So many leaders talk about how they could be so much more effective if only they had the right people in their team.  The search for the ‘A-team’ is real. But, newsflash, the ‘A-team’ doesn’t exist.  You’re never going to have the perfect team, because your team is made up of – gasp – human…

Read More

We all get that feeling of ugh when we need to have ‘that conversation’ with someone in the team. Instead of nipping it in the bud, we find excuses to put it off – which just lets the ugh feelings grow. Why does the long, drawn-out pain of anticipation seem better than the pain of…

Read More

We’ve slowly and reluctantly been getting ourselves back into the groove, perhaps with fresh goals and fresh enthusiasm.  However, let’s not forget about 2017, the year that many of you described as, “the most relentlessly intense, stressful, all-consuming year that stretched capacity and capability to the max.”  And nobody thinks 2018 is going to be…

Read More

We’re constantly amazed – and sometimes appalled – at the lack of candour around the executive table. We’ve discussed “eye-flicking”, a dead give-away that the leaders around the table aren’t having the real conversation.  Then there’s the “I agree with the boss” people – regardless of the absurdity of the boss’s opinion. The eyes are…

Read More

  It is natural to assume that relationship-based cultures would have a distinct advantage in a new world where the human aspects of work are the differentiator. But it’s not always the case – the need for consensus often results in people avoiding the tough (and necessary conversations) to keep the peace, slowed decision making…

Read More

You’ve all heard that people should be having more crucial conversations, critical conversations, courageous conversations and so on. At My Personal Tactician, we absolutely agree, however… The realm of contemporary leaders is disappointingly full of abdicators and autocrats. The abdicators – or as I call them, Passivists – don’t have the confidence to confront issues…

Read More

We’ve all watched as the current professional development model is failing to keep up with people’s needs, L&D is struggling to keep up with the business’ demands and organisations are lacking the capabilities they need for the future. In Deloitte’s 2017 Global Human Capital Trends, 42% of Millennials stated that the would likely leave their…

Read More

The teams that enjoy high Professional Intimacy are those that have invested in building relationships and respect with each other. They can then challenge with candour and constructive opposition.  Meetings are faster and can be more challenging – but this means things get done and the team grows. 

Read More

People won’t use their initiative if they don’t feel trusted – simple as that! If a leader is too controlling, perfectionistic, authoritative or autocratic, team members become dependent for fear of the consequences of making a mistake or not meeting the leader’s expectations. If you catch yourself complaining about your teams initiative, first check if…

Read More

Have you ever found your thoughts being consumed by one particular team member? They have a track record of delivering for the business, in fact, they’re loved and respected by customers and others outside your team.  But to the team, they’re toxic. People in your team have already left, and there are others on their…

Read More