We all need to take stock sometimes and look to the future … This is exactly what I did last week, with the help of a consultant. It’s a process I heartily recommend, because it can help guide you and your business in the right direction.
Like any functioning system, an organisation needs a health check from time to time. It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day minutiae of running a business and lose sight of the big picture.
There are very few leaders who would choose to make themselves unpopular with their team.
But sometimes, when tough decisions are required or difficult changes must be made in an organisation, the upshot can be that it ruffles feathers and takes people out of their comfort zones.
If you want to challenge your leadership skills (and any assumptions you have about your abilities), one of the best ways to stretch yourself as a leader, is outside the work environment.
This year, I coached a team of 13-year-old netballers. It proved to be a test of my leadership abilities, which caught me by surprise!
Saying ‘Thank you’ can be such an affecting thing to do – whether it’s in a card, with a gift, or said face to face.
For leaders, especially when guiding their teams through times of change or upheaval, remembering to say thank you, goes a long way – especially if your staff are doing long hours and sacrificing time with their families.
When I’m coaching people new to leadership, or those looking for a style that can lift their performance, I encourage them to observe leaders who inspire or impress them.
If there’s a leader you admire, consider how they engage people and what you like about the way they operate.
Where is your business heading? That might sound like an obvious question, but it’s surprising how many business leaders can’t answer it in detail.
When it comes to the culture of an organisation and the performance of the people within it, the tone for both those things is set by the leadership.
You need to lead by example and demonstrate the behaviour you also expect from your team.
If you’re a leader wanting to progress your career, the interactions you have with key people need to leave a favourable impression.
That’s especially true if you interact with key senior leaders and/or influential figures, such as CEOs and global leaders.
Staying connected with your people is crucial for any leader, especially if your organisation is going through transformational change.
There’s nothing less motivating for staff than feeling disconnected from the executive team. It can suggest to them a lack of interest in their activities and welfare, or that their involvement isn’t valued.
Juliet Hull Consulting is an international business consultancy working with companies to develop strategies & drive change for sustainable growth.