Your first 90 days as a manager: A simple plan that actually works
A simple 90-day plan for new managers: get to know your team and context, set up a rhythm of one-on-ones and team meetings, then build a plan you can deliver.
Joel Bailey
6 tips for setting direction for your team when you’re still figuring things out
What do you do when you’re a manager … and you’re not sure what to do? That might sound like a contradiction. Managers are meant to lead. To provide clarity. To set the direction. But what happens when you don’t feel clear yet? Maybe you’re…
Positive affirmations for leaders: Woo or worthwhile?
I used to think positive affirmations were a bit silly. Quotes like “I am enough” and “abundance flows through me” feel vague, like the kind of thing you’d see printed on a cheap scented candle. But I’ve been doing daily positive affirmations for a few…
How walking meetings can reduce wasted time and boost your well-being
Most of us want to spend less time in meetings and more time outside. I’ve found a simple hack that ticks both boxes. Even better: you can do it today, and you won’t need any time off work. Here’s:1️⃣ What it is2️⃣ Why it works3️⃣…
Why being difficult to work with can ruin your career (and what to do instead)
I’ve noticed something lately that’s quietly holding people back in their careers. It’s more common than you might think. Some people get asked to do something at work – something not technically required, or outside their normal job description – and hesitate. It’s not because…
7 things I’ve learnt from working with a manufacturer in China for the first time
The manufacturing work is for custom dice that will be included with our Daily Acts of Leadership cards. It’s been an eye-opening experience, so I thought I’d share a few random observations: 1️⃣ Finding a manufacturer: I connected with our supplier via Alibaba. Much like…
The hard truth about management: navigating stress and emotional challenges is part of the job
Here’s something I used to feel guilty about: there are days where I don’t feel like being a manager. I’ve come to learn that feeling like this at times is both common, and entirely understandable. Because here’s the hard truth: a lot of the time,…
Effective team engagement hack: 5 Slides in 5 minutes
Managers, here’s a simple but effective team engagement hack I picked up a few years ago: At your next management meeting, invite someone else from the team or wider organisation — ideally someone less experienced — to give a quick presentation. Here’s the parameters: five…
Stop searching for the best productivity apps (and what to do instead)
I’ve spent countless hours searching for the best productivity apps and tools. Asana, Monday, ClickUp, Basecamp, Trello—you name it, I’ve probably tried it. For a long time, I thought the issue was that I hadn’t found the right tool yet. I thought the next app…
The art of difficult conversations: strategies for honest and respectful dialogue
Difficult conversations are called that for a reason. They’re painful—for you and the other person. Here’s how to make them suck a bit less: First: your goal isn’t to make the conversation painless. It’s to be honest, clear, and respectful while staying true to what…
Why honest leaders build more trust: the power of authentic confidence
Confidence is important for effective leadership. But lots of managers get this completely wrong. Confidence inspires trust and reassures your team that things are under control. But many leaders misunderstand what confidence means. They think it’s about pretending. Acting like they have all the answers,…
If you’re arranging a meeting with someone, don’t say “I’m flexible”
Updated: October 2024 It’s a common thing to say when arranging meetings at work, e.g.: “When works for you? I’m flexible.” But it equally applies to organising things with your friends and family. You probably say “I’m flexible” out of consideration for the other person,…
Why leaders in new roles should avoid big changes
When stepping into a new management role, the impulse to make early, significant changes is natural. The idea of making a big improvement to the team or the business feels energising. For most managers, this comes from wanting to have a positive impact. The desire…
Apologising doesn’t make you weak
When was the last time you apologised for something at work? If you can’t remember, consider: are you perfect, or are you not apologising for some other reason? I’ve noticed that some people in management roles don’t like to apologise. But this approach is dead…
Has ‘leadership’ lost its meaning?
The word ‘leadership’ is thrown around so often that it sometimes feels like it is losing its meaning. We see it everywhere: in job titles, on LinkedIn profiles, in performance reviews. But what does it really mean to be a leader? Has the term become…
When the only way up is into management
This cartoon nails it! (cartoon credit: Kendra Allenby, The New Yorker) It’s a common dilemma. One that many of us face at some point in our careers. After years of honing our (usually technical) skills, we’re presented with a crossroad: the only way up seems…
Great writing: a secret weapon for impact
Writing is one of the most powerful tools you have. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or simply trying to get a message across, the way you write can make or break your impact. Yet, most people don’t give it the attention it…
I get frustrated when I see leaders overcomplicate their strategic planning
Here’s what they get wrong: ❌ Taking months to finish the process❌ Distracting their already busy team with endless ‘planning days’❌ Drowning in analysis before even starting the plan❌ Spending a fortune on strategy consultants The truth: ✔️ You can create a solid strategic plan…
Want to nail your next job interview? Mock interviews are the game changer.
Interviews are some of the more anxiety-inducing experiences related to our careers. The situation is nothing like most of us experience in our day-to-day work. It involves: It should be no surprise that most of us struggle to bring out our best. Compounding this challenge:…
AMTAP: As Many Things As Possible.
You’ve probably heard of AMRAP in workouts – As Many Reps As Possible. Let’s apply this to your to-do list. Enter AMTAP: As Many Things As Possible. AMTAP goes against a lot of the conventional wisdom around productivity. Instead of prioritising your work using the…