At Xenonex, we work across both the Public and private sector, and with a diverse range of teams and individuals. However, the subject of Inspirational Leadership transcends across all organisations and remains at the very core of our programme delivery. The best managers are always those who have the ability to lead their team by… Read More
We believe that participation in executive leadership coaching builds confidence and so if your new year’s resolution is to assert yourself at work with confidence, then take a look at these top tips from Rosabeth Kanter. BUT remember the best resolutions will go nowhere without the confidence to stick with them! Confidence is an expectation… Read More
Since influence is the key to effective leadership, this tool outlines 5 ways team members can exert more influence within an organisation: 1. Solid reputation : Establish a reputation as someone who is credible, respected, and trustworthy. 2. Enhanced skill set: Become known as someone who is competent and accomplished. Be the authority people turn… Read More
Most employees crave feedback. They want an honest assessment of their behaviour to help them improve their work. They know that if they listen to and take action on clear and constructive feedback, their overall performance will improve…and so will their job satisfaction. So, why do so many managers feel uncomfortable delivering feedback (especially) when… Read More
More than 200 CEOs, board directors, and senior executives of North American public and private companies were polled in an Executive Coaching Survey that Stanford University and The Miles Group conducted last spring. The research studied what kind of leadership advice CEOs and their top executives are – and aren’t – receiving, and the skills… Read More
Contracting is key to building rapport, setting expectations and developing client chemistry but it can take a while for some coachees to make the most of their ‘precious opportunity’ – Lindsay Wittenberg, an executive coach explores the nature of contracting in personal depth within this interesting article. I’ve been reflecting on what’s actually happening in… Read More
Do you have a manager who won’t advocate for you or your team? Is she afraid to say no to requests from above? Here are three ways to get what you need from even the most conflict-avoidant boss. • Focus on problem solving. If you need to talk about a difficult issue with your boss,… Read More
Is there a road map for reaching your unique potential? This book review I came across on HBR, really asks some fascinating questions about the journey we all take. How do you create your own definition of success–and reach your unique potential? Building a fulfilling life and career can be a daunting challenge. It takes… Read More
Harvard Business Review features a case study about Sir Alex Ferguson, the recently retired manager and coach at Manchester United football club. Sir Alex was coach and manager for 26 seasons and led Manchester United to be one of the most successful soccer clubs in the world. In the HBR case study by Anita Elberse,… Read More
Authenticity — what is it, who has it, and how do you get it? Most people associate authenticity with being true to oneself — or “walking the talk.” But there’s a problem with that association; it focuses on how you feel about yourself. Authenticity is actually a relational behaviour, not a self-centred one. Meaning that… Read More
Two coping skills are key to resilience: problem-solving and mindfulness, and it is important to know which to use and when, said psychologist and former NHS consultant psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud. If a problem can be solved, then the most sensible thing is to work on solving it. If not, then now is the time… Read More
Just when you think you’ve got your team and situation figured out, things change – especially when you’re growing. Leading teams of less than 10 people is different than leading teams of 10-30, and then leading teams of more than 30 presents additional challenges and opportunities. As your team grows, focus on a different component… Read More
A simple approach can help replace your slow deliberations with fast decisions. Try this framework: Know your ultimate objective. The biggest hurdle to fast decisions is criteria overload. Of the seven or eight possible objectives you would love to meet, which one or two will make the biggest impact? Consider which stakeholder you least want… Read More
No matter how big or small your team or what its goal is, there are four things it needs to succeed. As a leader, it’s your job to help your group create and adhere to each of these: • A meaningful common purpose. Most teams are responding to a mandate. But to be successful,… Read More
GREAT INSIGHT MOVES YOUR CAREER, ORGANIZATION, OR BUSINESS FORWARD. THE PROBLEM? MOST PEOPLE ARE TERRIBLE AT ASKING QUESTIONS. LEARN FROM THE PROS HOW TO DO IT RIGHT. Ask yourself: If you could interview like Walter Cronkite, would you get more value from your meetings? Would your mentors become more valuable? Would your chance encounters with… Read More
Use your personal values to keep you motivated. 1. Creativity Today I will make something new and different and thereby change the world for the better. 2. Resourcefulness Today I will become strong by overcoming obstacles with persistence and flexibility. 3. Enthusiasm Today I will permit myself to become excited in anticipation of whatever might… Read More
These four simple rules will help ensure that your audience sits up and pays attention. It takes an audience about 15 seconds (at most) to decide whether your presentation is worth their attention. Fritter away those fifteen seconds and your audience will either mentally check out or pull out their phones to start texting. Here’s… Read More
After promising your boss you would complete an important assignment on time, you realize you’re behind and it’s going to be late. You unintentionally leave a colleague out of the loop on a joint project, causing him or her to feel frustrated and a bit betrayed. On the subway, you aren’t paying attention and accidentally… Read More
As making key decisions often fall to leaders (with potentially huge consequences), Leo McKeown ‘s article begins to explore how pattern recognition can form the basis for making successful choices. He believes there’s one thing that all leaders should be able to do well that certainly made me think twice. It’s not managing or even… Read More
“ I never have time to think!” How many times have you heard that old chestnut? Ebay’s CEO, John Donahoe’s post was a worthwhile read as he firmly believes that time spent away to refresh and refocus is really not time off. It’s just time better spent. There’s a lesson for us all here… I… Read More