What is transformational leadership?

Why is transformational leadership so important? Anne Feeney tell us how you can make that change. ‘Leadership is about followership – investing in those who get the work done…Leaders inspire people to reach beyond themselves.’ General Colin Powell, Former US Secretary of State The challenge for many organisations today is how do you engage people […]
Being Branson: A study in authentic leadership

Few people would doubt Richard Branson’s ability to lead. Like many entrepreneurs he has passion, energy and an instinctive flair for business. This article from the Toolkit for Managers looks at how his authentic leadership style has helped to make him the successful business leader he is. Being bold Richard Branson has never courted convention. […]
Heroes of modern leadership

Inspiring leadership can come from anywhere, as John Sadowsky attests. The subject of 'heroes of modern leadership is both interesting and controversial for me. In many of my public appearances and leadership seminars, I refer to the 'myth of the hero', our fascination with the solitary charismatic figure who can 'change the weather', as Winston […]
Leadership: The way you think about it is broken

Think leadership rhetoric needs reinvigorating? The Chemistry Group's Tom Quayle thinks it needs a lot more than that. Most people think about leadership in an archaic way. And as much as I don’t mean to point the finger, chances are, you’re one of them. Frankly, the entire leadership belief system needs upending. Until we – […]
Leadership is not just for the boardroom

With the rise in ExecEd, it could be easy to forget that leadership is a skill set for every part of the business, writes Erica Sosna, Author of Your Life Plan. The proliferation of material concerning leadership theory over the last 20 years, could lead one to believe that it is the exclusive concern of […]
21st Century leadership: How to meet modern business challenges

Allison Galbraith looks at the leadership skills and approaches best suited to the 21st Century and the best ways to develop them. Our view on what makes a great leader and the best leadership approaches to adopt has changed over time, partly as research has come up with new findings, but also (particularly since the […]
How executive leadership can improve anyone

James Flanagan argues effective leadership is not a trait limited to a few but one that is sown within everyone, constantly seeking the opportunity to blossom. It is the role of executive leadership not only to continually develop their own leadership skills but also to encourage others to do so for themselves. Our current dearth […]
How to ‘be’ a leader, not just how to ‘do’ leadership

Leadership is about who we are, not just what we say, say Roffey Park's Sue Binks and Tom Kenward. There is much talk of how complex and ambiguous, even volatile, the world of work has become in recent years. Leaders have to work within that complexity and make good decisions on a daily basis. As […]
How to be more resilient: Learning from Eusébio

The passing of footballing hero Eusebio not long ago has compelled sports psychology expert Joao Bocas to analyse his abilities off (as well as on) the pitch. Recently, footballing legend Eusébio passed away, but he left a rich repertoire of memories for football fans and society at large. He was not only a national icon, […]
Do your leaders know the importance of saying sorry?

A recent survey by the Forum Corporation revealed how leaders worldwide are struggling to say sorry when they make mistakes. Graham Scrivener looks at the survey's eye-opening results. Why does this matter? Because the same report [1] found a strong correlation between acknowledging mistakes at work and levels of trust in a team. A manager's […]
Critical thinking 101 pt2

In concluding this two-part article, we explore what it means to think critically and how it can benefit your leadership and your business. In another example, applying the critical thinking process to product development may allow for a more polished product. A company that markets to legal professionals, recognising that their customers are required to […]
Learning is up but the skills remain the same

An all-round increase in learning activity is changing the role of L&D, says Martin Addison of Video Arts. You’ve been busy – and we have the figures to prove it. Since 2009, the ‘Learning Index’ has looked at how you deliver training and your plans for the future. This year, two particular findings stand out. […]
Critical thinking 101

In the first of a two-part article, we explore what it means to think critically and how it can benefit your leadership and your business. The phrase 'critical thinking skills' is often heard in business circles or seen listed in job requirements and MBA program descriptions. However, it’s not always clear what it actually means. […]
The leadership trust gap [INFOGRAPHIC]

Leadership experts Forum recently provided us with this eye-opening infographic giving us some insight into the truth about our opinions of leaders – and their opinions of themselves. To read the accompanying news story click here Leadership experts Forum recently provided us with this eye-opening infographic giving us some insight into the truth about our […]
Challenging leadership: The uncomfortable debate zone

Ian Day and John Blakey continue their series on challenging leadership. This time the focus is on conflict. John Donne wrote the poem 'No Man Is An Island' which represents the truth of our connectedness. This is equally the case for leadership; the quality of relationships is crucial for individual and organisational effectiveness; we have […]
How to change habitual behaviour by remodelling your brain

Amy Brann offers insights on how to alter negative behavioural habits which can impact the morale, engagement and trust of the people you work with. As professionals, do we fully appreciate how tiny differences in our behaviour can have significant effects on others? Identifying and controlling behavioural habits can be crucial to harnessing the profound […]
Future leaders: Are you sure you know how to pick them?

Naysan Firoozmand looks at how businesses can develop – and retain – future leaders. Accurately identifying talented individuals, particularly those with leadership potential, is key to the long-term success of any business. What’s more, identifying staff members’ potential and working actively towards developing it, fosters higher levels of engagement and encourages greater loyalty. But all […]
The return of the manager [infographic]

We recently received this infographic from L&D experts Mind Gym, underlining the importance of a good manager. To download a copy of the accompanying whitepaper click here We recently received this infographic from L&D experts Mind Gym, underlining the importance of a good manager. To download a copy of the accompanying whitepaper click here
How your employees can become better gardeners: P2

Carrying on from Part 1 looking at sustainable ideas, here we look at more ways being a better gardener will help your new ideas thrive! Mighty oaks from little acorns grow Like every good gardener will tell you – you need 100% commitment to make and maintain a fantastic garden and ideas are no different. […]
Top 10 Inspirational Leadership Quotes

Use on training handouts, noticeboards, newsletters and campaigns. Here's our top 10 favourite leadership quotations………. “It is a terrible thing to look over your shoulder when you are trying to lead – and find no one there” FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT "It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when […]