Tag: relationships
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THE LEADERSHIP GAP: Why Technical Stars Struggle as People Leaders—and How to Fix It
I have lost count of the number of times I’ve had this conversation with senior leaders. It’s not that their managers don’t know what they are doing technically, it’s just that they have never been taught how to lead people. They might be experts in their field but they are no longer being paid to…
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BREAKING DOWN THE SILOS: A coaching approach to Executive Level Collaboration
At the executive level, collaboration isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the lifeblood of organisational success. Yet, even in high-performing organisations, interdepartmental friction can creep in. Silos form. Departments start acting out of self-interest, hoarding resources, withholding information and sometimes engaging in aggressive tactics like undermining or white-anting. These behaviours erode trust, slow decision-making and ultimately compromise…
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THE COURAGEOUS COACH: Why Workplace Coaching Isn’t Always Comfortable—And Why That’s a Good Thing
In senior leadership, comfort can be a trap. The higher you climb, the fewer people are willing to challenge your thinking, question your assumptions, or hold up a mirror to your blind spots. “One of the most important things about leadership is that you have to have the kind of humility that will allow you…
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WHEN A TRUSTED TEAM MEMBER TURNS DIFFICULT: Leading Through Personality Clashes with Clarity and Care
As senior leaders, we invest heavily in our people. We build trust, offer autonomy, and rely on our team members to deliver with integrity. So when a previously dependable employee starts pushing back, becoming argumentative or oppositional, it can feel like a personal betrayal. This isn’t just a performance issue. It’s a relational one. And…
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RESOLVING WORKPLACE ISSUES: Why starting the conversation matters
As leaders, how we respond to workplace issues, especially those involving people, can shape the culture of our teams more than the issues themselves. While formal processes have their place, the best leaders know that resolution often begins with a conversation.
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WHEN “AWKWARD” CROSSES A LINE: Coaching a Senior Leader Towards Respectful Conduct
“Some colleagues have shared that certain interactions with you have caused them to feel uncomfortable. In your role, it’s essential to recognise that your leadership is measured not only by intention, but also by the impact your behaviour has on others.”
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WHY “BECAUSE I SAID SO” IS FAILING YOUR LEADERSHIP —and When It Might Be the Right Call
As a senior leader have you ever felt like this? The pressure is on, time is short, and the temptation to shut down debate with a firm “because I said so” feels justified. It’s fast. It’s decisive. It’s clear. But it’s also a leadership shortcut that costs more than it saves.
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HOW TO INITIATE A DIFFICULT CONVERSATION: A Guide for Senior Leaders
There are few moments in leadership more defining than the conversations we would rather not have.
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INVEST IN THE WEEKLY ONE-ON-ONE
So you don’t have time to schedule one on ones with all of your direct reports? Thats okay, just set aside time for the ones that you want to be engaged, motivated and performing at their best.
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WHEN “REASONABLE” FEELS UNREASONABLE
Psychological safety used to mean freedom from bullying, harassment, and retaliation. Today, it’s increasingly interpreted through a personal lens: “Did this interaction make me feel good?” rather than “Was this interaction fair and appropriate?”
The Workplace Coach 