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In the third of our 4-part series exploring how to reduce drama in our work lives, we explore the difference between negative and positive team friction and the skills to address friction in a positive way. Using practical examples from the world of workplace mediation we highlight the language, tone and intent that can help shift friction from a negative (leaving a mark) to a positive (creating a spark).

It can be tempting to use 'battle' language to describe frictions between people, but this can lead to a sense of not wanting to 'back down' and so engaging a conversation may bring with it a sense of defeat or giving in. We explore the impact it can have reframing this as a chance to 'step up' and be an act of courage and strength to want to engage and resolve frictions and challenges.

A useful listen for anyone who is sensing that frictions are rumbling between people and wants to shift things on before it becomes irreparable. It is human to experience conflicts, and unpleasant as it can feel in the moment - can lead to the greatest working relationships through the bond that is created when its worked through.

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In the second of our 4-part series exploring how to reduce drama in our work lives, we focus on identifying and handling saboteurs around us. We are joined once again by the inspirational Lindsey Thompson who simplifies the complicated world of organisational ‘scripts’. From the moment someone joins an organisation they can’t help but be subconsciously influenced by the script (eg ‘it’s hard to sell around here’ or ‘we are busy’) which underpins the culture (deflated, pressured).

She shares tips for spotting saboteurs and to not mis-label people who are ‘wounded’, worried around change or inhibited by power politics playing around them. It also might be a genuine ‘saboteur’ but actually a really healthy challenge to hold a mirror up to a culture. So this is a good listen for those wanting to change things in their everyday workplace practices but doesn’t want to be branded negative or ‘saboteur’.

Is your organisation ‘anxious’ as a collective? Lindsey shares practical tips for understanding what might lie beneath surface behaviours and the organisational script which may limit success and engagement. It’s an optimistic reminder that anyone can change, things can be made better - with awareness as the enabler.

NB: Lindsey refers to ‘scripts’ which are our unconscious beliefs around how to be in the world in order to keep us safe and successful. She also uses the term ‘strokes’ which are the moments where we experience validation, acknowledgment and reassurance. And ‘games’ refer to the unconscious behaviour patterns with an intended outcome.

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As January 29th marks the new Chinese Year of The Snake, this new 4-part series explores how to reduce drama in our work lives. The Snake is celebrated for being the spirit of transformation and charm - with the gift for shedding old habits to make way for new ones. Is it time to step up and away from the drama or games in your work?

In this first episode we take a big picture look at drama at work - how to spot it, how to avoid playing a role in it and most importantly: practical tips for not getting caught up in the gameplay. Lots of transferable examples to refresh your intention for the year ahead, plus useful ideas to share with others if you can see drama taking up too much time when there is much to do.

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In this fourth and final episode in our latest mini-series looking at the essence of success in 4 specific areas, this one is all about leadership. Whether with a 'big L' ie you have leadership in your job title, or 'little l' -the million small acts of leadership that happen every day in both work and personal lives. People ask you for advice, help, support or guidance? You're a leader my friend!

Having been in-room with over 1,700 leaders in 2024, we can summarise what sets the successful leaders apart from the rest: the ability to create and sustain effective relationships. Dialling up emotional intelligence in those moments where it would be so easy to vent, rage, process externally or unsettle people with passing wobbles - being able to take a breath and be intentional about the desired impact is what makes the difference.

We discuss the fine line between authenticity and carelessness and practical tips for taking the lead in the big and small areas of life. An ideal listen for anyone debating to take a leadership role and needs a bit of reassurance how leaders come in all shapes and sizes. And you don't need to have the word leader in your job title to be a successful leader. People ask you to help organise events? You're a leader my friend!

This is the final episode of 2024, we are hugely grateful for your support and love. We are taking a week off and will be back in action from Fri 10th Jan 2025 with brand new topics and guests to support and cheer you along the ever-evolving world of work.

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In this third episode in our latest mini-series looking at the essence of success in 4 specific areas, this one is all about collaboration. A hot topic of our time, we see around us the one aspect that makes the difference: respect.

Originating from the Latin word ‘respectus’ meaning ‘to hold in regard’ could the magic spell of ‘respectus collaboratus’ be the levels of mutual respect in and between teams? We explore the principles for respect at work and how to role model this to others when they join a team to shift from them to us.

Taking a look at collaboration when working hybrid, we share practical tools to bring respect to everyday life in the small and big moments.

A useful listen for anyone wanting hints and tips for a cleaner working environment in their team.

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In this second episode in our latest mini-series looking at the essence of success in 4 specific areas, this one is all about teamwork. Out of the million of words written about what makes a team successful, we think it probably be distilled down to one word: care.

Using our CARE acronym, we explore concepts and practical examples around great Communication that means we check in on each other, practising Acceptance of each other rather than judging, being Ready to listen and shift from transactional to relational, and showing Empathy to each other.

Whether virtual or in-person, keeping a good team going or looking for ways to improve things, we take a practical look at the role caring for each other has in getting the best work achieved. Particularly if it feels there is just not enough time to care, then our call to action is to prioritise it as a performance enabler.

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Our latest mini-series takes a sparkly look at the essence of success in 4 specific moments that can lead us towards a happier, healthier worklife. This first episode looks at the essential ingredient for successful decision-making which could probably be distilled down to one word: confidence.

Whether resolving stay/go dilemmas, should I/shouldnt I moments, or steeling yourself to making a life adjustment, we take a look at why decision-making is such an important skill now and into the future. We share 4 practical tools for removing drag, thinking big picture, scanning for the best option and borrowing the approach an Air Traffic Controller brings to making decisions.

We then take a coaching approach to guide yourself (or mirror with someone else) with confidence and compassion into taking the first steps towards making the decision come to life. An ideal listen for those looking for a space to think, plan and set your intent for the year ahead in an empowered way.

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In the final of our 5-part 'mid-decade culture round-up' series we explore the very real topic of creating an abundant mindset within a team especially through times of ongoing change and transformation. Could it be that many workplaces are requiring above average levels of energy, innovation and collaboration from their people, at the very point in the decade where morale and optimism is lower than average?

Rather than focusing on the cause (we guess its a complicated mix of post-pandemic fatigue, trading challenges, juggling personal responsibilities alongside work) we take a practical look at what enables an abundant mindset to become a positive reality within a team. We share our on PAR tool (thanks Sarah Walker) and examples from real life of what has worked to cheer up a team and focus on an optimistic future (e,g, the Care Label idea)