Throughout 2020, newspapers and media outlets were regularly sharing stories about how countries run by women were faring better than those run by men. In the UK, this was often in comparison to the way our predominantly male politicians were handling the pandemic. As restrictions worsened in the UK, we looked at Jacinda Arden leading in New Zealand and understandably, may … [Read more...]
Women Lead Differently to Men But Leadership Diversity is Key to Success
According to a study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, women display a more collaborative leadership style, listen better, and encourage more participation. This is backed up by evidence from other studies which show that having a transformational, collaborative model of leadership is highly effective in large organizations with women-led companies … [Read more...]
5 Ways Empathy Encourages Engagement in the Workplace
Empathy is not the same as sympathy. Empathy is about understanding others' viewpoints. Today, more organizations recognize the importance of empathy. It's a give and take. All stakeholders are encouraged to make an effort to show understanding & compassion. All stakeholders are interested in promoting a positive working environment. Empathy organically increases … [Read more...]
Virtual Team Building – What It Is, Why it Matters and How to Do It Properly
If you type “virtual team building” into Google trends, there is an explosion in the search term usage between the 7th-20th of March 2020. That’s when many countries around the world went into lockdown with once desk-bound employees now working from home. This trend demonstrates the need to connect with our colleagues. No matter the circumstance, it is absolutely essential … [Read more...]
Managing Perception: How Nice is ‘Too Nice’ in the Workplace?
Managing the perception of how nice is 'too nice' in the workplace could prove daunting. I have lost count of the number of times I’ve been told that being nice doesn’t belong in the workplace. As a woman, it seems that particular viewpoint is even more prevalent. When others see you as having a ‘nice’ demeanor, there is a misleading association with weakness. With the … [Read more...]
One Practice More Powerful Than Meditation for Your 2021 Success
Meditation has become a mainstream concept among today's corporate leaders and executives. It's nearly impossible to listen to a leadership podcast where the leader doesn't mention a daily morning practice of sitting in silence, observing his or her surroundings without judgment, and breathing deeply. The use of helpful apps like Headspace and Calm have become common … [Read more...]
When in Doubt About Others Around You, Assume Best Intent
Has anyone ever suggested you should assume best intent before reacting to others? Scenarios play out in your work environment leading you to ask yourself, “Did that really just happen?” “Who were they talking to ... because clearly, it was not me. I mean, how could they treat me like that?” When responding to circumstances, such as these, your recommended first step is … [Read more...]
When Leading Teams Today: How Close Is Too Close?
When you are new at leadership, it can be challenging to navigate leading teams today. As a freshly promoted leader, you ask yourself, "How close is too close?" It’s Friday afternoon. The countdown has started. There’s less than an hour until closing time. A few of your colleagues have mentioned going out after work. Wearing masks and socially distanced — of course — and you … [Read more...]
5 Things I Learned from Being a Female CEO
Running a company isn’t easy, and being constantly underestimated as a female in the workplace is frustrating at times. Leading my company and ensuring that my voice is heard loud and clear in the workplace is difficult yet rewarding at the same time, and in my time as CEO, I have learned so many skills that have aided me not only professionally but socially as well. 1. Carry … [Read more...]
How to Become a Better Leader for Your Team
It's no secret that one of the most difficult parts of being a manager, at any level, is the ability to effectively lead your team(s). Ironically, it's also an area that companies often neglect, with research from Grovo suggesting as many as 98% of leaders feel they would benefit from more training in this area. Whether you've been managing people for a long time or you're … [Read more...]