by Kate Mercer | Apr 29, 2025 | Organisation Culture, Team Development
You’ve built a solid business. The product works. The clients are happy. The numbers are moving in the right direction. From the outside, it’s going well. So why does it feel harder than it should? The team’s not quite coming together the way you hoped. You’re seeing...
by Kate Mercer | Apr 18, 2025 | Leadership
You’ve got the vision. You’ve got the drive. You’ve got the track record of building something brilliant, so why does it feel like such hard work now? Why do you still find yourself picking up the dropped balls, trying to untangle misunderstandings, or wondering why...
by Kate Mercer | Apr 18, 2025 | Organisation Culture
Well…? Thought so. Now, give this a go. Forget your to-do list for a moment, and don’t bother hunting for your job description. Instead, write down off the top of your head up to five things you must deliver for your business to succeed. Not tasks. Not...
by Kate Mercer | Mar 30, 2025 | Organisation Culture
Maintaining productivity & performance in an employee-owned business Can an employee-owned business stay competitive? One of the biggest concerns for founders considering employee ownership is whether it will affect business performance. Will employees maintain...
by Kate Mercer | Mar 30, 2025 | Organisation Culture
One of the biggest misconceptions about Employee Ownership (EO) is that it’s simply a change in the ownership structure of your business. But EO isn’t just a legal shift – it’s a shift in how decisions are made, how employees engage with the business, and what...
by Kate Mercer | Mar 19, 2025 | Organisation Culture
I first learned about these “operating states of an organisation” years ago. I’ve recently been reminded of them as I am in a stage of reformulating my own business. These principles are among the most effective frameworks I’ve encountered for...
by Kate Mercer | Mar 9, 2025 | Leadership
Do you even really have 121s? You probably have regular work-in-progress check-ins with your team. But do you hold real 121s – dedicated time to focus on individuals’ growth, challenges, and performance? If not, you’re missing a crucial leadership tool. Stop...
by Kate Mercer | Mar 9, 2025 | Leadership
If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time – a tremendous whack. Winston Churchill A very straightforward and simple skill this...
by Kate Mercer | Mar 6, 2025 | Leadership, Organisation Culture
The post transition reality check Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) often feels to the new co-owners like crossing the finish line. The legal work is done, the financials are sorted, and the company is in the hands of the people who helped build it....
by Kate Mercer | Feb 24, 2025 | Leadership
“They don’t treat me like one of the gang anymore.” “I had a friendly chat with Joe over lunch, but nothing’s changed—why?” “I’ve treated them like family, and this is the thanks I get.” “People take advantage of my kindness—it’s so frustrating.” Sound familiar? If...
