Much of my work is about helping people to become better managers and leaders. Sometimes this is about teaching new models, theories and skills. This can help develop better managers and leaders. But most of the time the real work of … [Continue reading]
What Does it Mean to be a System Leader?
There is a lot of talk at the moment about being a system leader. But what does this actually mean? That it is not enough to 'just' lead an organisation or a team, but one has to make a leadership contribution to the wider system of which that … [Continue reading]
Listening – the foundation of leadership?
Many managers spend a lot of time worrying about how they communicate. Often they focus on what they say and how they say it. They tend to spend less time focussing on how well they are listening. I was recently taught a simple mnemonic, CARE, … [Continue reading]
Thinking About Writing the ‘Be A Better Manager’ Book
I have been wanting to write a book about what I have learned and teach about management for too long now! The closest that I have got is a kind of outline/proposal which I am sharing with you here. I'd be really interested to know: whether … [Continue reading]
The heart of management – 121s
I am continually surprised by the number of organisations that I work with who are exploring the ‘higher planes’ of performance management and the pursuit of excellence (using balanced scorecards, strategy maps and so on) who do not yet practice some … [Continue reading]
Building Relationships That Work at Work…
Lets face it. Not all of your relationships at work are working. At least, not as well as they should be. Working relationships are essential to manage effectively. Without them we can neither listen nor be heard. Our influence is minimal. … [Continue reading]
Rules for Being Amazing
Risk more than is required. Learn more than is normal. Be strong. Show courage. Breathe. Excel. Love. Lead. Speak your truth. Live your values. Laugh. Cry. Innovate. Simplify. Adore mastery. Release … [Continue reading]
Affordable and Effective Training to Help You Be a Better Manager
I am pleased to say that, in partnership with Canopy Housing, I am running the first set of Be a Better Manager workshops in Leeds. There will be one half day workshop each month. Each workshop will be supported with written materials, including … [Continue reading]
On Becoming an Outstanding Manager
To become an outstanding manager is not as hard as you might expect because, to be frank, the competition is not up to much! Many people are given managerial roles because of their technical competence in the role they will be managing. So … [Continue reading]
Can Compassion be Learned?
I spend a fair bit of my time working with managers and leaders in the NHS and the challenge of delivering compassionate and efficient healthcare is never far from the table. A lot of time and energy can be spent discussing whether compassion can be … [Continue reading]