Why are performance reviews often so ineffective? And why can simply omitting someone from your email distribution list generate a strong emotional response? Recent developments in neuroscience can throw light on these questions. The invention of fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) machines now allows scientists to see which parts of… Read More »Five ways to understand the brain: the SCARF model
Hoosiers (also known in the UK as Best Shot) was an unexpected box office hit in 1985, telling the unlikely story of a tiny high school basketball team who win the State Championship in hoop-mad Indiana in the early 1950s. Disgraced former coach Norman Dale is given a final chance to… Read More »10 key leadership lessons from Hoosiers
Managing performance is often a leader’s least favourite part of their role. Having difficult conversations requires what the military call ‘moral courage’. Some choose to put up with negative behaviour instead. But people want to know how they’re performing, and honest, constructive feedback is critical to creating an engaged and healthy… Read More »Six movie tips for managing performance
Watching The Imitation Game recently, I loved Joan Clarke’s quote about people who do things that no one can imagine. It’s inspired me to a second collection of 21 more inspirational quotes from movies. You can find more at 21 Great Leadership Quotes from Movies. Got a favourite of your own?… Read More »21 more inspirational quotes from movies
If you had to choose one quality for a manager, what would it be? Ask a room of seven different people and you’d probably get seven different answers. Recent research from The Mind Gym identifies seven talents that distinguish exceptional managers. But of those seven, one is most important: Relate, the… Read More »Making a connection: lessons from Mr Holland’s Opus
Movies are packed with great leadership quotes: here’s a selection of my favourites. Got any favourites of your own? Please feel free to add them in the comments… “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to… Read More »21 Great Leadership Quotes from Movies
When was the last time someone sat you down to talk about your strengths and how you can develop them further? Or the last time you did that with someone else? Most performance discussions focus on your weaknesses. Your strengths might be mentioned but are then left pretty much alone.… Read More »Learning from Moneyball’s strengths-based approach
Leading a new team can be an exciting but sometimes difficult time. Each team is a unique challenge – what’s worked for you before may not work as well again. So what should you consider when approaching your role? The Situational Leadership model helps leaders consider the skills and motivations of… Read More »How situational leadership can help your new team