We are working in complex times. VUCA is the phrase we now commonly use to describe these times. Volatile, uncertain, complex and adverse. It makes sense that if you're working in an organisation which is also responding to and working with volatility, uncertainty, complexity and adversity, that you change how…
Photo by Erik-Jan Leusink on Unsplash I’ve been revising my “Emotional Intelligence for Leaders and Staff” programme, and two areas of particular interest are ‘emotional awareness’ and ‘managing emotions’. Emotional awareness Emotional awareness is a complex subject, but at its heart is noticing and acknowledging what you are feeling in…
Photo by Chris Montgomery and Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash Is best practice executive coaching really excellent coaching with moments of mentoring where appropriate? This was the focus of an EMCC webinar led by Nigel Cumberland today, as part of the EMCC GPS series. For me, ultimately, it’s about not…
Today was a fantastic day to pilot the LISTEN model for pausing and reflecting in conversations at the SDF Festival 2024. I’m pushing for a world that values pausing and reflecting as a revolutionary shift in how we work. Reactive, fast-paced cultures and endless to-do lists with no pausing for…
In an era of rush, change and fast paced life, the need for pausing and reflecting has never been more essential. Several years ago, I was learning TheoryU. On the programme, we focused on deep listening, journaling and reflective practice. On creating space, to find out what motivates and inspires at…
I’m not a medical professional, but it's clear to me that burnout is on the increase in work and in life. I often coach staff at work who reach the realisation that they have experienced burnout, or are heading towards it. Burnout may be experienced as persistent mental, emotional, or physical…
As we navigated the later weeks of the first UK lockdown a few years ago, after enduring significant restrictions, a small sense of choice returned when we were allowed more freedom to exercise and connect with others outdoors. Many found themselves not working, whether due to furlough or job loss.…
Harness the power of effective conversations to drive innovation, build strong relationships, and lead with integrity in higher education.
Here's an extract from my book; The Really Resilient Guide by me, Andry McFarlane, discussing what resilience is: "When I’ve looked at resilience in popular culture, it appears heroic, like climbing Mount Everest against all the odds. For most of us, real- life resilience isn’t quite as dramatic. It’s the…
Heads of People and Culture will know best that HR impacts almost everyone in organisations, affecting most staff, culture, our wellbeing, resilience and daily work every day. Prisca Brosi makes the case for how central HR is. Excellent article based on her mock lecture here.