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Leadership Performance

Absence makes the team grow stronger

It looks like we might be seeing less of each other for a little while. We didn’t need a virus to tell us that remote teams are a thing – many of us have been part of remote teams for years. But for the immediate future, we may all be part of a remote team. Time is short and you…

Sharpstone SkinnerMarch 16, 2020

Leadership

Bridge the gap – are middle managers underused in your organisation?

Do any of the following sound familiar to you? Senior leaders have no time for strategy they are too busy fighting fires, large organisational change seems to stumble when it comes to implementation, staff refer to ‘them’ as the most senior leaders, missing out several layers of managers in between, mediocre middle managers hide for years doing just enough to…

Sharpstone SkinnerFebruary 26, 2020

Performance

Not a post about New Year’s resolutions

…because they fail. In fact by the time this read this, you’re probably on the downward slide with some of your best intentions. Instead, an article about new beginnings. January is a great month for a do-over. You get a chance to do better at things that didn’t go quite to plan the previous year and to make a start…

Sharpstone SkinnerJanuary 17, 2020

Leadership

Sit up and listen – Part 2

In our September newsletter, we explored one subject we love to present on, when we speak at conferences. And we promised a second theme so here it is. Something key, that is making our audiences sit up and listen. This one is about leadership and our thoughts on what leaders need to grasp to thrive in changing times. Our thoughts…

Sharpstone SkinnerNovember 13, 2019

Leadership

Sit Up and Listen – Part 1

The beach towels are folded and stored, the suitcases are back in the loft and we’re panicking about work we didn’t finish before escaping to the sun – it must be autumn.

Sharpstone SkinnerSeptember 20, 2019

Coaching

You and I need to talk

Imagine you are in your regular team meeting; everything is going to plan then the usual thing happens. John starts moaning. Off he goes on some rant about how a decision made by ‘them up there’ is ridiculous, impractical and shows how rubbish ‘they’ are. Everyone starts looking anywhere but at him, and your meeting gets derailed yet again. You…

Sharpstone SkinnerJuly 30, 2019

Performance

I have no idea what I’m doing – is impostor syndrome holding you back?

Many years ago, I applied for the HR Director job at the charity I worked for. In the lead up to it I would pass other Directors in the corridor and panic – they were proper grown-ups and I was a mere child who couldn’t possibly sit at the same table as them because I had no idea what I…

Sharpstone SkinnerJune 20, 2019

Networking

The Social Network

I’m going to a networking event – who’s coming with me? Don’t all shout at once. Mention networking and we all agree it’s a vital part of our role.

Sharpstone SkinnerMay 28, 2019

Leadership

Sorry seems to be the hardest word…

Complaints are a reality of working life. Whether they come from a customer, a colleague, a supporter or any other key contact, we are never going to get it right every time.

Sharpstone SkinnerApril 24, 2019

Coaching

Coaching in the corridor

Many managers work hard on their coaching skills. They identify when a member of their team is in the right place to be coached.

Sharpstone SkinnerMarch 18, 2019

Absence makes the team grow stronger

Bridge the gap – are middle managers underused in your organisation?

Not a post about New Year’s resolutions

Sit up and listen – Part 2

Sit Up and Listen – Part 1

You and I need to talk

I have no idea what I’m doing – is impostor syndrome holding you back?

The Social Network

Sorry seems to be the hardest word…

Coaching in the corridor

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