Who leads in a founder-owned business? The answer, more often than not, is simple: the founder. “So what’s wrong with that?” you might ask. Well - nothing, to begin with. But over time, it becomes one of the biggest hidden risks in growing businesses: 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...
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 leaving...
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 one, yet one...
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....
“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...
Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. Stephen R. Covey How well do you listen? Have you in fact ever thought about whether there is any way to listen other than the one that comes naturally to you? Something...
"I’m an engineer, accountant, software expert – I didn’t sign up for this people stuff." "Why can’t I just get on with my job without interruptions?" "Management feels so touchy-feely – you’re either good at it, or you’re not." Do these sound familiar? If so, you’re...
In the middle, between ‘start-up’ and ‘corporation’, there is another type of business – the second generation ‘scale-up’ organisations. In the UK, these ‘Small to Medium-sized Enterprises’ form more than 99% of all businesses and employ over 12 million people. Your...
Any committee that is the slightest use is composed of people who are too busy to want to sit on it for a second longer than they have to. - Katharine Whitehorn We’ve all been there: the meeting that drags on endlessly, achieves little, and leaves everyone wondering...
Find fresh ideas and approaches to resolve your business issues, make a noticeable difference in your performance, and achieve long-term goals.
Find fresh ideas and approaches to resolve your business issues, make a noticeable difference in your performance, and achieve long-term goals.