Tag: trust
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.”
-
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?”
-
TRUST IS A LEADERSHIP SUPERPOWER
As a senior manager, your influence shapes the culture. You’re not just steering the ship—you’re setting the tone for how people show up, speak up, and work together. So how do you build and sustain trust across your teams?
-
MAYBE IT’S TIME TO GO…
I normally write to managers. To the leaders who are out there dealing with the people challenges that keep them awake at night. To the supervisors who have a few people who are acting out, not pulling their weight or disrupting the team. Today I’m writing to the employee. To the one who has found…
-
WHEN WORK FEELS LIKE A BATTLEFIELD…
Twice this week I’ve had clients tell me that they are having challenges dealing with ‘combative’ employees. I thought it was interesting that they both used the same word, combative, and it got me thinking.
-
WHY CAN’T WE JUST TALK ABOUT IT?
You dread going in on a Monday, the week drags by like a microwave minute (the longest minute in the world) and by Friday afternoon you just want to curl up in a ball with a blanket and a bottle and tell your poor dog all about your horrible week.
The Workplace Coach 