I’ve been thinking a lot about listening recently, even more than usual. And how often we just assume we’re “good listeners” simply because we’re paying attention.

Most workplace conflict doesn’t begin with an argument or a formal complaint. More often, it starts in quieter, more subtle ways – a comment that lands awkwardly, feedback that feels sharper than it was meant to, or a conversation where two people walk away with very different interpretations of what just happened.

As a big fan of the Chelsea Women’s team, my son Benji and I have had the incredible opportunity on several occasions to visit Stamford Bridge and see them play.

One of my clients recently brought this topic to coaching. This is a challenge many leaders are faced with, but over the past 5 years I have actually rarely seen brought to a coaching discussion.

For those who haven’t watched The Traitors, the hit UK TV show is a high-stakes game of trust, strategy, and resilience. Contestants must navigate deception and alliances while working together to achieve a common goal. On the surface, it’s thrilling entertainment, but dig a little deeper, and it’s a case study in leadership, team dynamics, and personal growth, a masterclass even!

As the year draws to a close, businesses everywhere engage in a familiar ritual: the annual performance appraisal. These evaluations provide opportunities to recognise achievements, identify areas for growth, and set goals for the year ahead. But how often do we, as leaders and as individuals, turn the spotlight on ourselves?

Feedback can be a powerful tool in professional development, providing insights that fuel personal growth and career advancement. And yet, many people feel apprehensive and even defensive when they receive it, particularly if it’s negative.

Everyone has a brand. But most people have one by default. Your brand is the professional image and impression that people have of you, based on their experiences with you in real life, how others portray you, and the information about you available online.

As a leadership coach, I often have conversations with clients about the importance of delegation and why it’s such a fundamental skill to have. While the ability to delegate is something expected of most leaders, it's also one of the most challenging skills to master.

Finding the right balance between being helpful at work and managing your time effectively can be a challenging task. While it may seem counterintuitive to say no, constantly saying yes to every request can lead to overwhelming workload and reduced productivity. It is crucial to understand when and how to use the power of 'no' to prioritise tasks and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

As someone, who in my teens and twenties used to blush right up to the tips of my ears every time I spoke in public, I know how hard it can feel to speak confidently. It was a painful process, but learning to step outside my comfort zone, advance preparation, training and using every opportunity to practice, eventually enabled me to speak comfortably and confidently in public. That said, even the most confident people can benefit from working on their communication style!

Many companies are facing high rates of employee turnover particularly among junior team members, with millennials being the demographic most likely to leave their jobs. Senior leaders often fail to understand and address the concerns and needs of younger team members, and this is where reverse mentorship comes in