Break the cycle of procrastination
Procrastination is frustrating but not always unnecessary. Sometimes we need to stop and process what we’re doing in order to see the bigger picture, or simply sit in quiet reflection to give our brains a break. But if you find yourself constantly putting off tasks and it’s having a negative impact on your working day, […]
Progressing your career during a pandemic
Redundancies and remote working are, unfortunately, strongly associated with the coronavarius pandemic. Those of us who are lucky enough to remain in employment may be thanking our lucky stars and not inclined to push our luck. But the pandemic doesn’t have to mean promotion is out of the question. First, be visible. Make sure you […]
If you’re craving change, a sabbatical may be the answer
What a year we’ve had. The levels of disruption are unprecedented in my lifetime, and there’s no end in sight to furloughs, cancelled foreign holidays and being apart from our families. Many of us are craving routine and can’t wait to be back in the office. But the events of the last year have made […]
Building a brand? Speak to HR
When an organisation develops its brand, it’s a common mistake to focus on style over substance. Branding isn’t just about the product or service, it’s the people and the experience customers have of doing business with an organisation. HR plays a critical role in understanding how the organisation’s people demonstrate the brand values and shape […]
How to deal with jealousy at work
Jealousy is incredibly common in the workplace, and left unchecked it can quickly poison whole departments. Knowing how to deal with it means identifying the cause and ironing out issues before they take hold. People can feel jealous at work if someone is more competent than they are, if they see someone promoted and believe […]
Change in times of uncertainty
In times of uncertainty, leaders and managers face a particular set of challenges. Regardless of the type of change or level of disruption, there are four essential elements to take into account. Roles are constantly evolving and strategies should take this into account With the rapid pace of digitilisation, together with a tumultuous political and […]
Skills for change
The modern workplace is a place of change, and the Covid-19 crisis has brought that sharply into focus. Even in pre-pandemic times, there were many changes taking place in the modern workplace with the rapid pace of digitalization and a constantly evolving political and social landscape. And while the virus may not be here to […]
Covid and the impact on older workers
If you’re an older worker struggling with work during the pandemic, or an employer who wants to help your older employees, Susy Roberts has some reassurance and advice. One of the lasting legacies of the pandemic will be the increase in working from home. And while this new flexibility is welcomed by many, it’s not […]
The value of culture
Real culture change comes from the top of an organisation, but every decent CEO knows that engaging those below is just as important. Instilling cultural values requires inclusive and purposeful leadership, with a leadership team who live their mission and values, rather than simply announcing them. Cultural values are so much more than token statements, […]
Being present, even when you’re remote
I’m increasingly asked to comment on how to handle remote working and retain a feeling of connection when teams can’t meet in person. It’s an important topic. Working remotely doesn’t allow people to naturally find out about each other. In a face-to-face setting, you would naturally discuss elements of your personal life. Everyday conversation refers […]
Deliberately developmental leadership
As an executive leadership coach, it’s important for me to keep up to date with academic research and new approaches. An emerging area is deliberately developmental leadership (DDL), a leadership style which focuses on self-awareness. DDL is about being clear, direct, helpful and authentic. For me, as a coach, it means developing people to be […]
Millennials aren’t entitled – they’re just different
Less than a generation ago – pre-millennial but well post the baby boomers – schools, colleges and universities taught their students to do their own research, show their workings and be willing and able to explain how they came to their conclusions. For millennials, the education system has been entirely different. Group-work is encouraged, research […]
Building resilience through the ranks
For a business to survive and thrive, it must be resilient. Effective leaders know that an organisation is only as good as its people, so that means fostering resilience at every level. Resilience isn’t about being immune to knocks and setbacks. It’s about recognising that they will happen and having the structure and tools in […]
Covid has caused chaos: here’s some practical advice
We watched what was happening in Wuhan with the luxury of distance. But now Covid is something that affects us all, and we don’t know what will happen next. It’s difficult to make decisions in such uncertain times, but there are some things we can do. All businesses should be focusing on how sales teams […]
The importance of authentic leadership
As people begin the slow return to normality – in whichever form it may take – over the coming months, the usual greetings, handshakes and hugs won’t be possible. With the familiar arsenal of gestures out of bounds, leaders need to replace physical signals with emotional intelligence and empathy. Authenticity is an essential element of […]
Climbing the career ladder
It’s a difficult time to explore climbing career ladder, but there are still opportunities available for people who feel ready to move up. Laying the ground work, doing your research and developing a plan can help to keep your career on an upwards trajectory. Be clear about what you want and work towards it If […]
When overtime becomes too much time
It’s often necessary to step in and provide cover over busy times during holidays or sickness. If you’re also willing to cover when other people need time off – for example if you don’t celebrate Christmas or can take holidays during school term times – then you’re likely to be seen as flexible, helpful and […]
Don’t overlook the introverts in the office
Extroverts will always, by their nature, be the most visible and audible members of the team. They’re the first to speak up in meetings, the first to put themselves forward for promotion, and even to request the most sought-after holidays. While it may be easy to reward these high-profile colleagues with recognition and accolades – […]