When we hear the word "negotiation", images of high-stakes boardroom battles or intense sales pitches often come to mind. But, for a manager, negotiation isn't a rare event; it's a daily, fundamental aspect of their role. Managers resolve team conflicts and assign resources. They manage expectations and advocate for their team. Effective negotiation is a... Continue Reading →
The Art of Impact: Mastering Professional Presentation Skills for Career Advancement
In today's dynamic professional landscape, the ability to communicate effectively is paramount. A professional needs to deliver a presentation at any time. This ranges from introducing a pivotal proposal to the C-Suite to facilitating crucial team training. Other times, it means leading an insightful conference session or engaging customers in a compelling webinar. In each... Continue Reading →
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Courage and Care
Tackle conflict and tough topics directly but compassionately, fostering understanding rather than triggering defensiveness. Handle difficult conversations effectively. Use leadership principles of courage and care to navigate conflict constructively and foster mutual understanding. Let’s be honest. The mere mention of "difficult conversation" can cause anxiety, don't you agree? Most of us would prefer to avoid... Continue Reading →
Give Feedback That Actually Helps (Not Hurts): Using the SBI Model
Need to give constructive criticism? Learn the simple Situation-Behaviour-Impact (SBI) model for clear, actionable, and less confrontational feedback. Deliver constructive feedback effectively using the SBI (Situation-Behaviour-Impact) model. Improve communication and employee development. Okay, let’s talk about something that makes most people’s palms sweat: giving constructive feedback. You know, telling someone they need to improve something.... Continue Reading →
Why We Should Ban Small Talk Forever
How superficial conversations waste time—and what we should do instead. Small talk is a social norm, but is it worth it? Discover why deeper conversations could transform the way we connect. I never thought that the brief greetings and mundane pleasantries I exchanged each day would spark a journey of self-discovery. Over time, I began to... Continue Reading →
The ‘Apology Budget’: Why Limiting ‘Sorry’ Boosts Leadership Authority
How Over-Apologising Undermines Credibility (And What to Say Instead) “Sorry” isn’t always humble; it's often harmful. Learn to communicate assertively without sounding aggressive or insecure. I used to say “sorry” like it was going out of style. There I was in a boardroom, pitching a project I’d spent months preparing. Halfway through, I noticed a typo... Continue Reading →
Stop Nodding and Start Challenging: Listening to Create Debate
Learn how challenging ideas respectfully during conversations can foster innovation, better decisions, and stronger relationships. Ever found yourself nodding along in a conversation, only to realise later you didn’t agree with a single word? Yeah, me too. It’s easy to fall into the trap of passive listening, especially when we’re afraid of rocking the boat.... Continue Reading →
Why Active Listening Is Overrated: What Really Builds Rapport?
Discover why traditional active listening strategies fall short and what truly drives rapport and meaningful communication. You’ve probably heard it a million times: “Active listening is the key to great communication.” Nodding along, maintaining eye contact, and repeating back what someone says—sounds simple, right? But here’s the thing: I’ve tried it, and it doesn’t always... Continue Reading →
Why You Should Speak Less in Meetings to Be Taken More Seriously
Learn how speaking less in meetings can enhance your authority, improve team dynamics, and help you command more respect.The confident listener. AI image created by the author.Okay, so picture this: You’re in a meeting. Everyone is engaged in conversation, ideas are flowing, and you have something to share.Do you jump right in? Or do you hold back... Continue Reading →
Accountability: Seek Feedback to Improve Weaknesses
Have you ever found yourself in a rut, uncertain about how to progress? Many people grapple with their weaknesses and wonder how to turn them into strengths. Fortunately, obtaining feedback can significantly transform your approach. It’s like having a personal GPS guiding you towards improvement. In this article, we’ll explore how accountability and feedback can... Continue Reading →