs and products, in line with our passion and the increasing need for more dynamic and diverse, change-making leaders. We'd love to gain your input ... tell us whats the biggest pain point that stops you from becoming more agile in your business, career and life? How are you shaking off 'the old ways'?

07.01.2022 #EQmatters ... In these disruptive and indecisive times, we want to provide you with some useful and valuable coping tips ... that will help you lead yourself and other by boosting your emotional intelligence skills ... to better understand the emotional triggers, use that to explore options, build your personal agility and resilience levels, and your empathy and compassion for those around you, and those you lead. Yep, these are all key EQ competencies.... Here's the thing: Our brains love certainty. We love to predict and plan ahead. But we are living in a time of mass disruption. Not only virus, but technology, and career options ... changes are constant and old ways of handling this no longer work. As all our coaching and leadership programs are based around EQ frameworks and the importance of leaders having high levels of EQ competence ... we stay informed on the latest EQ thinking throught our involvement with global EQ Networks, like - Six Seconds. Sharing one of their latest videos on this topic ... we hope you find it useful. We invite you to leave a comment or ask a question ... now is the time to support each other - online #EmotionalIntelligence #AgilityMatters #Triggers #Disruption

07.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... Okay, so the unique image of an elephant dressed in zebra striping immediately caught our attention and tweaked our curiosity. We often use the 'elephant in the room' analogy when it comes to calling out the obvious issues ... and zebra striping is a strong feature in our branding - representing uniqueness, bold contrast, and brave leadership. Then with the word 'disruptive' in the article title ... well, it was speaking our language - dare to... disrupt the status quo. This article makes a valid key point: the issue that creative, innovative people, those who constantly question the same-same status quo, those gung-ho entrepreneurial thinkers ... are often stifled by traditional structures that are based around stability - not change, so assessed as being not a good 'culture fit'. We know this happens. We've seen in within client organisations, and particularly within the public sector. Both our Directors have been on the receiving end of such backlash; where organisations engage you to drive innovation and change, but then freak out at suggested project outcomes that step outside the 'normal' zone ... and then dismiss as 'not a good fit with our organisation'. True - but is it the disruptive individual change-makers issue? ... or an organisational systems and culture issue? We think the latter ... Five key ways to achieve a culture of innovation: Ditch hierarchical decision-making in favour of psychological safety Reward constant experimentation Promote constructive non-conformity Don’t suck up to your boss - robust debates are necessary Shield your team members from innovation killers Read more ...

05.01.2022 #LEADERSHIPmatters ... Sharing a link to this very useful, downloadable leadership guide compiled by Korn Ferry, to help you steer your organisation through this CV10 crisis. "In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, leaders must make tough choices. They have to be calm, decisive, and strategicwhile also being empathetic and supportive to their people. It’s one of the most difficult balancing acts corporate leaders have faced in their careers."... This comprehensive guide includes a collection of articles, covering things like: How can you keep your people engaged and productive during these difficult times? What impact will social distancing have on the ways you do business? When it comes to cuts, what’s the most effective, least painful approach? During this fast-moving situation, be prepared for your thinking and responses to continue to flex and evolve. Be open to new strategies. Our intention is to share any useful material that we come across from the myriad of leadership researchers and gurus we are connected with. Leadership is always on show, but never more so than in times like these. Your responses matter and will be remembered by those who were impacted by them ... your employees, your clients, your colleagues, and your family. Direct link to guide: https://www.kornferry.com//KF_Leadership_Playbook_Global_F #Dare2LEAD #CourageousLeadership #AGILITYmatters

04.01.2022 #EMPATHYmatters ... One very notable point of difference in leadership styles observed in response to this global pandemic ... is how important showing genuine empathy is, as a leader. This article provides a good, every day [pre CV19] example - from Microsoft ... "When you show empathy towards your employees, you can connect with them better ... employees feel motivated and perform their best and organisations make progress."... ... and suggests to do these things regularly: Check on your team and their family’s wellbeing Check if they are managing to get essentials in place Check if the team needs any changes to weekly meetups to avoid conflicts with home-schooling or childcare routine. Empathy is an emotional intelligence competency that sits in the situational awareness quadrant of the SEIP - Social+Emotional Intelligence Profiling framework we use in our coaching sessions. Leading with empathy looks like this: Sensing others feelings and perspectives Taking an active interest in their concerns Being able to put yourself in their place, understand what that's like, and take that perspectibve into acoount in your relationship with the other person. It's about being attentive and attune to a broad range of emotional signals ... taking the blinkers off. Listening is thekey to empathy. #LEADwithEmpathy #EQmatters #RonaIsoAdvice

04.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... We're in the midst of a tsunami-like wave ... we can see it rolling in and are madly putting more structure in place to mitigate being swallowed up. This ... after such a long pandemic-enforced pause where we seemingly had all the time in the world for creative thinking, conceptual discussions, and contemplative strolling. So ... when we came across this quote while creating content for a leadership advancement program [launching in Feb 2021],... specifically - the module on building resilience, we thought - aahhaa! ... "Yep, that's exactly what rising up from the pandemic pause feels like ... from almost NOTHING, to suddenly EVERYTHING ... and before the end-of-year please!" And we're curious ... Did anyone else get 'used to' a slower pace this year, and now feel slight panic as the pace has picked up? Have you lost your productivity mojo? Perhaps you've formed new slower paced, healthy life habits that you are reluctant to forego, now that work demands more attention? Are you trying to find the right balance or perhaps more efficient ways to do what you always used to do ... but now know that old approach did not serve you well? Frankly - we're a big 'YES' to all of the above. And importantly ... we're restructuring so we can find that balance. Doing EVERYTHING well ... is not possible. Doing what MATTERS outstandingly well ... is the goal. How about you?

03.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker In our online leadership development program, kicked off on 1 February, this month's theme is: AUTHENTIC leadership. What does being an 'authentic leader' mean to you? ... Being real - showing up as the 'real you' in everything you do? Being and acting consistently in line with your values, beliefs and purpose [why you lead]? Being open, honest, transparent, intentional, responsible, reliable ... someone who others trust and follow as 'genuine'? What's your definition? Do you believe authenticity is important in leadership? We welcome and encourage comment ...

02.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... A 'must-read' article suggestion. This is different to being in over-whelm ... in that the drivers of this 'hypo-productivity levels' behaviour, are quite new or different to before. It's like an addiction to being busy ... like e v e r y t h i n g is urgent ... like we are constantly in panic mode. ... "The first thing to recognise is that you’re in a really heightened state and full of adrenaline. If you’re working from that place, you’ll be frenetic and spinning the wheels without being able to think well. Dan Auerbach WHY ... what's the cause or reason? Working from home, not communting = always ON. No usual daily socialising / lunch breaks = always ON. Disconnection from isolation, less feedback = anxiety over performance levels ["Am I doing enough?"] = always expecting MORE. Dr Ali Fenwick outlines three coping mechanisms for ... 1. Busy Bee Syndrome - pressure to be constantly ON 2. Working to Survive - fear of redundancy or job security 3. Working to regain control - due to other areas of our lives being beyond our control ... the need to be in control of something. Read more ... #NewWorld #Dare2LEAD #Balance #SituationalAwareness

02.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTprovoker ... VIDEO: One of the best motivational speeches given ... by William H McRaven. For those of you, like us ... who want to make a bigger difference, what to change the world ... and to do that - need to embed strategies that help you deal with the disappointments, the sharks, the difficult times ... ... "If you want to change the world: start off by making your bed [do the little things well] don't back down from the sharks [deal with them] measure the person by the size of their heart [not physical size or background or possessions or any other unequal power balance] know that it takes just one person to give others hope [one person for others to follow, one person to start a movement]. "If you want to change the world, start each day with a task completed, find someone to help you through life, respect everyone, know that life is not fair and that you will fail often ... but if you take some risks and step up when the times are the toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the down-trodden, and never ever give up ... you can make the world a better place than it is today." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sK3wJAxGfs

01.01.2022 #ThursdayTHOUGHTProvoker ... Are you getting tired of all the online meetups, webinars, training sessions, social connections ... just never getting away from a screen ... even sitting in front of the TV screen later, while scrolling through Twitter on your phone screen? Exhausting, isn't it. Frustrating, clunky and just unnatural. ... We agree with the findings in this article: it's not realistic to be on 4-5 back to back video meetings and stay focused. Our brains have to work harder to listen, our stress levels increase over self-consciousness that everyone can see our every move, facial expressions and eye-rolls [unless you have chosen to turn off video, which is one suggested option], and it's not the same as interactive think-tanks where sharing and showing support for ideas can happen in a number of ways [body language, pat on shoulder, easy to and fro banter]. We all know the frustration when you go to talk but the mute is on, or two people talk at once ['you go ... no, you go first']. Geez, should we just take a number like at the deli counter? This article has some good tips too. Check it out. Understand and consider what your team is going through and perhaps implement a better, more flexible balance. #RonaIso #Dare2DISRUPT #LeadershipMatters #PeopleMatter