Have you mastered this critical skill?

Today I share with you a new initiative designed to support you on your leadership journey; the first edition of my monthly newsletter "Leadership Insights Unlocked”.

This newsletter aims to provide you with curated insights into the world of leadership.

I work with teams and 1:1 with leaders. My lived experience in both leading large teams, and as an executive leader, means I've some authentic insights on the leader’s journey. This newsletter is designed to provide tips to try and ideas to help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities with greater confidence.

Why did you receive this message? You're receiving this newsletter because you're a current or former client, we've met during my Team Coaching workshops, or we’ve been in contact about my services. If you'd rather not receive these insights and tips moving forward, please unsubscribe by clicking the button below. I won't be offended!

It’s never been more difficult for leaders to be good listeners.

A prerequisite to leadership doesn't usually involve attending listening classes...and it's just one of the many things leaders are expected to nail. 

I'm sure you've had the following experience, where you're having a conversation, making an important point, and the person you're talking to is distracted by their phone / device buzzing with a notification (be that a text message, email, or any form of distracting notification) and the flow between you… dies. You’re pretty sure you're still being ‘heard’, but no longer actively ‘listened’ to.

Here's a re-cap on the skill of listening effectiveness and some actionable takeaways for you as a leader, from this excellent HBR article by Robin Abrahams and Boris Groysberg.  

Nonverbal things you can do…

1. Minimize distractions as much as possible (AKA turn your phone on 'do not disturb').
2. Monitor your emotions.
3. Pay attention to nonverbal cues.
4. Offer nonverbal cues that you’re listening — but only if it comes naturally to you.
5. Don’t rehearse your response while the other person is talking.

Verbal tips…

1. Ask more questions than you think you need to.
2. Repeat people’s last few words back to them.
3. Don’t “put it in your own words” unless you need to.
4. Acknowledge shortcomings.

Read the full article here.

I work with teams and individuals who are navigating steep challenges, feeling stuck and in need of clarifying their way forward with an objective sounding board with extensive business experience. 

It’s a privilege to walk alongside teams and individuals as their coach and mentor, realigning perspectives to level up performance and deliver better organisational outcomes.  

And remember, as Maya Angelou said "people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This is certainly true when it comes to relationships with people who are more interested in their notifications popping up on their device, rather than truly connecting in conversation.

Feel free to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues if you think they'll find it useful. People can find my website and subscribe by clicking here.

For those of you who haven't yet experienced my Team Coaching, I'd love to talk to you about the power of this as a development initiative for you as a leader, and for your organisation. Click here to book a 15-minute discovery call to discuss your needs.

Why did you receive this message? You're receiving this newsletter because you're a current or former client, or we’ve been in contact about my services. If you'd rather not receive these insights and tips moving forward, please unsubscribe by clicking the button below. I won't be offended!  

Thanks for reading,

Libby

Team Coaching

If you believe in creating and maintaining high performing teams and want to give the people in your business the opportunity to transform their outlooks, become more energized, aligned and action orientated, I can help you with my Team Coaching expertise. Team Coaching involves helping teams improve their performance, and their processes, through

- Action,

- Reflection, and

- Dialogue. To find out more, visit my website 

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Executive 1:1 coaching

I'm an accomplished coach and mentor with dual qualifications in Law and Commerce from Otago University, bringing over 25 years of corporate experience to my coaching practice. As an Internationally Certified Coach, I empower leaders to unlock their potential and excel in challenging business landscapes. My approach melds empathy with strategic acumen, refined through key roles like Chief Operating Officer and Head of People Performance. My diverse background in the finance, legal, and entertainment sectors includes Accenture, KPMG, and Barclays. If you're ready to enhance your leadership journey, I provide exceptional guidance towards professional growth and success.