Week 12: Little things can make a big difference

Nearly 3 months into lockdown, it’s a good time to review what we’ve learned and, assuming we’re going to be leading teams remotely for some time to come, to invest some time and effort in improving the experience for all concerned. Here are some of the tips we’ve...

Week 10: Leadership endurance & sharing control

New policy announcements and changes to government lockdown advice across the UK mean that for many businesses and their leaders this week feels like the transition to a new phase in dealing with this epidemic, and as with any transition this can bring both enhanced...

Week 9: Creating a better virtual conversation

Two months into the lockdown and many of us have become regular users of the various digital conferencing media products that now are available – Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex and others. These products are essential leadership tools to keep decision-making...

Week 8: Many rivers to cross

Many analogies for leaders planning a major change use the image of crossing a river. They talk of building a bridge; starting with pathfinders feeling their way on stepping-stones, before raising bridge supports on solid foundations to carry the weight of the...

Week 7: Two strategies for coping with uncertainty

Coping with uncertainty.  As we enter week 7, talk is of recovery plans and exit strategies. But deep down as leaders we know that these public pronouncements will only present a new set of challenges for our organisations and our staff as the environment of...

Week 6 – Hitting the wall

Hitting the wall – and how to get through it.  In the last week many of the leaders we work with have described just how weary they are getting. Unfamiliar work routines, long hours in front of a screen and continuing uncertainty about the future, all take their...

Week 5: The change you didn’t choose

The change you didn’t choose – and how to handle it  Week 5 of lockdown and the long-term impact of the current situation is starting to become evident to organisations across all sectors. For all leaders, there is a realisation that they have entered a change process...

Week 4: Being a leader not a cheerleader

Being a leader not a cheerleader.  Week 4 of lockdown and, for many of us, we’re through the initial phase of practical coping; setting up a home-based office, getting the technology to work, getting used to on-line team meetings – and now the leadership challenge is...

Week 3: A marathon not a sprint

Running a marathon not a sprint.  Week 3 of the lockdown and the shock of the change is receding, but the bad news keeps coming. A prime minister in hospital and the Queen speaking to the nation underscores the seriousness and justifies the fears that people have. We...