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# The Guinea Group

Upgrading Your Leaders

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://theguineagroup.com.au/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Article Bank](https://theguineagroup.com.au/articlebank/)
- [The High-Performance Shift: Upgrading Supervisors](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-high-performance-shift-upgrading-supervisors/) - Upgrade your heavy industry supervisors. Register for our free Supervisor Upgrade Program workshop to build accountability and drive performance.
- [From Vision to Victory: High Influence Equals High Impact ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/from-vision-to-victory-high-influence-equals-high-impact/) - Achieve goals that seem out of reach. Learn how great leadership influence drives massive impact
- [More Than a Book Launch: A Mission for Leaders Everywhere](https://theguineagroup.com.au/more-than-a-book-launch-a-mission-for-leaders-everywhere/) - With launch day approaching, discover why Leaders of Influence is more than a book launch and how you can help inspire leaders everywhere.
- [How Meaningful Conversations Turned Into a Book Launch](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-meaningful-conversations-turned-into-a-book-launch/) - Leaders of Influence Book volume 1 is here!! Launching soon
- [AI + Human Leadership: The Future of Team Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/ai-human-leadership-the-future-of-team-success/) - Learn how AI + Human Leadership brings team success
- [The High-Performance Pulse: Syncing Your Team with AI Driven Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-high-performance-pulse-syncing-your-team-with-ai-driven-leadership/) - Learn how AI-driven leadership can help teams reduce overload, improve workflow rhythm, and build safer, high-performing cultures during change.
- [AI Is Changing Leadership: How Great Teams Stay Ahead](https://theguineagroup.com.au/ai-is-changing-leadership-how-great-teams-stay-ahead/) - Discover how great teams stay ahead in the AI era through adaptive leadership, psychological safety, and human-centred leadership skills.
- [The Architecture of Empowerment: Using AI to Unlock Team Potential ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-architecture-of-empowerment-using-ai-to-unlock-team-potential/) - Unlock team potential with AI leadership. Learn how to use AI to empower teams, build psychological safety, and scale potential. Book a demo.
- [Why AI Driven Leadership is the Foundation of Team Safety ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-ai-driven-leadership-is-the-foundation-of-team-safety/) - Discover how AI-driven leadership builds psychological safety and high-performance teams. Learn how using tech to ensure workplace safety and zero harm.
- [From Instinct to Intellect: The Science of AI Driven Leadership ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/from-instinct-to-intellect-the-science-of-ai-driven-leadership/) - Discover how to move from gut instinct to precision. Explore the science of AI driven leadership and neuroscience to help you make better, data-backed decisions.
- [The New C-Suite: Implementing AI as Your Strategic Partner in Decision Making](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-new-c-suite-implementing-ai-as-your-strategic-partner-in-decision-making/) - Learn how the ai-empowered ceo uses tech as a strategic partner. Balancing executive intuition with ai insights to build a data-driven c-suite culture today.
- [The Evolution of You: Thriving in the Era of AI Driven Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-evolution-of-you-thriving-in-the-era-of-ai-driven-success/) - Thrive in the era of AI by balancing emotional intelligence with data. Learn to redefine leadership and build psychologically safe, high-performing teams.
- [Ending the Burnout Cycle: How AI Protects Your Most Valuable Asset and Your Energy](https://theguineagroup.com.au/ending-the-burnout-cycle-how-ai-protects-your-most-valuable-asset-and-your-energy/) - Stop the burnout cycle. Learn how AI tools for cognitive offloading protect your energy, reduce decision fatigue, and build sustainable, high-performance teams.
- [The Trust Dividend: How Reliable Tech Builds Reliable Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-trust-dividend-how-reliable-tech-builds-reliable-teams/) - Discover how reliable tech builds trust and boosts morale. Why the right systems are the key to psychological safety and team retention.
- [Human-Centric AI: Elevating the Talent You Already Have](https://theguineagroup.com.au/human-centric-ai-elevating-the-talent-you-already-have/) - Stop worrying about tech replacing your team. Learn how leaders use human-centric AI to clear the admin grind and focus on real leadership and care.
- [The Innovation Accelerator: Why AI-Driven Teams Take Smarter Risks](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-innovation-accelerator-why-ai-driven-teams-take-smarter-risks/) - Explore how AI-driven teams lower the cost of failure. Learn to use tech as a safety net to identify smart business risks and innovate faster.
- [The AI Integration Blueprint: From Tactical Tool to Leadership Asset](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-ai-integration-blueprint-from-tactical-tool-to-leadership-asset/) - Discover how to move from tactical tools to leadership assets. Learn to lead with conscious control and build psychologically safe teams in the age of AI.
- [The Fearless Pivot: Training Your Brain (and Your Team) for the AI Era](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-fearless-pivot-training-your-brain-and-your-team-for-the-ai-era/) - Stop fearing the shift. Learn how to train your brain and lead your team through the AI era with psychological safety and a fearless growth mindset.
- [How AI Implementation Drives Compound Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-ai-implementation-drives-compound-success/) - Stop falling behind. Discover how to drive business growth and operational excellence through strategic AI implementation and courageous leadership.
- [The AI Safety Net: Using Technology to Remove Friction and Fear](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-ai-safety-net-using-technology-to-remove-friction-and-fear/) - Learn to reduce friction, overcome AI anxiety, and foster psychological safety through human-centered leadership strategy.
- [AI Leadership in Action: Guiding Teams Through AI-Driven Change](https://theguineagroup.com.au/ai-leadership-in-action-guiding-teams-through-ai-driven-change/) - Discover how AI leadership strategies and psychological safety drive team performance. Learn to lead AI-driven change today.
- [Influence That Drives Performance, Not Burnout](https://theguineagroup.com.au/influence-that-drives-performance-not-burnout/) - Stop leadership burnout by shifting from authority to influence. Learn how Anton Guinea builds high-performing, psychologically safe teams without the grind.
- [How Small, Steady Wins Build Unstoppable Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-small-steady-wins-build-unstoppable-teams/) - Build unstoppable momentum in your team. I share how small wins and psychological safety create consistent, high-performance cultures that thrive under pressure.
- [Zero Harm Starts With Psychological Safety Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/zero-harm-starts-with-psychological-safety-leadership/) - Learn how psychological safety leadership drives zero harm. I share insights on creating a culture where teams speak up, reduce stress, and prevent workplace booms.
- [What Your Influence Is Teaching Your Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-your-influence-is-teaching-your-team/) - Discover how leadership behaviour shapes workplace culture. Learn what leaders can learn about influence to positively influence your team and improve safety.
- [The Conversation That Could Change Your Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-conversation-that-could-change-your-team/) - Discover how to start open conversations with your team, build trust, and empower high-performing teams through clear, effective communication.
- [What I Learned from Talking to Great Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-i-learned-from-talking-to-great-leaders/) - Discover practical leadership influence lessons from great leaders. Insights on humility, clarity, and psychological safety.
- [Want More Influence? Start With More Ownership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/want-more-influence-start-with-more-ownership/) - Want more influence as a leader? Discover how taking ownership builds trust, credibility and real impact in workplaces.
- [Influence That Lifts: How to Spark Motivation in Others](https://theguineagroup.com.au/influence-that-lifts-how-to-spark-motivation-in-others/) - Practical insights on how to motivate others as a leader and create influence that inspires action without relying on pressure.
- [How to Spot the Signs of Damaging Leadership Influence](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-spot-the-signs-of-damaging-leadership-influence/) - Spot the early signs of damaging leadership influence and learn how poor behaviours impact teams, safety, trust and performance in workplaces.
- [The Consequences of Poor Leadership Influence](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-consequences-of-poor-leadership-influence/) - Poor leadership influence damages trust, morale and culture. Explore the real consequences of toxic influence and why intentional leadership matters.
- [The Influence You Carry Shapes the Culture You Create](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-influence-you-carry-shapes-the-culture-you-create/) - What do people feel when you walk into the room? Explore how leadership influence shapes culture, behaviour, and psychological safety at work.
- [The Most Influential Voices Speak With Intention](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-most-influential-voices-speak-with-intention/) - Speak with intention and lead with influence. Learn how intentional communication builds clarity, trust, and a strong leadership voice.
- [How Great Leaders Influence Without Forcing](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-great-leaders-influence-without-forcing/) - Discover how great leaders influence without forcing by building trust, safety and respect that encourages people to step up and speak up.
- [You Can’t Force Behaviour, But You Can Influence It](https://theguineagroup.com.au/you-cant-force-behaviour-but-you-can-influence-it/) - Why forcing behaviour fails and influence works. A practical look at how leaders shape behaviour through trust, safety, and conversation.
- [What Great Leadership Looks Like in 2026](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-great-leadership-looks-like-in-2026/) - What great leadership looks like in 2026, why emotional intelligence and psychological safety matter, and how leaders build teams that speak up.
- [It’s Not Just a New Year. It’s a New Leadership Chapter](https://theguineagroup.com.au/its-not-just-a-new-year-its-a-new-leadership-chapter/) - Start the new year with a clear leadership focus. Learn how psychological safety shapes stronger teams, better culture, and safer conversations at work.
- [Leading with Heart This Christmas](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-with-heart-this-christmas/) - Leading with heart this Christmas means showing care when it matters most. A personal reflection on people-first leadership and ending the year well.
- [What it Really Means to be a Tech-savvy Leader Today](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-it-really-means-to-be-a-tech-savvy-leader-today/) - Explore what it really means to be a tech-savvy leader today and how understanding technology supports better decisions and stronger teams.
- [Leaders Need Motivation Too](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leaders-need-motivation-too/) - Discover why leaders lose motivation, how stress builds, and what supports sustainable leadership.
- [Empowered Teams Start with Great Conversations](https://theguineagroup.com.au/empowered-teams-start-with-great-conversations/) - Empowered teams grow through honest, respectful conversations. Build trust, confidence, and safety by creating space for real dialogue at work.
- [Enhancing Collaboration – 3 Strategies for Collaborative Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/enhancing-collaboration-3-strategies-for-collaborative-leadership-2/) - Learn three simple strategies to lead more collaboratively by fostering open communication, building trust, and embracing diverse perspectives in your team.
- [Lasting Influence Starts with Consistent Impact](https://theguineagroup.com.au/lasting-influence-starts-with-consistent-impact/) - Discover how consistent daily actions shape lasting leadership influence. Build credibility, trust and impact through steady habits that your team can rely on.
- [The 5 Things Leaders Should Never Hear From Their Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-5-things-leaders-should-never-hear-from-their-teams/) - Empower your team by addressing the five critical phrases leaders never want to hear. Build trust, psychological safety, and stronger culture.
- [What Leaders Prioritise Now Shapes the Year Ahead](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-leaders-prioritise-now-shapes-the-year-ahead/) - Discover how the priorities you set early as a leader shape team confidence, direction and results for the year ahead, and learn where to focus first.
- [Being the Coach Starts with Being Coached](https://theguineagroup.com.au/being-the-coach-starts-with-being-coached/) - Discover why great leaders are coached first. Learn how coaching builds calm, clarity and self-leadership so you can guide your team with confidence.
- [Bold Thinking Starts with a Safe Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/bold-thinking-starts-with-a-safe-team/) - Discover how psychological safety builds bold thinking, stronger trust and braver conversations so your team can speak freely and perform at its best.
- [Why Conscious Leadership Matters and How to Lead with Greater Awareness](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-conscious-leadership-matters-and-how-to-lead-with-greater-awareness/) - Explore conscious leadership and learn how awareness, purpose and people-focused strategies help leaders create stronger, safer, high-performing teams.
- [In Crisis: Lead with Care, Not Just Control](https://theguineagroup.com.au/in-crisis-lead-with-care-not-just-control/) - Learn crisis leadership strategies that help you lead with care, build trust, and stay calm under pressure through emotionally intelligent leadership.
- [Quiet Confidence: Ways Introverts Can Lead Powerfully](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quiet-confidence-ways-introverts-can-lead-powerfully/) - Discover how introverts can lead with quiet confidence through deep listening, emotional intelligence, and calm authority in leadership.
- [You Can’t Lead Well If You Can’t Talk Honestly](https://theguineagroup.com.au/you-cant-lead-well-if-you-cant-talk-honestly/) - Honest conversations build trust, safety, and stronger teams. Learn why real leadership starts with speaking the truth even when it’s hard.
- [Turn Engagement Into Action: Leadership Lessons That Work](https://theguineagroup.com.au/turn-engagement-into-action-leadership-lessons-that-work/) - Discover three proven leadership strategies to boost team engagement, trust, and psychological safety for a stronger, more connected workplace.
- [What Hurt You Might Be What Helps Others](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-hurt-you-might-be-what-helps-others/) - Finding purpose through pain isn’t easy, but your story can heal others. Discover how vulnerability in leadership inspires connection and growth.
- [A Life of Purpose, A Legacy of Impact](https://theguineagroup.com.au/a-life-of-purpose-a-legacy-of-impact/) - Reflecting on another year of life, Anton Guinea shares insights on purpose, leadership, and creating a legacy that makes a lasting impact.
- [Where It’s Safe to Speak, Feedback Becomes a Gift](https://theguineagroup.com.au/where-its-safe-to-speak-feedback-becomes-a-gift/) - When it’s safe to speak, feedback becomes a gift. Discover how leaders can create trust, openness, and stronger teams through safe, honest conversations.
- [Leading, Training, Living: The Art of Intentional Balance](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-training-living-the-art-of-intentional-balance/) - Discover how I balance leadership, training, and life through intentional habits, resilience, and reflection. Learn to lead, train, and live with purpose.
- [Courageous Moves Need Safe Spaces](https://theguineagroup.com.au/courageous-moves-need-safe-spaces/) - Courageous leadership starts with safety. Learn how creating safe spaces at work empowers teams to speak up, take risks, and grow with confidence.
- [Psychological Safety Starts with Clear Priorities](https://theguineagroup.com.au/psychological-safety-starts-with-clear-priorities/) - Learn how clear priorities build psychological safety at work. Practical tips for leaders to create trust, focus, and confident, high-performing teams.
- [Culture Grows When Decision-Making Is Shared](https://theguineagroup.com.au/culture-grows-when-decision-making-is-shared/) - Culture grows when leaders share decisions. Discover how collaborative leadership builds trust, inclusion, and accountability within your team.
- [Brave Voices Build Better Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/brave-voices-build-better-teams/) - Brave voices build trust and stronger teams. Learn practical steps to speak up, create psychological safety, and lead with courage in the workplace.
- [A Leader’s Competence Shows in the Safety They Create](https://theguineagroup.com.au/a-leaders-competence-shows-in-the-safety-they-create/) - True leadership competence is shown through safety. Discover how trust, responsibility, and psychological safety create stronger teams.
- [The Future of Work Is Safe Work Psychological Safety as a Requirement](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-future-of-work-is-safe-work-psychological-safety-as-a-requirement/) - Discover why psychological safety is now essential at work, from legal requirements to practical steps for building safe, supportive and high-performing teams.
- [Speak Freely, Be Heard Fully: The Power of Safe Dialogue](https://theguineagroup.com.au/speak-freely-be-heard-fully-the-power-of-safe-dialogue/) - Discover how to help your team speak freely and be heard fully. Anton Guinea shares practical ways to build safe dialogue and psychological safety at work, plus invites you to join the SPEAK SAFE workshop.
- [Safe Teams Don’t Happen by Accident](https://theguineagroup.com.au/safe-teams-dont-happen-by-accident/) - Discover why safe teams don’t happen by accident and how intentional leadership practices build psychological safety at work. Click here to read more.
- [Leading Across Generations Starts With Listening](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-across-generations-starts-with-listening/) - Discover how listening bridges generational gaps in leadership, builds trust, and creates psychological safety across all age groups at work.
- [This Week Was a Win, But It Wasn’t Just Luck](https://theguineagroup.com.au/this-week-was-a-win-but-it-wasnt-just-luck/) - Success isn’t luck, it’s built on hard work, resilience, and support. Reflecting on wins, gratitude, and leadership lessons from the Sydney Opera House stage.
- [Big Dreams, Small Steps: How Growth Gets You There](https://theguineagroup.com.au/big-dreams-small-steps-how-growth-gets-you-there/) - Discover how small, consistent actions fuel leadership growth. Big dreams aren’t built overnight — they’re earned, one deliberate step at a time.
- [The Quiet Discipline That Drives Loud Impacts](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-quiet-discipline-that-drives-loud-impacts/) - Discover why quiet discipline creates lasting leadership impact. Learn how small consistent actions, steady habits, and reflection help leaders build trust, resilience, and sustainable success.
- [5 Daily Habits That Strengthen Leader–Team Relationships](https://theguineagroup.com.au/5-daily-habits-that-strengthen-leader-team-relationships/) - Discover five simple daily habits I use to build trust, connection, and psychological safety with your team as a leader.
- [Knowledge Shared Is Legacy Built](https://theguineagroup.com.au/knowledge-shared-is-legacy-built/) - Sharing knowledge isn't optional for leaders. It's your legacy. Here's how to pass it on and create safer, stronger teams through honesty.
- [The Language of Safety: Words That Build Trust](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-language-of-safety-words-that-build-trust/) - Learn how a single sentence shapes trust at work. Explore safe language, leadership phrases, and tools to build psychological safety.
- [Eager Leaders Build Engaged Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/eager-leaders-build-engaged-teams/) - Shift from telling to asking. Discover how questions build ownership, confidence and solutions while transforming leadership and team performance
- [Stop Telling, Start Asking: The Shift Leaders Need](https://theguineagroup.com.au/stop-telling-start-asking-the-shift-leaders-need/) - Shift from telling to asking. Discover how questions build ownership, confidence and solutions while transforming leadership and team performance
- [How to Lead with Kindness Without Losing Authority](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-lead-with-kindness-without-losing-authority/) - Lead with kindness without losing authority. Learn how empathy, trust, and clear boundaries create respected, high-performing teams.
- [The ROI of Kindness in Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-roi-of-kindness-in-leadership/) - Kindness isn’t just a virtue, it’s a strategy. Explore the ROI of kindness in leadership and how empathy drives trust, loyalty, and business performance.
- [Safe Teams Start with Brave Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/safe-teams-start-with-brave-leaders/) - Brave leadership creates safe teams. Discover how trust, empathy, and psychological safety start with courageous leaders willing to go first.
- [Safe to Fail, Ready to Win: How Brave Cultures Thrive](https://theguineagroup.com.au/safe-to-fail-ready-to-win-how-brave-cultures-thrive/) - Brave teams win. Discover how creating a culture where it's safe to fail unlocks learning, trust, and high performance in your workplace.
- [Great Leaders Don’t Just Accept Feedback, They Invite It](https://theguineagroup.com.au/great-leaders-dont-just-accept-feedback-they-invite-it/) - Discover how genuine, emotionally intelligent leadership creates trust, boosts performance, and gives your team the safety they need to truly thrive.
- [Leading with Care: The Competitive Advantage You Can’t Fake](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-with-care-the-competitive-advantage-you-cant-fake/) - Discover how genuine, emotionally intelligent leadership creates trust, boosts performance, and gives your team the safety they need to truly thrive.
- [Quiet Growth, Loud Impact: The Leadership Paradox That Works](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quiet-growth-loud-impact-the-leadership-paradox-that-works/) - Discover how quiet leadership creates loud impact. Learn why subtle, intentional growth outperforms loud voices in today’s high-pressure workplaces.
- [Real Over Perfect: The New Leadership Advantage](https://theguineagroup.com.au/real-over-perfect-the-new-leadership-advantage/) - Authenticity is the new leadership edge. Discover why choosing real over perfect builds trust, drives engagement, and defines today’s most impactful leaders
- [The Courage to Ask: Why Great Leaders Don’t Go It Alone](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-courage-to-ask-why-great-leaders-dont-go-it-alone/) - Discover why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Great leadership begins with courage, vulnerability, and building trust through connection.
- [How to Turn Small Steps into Big Impact](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-turn-small-steps-into-big-impact/) - Learn how to create change through consistent actions. Discover leadership tips on building habits, achieving goals through small steps, and creating big impact
- [Pause to Grow: Why Great Leaders Make Time to Reflect](https://theguineagroup.com.au/pause-to-grow-why-great-leaders-make-time-to-reflect/) - Great leadership starts with reflection. Discover how 10 quiet minutes a day can boost clarity, emotional intelligence, and team trust.
- [Your Growth Mindset Is Your Business Strategy](https://theguineagroup.com.au/your-growth-mindset-is-your-business-strategy/) - A growth mindset isn't fluff, it's strategy. Discover how mindset shapes leadership, drives innovation, and builds future-ready teams.
- [The Trust Dividend: How Safe Conversations Strengthen Relationships](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-trust-dividend-how-safe-conversations-strengthen-relationships/) - Safe conversations aren’t soft. They’re smart. And they’re the foundation of every great team I’ve ever worked with.
- [The True Cost of Silence in the Workplace](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-true-cost-of-silence-in-the-workplace/) - What happens to a team when people stop speaking up and just start nodding along? Silence isn't neutral. It’s not calm. It’s a signal.
- [The Teamwork Mindset: Moving from 'Me' to 'We' for Company Impact](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-teamwork-mindset-moving-from-me-to-we-for-company-impact/) - What would shift in your workplace if everyone stopped asking “what’s in it for me?” and started asking “what does the team need right now?”
- [Listening to Yourself First: The Inner Work of Safer Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/listening-to-yourself-first-the-inner-work-of-safer-leadership/) - Strong leadership starts with self-awareness. Learn how listening to yourself first builds safer, more honest, and emotionally intelligent leadership.
- [Listening Logs: A Leader’s Tool for Continuous Improvement](https://theguineagroup.com.au/listening-logs-a-leaders-tool-for-continuous-improvement/) - Boost leadership impact with a listening log, a simple tool to track feedback, spot patterns, and show your team their voices truly matter.
- [A Listening Culture Is a Leadership Culture](https://theguineagroup.com.au/a-listening-culture-is-a-leadership-culture/) - A strong listening culture drives trust, innovation, and growth. Learn why great leadership starts with truly hearing what your team has to say.
- [The Mark of a Great Leader: Making Others Feel Safe to Speak](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-mark-of-a-great-leader-making-others-feel-safe-to-speak/) - Great leaders create psychological safety by listening, staying calm, and encouraging honesty to foster trust, openness, and team growth.
- [How Honest Conversations Build (or Break) Psychological Safety](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-honest-conversations-build-or-break-psychological-safety/) - Discover how honest conversations build psychological safety, strengthen trust, and create a culture where teams feel safe to speak up and grow.
- [3 Questions to De-Escalate Emotionally Charged Conversations](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-questions-to-de-escalate-emotionally-charged-conversations/) - Use these 3 powerful questions to defuse emotional tension, foster empathy, and turn charged conversations into constructive dialogue.
- [How to Prepare for a Difficult Conversation Without Overthinking It](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-prepare-for-a-difficult-conversation-without-overthinking-it/) - Learn how to prepare for a difficult conversation with clarity, courage, and calm—without overthinking every word. Practical tips for real leadership.
- [No Fear Feedback: How to Lead Teams Where Voices Aren’t Silenced](https://theguineagroup.com.au/no-fear-feedback-how-to-lead-teams-where-voices-arent-silenced/) - I’ve worked with enough teams to know that fear kills feedback. It’s not always dramatic.
- [Influence Starts in the Mind: Cultivating an Empowering Leader Mindset](https://theguineagroup.com.au/influence-starts-in-the-mind-cultivating-an-empowering-leader-mindset/) - What if the way you think is the reason your team isn’t performing at its best? It’s not the tools. It’s not the policies. It’s not the market conditions. More often than not, the difference between leading and truly influencing starts with what’s happening in your own head. I’ve worked with leaders who had the
- [Silence Isn’t Safety: Why Speaking Up Matters More Than Ever](https://theguineagroup.com.au/silence-isnt-safety-why-speaking-up-matters-more-than-ever/) - If you want others to speak safely, show them what that looks like in action. Speak respectfully. Speak with purpose. Speak like the kind of leader you’d want to work with.Have you ever stayed quiet at work because you weren’t sure how it would land? That pause That hesitation Is where psychological safety either lives or dies. And for a lot of workplaces, it dies quietly. I’ve worked with enough teams to know that most people don’t hold back because they don’t care. They hold
- [Transform Yourself First: The Inner Work of Transformational Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/transform-yourself-first-the-inner-work-of-transformational-leadership/) - How much of your leadership is shaped by what’s going on inside—not outside? I’ve asked myself this a lot over the years. Especially after coaching leaders who seem stuck. Not because they don’t know their KPIs or have the right experience, but because they haven’t done the work within themselves. The truth is, no leadership
- [What Will You Be Remembered For? Defining Your Leadership Legacy](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-will-you-be-remembered-for-defining-your-leadership-legacy/) - Your legacy isn’t your LinkedIn profile, it’s how you made people feel, especially in the hard moments. That’s what they’ll remember.
- [Creating a Better Meeting Atmosphere Starts with You](https://theguineagroup.com.au/creating-a-better-meeting-atmosphere-starts-with-you/) - Meetings have a reputation for being time-consuming, unproductive, or even tense. But here’s the good news: as a leader, you have the power to change that.
- [Showing Up with Purpose: How Intentional Presence Builds Trust](https://theguineagroup.com.au/showing-up-with-purpose-how-intentional-presence-builds-trust/) - Have you ever walked into a meeting and immediately sensed the leader didn't really want to be there? We've all experienced it. There's nothing worse than talking to someone who's physically present but emotionally absent. As leaders, we can't afford to be that person. Our teams notice, and believe me, they feel it. Being truly
- [Leadership in Action: Why What You Do Matters More Than What You Say](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-in-action-why-what-you-do-matters-more-than-what-you-say/) - As leaders, our words set expectations, but our actions define reality. No matter how inspiring a speech or how clear a vision, if our behavior doesn’t align with our message, trust erodes, culture weakens, and engagement declines. The best leaders understand that credibility isn’t built on promises; it’s built on follow-through. Early on, I learned
- [How Leaders Can Build a Culture of Appreciation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-leaders-can-build-a-culture-of-appreciation/) - Feeling appreciated is a fundamental human need. When someone recognises your hard work, doesn't it give you a little boost? Doesn't it make you feel like your efforts matter?
- [How Do You Handle Tough Conversations as a Leader?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-do-you-handle-tough-conversations-as-a-leader/) - Tough conversations aren’t easy, but they’re essential. Whether it’s feedback or tough topics, how you handle them defines your leadership.
- [What's the Most Valuable Leadership Lesson I've Learned?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/whats-the-most-valuable-leadership-lesson-ive-learned/) - After decades of coaching and working closely with teams across Australia, there's one lesson that stands out clearly: leadership isn't about you.
- [How Can You Improve Your Coaching Skills as a Leader?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-can-you-improve-your-coaching-skills-as-a-leader/) - Do you ever wonder if your coaching actually makes a difference to your team?
- [Best Resources to Understand Different Feedback Styles](https://theguineagroup.com.au/best-resources-to-understand-different-feedback-styles/) - Feedback styles often determine whether our message inspires change or leads to frustration.
- [Leader or Manager: Which One Are You?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leader-or-manager-which-one-are-you/) - Have you ever wondered if you're truly leading your team, or simply managing tasks?
- [How Should Leaders Delegate Tasks Effectively at Work?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-should-leaders-delegate-tasks-effectively-at-work/) - As a leader, delegation can sometimes feel risky. You worry about losing control or quality slipping through your fingers.
- [How Can You Truly Empower Employees as a Leader?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-can-you-truly-empower-employees-as-a-leader/) - Are you really empowering your employees, or just telling yourself you are? . Empowerment isn't about handing off tasks and ticking boxes. It’s deeper than that
- [Professional Development Goals for Leaders: Examples to Inspire Growth](https://theguineagroup.com.au/professional-development-goals-for-leaders-examples-to-inspire-growth/) - Focus on this: get clear, simplify, choose personal developmentgoals—the ones that make you uncomfortable are probably the right ones
- [The Hidden Power of Body Language, Tone, and Presence](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-hidden-power-of-body-language-tone-and-presence/) - Communication isn’t just about the words we say—it’s about how we say them and the unspoken signals we send. Whether you’re in a leadership role, a business meeting, or a casual conversation, your body language, tone of voice, and overall presence play a crucial role in how others perceive you. Studies show that only 7%
- [How Great Leaders Inspire High-Performing Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-great-leaders-inspire-high-performing-teams/) - Have you ever noticed how a simple 'thank you' can change the mood of a room? Appreciation isn’t just a 'nice-to-have'. It’s a game-changer for leadership. When you genuinely recognise your team’s hard work, they don’t just feel good—they perform better, innovate more, and stay engaged. But how do top executives at world-class companies show
- [Loyalty in Leadership: Building Stronger Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/loyalty-in-leadership-building-stronger-teams/) - As a leader, your ability to inspire trust and commitment directly impacts the success of your organisation. But here’s the thing! True loyalty isn’t something you can demand. It’s something you earn through your actions, your words, and the way you treat your team. I’ve learned through my own leadership experiences that the best teams
- [Leadership Green Flags: 3 Signs of Great Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-green-flags-3-signs-of-great-leadership/) - Over the years, I’ve learned that the best leaders aren’t necessarily the ones with the most authority or the loudest voices. Instead, they’re the ones who foster an environment where people feel safe to contribute, take risks, and be their authentic selves without fear of being judged or dismissed. When psychological safety is present, teams
- [Navigating Conflicts: 3 Steps to Resolution](https://theguineagroup.com.au/navigating-conflicts-3-steps-to-resolution/) - Conflict is a natural part of human interactions, but how we handle it determines whether it strengthens or weakens our relationships. By using effective conflict-resolution strategies, we can transform disagreements into opportunities for growth. Here are three key steps to navigating conflicts successfully: 1. Practice Active Listening Active listening means fully engaging with the speaker
- [The Power of Effective Speaking: Leading Your Team to Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-power-of-effective-speaking-leading-your-team-to-success/) - Great leaders are great communicators. The ability to convey ideas clearly, inspire action, and foster engagement through speech is a powerful skill that can define a team's success. As a leadership coach, speaker, and trainer, I’ve seen how strong speaking skills transform team dynamics. Early in my career, I struggled to align my team on
- [Taking Ownership in Leadership Decisions: A Path to Accountability and Growth](https://theguineagroup.com.au/taking-ownership-in-leadership-decisions-a-path-to-accountability-and-growth/) - Leadership means not just making decisions but fully owning them. I’ve learned this firsthand through both successes and failures in my journey as a leadership coach, speaker, and trainer. I remember a moment early in my career when I made a decision that didn’t pan out as expected. The temptation to deflect responsibility was there,
- [Motivation vs. Inspiration: What Leaders Need to Know](https://theguineagroup.com.au/motivation-vs-inspiration-what-leaders-need-to-know/) - As a leader, you’ve probably heard both terms used interchangeably: motivation and inspiration. But they’re not the same. While both can drive action, their sources, effects, and long-term impacts are quite different. Understanding the distinction is essential for creating a lasting impact on your team. Let’s break it down. Motivation is external. It’s about pushing
- [Leadership Responsibility: What It Really Means to Show Up for Your Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-responsibility-what-it-really-means-to-show-up-for-your-team/) - Let’s get real about leadership. It’s not just about strategy meetings, hitting targets, or delivering results. Leadership is about people: how you show up for them, inspire them, and guide them through challenges. When you take on a leadership role, you carry a responsibility far beyond your job description. You can influence lives, build trust,
- [Reframing Leadership: Shifting Perspectives for Greater Impact](https://theguineagroup.com.au/reframing-leadership-shifting-perspectives-for-greater-impact/) - How you view challenges, setbacks, and opportunities defines how you lead. When leaders learn to reframe their thinking, they unlock new possibilities, inspire innovation, and navigate uncertainty with confidence. Reframing leadership is about shifting from a reactive mindset to a proactive, growth-oriented approach. It’s about seeing obstacles as opportunities, failures as lessons, and resistance as
- [Leading with Emotion: Why Emotional Intelligence is a Leader’s Greatest Asset](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-with-emotion-why-emotional-intelligence-is-a-leaders-greatest-asset/) - Emotions drive decisions, shape relationships, and define the culture of any team. As a leader, your ability to understand and manage emotions, both yours and those of your team, can be the difference between inspiring trust and creating distance. When you harness the power of emotions effectively, you build stronger relationships, create a more engaged
- [The Power of Listening: 5 Key Listening Skills Every Leader Must Master](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-power-of-listening-5-key-listening-skills-every-leader-must-master/) - Great leaders aren’t just great talkers; they are exceptional listeners. The more you refine your listening skills, the stronger your relationships, the better your decision-making, and the more engaged your team will. At some point, everyone has experienced a conversation where the other person seemed distracted, nodding along without truly listening. It can be frustrating
- [Mastering Time Management: How Leaders Can Take Control and Lead with Intention](https://theguineagroup.com.au/mastering-time-management-how-leaders-can-take-control-and-lead-with-intention/) - Do You Control Your Time, or Does It Control You? As a leader, do you ever feel like your time is slipping through your fingers? You are consumed by meetings, endless emails, and urgent distractions? It’s frustrating, right? Leadership should be about making an impact, guiding your team, and focusing on what truly matters. But
- [Organised Leadership: The Secret to Leading with Confidence and Impact](https://theguineagroup.com.au/organised-leadership-the-secret-to-leading-with-confidence-and-impact/) - Ever feel like you’re constantly juggling tasks, fighting fires, and never quite getting ahead? If so, you’re not alone. Through my own experiences, I’ve seen firsthand how disorganisation can hold leaders back from reaching their full potential. The good news? Organisation is a skill you can develop, and when you do, it transforms your leadership
- [Building Resilient Leaders: How to Navigate Challenges in 2025](https://theguineagroup.com.au/building-resilient-leaders-how-to-navigate-challenges-in-2025/) - Leadership in 2025 comes with its own set of challenges, including rapid technological shifts, evolving workplace dynamics, and the ongoing need for adaptability. I see resilience as the defining trait that separates good leaders from great ones. The question isn’t whether you’ll face challenges; it’s how you’ll navigate them. So, how can you strengthen your
- [Build Better Habits: Leadership Strategies for Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/build-better-habits-leadership-strategies-for-success/) - Think about this: How often do we enter a new year with ambitious goals, only to find ourselves slipping back into old routines within weeks? For leaders, this pattern can be especially challenging. Leadership is all about setting the tone for your team but to do that effectively, you need to lead yourself first. As
- [3 Ways Leaders Can Inspire a Healthier, More Active Workplace in 2025](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-ways-leaders-can-inspire-a-healthier-more-active-workplace-in-2025/) - As a triathlete and a leader, I’ve learned that staying active goes beyond training for a race or managing a team. It’s about finding balance, pushing limits, and inspiring those around you, whether on the course or in the office. As we step into 2025, let’s talk about why prioritising a healthier workplace culture should
- [Bridging Work, Family, and Community: How Leaders Can Foster Collaboration](https://theguineagroup.com.au/bridging-work-family-and-community-how-leaders-can-foster-collaboration/) - The best leaders know that fostering collaboration in every aspect of life—whether in work, family, or community—is essential for building strong, supportive networks that drive growth and resilience. Collaboration doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional effort to create environments where trust, communication, and mutual respect Here are the three key strategies to foster collaboration
- [Breaking the Stress Cycle: How Psychological Safety Transforms Workplaces](https://theguineagroup.com.au/breaking-the-stress-cycle-how-psychological-safety-transforms-workplaces/) - Stress in the workplace may be inevitable, but its impact doesn’t have to be. While stress may seem like an unavoidable part of work life, organisations have a powerful tool to address it: psychological safety. Creating a sense of psychological safety is a game-changer for managing workplace stress. It empowers employees to speak up about
- [Creating Psychologically Safe Remote Workspaces: Challenges and Solutions for 2025](https://theguineagroup.com.au/creating-psychologically-safe-remote-workspaces-challenges-and-solutions-for-2025/) - Creating psychologically safe remote workspaces is both a challenge and an opportunity for leaders in 2025. Psychological safety faces unique challenges in remote work. Limited non-verbal communication can lead to misunderstandings and escalate conflicts, while feelings of isolation may reduce trust and discourage employees from sharing ideas or concerns. Additionally, cultural differences and time zone
- [What Is Psychosocial Safety? A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Healthier Workplace](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-is-psychosocial-safety-a-step-by-step-guide-to-building-a-healthier-workplace/) - Psychosocial safety refers to the practices and conditions that protect employees’ mental health, emotional well-being, and overall sense of security at work. When organisations prioritise psychosocial safety, they create environments where employees feel respected, valued, and free to express themselves without fear of judgment or retaliation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding and implementing psychosocial
- [Why Psychological Safety Is the Secret Ingredient for Team Innovation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-psychological-safety-is-the-secret-ingredient-for-team-innovation/) - If you want to create a team that sparks innovation, making psychological safety a top priority is a must. Psychological safety is the belief that you can express yourself—even fail—without fear of negative consequences. Here are three key reasons why it’s the secret ingredient for team innovation: 1. It Encourages Open and Honest Communication Teams
- [Why Psychological Safety Is the Foundation of Every High-Performing Organisation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-psychological-safety-is-the-foundation-of-every-high-performing-organisation/) - If your goal is to build a high-performing organisation, psychological safety must be your starting point. While operational excellence and innovative strategies are critical, they rely heavily on a culture where employees feel empowered to contribute their best work. Psychological safety means creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas, and admitting
- [How Psychosocial Safety Climate Reduces Stress and Enhances Workplace Health](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-psychosocial-safety-climate-reduces-stress-and-enhances-workplace-health/) - Now more than ever, the well-being of employees is at the forefront of workplace priorities. A key driver of both mental and physical health in organisations is the psychosocial safety climate (PSC). This isn’t just another HR term—it’s a crucial element that protects employees from unnecessary stress and enhances workplace health overall. Let’s explore three
- [3 Ways Leaders Can Leave a Positive Legacy on Their Teams and Organisations](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-ways-leaders-can-leave-a-positive-legacy-on-their-teams-and-organisations/) - A leader’s influence often outlasts their tenure. A leader’s influence is felt long after they are gone. A leader’s influence can be remembered decades later. Great leaders not only aim to achieve immediate goals but also focus on creating a lasting impact on the teams and organisations that they serve. Leaving a legacy isn’t about
- [3 Key Steps to Implementing Psychosocial Guidelines in Australia](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-key-steps-to-implementing-psychosocial-guidelines-in-australia/) - In recent years, the emphasis on psychological and social well-being in the workplace has gained significant momentum. With Australia introducing more comprehensive psychosocial guidelines, leaders need to stay ahead by understanding and implementing these regulations effectively. These guidelines are not only crucial for compliance but are also fundamental to creating a healthy, productive, and supportive
- [How to Give Tough Feedback Without Damaging Morale](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-give-tough-feedback-without-damaging-morale/) - One of the hardest parts of leadership is delivering tough feedback. When handled poorly, these conversations can hurt morale and damage relationships. But when done well, they can inspire growth and build trust. In today’s article, we’ll cover three essential steps to give feedback that’s both honest and constructive, allowing you to empower your team
- [Building Trust in Leadership—3 Ways to Become a More Trusting and Trustworthy Leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/building-trust-in-leadership-3-ways-to-become-a-more-trusting-and-trustworthy-leader/) - Hello Leaders, More than ever, trust is a pillar that employees and teams rely on. Trust doesn’t just create a good working environment—it fuels productivity, inspires innovation, and fosters genuine commitment. However, building and maintaining trust in the workplace is no easy task. It requires leaders to be both trusting and trustworthy. Some leaders are
- [3 Reasons Employee Engagement Surveys Are Essential for Every Leader and Business](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-reasons-employee-engagement-surveys-are-essential-for-every-leader-and-business/) - If you are not focusing on employee engagement, you should be. Keeping employees engaged is more than just a buzzword; it’s a critical part of building a thriving, resilient organisation. One powerful tool in this mission? Employee engagement surveys. While these surveys might seem like a standard HR procedure, they’re much more than that—they are
- [Leading Gen Z Staff: Embracing New Expectations in the Modern Workplace](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-gen-z-staff-embracing-new-expectations-in-the-modern-workplace/) - As Gen Z continues to enter the workforce, many leaders are recognising that their needs and expectations differ from previous generations. Born roughly between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z employees bring a unique set of values and perspectives, shaped by digital immersion, global connectivity, and an unprecedented period of social and economic challenges. In this
- [Project Aristotle: 10 Years on, What Can Leaders Learn](https://theguineagroup.com.au/project-aristotle-10-years-on-what-can-leaders-learn/) - Project Aristotle was a research initiative by Google aimed at understanding what makes teams effective. Julia Rozovsky led Google's Project Aristotle, a research initiative that ran from 2012 to 2014. The project's goal was to determine what makes teams effective. Rozovsky's interest in how people work was sparked by her experiences in study groups at the
- [The Legal and Moral Case for Psychological Safety in the Workplace](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-legal-and-moral-case-for-psychological-safety-in-the-workplace/) - In 2024 and beyond, Psychological safety isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a workplace necessity, rooted in both legal obligations and moral responsibility. Creating an environment where employees feel safe to speak up, make mistakes, and share ideas without fear of retribution is not only good for business but essential for compliance and ethical leadership. Let’s unpack
- [The stress versus duress quandary](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-stress-versus-duress-quandary/) - So, you are feeling under pressure right now. My coaching clients are talking about the COVID-19 ‘crisis’ that they are dealing with. Including how do they keep their workplaces safe; how do they ask for proof of vaccinations, and the myriad of things that come with a pandemic, most of which we haven’t seen before
- [Finding Myself. The Real Stuff](https://theguineagroup.com.au/finding-myself-the-real-stuff/) - This year is my 50th on planet earth, and on October 24 of this year, I will no longer be in my 40s. For me, that will be a major milestone, and one that I am already thinking about… or maybe stressing about. I think the reason that it is becoming important is I am
- [Mastering the Leadership Skill of being Consistently Adaptable](https://theguineagroup.com.au/mastering-the-leadership-skill-of-being-consistently-adaptable/) - I was running a workshop recently (common). And I stopped a conversation prematurely with one of the team, without challenging their left field comments (uncommon). Then I got pulled up by another of the team, who told me I was wrong (uncommon) not to challenge that thinking earlier (thanks for the gift of feedback ????).
- [Elevate Your Leadership: 3 Ways to Cultivate a Strategic Mindset](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevate-your-leadership-3-ways-to-cultivate-a-strategic-mindset/) - Leadership is about strategic thinking! AKA, forward thinking. If you are a CEO, you are thinking five to 10 years ahead. If you are a middle level manager, you are thinking one to five years ahead. If you are a low level manager, you are thinking up to one year ahead. If you are a
- [Navigating Organisational Politics: Three Key Strategies for Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/navigating-organisational-politics-three-key-strategies-for-leaders/) - I teach leaders to navigate politics in their organisations, which can be difficult. Office politics can be challenging if you are not a savvy leader. Sadly, organisational politics is an unavoidable aspect of leadership life. As leaders, how we navigate politics can significantly impact our teams' morale, our projects' success, and our personal career growth.
- [The Power of Courageous Leadership: Driving Growth and Innovation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-power-of-courageous-leadership-driving-growth-and-innovation/) - In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving business world, growth and innovation depend largely on a leader’s ability to take bold actions and motivate their teams to follow suit. Courage is not just about taking risks; it’s about leading with authenticity, resilience, and an openness to uncertainty. Without courage, even the most skilled teams can become
- [How Top Organisations Foster Psychological Safety](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-top-organisations-foster-psychological-safety/) - There are 14 elements of the Psychological Safety Guidelines in Australia (also known as the psycho-social code). And there are just as many moral (people skill) elements that you need to be an effective and psychologically safe leader. Psychological safety is about creating an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas, and taking
- [Think Bigger: 3 Ways Senior Leadership Teams Can Sharpen Their Strategic Thinking](https://theguineagroup.com.au/think-bigger-3-ways-senior-leadership-teams-can-sharpen-their-strategic-thinking/) - With so many priorities on their plates, senior leadership teams often find themselves juggling immediate priorities while trying to maintain a long-term vision. Striking the right balance is no easy task, but the ability to think strategically is essential to navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Here are three practical ways senior leadership teams can elevate
- [Coaching: The Secret to Next-Level Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/coaching-the-secret-to-next-level-leadership/) - Leadership is a rewarding but challenging journey! As well as being an extremely responsible role. Leadership is the second most important job on planet Earth, second only to parenting. With constant demands, evolving team dynamics, and the pressure to deliver results, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. In 2024, leaders are crazy busy. That’s why
- [Three Ways Leaders Can Stay Calm Under Pressure](https://theguineagroup.com.au/three-ways-leaders-can-stay-calm-under-pressure/) - As a leader, the ability to stay calm under pressure isn’t just a nice-to-have trait—it’s essential. When a leader remains composed, they inspire confidence, clarity, and direction in those around them. But in the face of tight deadlines, unexpected crises, or high-stakes decisions, staying calm can feel like an uphill battle. The good news? Maintaining
- [A Story of Leadership, Trust, and Transformation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/a-story-of-leadership-trust-and-transformation/) - Creating a psychologically safe workplace is one of the most impactful things a leader can do for their team. It fosters trust, boosts creativity, and empowers employees to do their best work. Let me share a story about a leader who did just that. Sometimes, stories are a better way of sharing a message. Meet
- [3 Ways Leaders Can Be More Empathetic](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-ways-leaders-can-be-more-empathetic/) - Empathy is often hailed as a crucial leadership skill. But let’s face it: being genuinely empathetic isn’t easy. I have been told by leaders that “they were just not born with any empathy”. Which may be true (a very small percentage of the population aren’t). On a bell curve, most are, and it shows up
- [Timeless Leadership: Lessons from Great Leaders in History](https://theguineagroup.com.au/timeless-leadership-lessons-from-great-leaders-in-history/) - Leadership is often regarded as the ability to guide, inspire, and elevate those around us. In this week’s article, I want to share some lessons that legendary leaders have shared with us over time. On occasions, I get reflective and think about the amazing humans of history, and I start asking what it was that
- [Mastering Leadership Conversations: Tips for Meaningful Communication](https://theguineagroup.com.au/mastering-leadership-conversations-tips-for-meaningful-communication/) - Strong leadership is rooted in meaningful conversations. The way we converse with our teams can either foster connection or create division. Prioritising connection improves understanding within teams. It helps leaders gain insights into their team members' diverse perspectives and experiences, fostering empathy essential for tackling challenges and resolving conflicts. When leaders show they genuinely care
- [How Leaders Can Foster Accountability to Boost Team Productivity](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-leaders-can-foster-accountability-to-boost-team-productivity/) - If you are a leader at any level of an organisation, accountability is essential for your teams to operate at their best. When team members (and the leader) take ownership of their tasks; productivity rises, and projects and outputs are delivered on time, on budget, and on point. But as leaders, how can we effectively
- [3 Ways Leaders Can Prepare Themselves Emotionally and Mentally for the Rigors of Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-ways-leaders-can-prepare-themselves-emotionally-and-mentally-for-the-rigors-of-leadership/) - In this article, we’re diving into a topic that’s essential yet often overlooked: How leaders can mentally and emotionally prepare for the challenges they’ll face. As leaders, you’re not only responsible for making decisions, guiding teams, and driving results—you’re also accountable for maintaining resilience in the face of adversity. The emotional and mental toll can
- [3 Key Steps Leaders Can Take to Prevent Team Burnout](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-key-steps-leaders-can-take-to-prevent-team-burnout/) - Since the pandemic, burnout has become a serious concern for many organisations. A staggering number of employees report feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and disconnected, which can ultimately affect both their well-being and productivity. Currently, burnout and mental health are the top cause of claims in the insurance industry. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to support our
- [The Power of a Leadership Mantra: Your North Star for Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-power-of-a-leadership-mantra-your-north-star-for-success/) - As a leader, you’re often tasked with guiding teams through uncertain waters, making tough decisions, and inspiring others to achieve their best. But with all the demands, distractions, and daily challenges, how do you ensure you stay grounded in your core values and lead with clarity? One powerful yet often overlooked tool is the use
- [The Critical Role of Team Members in Building Psychologically Safe Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-critical-role-of-team-members-in-building-psychologically-safe-teams/) - What I think some team members tend to forget is how important every team member is in creating and maintaining a psychologically safe space. Team members are critical to the success and well-being of every team. Psychologically safe teams are those where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves, sharing ideas, and taking risks without fear of
- [3 Ways Leaders Can Elevate Professionalism Through Their Language](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-ways-leaders-can-elevate-professionalism-through-their-language/) - Put simply: How leaders communicate can make or break their effectiveness. Full stop. The words we choose, the tone we set, and the clarity we provide are critical in shaping perceptions and driving action. For leaders, mastering language isn't just about being articulate or poised — it's about inspiring credibility, encouraging collaboration, and leading with
- [3 Key Actions Leaders Can Take to Foster Challenger Safety in Their Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-key-actions-leaders-can-take-to-foster-challenger-safety-in-their-teams/) - Creating a workplace where creation and innovation thrive starts with fostering psychological safety — a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves without fear of negative consequences. The penultimate aspect of this is challenger safety, where team members feel empowered to question the status quo, offer alternative viewpoints, and challenge ideas, even when it involves
- [3 Key Actions Leaders Can Take to Foster Contributor Safety in Their Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-key-actions-leaders-can-take-to-foster-contributor-safety-in-their-teams/) - Psychological safety is more than just a buzzword—it's a vital element of effective leadership and high-performing teams. One key aspect of psychological safety is contributor safety, where team members feel confident sharing their ideas, offering solutions, and taking risks without fear of resentment, rejection or ridicule. When individuals feel safe to contribute, they engage more
- [3 Key Actions Leaders Can Take to Foster Learner Safety in Their Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-key-actions-leaders-can-take-to-foster-learner-safety-in-their-teams/) - Creating a psychologically safe environment is essential for fostering innovation, trust, and growth. One critical aspect of psychological safety is learner safety — the space where individuals feel comfortable asking questions, admitting mistakes, and trying new things without fear of judgment or negative consequences. As leaders, it's our responsibility to ensure that learner safety is
- [3 Key Actions Leaders Can Take to Foster Inclusion Safety in Their Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-key-actions-leaders-can-take-to-foster-inclusion-safety-in-their-teams/) - Psychological safety has become a cornerstone of high-performing teams, but it’s essential to dive deeper into a specific aspect of this concept: Inclusion Safety. Inclusion safety goes beyond simply encouraging people to speak up; it’s about ensuring everyone feels they belong, regardless of their background, experiences, or perspectives. How can leaders create an environment of
- [Key Steps to Create a Safe Space for Your Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/key-steps-to-create-a-safe-space-for-your-team/) - Creating a safe space for your team is essential for fostering trust, creativity, and collaboration. When team members feel safe, they are more likely to express their ideas, take risks, and fully engage in their work. Here are three crucial steps you can take to create that safe space within your team: 1. Encourage Open
- [3 Key Actions Leaders Can Take to Role Model Psychological Safety for Their Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-key-actions-leaders-can-take-to-role-model-psychological-safety-for-their-teams/) - Team members are an important part of the Psychological safety process. But so are Leaders. Leaders play a pivotal role in creating and maintaining a culture where team members feel safe to express their ideas, take risks, and be their authentic selves. But what does it truly mean to role model psychological safety, and how
- [Creating a Safe Space for Your Team: 3 Key Steps Every Leader Should Take](https://theguineagroup.com.au/creating-a-safe-space-for-your-team-3-key-steps-every-leader-should-take/) - Right now, fostering a culture of trust and safety is more crucial than ever. When team members feel safe, they are more engaged, innovative, and committed to achieving our shared goals. As leaders, it's our responsibility to create and maintain that safe space. Here are three essential steps you can take to make this a
- [The Cost of Neglecting Psychological Safety: 3 Major Impacts on Your Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-cost-of-neglecting-psychological-safety-3-major-impacts-on-your-team/) - Leaders are often focused on driving results and meeting deadlines. While these are essential, there's another crucial element that significantly influences team performance: psychological safety. Defined as the belief that one won’t be rejected, resented, or ridiculed, for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes, psychological safety is the bedrock of a healthy, innovative,
- [3 Key Actions Leaders Can Take to Foster Psychological Safety in Their Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-key-actions-leaders-can-take-to-foster-psychological-safety-in-their-teams/) - As we continue to navigate the complexities of our 2024 work environments, one thing remains clear: psychological safety is critical to the success and well-being of our teams. When team members feel safe to express themselves, share ideas, and take risks without fear of negative consequences, they are more engaged, innovative, and productive. So, how
- [Three Strategies to Attract the Best Talent to Your Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/three-strategies-to-attract-the-best-talent-to-your-team/) - Attracting top talent is more challenging than ever. Talent is scarce. With the increasing demand for highly skilled professionals, leaders must go beyond offering competitive salaries to stand out. The best talent is not just looking for a job; they’re looking for a fulfilling career with a company that aligns with their values, provides opportunities
- [3 Effective Strategies for Leaders to Manage Uncertainty](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-effective-strategies-for-leaders-to-manage-uncertainty/) - Now, more than ever, uncertainty is a constant challenge every leader faces. Whether it involves staffing crises, economic shifts, technological disruptions, or unforeseen global events, the ability to navigate uncertainty has become a crucial skill for effective leadership. In this edition of our newsletter, we’ll explore three strategies that leaders can use to manage uncertainty
- [Moving from Ideas to Action: 3 Strategies for Leaders and Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/moving-from-ideas-to-action-3-strategies-for-leaders-and-teams/) - In 2024, the world moves fast. Knowledge is doubling on the planet at a rapid rate. The ability to turn ideas into action quickly and efficiently is crucial for success. Yet, many organisations find themselves bogged down in endless meetings, discussions, and planning sessions, with little concrete results to show. So, how can leaders and
- [Elevate Accountability: 3 Strategies for Leaders and Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevate-accountability-3-strategies-for-leaders-and-teams/) - In our journey toward excellence, accountability is the cornerstone of success. Holding ourselves and our teams accountable to commitments ensures that we maintain the highest standards and achieve our goals. As a leadership coach, the skill of accountability is the most commonly requested coaching goal that I hear from leaders. It is a difficult skill
- [Breaking the dependency on one skill: How leaders can broaden their skillsets](https://theguineagroup.com.au/breaking-the-dependency-how-leaders-can-broaden-their-skillsets/) - Some leaders are very good in one particular area of their role. They might be good at the technical work, or they might be good at the people work, or they might be good with clients. The challenge is relying too heavily on a single skill can be a significant risk. While specialisation has its
- [Strengthening Leadership Resilience: Reducing Reliance on a Single Individual](https://theguineagroup.com.au/strengthening-leadership-resilience-reducing-reliance-on-a-single-individual/) - Several times in my career, I have relied on one person or one client. And when that person or client moved on, my business was in peril for a period. Reliance on one person, without diversity, is fraught with danger. Here is what I have learned about how to be less reliant on one person:
- [Transform Your Leadership: Think Strategically, Not Tactically](https://theguineagroup.com.au/transform-your-leadership-think-strategically-not-tactically/) - Working hard on the wrong stuff is not working smart. It is working aimlessly. Strategy first. Tactics second. Get the what and the why sorted. The how will take care of itself. Personally, I like getting stuff done, and pride myself on my work output. Sadly, I have had experiences where I have looked back
- [Mark's Story](https://theguineagroup.com.au/marks-story/) - By The Guinea Group 19 July 2024 On what seemed like a routine night, Mark, who has 35 years of experience, made a significant error due to complacency. He miscalculated the fuel tank's capacity, leading to an overfill of unleaded petrol. Read Transcript Just a straightforward night, normal day at the office. No dramas, yeah,
- [Bridging the Skills Gap: 3 Strategic Approaches for Effective Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/bridging-the-skills-gap-3-strategic-approaches-for-effective-leadership/) - Does your team have the skills to do the work that they are responsible for? Have you had a conversation with your team regarding skill levels? Would they tell you that they don’t have skills in a particular area of their work? These are the top three questions that I ask leaders who are worried
- [Mastering Leadership: 5 Effective Ways to Choose Staff](https://theguineagroup.com.au/mastering-leadership-5-effective-ways-to-choose-staff/) - I have hired a lot of staff, over my time as a leader. Some have been amazing hires. Some not so much. The one thing that I know is that if you can’t staff effectively, you can lead effectively because your team can’t perform effectively. As leaders, our ability to select the right team members
- [Leading with Integrity: How Leaders Can Show Up with High Ethics and Values](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-with-integrity-how-leaders-can-show-up-with-high-ethics-and-values/) - Do you trust your leader? Why or why not? Regardless of your answer – did you think about their ethics or values as part of the trust proposition? Ethics and values based behaviour instil trust. Instil credibility. Instil confidence. If you are a leader, and you don’t demonstrate these two character traits, your team will
- [Unlock Your Team's Potential: Strategies for Building a High-Performing Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/unlock-your-teams-potential-strategies-for-building-a-high-performing-team/) - Are you struggling to build a high-performing team? You're not alone. Many leaders face challenges in creating a cohesive, motivated, and productive team. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can transform your team into a powerhouse of performance and collaboration. 1. Understand Your Team's Strengths and Weaknesses Every team is made up of
- [Reignite Your Growth: A Guide for Leaders to Restart Personal Development](https://theguineagroup.com.au/reignite-your-growth-a-guide-for-leaders-to-restart-personal-development/) - It is easy to get busy and neglect your personal growth. Which will make you stale and stuck in the period when you last learned something major for your career or your life. Meetings, deadlines, and the relentless drive to achieve business goals can overshadow the crucial need for self-growth. If you’ve found yourself neglecting
- [Elevate Your Leadership: Mastering Administration & Attention to Detail](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevate-your-leadership-mastering-administration-attention-to-detail/) - If you ever do your DISC profile with TGG, you will see that you are either direct, influential, steady, or analytical (detailed). 80% of people have two major styles, 15% of people have three major styles, and 5% of people have one major style. Mine is not detailed. I can remember as far back as
- [Leading the Future - Optimising Work Processes](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-the-future-optimising-work-processes/) - In 2024, optimising work processes is no longer just a strategic advantage—it's a necessity. It has also never been easier. Leaders who are committed to optimisation and enhancement can see significant gains in the effectiveness and efficiency of their teams. With sometimes just a few keystrokes. To be competitive in 2024 and into the future,
- [Three Powerful Ways Leaders Can Drive Vision and Purpose](https://theguineagroup.com.au/three-powerful-ways-leaders-can-drive-vision-and-purpose/) - “Visionaries stand apart in the realm of leadership. They possess a magnetic ability to inspire and motivate, compelling others to march toward a shared goal. The seed of transformation lies in their visionary outlook, shaping the world with their clarity of purpose and unwavering determination. The power of vision is a force that propels great
- [Building Trust: The Cornerstone of Effective Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/building-trust-the-cornerstone-of-effective-leadership/) - Leaders need to be trusted. Period. Sadly, a lot aren’t. Just look at the leaders who are in the public eye and ask yourself how much you really trust what they say. Do you get a little gut feeling when listening to them speak and wonder if they have a hidden agenda? I know I
- [Enhance Your Leadership: Become a Tech-Savvy Leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/enhance-your-leadership-become-a-tech-savvy-leader/) - Leaders need to develop their tech-savvy skills. It is 2024. If you aren’t using AI daily, you are getting left behind. Don’t be afraid. Lean in. Technology is not a hindrance; it is a help. Even in coaching sessions, I regularly bring up AI or other programs that can assist with the process of both
- [Building High-Performing Teams: Three Key Strategies for Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/building-high-performing-teams-three-key-strategies-for-leaders/) - Teams are high-performing. Or they are not. High-performing teams deliver on not only their KPIs or their tangible outcomes. They also deliver on creating a psychologically safe workplace for their team members. In other words, they deliver on their measurable goals, and they deliver on the development of the humans involved. Here @TGG, we get
- [Balancing Stakeholders: Three Key Strategies for Effective Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/balancing-stakeholders-three-key-strategies-for-effective-leadership/) - Most leaders struggle with balancing stakeholders. A stakeholder is any person with an interest or concern in the work the leader’s team is doing. Stakeholders might be customers of the team (internal and external), suppliers to the team (internal and external), or interested parties. They might be indirectly impacted by the work of the team.
- [Enhance Your Leadership: 3 Key Strategies for Situational Adaptability](https://theguineagroup.com.au/enhance-your-leadership-3-key-strategies-for-situational-adaptability/) - “The concept of situational awareness was identified during World War I by Oswald Boelke who realised 'the importance of gaining an awareness of the enemy before the enemy gained a similar awareness, and devised methods for accomplishing this.” (credit: Brunel University) Situational awareness is all about adaptability and flexibility. It starts with awareness, it ends with
- [The Leader’s Edge: Three Pillars of Continuous Self-Development](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-leaders-edge-three-pillars-of-continuous-self-development/) - Learn. Then, learn some more. Learn about leadership, learn about life. Never stop learning, both personally and professionally. Develop yourself, and give yourself a better chance as a leader! If you ever come along to one of our two day leadership programs, you will see that the first half day of day 1 is on
- [The Cornerstone of Outstanding Customer Service: Patience](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-cornerstone-of-outstanding-customer-service-patience/) - When you cut off a customer mid-sentence, your patience has likely worn thin. If your body language becomes tense and your facial expressions harden, it's a sign your patience is waning. If you lose your temper with a customer, your patience has undoubtedly run out. A Real-Life Example: Here's a story shared by a friend
- [Leadership Learning: 3 Strategies for Improved Self-awareness](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-learning-3-strategies-for-improved-self-awareness/) - "Self-awareness is the ability to focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts, or emotions do or don't align with your internal standards. If you're highly self-aware, you can objectively evaluate yourself, manage your emotions, align your behaviour with your values, and understand correctly how others perceive you." (Credit: Betterup.com). Put simply, those who are highly
- [3 Essential Strategies for Leaders to Drive Results](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-essential-strategies-for-leaders-to-drive-results/) - As a leader, you are measured on results. On outcomes. On performance. On output. Not your own, specifically. The productivity and the performance of your team. And how effective, efficient, committed, and productive they are. Most leaders know this, as do team members. Though it is easier said than done. If you have got a
- [Unlocking Leadership Potential: 3 Strategies for Enhanced Resourcefulness](https://theguineagroup.com.au/unlocking-leadership-potential-3-strategies-for-enhanced-resourcefulness/) - Some leaders (deep down) think that ‘if I need it done right, I need to do it myself’, or words to that effect. Some leaders also think that they have to do all the work, regardless of how well (or not) they do it (they don’t allocate to others). Some leaders are just not trusting
- [Building Resilience: Three Ways Leaders Can Empower Their Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/building-resilience-three-ways-leaders-can-empower-their-teams/) - Resilience is not about coping through boom events. Though most people think that it is. Resilience is developed prior to, and following boom events. Research now shows that the more resilient you are, the better you handle the boom events (coping). And the better you come out the other side of the boom event (post-traumatic
- [Upgrade Your Leadership Skills: 3 Strategies for Effective Planning and Prioritisation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/upgrade-your-leadership-skills-3-strategies-for-effective-planning-and-prioritisation/) - Every leader is busy. Crazy busy. They don’t have enough time. They are flat out. They are under pressure. They are stressed. At the same time, their teams are, too. A recipe for disaster. Here’s the thing. There are a range of ways that leaders can make things easy for themselves and for their teams.
- [Enhance Your Leadership Skills: 3 Ways to Boost Your Persuasion](https://theguineagroup.com.au/enhance-your-leadership-skills-3-ways-to-boost-your-persuasion/) - If you are a leader, you need to be persuasive. There is no other way to say that! If you lead others, you need to be able to craft a narrative and move people to action. Move them to action … because they want to act, not because you want them to. That would be
- [Embracing Nimble Learning: A Leadership Imperative](https://theguineagroup.com.au/embracing-nimble-learning-a-leadership-imperative/) - Every day is a school day. You learn something new every day. Life is about continuous learning. Name your cliché. Consistent and adaptive learning is a lifelong process. But it is a process that is not well understood … The majority of people learn by default. They rely on the 70-20-10 learning model, which states
- [Strengthen Your Team: Building Networks for Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/strengthen-your-team-building-networks-for-success/) - Strengthening your team is about strengthening your networks. Whatever role you are in, whether it is a business development role, a front-line leadership role, or a CEO role, your net-worth is based on your net-work. Your ability to network, and to engage with others in your organisation, or industry, will determine the level of success
- [Developing Interpersonal Savvy: Three Ways to Improve Your Skills](https://theguineagroup.com.au/developing-interpersonal-savvy-three-ways-to-improve-your-skills/) - How good are your interpersonal skills? This is not just your emotional intelligence or your communication. In short, your interpersonal savvy is your ability to read situations, respond accordingly, and not react in a way that you need to follow up with an apology. Interpersonal savvy is about being a chameleon and adapting your approach to the
- [Cultivating Innovation: Three Strategies for Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/cultivating-innovation-three-strategies-for-leaders/) - If you are doing what you always did, you will be going out of business. It is that simple. In 2024, if you are not adopting technology, and being creative and innovative, you will be falling behind the pack. If you are not innovating, your competition is. An example of this is Nike. Recently, Nike
- [Cultivating a Global Business Perspective – Empowering Our Team for Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/cultivating-a-global-business-perspective-empowering-our-team-for-success/) - Access to international business clients or associates is now easier that it has ever been. Whether it is technology, or the ease of travel, we can be working with or connecting with other people in other countries in an instant. If you are in business and you aren’t doing that, you will be missing out
- [Elevate Financial Acumen in Your Team - 3 Key Strategies](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevate-financial-acumen-in-your-team-3-key-strategies/) - What does your team know about your business finances? What should they know? Do they have the skills to interpret financial reports or financial information? Do they need those skills? These are all questions every leader should ask themselves. I was having a conversation with another business owner recently, and they were surprised when I
- [Driving Engagement - 3 Key Leadership Strategies](https://theguineagroup.com.au/driving-engagement-3-key-leadership-strategies/) - My team aren’t engaged. I’m not engaged. How do we get everyone engaged? We need a higher level of engagement. Organisations spend tens of thousands of dollars (sometimes on a yearly basis) to measure how engaged their teams and their organisation is. They try to answer some of the above questions or address the above
- [Unlocking Leadership Excellence - 3 Keys to Directing Work Effectively](https://theguineagroup.com.au/unlocking-leadership-excellence-3-keys-to-directing-work-effectively/) - In 2024, leaders are crazy busy (apparently – not just busy). This impacts on their ability to effectively allocate and direct work. The ability to effectively direct work is paramount for leadership success. Whether you're leading a small team or a large organisation, the way you guide and coordinate tasks can make all the difference
- [Embracing Differences – 3 Key Strategies for Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/embracing-differences-3-key-strategies-for-leaders/) - In 2024, diversity isn't just a buzzword – it's a fundamental aspect of successful leadership. Embracing differences within teams and organisations isn't merely a matter of optics or compliance; it's about leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives that each individual brings to the table. As leaders, fostering an environment where diversity is valued and celebrated
- [Leading for the Future – Developing Talent](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-for-the-future-developing-talent/) - Leadership training wasn’t a thing when I was a mid-level manager. And that was hard. I only now understand how hard. With what I have learnt about leadership in the last decade or two, I could have been a better leader. I could have been a better person. But those were the times. Any training
- [Elevating your Leadership: 3 Tips for Making Better Decisions](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevating-your-leadership-3-tips-for-making-better-decisions/) - Leaders need to make decisions. Period. In my coaching, I let leaders know that it is better to make a decision than not to. That your teams are relying on you to decide. That is your job. In fact, not making a decision is in itself a decision – the decision not to procrastinate –
- [Enhancing Team Performance: Instilling a Customer Focus](https://theguineagroup.com.au/enhancing-team-performance-instilling-a-customer-focus/) - If you are leading a team, you will most likely have customers. Whether they are internal customers or external customers, your team is a service provider in some way. And if you are providing a service, your team is obliged to have a high level of customer focus and customer service. In today's competitive landscape,
- [Elevating your Leadership: 3 Ways to Embrace Courage](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevating-your-leadership-3-ways-to-embrace-courage/) - Leadership can be scary. Leadership can be lonely. Leadership can be challenging. It can also be highly rewarding, if you have the courage to face the situations, circumstances, and even people, that are a challenge for you. Leadership, at all levels of every organisation, takes courageous decision making. In all realms of leadership, courage stands
- [Leadership Insights: Navigating Turmoil Within Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-insights-navigating-turmoil-within-teams/) - As a leadership coach, I have seen teams explode. Explode in a good way, into high performance and high output. I have seen them start in turmoil and turn everything around. Teams in turmoil require a very specific style of leadership, and some very specific strategies to work with team members. It is possible to
- [Leadership Insights: Navigating Complexity](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-insights-navigating-complexity/) - As leaders, we often find ourselves confronted with intricate challenges that demand innovative solutions and strategic thinking. Here are three essential strategies to effectively manage complexity: 1. Foster Adaptive Mindsets In a world characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), leaders must cultivate adaptive mindsets within their teams. Encourage a culture of continuous learning
- [Effective Communication – The Leadership Cornerstone](https://theguineagroup.com.au/effective-communication-the-leadership-cornerstone/) - The topic of effective communication never gets old. It is as important at work, as it is outside of work. It is crucial for leaders, and it is an essential part of building strong relationships. So why do more people not work hard on this as a skill set? In relation to leading teams, communication
- [Enhancing Collaboration – 3 Strategies for Collaborative Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/enhancing-collaboration-3-strategies-for-collaborative-leadership/) - Collaboration is an essential part of good decision making. It is also slower, it takes effort, and it takes a willingness to have a discussion prior to making the decision. It also requires an open mind. A mind open to other suggestions, other ideas, and other information. A truly collaborative leader is a calm leader,
- [Elevating Team Performance – Three Strategies for Enhanced Business Insight](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevating-team-performance-three-strategies-for-enhanced-business-insight/) - How much does your team know about your business. About your business goals and vision. About your culture. About your history. About your back stories. About your successes. About your failures. About who does what job. About who you need to influence for support. About who you can help. Today, take as an exercise to
- [Upgrade your Team – Attract Top Talent](https://theguineagroup.com.au/upgrade-your-team-attract-top-talent/) - In 2024, the labour market favours employees. It is supply and demand – the business cycle. There are more jobs than there are people. There is more work to do than people to do the work. Which impacts the output of leaders and their teams. Attracting top talent would be one of the biggest challenges
- [Mastering Ambiguity – 3 Leadership Strategies](https://theguineagroup.com.au/mastering-ambiguity-3-leadership-strategies/) - Managing ambiguity would be one of the biggest challenges for leaders at all levels. For most people, things aren’t clear or obvious. They aren’t black and white (unless you are in Engineering or Accounting, potentially). Some studies estimate that 90% of what leaders deal with on a daily basis is at least somewhat ambiguous. Opinions
- [Empower Your Team: 3 Ways Leaders Foster Action Orientation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/empower-your-team-3-ways-leaders-foster-action-orientation/) - As a leader, one gripe you may have will relate to the level of action orientation of your team members. Some will be high on the scale of action orientation, and others not so much. For those that don’t have a natural inclination to being in action, these team members may need additional support. To
- [Elevating Accountability: Three Strategies for Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevating-accountability-three-strategies-for-leaders/) - Accountability is a challenge for some leaders. Both taking personal accountability (and responsibility – see my post last week on Extreme Ownership) and creating accountable team members. I’ve written about this before, with a RACI (responsibility, accountability, consulted, informed) lens, though this newsletter is more about the culture of accountability, not the process or the
- [How to cope with pressure when things go BOOM ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-cope-with-pressure-when-things-go-boom-2/) - The human species is developed to cope. We have survived millions of years of catastrophic events. We have even survived when other species of hominids didn’t. We are resilient, and we are copers. But what does coping really take, as a leader, when things go BOOM? Firstly, coping is not about being resilient. During the
- [Taking Extreme Ownership: Key to Leadership Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/taking-extreme-ownership-key-to-leadership-success/) - If you only have one strategy as a leader, let it be this – take extreme ownership. Take radical responsibility. Take ultimate accountability. Own it. It is no secret that I love the book by the same name by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin – I bought another seven copies today to give away to
- [Inspiring Leadership: Crafting a Vision for Your Team's Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/inspiring-leadership-crafting-a-vision-for-your-teams-success/) - We have all been told that having a vision is a big part of leadership. Yes it is. But what is it really, and how do you get one of these so called visions. Well you think forward a year or two, and try to determine what you want your team to look and feel
- [Elevating Your Leadership: Embracing Systems Thinking for Organisational Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevating-your-leadership-embracing-systems-thinking-for-organisational-success/) - Systems leadership is the most important thing you can do to elevate your leadership outcomes. It is a process, but more importantly, it is a mindset. Systems leadership was first introduced to me by a leader who shared the book “Requisite Organisation” (Jacques). The concepts resonated, and more importantly, the process resonated with me. In
- [Mastering Task Allocation: A Leader's Guide to Effectiveness ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/mastering-task-allocation-a-leaders-guide-to-effectiveness/) - Stop delegating and start allocating. No one (or most team members) like being delegated to. They find delegation degrading. The word itself has a negative connotation. Leaders don’t even like it. They choke on it when they are telling me (in coaching) that they need to … ahhh … start … ummm … delegating work
- [The 3 Strategies for CEO Effectiveness ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-3-strategies-for-ceo-effectiveness/) - Getting appointed as a CEO is a big deal. Being an effective CEO is an even bigger deal. And I work with a lot of CEOs (and the C-Suite), to work through how to continue to develop their business, and the people in them. Here are three strategies that you could implement if you are
- [Unlocking Leadership Potential for Introverts: 3 Proven Strategies ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/unlocking-leadership-potential-for-introverts-3-proven-strategies/) - I have met a lot of introverted leaders. And this is something that I never thought I would say (as an extroverted extrovert 😊), they make the best leaders. Yes, and contrary to popular belief, introverts can be exceptional leaders, bringing unique strengths to the table. In 1921, psychiatrist and theorist Carl Gustav Jung introduced two terms
- [Leading for Development: Embracing Transformational Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-for-development-embracing-transformational-leadership/) - In 1978, James MacGregor Burns wrote a book titled "Leadership”. It is still the seminal work on the topic for many students of leadership and for leaders. It was a 530 page book, that won a National Book Award, and a Pulitzer Prize for the author. Some of the key concepts in the book were
- [Cultivating Transparency: A Guide for Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/cultivating-transparency-a-guide-for-leaders/) - “Sorry, I can’t share that with you.” “That information is not public knowledge”. “I really want to tell you more”. Just reflect for a moment on how you feel when your leaders use phrases like these. What I would hear is ‘knowledge is power’ or the ‘veil of secrecy’. These phrases just don’t engender trust,
- [Elevating Team Excellence: Recognising and Rewarding High Performers](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevating-team-excellence-recognising-and-rewarding-high-performers/) - A 2013 Study on employee engagement finds 70% of workers don't need monetary rewards to feel motivated. Make Their Day Research Firm and Badgeville shed light on driving the best work out of today's employees. The study’s key findings included: No-Dollar Rewards and Recognition Are the Most Valuable Motivators "Free" recognition and virtual rewards have
- [Cultivating Psychological Safety: 3 Vital Strategies for Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/cultivating-psychological-safety-3-vital-strategies-for-leaders/) - The life of a leader is changing. Leadership is being misconstrued as bullying. Languaging matters. The fear of offending is real. 2024 leadership is not 1900s leadership. The requirements of leadership have evolved, and it is creating a challenge for some leaders. Especially since about September 2023 when the Guidelines for how organisations need to
- [Elevate Your Leadership Presence: Why Creating Social Media Content Matters](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevate-leadership-presence-why-creating-social-media-content-matters/) - You made it. You are there. You’ve done it. You’ve made it to the holiday season … hopefully in one piece … With the festive season upon us, it's crucial for leaders to prioritise our well-being and recharge our batteries. Amidst the hustle and bustle of leadership, taking time to unwind is not just a
- [Unlock your Leadership Success: 3 Key Strategies for Goal Achievement in 2024](https://theguineagroup.com.au/unlock-your-leadership-success-3-key-strategies-for-goal-achievement-in-2024/) - Another Wednesday. Another new year. Another chance to reset and refocus. To reinvigorate your team, and your results. But what will that take? What will you do differently in 2024. Maybe nothing. Or maybe just goal setting and vision setting. As we embrace the fresh canvas of a new year, the pursuit of our goals
- [Unwinding and Unloading: 5 Essential Strategies for Leaders this Christmas](https://theguineagroup.com.au/unwinding-and-unloading-5-essential-strategies-for-leaders-this-christmas/) - You made it. You are there. You’ve done it. You’ve made it to the holiday season … hopefully in one piece … With the festive season upon us, it's crucial for leaders to prioritise our well-being and recharge our batteries. Amidst the hustle and bustle of leadership, taking time to unwind is not just a
- [Elevate Your Remote Leadership: Top 3 Proven Tips for Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevate-your-remote-leadership-top-3-proven-tips-for-success/) - Do you lead a remote team? If you do, good for you. It means that you embraced an element of flexibility with your teams. If you are not managing remote teams, the likelihood is that meeting software is still a bit part of your life and Zoom or Teams are programs that you utilise on
- [Mastering Adaptability: 3 Essential Traits of Adaptive Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/mastering-adaptability-3-essential-traits-of-adaptive-leadership/) - “We fear change because it means that outcomes are unknown. Our brains are designed to find peace in knowing. When we don't know what will happen, we make up scenarios and, in turn, create worry. Humans find it hard to move on when something known comes to an end.” (credit uopeople.edu). Dealing with change is a
- [What leadership topics are of interest right now?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-leadership-topics-are-of-interest-right-now/) - Chat GPT rocks. It is such a powerful tool. For a business owner, it provides amazing assistance. For a leader, it provides even more assistance. Every time you have a tough challenge, Chat GPT is there, ready to answer any question for you … not with pages of websites … but with succinct, clear, concise,
- [Leadership Success: Mastering the Art of the Coaching Conversation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-success-mastering-the-art-of-the-coaching-conversation/) - A number of our workshops recently, have included training for leaders on the art (skill) of conducting difficult conversations (or robust conversations, or courageous conversations, or whatever your organisation calls them). It is such an important skill for leaders to work on. In my experience, it is the one thing that even the best leaders
- [Cultivating Authentic Leadership: 3 Strategies for Genuine Connection](https://theguineagroup.com.au/cultivating-authentic-leadership-3-strategies-for-genuine-connection/) - One of the hot topics that keeps coming up in my coaching and training programs is authenticity in leadership. Being genuine. And even better, being genuinely happy. Some leaders struggle with this concept. They just don’t know how to be themselves, and how to demonstrate who they really are. Authentically. As an inexperienced leader, I
- [How is Leadership and Public Speaking like acting and theatre?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-is-leadership-and-public-speaking-like-acting-and-theatre/) - Recently, I interviewed Tara Tate about her background, and about what it takes to run a theatre company, and how acting is like leadership and public speaking! Here is what I learnt: 1. There is no leader on stage during a play This was an interesting thing to discover! you like going to watch live musicals,
- [Client of the Month: LJ Hooker](https://theguineagroup.com.au/client-of-the-month-lj-hooker/) - If your business is anything like ours, we need the support of many services providers – all that help us deliver an outstanding service for our clients!!! Each month, we reward one great service provider with ‘Supplier of the Month’. The reason we do that is to give them some great publicity, and to say
- [How to really Change the Culture in your Business](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-really-change-the-culture-in-your-business/) - As I talk to senior leaders in businesses, they inevitably want to change an element of the culture of the business, whether it be around client care, communication protocols or even employee health and safety – or a range of others … And, it is great when senior leaders recognise, and then commit to a
- [The Willingness, Responsibility and Action Pyramid!](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-willingness-responsibility-and-action-pyramid/) - Coaching leaders is the most rewarding, challenging and interesting task I have ever undertaken during my career. It is all of those things, and more, on so many levels. The one thing that I struggle the most with, though, is when leaders (or even team members – who I also work with) either don’t want
- [Why I do work with Leaders and Teams … and this is deep](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-i-do-work-with-leaders-and-teams-and-this-is-deep/) - Since 2004, I have been working directly, or indirectly, with leaders at all levels of businesses to help them to become better versions of themselves. That has involved as much work with teams, as it has with leaders, and helping teams to just ‘work better together’. It has been a passion, a mission and a
- [A WTF Moment (Where’s The Fairness): Integrity As A Leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/a-wtf-moment-wheres-the-fairness-integrity-as-a-leader/) - “Oops sorry about that but you still have to pay your invoice!!!” Should I seriously still have to pay full price for a #service that wasn’t delivered? Recently, I hired a company that promised to deliver heaps of #business leads. “OK! I said, if you are that good, here’s a few $000s for your outstanding service” … Fast forward
- [The Art of Storytelling for Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-art-of-storytelling-for-leaders/) - One senior leader that I work with is a master story teller. This leader has worked out that story telling is the best way to make a point, the best way to connect with the team at a deeper level, and the best way to build rapport with people who can empathise with the story
- [The Mindful Leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-mindful-leader/) - I am currently listening to the audio book – The Mindful Leader, by Michael Bunting. It really is a great read (listen), and the learnings are amazing. It really does unpack what it means to be mindful (present), and how to really achieve that. And, no, it is not something that happens overnight, and yes,
- [Leaders with Influence: J.K Rowling](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leaders-with-influence-j-k-rowling/) - 10 years ago, I wrote a best-selling book on Millionaires and Billionaires, and that book revealed the secret to their success! I am currently doing a re-write of that book – here is what we published about J.K Rowling… Many of the stories that we have heard outline people who have made it big, or were clearly
- [Where Leadership Starts](https://theguineagroup.com.au/where-leadership-starts/) - In his best-selling book (and 28 million view Ted Talk), Simon Sinek explains where leadership starts: “In studying the leaders who’ve had the greatest influence in the world, Simon Sinek discovered that they all think, act, and communicate in the exact same way—and it’s the complete opposite of what everyone else does. Sinek calls this
- [Leaders with Influence: Tony Blair](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leaders-with-influence-tony-blair/) - 10 years ago, I wrote a best-selling book on Millionaires and Billionaires, and that book revealed the secret to their success! I am currently doing a re-write of that book – here is what we published about Tony Blair… Tony Blair is an example of how to reach great heights in politics. He served as British Prime
- [Leaders with Influence: Warren Buffett](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leaders-with-influence-warren-buffett/) - 10 years ago, I wrote a best-selling book on Millionaires and Billionaires, and that book revealed the secret to their success! I am currently doing a re-write of that book – here is what we published about Warren Buffett… By now, the modus operandi of the self-made billionaire is becoming apparent, and Warren Buffett epitomises the type.
- [Can Leadership Be Taught – And How?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/can-leadership-be-taught-and-how/) - It is the age-old question: are leaders born or bred, and can leadership be taught? The answer is a resounding yes … leadership is a skill, hence it can be learnt, though there are some stipulations that sit behind the answer, and it is important to understand those, and what you need to really do
- [How do you Train 240 People in Personal Leadership in 4 days???](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-do-you-train-240-people-in-personal-leadership-in-4-days/) - With the help of an extremely well organised client, and with some purpose and some passion, is how you get it done!!! The purpose piece was about sharing with everyone that they are all leaders, and the passion piece was about me showing up with an energy that showed how much I believe in the
- [Which Leadership Style is best? And, why?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/which-leadership-style-is-best-and-why/) - Depending on what leadership theory you aspire to, there are a number of leadership styles, and even models to choose from. My personal preference is the James MacGregor Burns model, where Burns makes the distinction between transactional and transformational leadership (as well as Laissez Faire Leadership). In short: What Leadership Style is Best – Is
- [Attention Leaders: How do you plead?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/attention-leaders-how-do-you-plead/) - GUILTY for failing to discharge safety & health obligations. That was what a court heard recently, 6 years after the terribly unfortunate death of a husband, and father, of a young family. Yes, 6 years later, and a $30k plus fine, and the Leader of the work team is through the court system .. though will probably
- [What Leadership Means To Me](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-leadership-means-to-me/) - Would you believe that the statement ‘what leadership means to me’ (or a question, maybe) is one of the most searched phrases on Google, in relation to the word leadership. Isn’t that interesting that people are searching the internet for what leadership means to them … or maybe they are looking for some inspiration or
- [So, you want to be a Leadership Coach…](https://theguineagroup.com.au/so-you-want-to-be-a-leadership-coach/) - DO IT, IT IS AN AMAZING REWARDING AND HIGH VALUE ADD PROFESSION. And, why do I do what I do? for the above reason, and for two others: A Learning Experience Firstly, as a younger man, I experienced an extremely ‘crap’ boss (not leader) who was a screamer and shouter and who was nasty and
- [Are Leadership and Management Different?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/are-leadership-and-management-different/) - Are Leadership and Management different ?? I think the short answer is a big YES … And, how they are different are fairly simple in nature (more detailed in practice) and put simply, leadership is about people, and management is about process and procedure. So, what are the big 3 differences between the two? (and
- [Let Their Light Shine – People’s Potential](https://theguineagroup.com.au/let-their-light-shine-peoples-potential/) - There is so much potential in people … As leaders, we help people to let their light shine! And, as a leader coach, I do the same thing! My biggest success story as a leader coach was working with this one particular leader, and their team, to work through the normal challenges of a “team
- [Leadership is a Conversation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-is-a-conversation/) - I was recently interviewed by one of my clients and was asked very specifically to quickly and simply define leadership. No mean feat, given the amount of information out there on the topic, and the amount of definitions that people have used in the past. From leadership styles, to leadership levels (John C Maxwell), and
- [As a Strong Leader, What Does Leadership Mean to You???](https://theguineagroup.com.au/as-a-strong-leader-what-does-leadership-mean-to-you/) - This is a question that I regularly ask leaders, in an attempt to both learn from them, and to find out how they are able to achieve what they have by leading their teams to greatness! Sheena Trumble is the General Manager of Thermoview, a thermographic testing (electrical hot joints) company, based in Adelaide. Sheena has had an
- [How Does a Strong Leader Grow a Business??? Let’s ask Sheena!](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-does-a-strong-leader-grow-a-business-lets-ask-sheena/) - I recently interviewed Sheena, an amazing General Manager, and she is growing a successful business, and she has been willing to share some of her secrets to success. Have a passion that gets you out of bed in the mornings! Passion is key. You need to be invested in what you are doing, and why you are
- [Leadership with Integrity](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-with-integrity/) - I have written (and spoken) a lot about values, recently. The first time that I heard about the importance of values was when I was studying Human Resource Management, in the 1990’s and they were called core values, back then. Fast forward to 2019, and this week, I am working with a business to understand
- [What does your behaviour say about your brand, and your values!](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-does-your-behaviour-say-about-your-brand-and-your-values/) - Recently, I was in a workshop, where we were building a Team Charter, that was about how the team were going to work together, what they were committed to doing, and what they would hold each other accountable to. It was a great session, and the team had fun (of course). During the session, we
- [Leadership without Authority](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-without-authority/) - Here is a question for you – how good are you at influencing others (and getting things done through others), when you are not in a position of authority, and you need to influence, rather than give direction …??? If you answered this question with ‘really good’, great, and good for you. Most people struggle
- [Leaders – What does success look like for you???](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leaders-what-does-success-look-like-for-you/) - So, I was getting interviewed today, and I was asked the question ‘what does success look like for me’. My answer was around getting the opportunity to share my gifts with the world! The more opportunities to speak, consult and train, the more successful I will feel. Greg – the person interviewing me – said
- [You Can’t Lead Someone That You Need](https://theguineagroup.com.au/you-cant-lead-someone-that-you-need/) - In the past, as I look back on my leadership journey, if there was one mistake I made (and repeated even) it was trying to lead someone who I needed. What this means, is that I was so worried that my key resource/s would leave the team, or the business, that I needed them so badly
- [Dealing With Disappointment](https://theguineagroup.com.au/dealing-with-disappointment/) - One of my amazing clients is good enough to allow me to come into their business on a monthly basis and work with their sales and leadership staff on setting, and achieving, their monthly goals and targets! This month, we talked about dealing with setbacks, challenges and disappointments, and here is the material that I
- [How Important is Your Languaging as a Leader?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-important-is-your-languaging-as-a-leader/) - Very! Leaders live and die by the commitments that they make, the conversations they have, and the specific words and languaging they use. And, if you read the book, The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz, the first agreement is to ‘be impeccable with your word’. Being impeccable is simply to use your words for
- [What state did they fly you in from???](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-state-did-they-fly-you-in-from/) - So, for context: I was presenting a session in my home town of Gladstone, Queensland, recently, and one of the session participants pulled me aside at one of the breaks, and asked me the question ‘what state did they fly you in from (to present these sessions)?’ What are you talking about, was my reply,
- [As a leader, how do you feel and think about yourself!](https://theguineagroup.com.au/as-a-leader-how-do-you-feel-and-think-about-yourself/) - Of all of the questions that I ask leaders (and there are a lot – for anyone that knows anything about coaching – all coaches really do is ask questions) – this one is by far the most important. So, why??? Well firstly, the story of two leaders that I work with. Leader 1 is
- [The ‘Plight of the Wildebeest’](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-plight-of-the-wildebeest/) - (Aka the toughest leadership lesson I ever learnt) One of the reasons that I now do leadership work is that I experienced crap leaders in the workforce. I felt that I could make just that little difference out there in the world, by helping leaders be better with people and build higher performing teams. ?
- [Have you ever learnt the hard way?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/have-you-ever-learnt-the-hard-way/) - Most leaders have. And, most kids have. Leaders get lessons by dealing with people situations and working out what works.? Kids get lessons by doing stupid stuff.? But, when it is your own kids, you just wish you could “put an old head on young shoulders” … but you can’t … My son was a
- [The Sociality of Safety](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-sociality-of-safety/) - What is psychological safety, at its most basic level? Yes, it is about emotional safety, physical safety, and safe decision making ... And... Put simply, psychological safety is 'Social Safety'. It is about understanding the social (or cultural) aspects of decision making, and knowing that; It is not just the individual you are dealing with
- [Why our community leaders need to understand their responsibility](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-our-community-leaders-need-to-understand-their-responsibility/) - Hot off the press of Chef Pete Evans’s fall from grace, and the same day that Channel 9 CEO Hugh Marks tendered his resignation, I just wonder if our ‘community’ leaders understand just how important it is to act legally, morally and ethically. And, responsibly. Just think back to earlier this year, when the CEO
- [I was asked for my opinions on Men, Leadership and Society](https://theguineagroup.com.au/i-was-asked-for-my-opinion-on-men-leadership-and-society/) - Being a ManBeing a LeaderBeing real, open and vulnerable Recently, I was asked by the amazing Annette Densham, from The Audacious Agency, about what is like being a ‘man’. It made me think about some deep issues and ideas, and to respond honesty and frankly. Watch the interview now, with a complete transcript below. AD:
- [The Real Cost and ROI of Toolbox Talks in Australia Each Day](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-real-cost-and-roi-of-toolbox-talks-in-australia-each-day/) - According to my (very, very conservative) estimates, Australian industry spends in excess of $23 Million on Tool box talks every single work day. And, that is just the time cost of the attendees. Here is the thing – Australian industry is spending $23M per day on tool box talks, and in general terms, they are not
- [Achieving Zero Harm by being a Psychological Safety Leader!](https://theguineagroup.com.au/achieving-zero-harm-by-being-a-psychological-safety-leader/) - At its most basic level, psychological safety is about emotional safety, physical safety, and safe decision making. It is about empowering people to express themselves, without fear of reprisal, without fear of retribution and fear of rebuttal. What psychologically safe leaders really do, is they ‘do hierarchy right’ (in the words of Amy Edmonson, arguably
- [Safety Leadership: The Impact of transformational leadership on safety outcomes](https://theguineagroup.com.au/safety-leadership-the-impact-of-transformational-leadership-on-safety-outcomes/) - In 2010, Jane E. Mullen and E. Kevin Kelloway studied 54 leaders from 21 health care organisations, with the goal of unpacking if leadership training (more than just front line employee training) would have an impact on safety outcomes. The leadership training was specifically targeted at help leaders become ‘transformational’, as opposed to ‘transactional’ in their safety attitude and
- [A Great Example Of Safety Leadership At Qantas](https://theguineagroup.com.au/a-great-example-of-safety-leadership-at-qantas/) - So, it is New Year's Day, and my wife and I have been up since 3.30am, to get to Sydney in time to board a plane bound for Osaka in Japan! So excited. We are seated comfortably on the plane, we are watching our first movie, and the pilot is pushing back. Life is good.
- [The "Scared to Speak Up" quandary](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-scared-to-speak-up-quandary/) - This willingness to take interpersonal risks at work, whether to admit error, ask a question, seek help, or simply say “I don’t know,” is part of what organizational psychologists refer to as “psychological safety” (Rosenbaum, 2019). In 2019, Lisa Rosenbaum unpacked how to build a culture of psychological safety, and she looked at the barriers to
- [The real secret to developing High Performing Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-real-secret-to-developing-high-performing-teams/) - Overtime, there has been much written about how to develop high performing teams. Most of the literature focuses on the Tuckman Model, which outlines that teams develop through from forming, norming, storming and performing. Once the team can perform, and with some adjourning, they can further develop, and grow from performing into high performing. Furthermore,
- [WHAT EMPATHY REALLY TAKES...](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-empathy-really-takes/) - When we talk about leadership characteristics and qualities, the word empathy is usually mentioned. But, what is empathy really. Empathy is about being able understand the emotional pain that someone else is going through, and in the words of Brene Brown; being able to ‘hold the space’, when someone else is hurting. Empathy, unlike sympathy,
- [Building Resilience so you can Advance Despite Adversity](https://theguineagroup.com.au/building-resilience-so-you-can-advance-despite-adversity/) - When we hear the word resilience, we tend to think about being tough, coping with challenges, and being strong in the moment, when the chips are down, or the pressure is on. And that is right. It is a skill that allows us to manage moments of turmoil and struggle in a calm and collected
- [Giving employees a voice through engagement surveys](https://theguineagroup.com.au/giving-employees-a-voice-through-engagement-surveys/) - Employee engagement is a big topic. Google studied it in 2012 (for 2 years) and found that psychological safety was the most important organisation factor to develop engaged staff and engaged teams. And the benefits of employee engagement are significant. Recently, employemnthero.com released statistics that a high level of employee engagement can deliver a 21%
- [LEAD: The conscious and care factor approach to building high performing teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/lead-the-conscious-and-care-factor-approach-to-building-high-performing-teams/) - Based on the leadership lessons from an amazing Grade 5 Teacher. When I think about leadership, and adding value to the world, I think about Mrs Guinea, my amazing wife of 27 plus years. She has been through the highs and lows of being married to an entrepreneur … from the multi-million-dollar years to months
- [The Mental Health And Resilience Building Leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-mental-health-and-resilience-building-leader/) - Leaders need to be resilient, and they need to help their teams be resilient. Leadership is pressure packed, and when things go boom, which they will surely do, leaders need the skills that will help them advance through the adversity. But resilience is not about coping. Resilience is about being ready to cope. Resilience is
- [Reducing Risk Taking during the Silly Season!!!](https://theguineagroup.com.au/reducing-risk-taking-during-the-silly-season/) - “More workers die in the weeks leading up to Christmas than at any other time of year", according to WorkSafe Victoria statistics, which found that over the past decade, almost 25 per cent of all workplace fatalities occurred in November and December (aihs.org.au).” The rush (and pressure) to meet deadlines coupled with the distraction of
- [Leadership doesn’t stop for the Christmas Party](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-doesnt-stop-for-the-christmas-party-2/) - It is the time of year to be merry. It is the time of year that we eat and drink more. It is the time of year that we have a party to celebrate the arrival of the festive season. And it is the time of year that some businesses create an issue that is
- [Leadership doesn't stop for the Christmas Party!!!](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-doesnt-stop-for-the-christmas-party/) - It is the time of year to be merry. It is the time of year that we eat and drink more. It is the time of year that we have a party to celebrate the arrival of the festive season. And it is the time of year that some businesses create an issue that is
- [A Low Pressure 2022 Starts With Focusing On People Not Processes ...](https://theguineagroup.com.au/a-low-pressure-2022-starts-with-focusing-on-people-not-processes/) - Low pressure leadership in 2022 (or any year for that matter) is about understanding that you grow a business by growing the people in the business. It is the people that grow the business, and the way that the leader can facilitate this is through transformational leadership and having the right people in the right
- [Focus on people not processes](https://theguineagroup.com.au/focus-on-people-not-processes/) - I've just finished a webinar on the low pressure way to lead into 2022 and one of the key takeaways was that to grow a business, you must grow the people in the business. The way that a leader can facilitate this is through transformational leadership and having the right people in the right roles.
- [Leading while away from family during the holidays](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-while-away-from-family-during-the-holidays/) - As a younger man, I had to work on Christmas Day, or on similar days during what should be family time for everyone. That was tough. It was hard to be at work, to really focus on what I had to do, and at the same time want to be home. Some people will have
- [Predictions for Safety in 2022](https://theguineagroup.com.au/predictions-for-safety-in-2022/) - My prediction for 2022 is that fatality rates will continue to reduce.
- [My Predictions for Leadership in 2022](https://theguineagroup.com.au/my-predictions-for-leadership-in-2022/) - As we close out the year that was in our lives, our roles, or our businesses, we reflect on the year that was. We reflect on what happened, what we achieved, and who inspired us. And why. Part of the end of the year for me is to unpack the TIME Magazine person of the
- [Is the 'Great Resignation' really a thing... and can leaders address it?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/is-the-great-resignation-really-a-thing-and-can-leaders-address-it/) - My favourite source of up to date and topical business information is McKinsey and Company. Yes, there are a range of others that provide a great commentary on all the important business and leadership issues, but for me, McKinsey is always on point and on purpose. Recently, they published the list of their top 10
- [Are you experiencing high stress? or are you managing your cortisol?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/are-you-experiencing-high-stress-or-are-you-managing-your-cortisol/) - So, this could be a very long article and as we start the year, it's important to understand what we may encounter over the year. The body of research that has been done to try and understand the stress response in humans is significant. And it can all add value to our lives if we
- [Personal psychological safety is critical for leaders in 2022](https://theguineagroup.com.au/personal-psychological-safety-is-critical-for-leaders-in-2022/) - For the past two to three years, I have worked in, written about, and talked about psychological safety with leaders everywhere. We have helped leaders create psychologically safe teams. And, physically safe teams… psychological safety goes hand in hand with physical safety. And when we talk about physical safety, one of the big discussion points
- [Being grateful is part of building your resilience	 (and more)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/being-grateful-is-part-of-building-your-resilience-and-more/) - There are people on the planet that would love your life. They would love the freedom that you have, the health that you have, the relationships that you have, and even the struggles that you have. There are people on the planet that would be grateful to be in your position. And for the sake
- [Pressure, we all have it, but do you know how to lead through it …](https://theguineagroup.com.au/pressure-we-all-have-it-but-do-you-know-how-to-lead-through-it/) - Some leaders that just seem to have it all together. No matter what happens. They stay calm, the don’t react (or appear to), they don’t fly off the handle, and they seem to just ‘take it all in their stride’. All leaders face pressure. Whether the pressure is about the achievement of budgets or numbers,
- [Dealing with bullies in business suits](https://theguineagroup.com.au/dealing-with-bullies-in-business-suits/) - Corporate bullying is an issue in corporate Australia. HRM Solutions (and Safe Work Australia - SWA) has found that “Australia has the sixth-highest rate of workplace bullying when compared with 34 European countries. According to SWA, the national average rate of workplace bullying has increased by 40%. This is supported by independent research conducted by
- [The Art of Putting Things in Perspective](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-art-of-putting-things-in-perspective/) - Is the world really going to implode, or could you put things into perspective? Understand that this pain or situation is temporary, and that emotional control is more important than blowing this situation out of proportion… Leadership is so lonely at times. You feel like you have shattered a mirror, been cursed by a
- [Because responding is more important than reacting](https://theguineagroup.com.au/because-responding-is-more-important-than-reacting/) - My old boss would go red, his veins would pop out of his head, and he would literally explode in rage, with venom, and aggression. Don’t be like my old boss. It is not a cool look. And it hurts people! The challenge for him, looking back, was that he didn’t have the ability to
- [Don’t Let the Pressure Win](https://theguineagroup.com.au/dont-let-the-pressure-win/) - If leaders could only see themselves. When they are carrying on like pork chops, and berating their people, just because they can. It can look like the 4-year-old having temper tantrum because mum didn’t buy them a chocolate at the shop. Seriously… But they can’t see themselves. And you know what, they can’t see the
- [How I survived a leadership role I wasn’t ready for](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-i-survived-a-leadership-role-i-wasnt-ready-for/) - I thought I was ready. Some thought I was ready. Ready for a demanding leadership role. But I wasn’t. Not even close. I took the role anyway. And pretty much failed. Can leadership be learned or is it inherited? Both. Leadership is a skill set. It can certainly be learned. And it is inherited too
- [Because Humans are the Key Concern. Always](https://theguineagroup.com.au/because-humans-are-the-key-concern-always/) - Boom! You’re a leader, and you’ve just had a catastrophe. The economy has blown up. The plant has blown up. Your life has blown up. What do you do? Here are the three most common responses from leaders whose existence has gone boom at some stage. And a fourth one, where humans are the key
- [Courage - What is it and why does it matter?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/courage-what-is-it-and-why-does-it-matter/) - Courage is the ability to act when you don’t want to. And because without it, fear will stop you from ever moving forward with purpose. Full stop. If there is one thing we know about leadership, is that it takes a huge amount of courage. Courage to get started. Courage to keep moving. If you
- [Why do most people never learn emotional literacy?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-do-most-people-never-learn-emotional-literacy/) - We are born. We go to school. We mature physically. That is sexual maturation. We leave school. We go to work or university. And we think we have reached emotional maturation. Even though we have not learnt some of the fundamental skills of emotional control and emotional channelling. And maybe never will. In his book
- [The key skill for leading under pressure](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-key-skill-for-leading-under-pressure/) - The key skill for leading under pressure is empathy. And for those who have heard that before, read on, because not a lot of people really understand what empathy is. In a related blog post (What Empathy Really Takes), I unpacked the fact that empathy takes action, it is neither an emotion nor an automatic
- [The lost art of introspection](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-lost-art-of-introspection/) - I wonder if, before we all got sucked into the screens and the sound bites, we spent more time introspecting. Thinking about how we feel, and why. Even if it is just spending time in quiet, and spending time with ourselves. Introspection is a concept (and skill) that is attributed to Wilhelm Wundt, one of
- [Emotional Consistency is not emotional suppression](https://theguineagroup.com.au/emotional-consistency-is-not-emotional-suppression/) - If I was to do a straw poll of our coaching clients, and I asked them the one thing that they value from their leader, one common answer would be (and yes, we have asked) emotional consistency. Or a derivation of such. And what I interpret this as meaning is not only emotional consistency, but
- [My 28th Explosion Anniversary...](https://theguineagroup.com.au/my-28th-explosion-anniversary/) - From Physical Safety to Psychological Safety At this time, 28 years ago, I was lying in the intensive care unit of the Gladstone Hospital, with most of the top layers of my skin blown off my hands and face. I was in the most excruciating pain I have (and will ever) experienced and was trying
- [Why a safe space is more than psychological safety](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-a-safe-space-is-more-than-psychological-safety/) - Amy Edmondson called it psychological safety. Simon Sinek called it a safe place. We call it a safe space. Same, same, but different. In our leading under pressure model, and with the support of research relating to how important it is to give your team members a voice, I am going to say that a
- [What the actual... is going on with all the office politics right now?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-the-actual-is-going-on-with-all-the-office-politics-right-now/) - What is it with the amount of workplace politics that seem to be happening everywhere? Politics are hard to cope with at times. Until you really understand what is going on, that is. The below might help. Firstly though, this blog was prompted by a trend that is showing up in my coaching conversations that
- [The best advice I ever got was life advice from...](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-best-advice-i-ever-got-was-life-advice-from/) - My favourite schoolteacher of all time. She is a currently a grade six teacher. And I was never in any of her classes. I married her instead. This newsletter is a shout out to Mrs. Guinea (as her students… and now I) call her! Or Mrs. G for short. When I met Mrs. G, she wasn’t a
- [What Pink can teach us about team safety](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-pink-can-teach-us-about-team-safety/) - A few years ago, Mrs G and I were lucky enough to go to Pink concert (Beautiful Trauma Tour). She was amazing. Then recently we sat down and watched the doco (All I know so Far) about that tour, and we watched an amazing mum, an amazing wife, an amazing performer… and an amazing leader! I’m
- [When is now the right time to stop procrastinating?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/when-is-now-the-right-time-to-stop-procrastinating/) - I have written 10,000 words of my next book. And they are great – really. But every time I go to write the rest of it, the fridge needs cleaning. Or I suddenly feel the urge to go for a run. Or a swim. Or to do anything else except book writing. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
- [The Chris Rock reaction was a lesson in self control](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-chris-rock-reaction-was-a-lesson-in-self-control/) - This morning I got asked by a leader to unpack the saga that was played out between Chris Rock and Will Smith at the Oscars this week. Which will go down in history as the slapping event that occurred following a Chris Rock joke… that was not part of the script… And was obviously too
- [Why being a leader is like being Spiderman](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-being-a-leader-is-like-being-spiderman/) - Once upon a time, there was a young man named Peter. Peter had some tragedies in his life. He lost his parents, aged 4, in a plane crash and was raised by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben. More tragedy showed up in Peter’s life when he was bitten by a spider, and he was
- [The fine art of facilitation for leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-fine-art-of-facilitation-for-leaders/) - In 2004 I shared with my amazing wife that I had quit my job and decided to become a ‘Motivational Speaker’. She was not overly impressed, to say the least. Especially for the first few years, when speaking work was somewhat hard to come by. Mostly because I wasn’t very good at it. I hadn’t
- [How courageous are you?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-courageous-are-you/) - “Courageous leaders can create a culture of trust and respect, which makes those around them be prepared to follow them. This all creates a recipe for success, development, and evolution within an organisation.” Anne Houston - Social Enterprise Academy Tutor As a young leader, I was scared (petrified really) of things like making big decisions.
- [How Princess Elsa managed her ‘amygdala hijack’ in Frozen](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-princess-elsa-managed-her-amygdala-hijack-in-frozen/) - Princess Elsa understands leadership, and how to control her emotions. And how to control her ice-making superpower. Especially when she gets out of control. Or at least now she does. The movie Frozen (or the Musical – which Mrs G and I went to see last week in Brisvegas) is an amazing lesson in leadership.
- [If you want something done, you must do it yourself… is so 2000s](https://theguineagroup.com.au/if-you-want-something-done-you-must-do-it-yourself-is-so-2000s/) - I went from being a stressed leader to a calm leader by working out that I couldn’t do everything myself. And that I didn’t have to. My team is capable, and courageous. They can do things that I can’t and shouldn’t be doing. And they do them well. Let me share with you how
- [Managing your time, and caring for your team, all at the same time](https://theguineagroup.com.au/managing-your-time-and-caring-for-your-team-all-at-the-same-time/) - The 2022 leader arrives at the office... They’re greeted with a new and long list of unread emails, and cannot possibly understand how they all came in overnight. Before they sit down, their phone starts to buzz with messages and demands for their time. Then the phone rings with another catastrophe to attend to... or
- [The subtle art of trusting yourself to stay in control and to not lose it under pressure](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-subtle-art-of-trusting-yourself-to-stay-in-control-and-to-not-lose-it-under-pressure/) - When you look at some leaders, you can tell that they don’t have self-control and they're not credible. Their catch line is to ‘do as I say, not as I do’... leaving you never quite sure if they are going to do what they said they will. Don’t be one of those leaders! Why? Because
- [Why your DISC profile is more important than you might think](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-your-disc-profile-is-more-important-than-you-might-think/) - Fun fact – the same person who developed the character of Wonder Woman also developed DISC profiling. I know, how cool. Dr William Moulton was a psychologist, lawyer, and comic book writer. He was also an outspoken feminist and Moulton developed Wonder Woman as a model of what is possible for women to step into
- [False Expectations Appearing Real](https://theguineagroup.com.au/false-expectations-appearing-real/) - Recently, I had an experience that scared the crapola out of me. I thought my life was in danger. And there was no real need to experience that FEAR (aka false expectations appearing real)! Here’s what happened, and why it is so relevant for us in business, and life. As most people know, I’ve set
- [Leaders in Mining – help not harm, hear not hurt](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leaders-in-mining-help-not-harm-hear-not-hurt-2/) - This week, I’m in Perth speaking at the AusIMM International Mining Conference. Being back in WA has given me an opportunity to reflect on my time in mining here and what I learnt from those experiences. And the thing that keeps coming up for me is that, in the teams I worked, we wanted to
- [Get support before you need it](https://theguineagroup.com.au/get-support-before-you-need-it/) - I am in sunny Perth this week, speaking at the AusIMM Minesafe International Conference. And I can’t wait to share some leadership insights with the mining community. But there is one insight I won’t be sharing in my talks, that I think is one of the most important of all… as leaders, especially in mining,
- [Do as I say, and do as I do](https://theguineagroup.com.au/do-as-i-say-and-do-as-i-do/) - Why do some leaders still not understand that team members don’t listen as much as they watch? Why don’t leaders realize that they are always on the show? They are being analyzed for how to behave and their example is the most important thing that they have. To influence others. We had a client that
- [Simon Sinek is onto something with finding your why](https://theguineagroup.com.au/simon-sinek-is-onto-something-with-finding-your-why/) - Leaders who are part of our coaching or training programs get to work through why they do leadership. My observations are that at least 90% of the leaders we work with haven’t done the exercise of clarifying why they lead other humans… As a leader, your team doesn’t buy into what you do or how
- [From I care to I really know how to show that I do…](https://theguineagroup.com.au/from-i-care-to-i-really-know-how-to-show-that-i-do/) - Most of the industries we work with have male leaders. And some have been in their roles for a long time. It is changing, slowly. Which is a positive. Our focus has always been to delivery programs that train and coach ‘soft stuff for hard blokes’. And that trains leaders in general terms about how
- [Dealing with leaders who go boom when things go boom](https://theguineagroup.com.au/dealing-with-leaders-who-go-boom-when-things-go-boom/) - Leaders seem to be going boom more often. Or at least that is what our coaching clients are telling us. “When the pressure comes on, my leader loses it”. So, how do we coach our clients to deal with a leader who can’t create conscious control? Let’s unpack. The out-of-control leader Firstly, we need to
- [Leadership Styles: Which one are you?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-styles-which-one-are-you/) - Once upon a time in the world of leadership, a book was published that defined as succinctly as it could be, the difference between transformational and transactional leadership. And what it meant to be a transformational leader. The year was 1978, the book was titled Leadership, and the author was James MacGregor Burns. Are you
- [Dealing with a team member who goes boom when things go boom](https://theguineagroup.com.au/dealing-with-a-team-member-who-goes-boom-when-things-go-boom/) - Is there anything more challenging for a leader than a team member who is explosive, and who goes boom when the pressure comes on? This is a situation, not often covered in a blog, but covered a lot in coaching conversations… because it is real, it happens, and it needs to be managed. With control,
- [Does leadership training really work](https://theguineagroup.com.au/does-leadership-training-really-work/) - It sure does. And we have received too many positive testimonials and thank you messages following our programs to not think any differently. And it is probably not a matter of if leadership training works, it is a matter of what makes it work. Let’s unpack that. The setup is important The most important
- [How's that working out for you?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/hows-that-working-out-for-you/) - What a great question. And one that I ask my leadership coaching clients all the time. To work out what they are doing that is not serving them. And to work out why they persist with whatever it is that is not working. Especially if the leader is not getting the results that they want…
- [The radical candour approach to leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-radical-candour-approach-to-leadership/) - Some leaders really struggle when they are challenged by their team members. Even if the challenge is just an idea or an opinion, and one that shouldn’t warrant an emotional reaction. It’s difficult, especially for leaders under pressure, to keep it together, when everyone has got an idea on what could be improved. Or on
- [So you want to look more professional as a leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/so-you-want-to-look-more-professional-as-a-leader/) - If you sometimes feel like you appear to be less professional than you could or should… this post is for you. But what does it mean to look more professional, how do you do that, and why is it important? Note that this content is from another great conversation in another great leadership coaching session.
- [Are you part of the 'Deficit Dialogue Dilemma'?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/are-you-part-of-the-deficit-dialogue-dilemma/) - Maybe there are times when all you can think about is the things you don’t have. The deficits. Just ask Aussies about their life and they are not bad or not great. They have no time, or not enough minutes. They are doing not much or not a lot. Which is not great as a conversation
- [The subtle art of thinking fast and talking slow](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-subtle-art-of-thinking-fast-and-talking-slow/) - Most people struggle to think on their feet. Especially leaders. More especially leaders under pressure. And that is the most important time to be able to practice the fine art of thinking fast and talking slow. But what does that really mean? Well, it means multitasking your emotionality and your languaging. And this is the
- [How to get 360-degree feedback surveying right](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-get-360-degree-feedback-surveying-right/) - For leaders to do their best work, it is important that they get feedback from those around them. From their leader, from their peers and from their team members. It is important that the feedback is open and honest and is relevant to the leader and the organisation. Unfortunately, it is easy to get the
- [Why doing a triathlon is like leading under pressure](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-doing-a-triathlon-is-like-leading-under-pressure/) - Learning how to do something hard is worth the effort. Like a triathlon, and more specifically an endurance triathlon. A sporting event that takes between five and seventeen hours to complete, depending on how much training you have done. But even the short triathlons will be tough, especially when you are first starting out. A
- [The quandary of the high performing team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-quandary-of-the-high-performing-team/) - The quandary for high performing teams is ‘how do they get even more high performing’? When your team is at the top of its game, how can you elevate it even further? Yes, it is a good quandary to have, but what is the solution? Glad you asked ? Luckily for our business, we have become
- [Get support before you need it](https://theguineagroup.com.au/get-support-before-you-need-it-2/) - Most people struggle to think on their feet. Especially leaders. More especially leaders under pressure. And that is the most important time to be able to practice the fine art of thinking fast and talking slow. But what does that really mean? Well, it means multitasking your emotionality and your languaging. And this is the
- [Every day is a school day … or is it?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/every-day-is-a-school-day-or-is-it/) - You learn something new every day, right. Of course you do … you wake up and learn what the weather is doing. You learn what is happening in the news, if you watch the tele. And at work, you learn about what your team is struggling with, or what their goals are for the day.
- [Have you noticed that we are now crazy busy, not just busy?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/have-you-noticed-that-we-are-now-crazy-busy-not-just-busy/) - As if being busy isn’t enough, we are now crazy busy. Which I get, and I know the world is crazy busy. Most of our clients are leading under pressure. Whether it is the pressure of putting people over productivity or the pressure of pushing performance, leaders are struggling to cope. And their teams are
- [How do you deal with a BOOM event, as a leader?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-do-you-deal-with-a-boom-event-as-a-leader/)
- [How to apply the platinum rule of communication](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-apply-the-platinum-rule-of-communication/) - Most people have heard of the Golden Rule. Which is the principle of “treating others as we would like to be treated”. This is a simple premise that was first noted in the big book that was penned several thousand years ago, and which contained a range if parables and testaments that were designed to
- [How do you deal with a team in turmoil?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-do-you-deal-with-a-team-in-turmoil/)
- [How to be resilient when leading under pressure](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-be-resilient-when-leading-under-pressure/) - Resilience is not just about coping. Resilience is about being ready to cope when you need to. There is a great definition of resilience, from Jurie Rossouw, who defines it as ‘advancing despite adversity’, and I love this take on being resilient. So, if resilience is about both preparing for a BOOM event, and then
- [How to cope with pressure when things go BOOM](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-cope-with-pressure-when-things-go-boom/) - The human species is developed to cope. We have survived millions of years of catastrophic events. We have even survived when other species of hominids didn’t. We are resilient, and we are copers. But what does coping really take, as a leader, when things go BOOM? Firstly, coping is not about being resilient. During the
- [How to really use your DISC profile](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-really-use-your-disc-profile/) - We have administered a ton of DISC profiles over the last however many years, and it is one of my favourite leadership coaching activities. To help people understand themselves, and to understand others. And to understand why that is important! But how do you really use that 30 something page document, that tells you if you
- [How to develop Emotional Intelligence and why](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-develop-emotional-intelligence-and-why/) - In the 1920’s, the thinking was that your IQ determined your success in life and at work. In the 2020’s, it’s a different story. In 2022, your Emotional Intelligence (EI or EQ) matters. “In leadership positions, 85% of the competencies for success lie in the EI domain, rather than in technical or intellectual abilities" (Credit:
- [How to make Challenger Safety a thing in your team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-make-challenger-safety-a-thing-in-your-team/) - In the book ‘The Four Stages of Psychological Safety’, Timothy R Clark unpacks how to develop a team that feels safe to challenge the norms. Challenger safety is the fourth and final rung on the ladder. With inclusion safety, learner safety and contributor safety being the first three. Inclusion safety is about how well the
- [How to not commit the cardinal sin of leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-not-commit-the-cardinal-sin-of-leadership/) - The cardinal sin of leadership is not doing one-on-ones (1:1) with your team members. Even worse than that is scheduling those meetings every week, fortnight, or month, and either not attending or continually rescheduling. These behaviours are so damaging to the relationship between the leader and team member. Oh, and there is only one thing
- [How to elevate your LMX](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-elevate-your-lmx/) - The quality of a leader will be determined by the quality of the exchanges that they have with their team members (also known as Leader Member Exchange, or LMX). LMX as a theory has been researched widely since 1975. If you have not heard of LMX, you are not alone, and if that is the
- [How to adopt a problem focused coping style to deal with stress](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-adopt-a-problem-focused-coping-style-to-deal-with-stress/) - We all cope with stressful situations differently. Depending on the level and the nature of the stressful situation, or event. Over the past several decades researchers have identified the main coping styles of individuals, and it turns out that a problem-focused coping style is the best way to deal with stressors. Stressors might include what
- [How to face it (not fake it) until you make it](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-face-it-not-fake-it-until-you-make-it/) - I’m just not a big fan of faking it. I have had to in the past, for sure, but I would much rather do the prep. Do the work. Do the thinking. And then, I’ll get up, dress up, and show up. And yes, sometimes fail. And other times shine. It’ll be a lesson or
- [How to apply the BIG 3 leadership mandates](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-apply-the-big-3-leadership-mandates/) - Leadership can be challenging. It can be rewarding. After parenting, it is the most important job on planet earth (sorry first responders, and teachers). And it takes a range of skills and experiences to get it right. But sitting above the skill sets of leaders are a set of three mandates. The definition of a
- [How to use metacognition to be a better leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-use-metacognition-to-be-a-better-leader/) - In 2022, when I mention the word meta, you could be forgiven for thinking about Facebook, and Mark Zuckerberg. During the second half of 2021, CEO and major shareholder, Zuckerberg, announced the name change, to position the former Facebook as a platform that would be part of the metaverse. Aka, “a composite universe melding online,
- [The story of the king and his dogs](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-story-of-the-king-and-his-dogs/) - Story time. My favourite time, by the way. Love a good yarn, especially when there is a leadership message in there. Now, you have a job to do, though. As I tell you this story, I want you to think about who you are in it. There are three characters, the King, the Minister, and
- [What does the word LEADERS really mean](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-does-the-word-leaders-really-stand-for/) - In a recent post, I unpacked the concept of leadership mandates, and what they are (values alignment, transformational leadership, and created conscious control). These are critical elements of leadership, and they aren’t skills as much as they are a way of being. A way of leading. This post will unpack specific leadership skills. Skills that
- [Anton, I'm not a narcissist, am I?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/anton-im-not-a-narcissist-am-i/) - I got asked that very question in a leadership coaching session recently. By a leader who had been told that they are a narcissist. Which isn’t that uncommon in 2022, as more and more leaders (and their teams) learn about psychology, and what drives behaviour. Narcissism is like the buzz word of 2022. And at
- [The care factor strategy for leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-care-factor-strategy-for-leaders/) - In 2020, John Mackey wrote the book ‘Conscious Leadership’. In that book (one of my faves), Mackey talked about how he used love, compassion, and human qualities to build the business ‘Whole Foods Market Service’. And Mackey unpacked the 9 elements of conscious leadership. One review of the book included: “Rarely does a book move
- [What I learnt in 500 leadership coaching sessions](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-i-learnt-in-500-leadership-coaching-sessions/) - In January 2020, just before the pandemic whipped up its frenzy, Facebook started sending me ads for a thing called Remarkable. The metaverse must have been listening to my conversations (or maybe just my phone), and must have known that I write a lot, and I have got piles of old books full of notes from
- [The 5 things leaders never want to hear from their teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-5-things-leaders-never-want-to-hear-from-their-teams/) - I have had some great leaders. One of my favourite leaders of all time is a personal called Pat (let’s use that name – it happens to be their real name ?). Pat was the human that shared with me the power of languaging, and how to listen to what people are really saying. Pat
- [What can we learn from our leaders?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-can-we-learn-from-our-leaders/) - One of my takes on leadership is that we don’t spend enough time reflecting on the leaders that we have had in the past (or present) and learning from them. We have all had (or have) outstanding leaders, and some not so great. And they can all teach us something. Whether it is what to
- [How to be a conscious leader and why](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-be-a-conscious-leader-and-why/) - As a leader coach, I hear the words ‘old school’ leader and ‘new age leader’, regularly. I coach a mix of both types of leaders, and if I was to describe the difference between the two, it would be that new age leaders are more connected to other humans. They are more transformational in their
- [When leadership matters the most](https://theguineagroup.com.au/when-leadership-matters-the-most/) - On August 5, 2010, a mine cave-in trapped 33 miners 700 metres underground. It would take 17 days for rescuers to establish communications with the trapped workers (with a note taped to a drill bit). That note said "We are well in the shelter, the 33 of us". It wound take 70 days for the
- [How to empower others like Larry Page](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-empower-others-like-larry-page/) - Lawrence Edward Page was born on 26 March 1973, in Lansing, Michigan, USA. Larry Page had an unusual beginning. His parents were both professors in the field of computing. Dr Carl Victor Page, Larry’s father, taught at Michigan State University as a professor of computer science and artificial intelligence. Gloria Page, Larry’s mother, taught computer
- [How to have a real conversation with your leadership coach](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-have-a-real-conversation-with-your-leadership-coach/) - Recently, I got an email from a coaching client, who expressed how grateful they were that we had ‘a real conversation’. It was my first session with this client, and it was great feedback to get after just one session. Of course, I asked what they thought made it a real conversation, and the answer
- [How to avoid group think and why you should](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-avoid-group-think-and-why-you-should/) - On 28 January 1986, NASA made the decision to launch The Challenger. That decision resulted in what is called to this day, ‘the Challenger disaster.’ What was the Challenger disaster? The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster was a fatal incident on January 28, 1986, in the United States space program where the Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-099) broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, killing all seven
- [How to develop your relationship with failure](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-develop-your-relationship-with-failure/) - During 2002, I was in charge of the maintenance of an industrial plant that was part of a smelter in New South Wales. It was 3pm on a Friday afternoon. I had done some calculations to determine how much bolt tension should be applied to the bolts in the pipework of a critical part of
- [How to lead like William Wallace](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-lead-like-william-wallace/) - Since the day I watched the movie Braveheart, I have never looked at leadership the same way. It was such a revelation, in its own way. You see, I probably don’t watch movies like most people do, I watch them to learn something about the human species. And you sure can learn something from watching
- [How to be an expert in leadership languaging](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-be-an-expert-in-leadership-languaging/) - Leaders can sometimes forget the importance of their language. Especially when they are under pressure, which is when language is most important. It can be a game changer, when it comes to improving or negatively impacting a relationship. A significant amount of my coaching work is around how to use languaging more effectively. And how
- [How to be the leader that people remember for the right reasons](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-be-the-leader-that-people-remember-for-the-right-reasons/) - I had some average leaders as I was climbing the ladder of corporate success. They are now called ‘old school leaders.’ And I can remember them clearly, and what they said, and how they said it. I went into leadership coaching to see if I could help leaders like them to be better at leading
- [How to be a good human and a good leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-be-a-good-human-and-a-good-leader/) - I was not a nice human when I was younger. I was angry, had a log (not a chip) on both shoulders, and was very quick to escalate a conversation. From controlled to crazy out of control. Highly emotional. I had zero emotional intelligence, and I didn’t care. At that time, anyway. I was a
- [How to upgrade your leadership team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-upgrade-your-leadership-team/) - Most of our work is with the leader, and their team. The leadership team. And after many years, and many clients working with senior teams, we know there are some key things that just work, when it comes to getting it right at the top of the business. And getting it right is important at
- [How to use systems leadership to upgrade you team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-use-systems-leadership-to-upgrade-you-team/) - Systems leadership was made famous by MacDonald, Burke, and Stewart, in the book of the same name. That book unpacked the key elements of systems leadership and described the elements of human decision-making. Human decision-making is about being charismatic, technical, and academic. Part of that decision-making relates to culture and beliefs, hypotheses, and action testing.
- [How to navigate the challenges of leadership in heavy industry](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-navigate-the-challenges-of-leadership-in-heavy-industry/) - Leadership can be tough at the best of times. But when you add an old school culture, changing technology, and a diverse workforce, leadership gets even harder. This is what leaders in heavy industry are faced with. The last say five to ten years has seen unprecedented change in heavy industrial organisations. The question is,
- [Why you should increase your senior leadership team's bandwidth and how](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-you-should-increase-your-senior-leadership-teams-bandwidth-and-how/) - “Why can’t we ever get anything completed” … a distraught senior leader asked me during a coaching session. As a senior leadership team, we seem to get a lot of things started, but we never seem to really see these things through to completion. It is like we hit the ground running when the starter’s
- [How to lean into men's mental health](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-lean-into-mens-mental-health/) - This week, I was lucky enough to share some of my insights into men’s mental health at a men’s circle event at Agnes Water. The issue of men’s mental health is a major issue in Australia, most people know that a lot of men die by suicide each year in this country. And we need to
- [As a leader, who are you becoming?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/as-a-leader-who-are-you-becoming/) - I was not a nice human when I was younger. I was angry, had a log (not a chip) on both shoulders, and was very quick to escalate a conversation. From controlled to crazy out of control. Highly emotional. I had zero emotional control, and I didn’t care. When I reflect on being a younger
- [What leaders can learn from Iron War](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-leaders-can-learn-from-iron-war/) - An ironman triathlon is arguably the toughest one-day endurance event on planet Earth. Ironman started in 1979, with three athletes arguing (over a beer of course) about who the fittest athlete was. The 3.8km swimmer. The 180km cyclist. Or the 42.2km runner. There was only one solution. To put all three together and do them
- [The old man and his grandson, is a leadership story](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-old-man-and-his-grandson-is-a-leadership-story/) - Have you heard of Cinderella? Have you heard of Rapunzel? Have you heard of Snow White? Me too, though have you head of The Brothers Grimm? Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, the two brothers that wrote the fairy tales (in the early 1800’s) that we still get enjoyment from today. Their original works were quite dark, and
- [How to be ok with boring](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-be-ok-with-boring/) - I could not work out how one of my clients just kept their stuff together. Always. Never lost it. Ever. So cool, calm, and collected. Unlike me (at times). My emotions seem to fluctuate wildly, and I feel like I get the full human experience… going through all the emotional states. So, I asked my
- [How to be a stoic leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-be-a-stoic-leader/) - One of the words that I hear more and more often now is the word ‘stoic’. And that people are trying to be more stoic. Or be like the stoics, the great stoic philosophers (Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius). Marcus Aurelius is my favourite stoic philosopher, and he left us with some great quotes and
- [How to do allocation vs delegation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-do-allocation-vs-delegation/) - One common senior leader challenge is, doing all the work themselves. And not delegating. Or even worse, micro-managing. Which is a recipe for disaster. And burnout. And pressure. But it doesn't have to be that way. When senior leaders have the realisation that they have to be resourceful, and not the resource, their world shifts.
- [How to send a team member off the right way](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-send-a-team-member-off-the-right-way/) - I didn’t have many jobs before I quit work to start my own business. When I think back on the roles I did have, the two periods that I remember most are the engagement period and the exit period. Basically, when I started, and when I finished. And more importantly, how I started, and how
- [How to talk to people who don't listen](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-talk-to-people-who-dont-listen/) - The one thing that frustrates leaders everywhere, is leading team members that don’t listen. Team members that nod encouragingly, then do something else. Or that just don’t seem to hear what the leader is saying, which ends up in miscommunication or quarrels about what was said. It would be so much easier if team members
- [What leadership means to me](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-leadership-means-to-me-2/) - I am feeling reflective. I am feeling like answering some big questions. For myself, as much as for my audience. I am feeling like unpacking what leadership means to me. And why. And I encourage you to do the same. As you read this article, be thinking about what leadership means to you, and how
- [How to be more attuned as a C-Suite team, and why](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-be-more-attuned-as-a-c-suite-team-and-why/) - C-Suite teams are living entities, which grow and reshape themselves over time. That growth is sometimes forced. Forced through the engagement of a new CEO, the implementation of a new change process, or the impact of a negative internal or external crisis event. Gallop described attunement as “the affective way a human is sensitive to the demands
- [Leading leaders is the biggest leadership challenge](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leading-leaders-is-the-biggest-leadership-challenge/) - I went from leading a team to leading leaders. I’ll never forget how hard that was. Really, really, hard. Here I was, leading great humans that lead their own teams, and have their own styles and their own leadership goals. And their own career goals. It was tough going, and I had to update, upgrade,
- [How to close the year out as a senior leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-close-the-year-out-as-a-senior-leader/) - I have tried everything as a business owner at year’s end. We have closed early, we have worked right up to Christmas Eve, we have done something in between. All the while with a focus on our team, and our clients. Our clients are generally flexible, so it is easy enough to make timing work
- [What I learnt from writing 100 pieces of content this year](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-i-learnt-from-writing-100-pieces-of-content-this-year/) - I used to suck at writing content. I used to suck at being consistent with it. And I used to suck at being confident to put things out there into the content-verse. Because it is hard to do all of those three things for a long period of time. This year, my focus was on
- [The top 3 leadership challenges in 2023 and beyond](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-top-3-leadership-challenges-in-2023-and-beyond/) - 2023 is going to be tough for leaders. It will be fraught with challenges in the IT space, in the employee wellbeing space, and in the diversity and flexibility space. Leaders need to be ready to face these challenges and be equipped with the skills need to lead teams in 2023 and beyond. And those
- [Decoding Leadership: The Neuroscience Advantage](https://theguineagroup.com.au/decoding-leadership-the-neuroscience-advantage/) - Once upon a time the only science that I really understood was the science of electricity. You see, I was an Electrician (not a great one, but a qualified tradesperson, nevertheless). Until one day, I too close to said electricity and the switchboard blew up in my face, and nearly took my life. Which caused
- [How to Thrive After a Workplace Accident!](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-thrive-after-a-workplace-accident/) - Life was pretty crappy for a while, but now some of my work puts me in contact with survivors of workplace incidents. It is rewarding, and fulfilling, and feels like it makes a small difference in the world … That day Many years ago, one nice Tuesday morning (about 10am), an Electrician and I had
- [Where Leadership is Important](https://theguineagroup.com.au/where-leadership-is-important/) - Leadership is an important part of our lives; we are all leaders at some point in our day, whether it as a parent, a sports coach, or even how we drive our cars – remember, every time that our behaviour is on display, we are leading (in one way or another). More specifically, and in
- [Case Study: The Leader that really cares](https://theguineagroup.com.au/case-study-the-leader-that-really-cares/) - So, I was working with a Leader recently, who was quite put out by one of his team members – for all the right reasons … Here’s the thing … My leadership consulting work involved discussions with both the individual team members, as well as the leader. As I was talking with one of the
- [Leaders and Teams Need to be Upskilling – Times are Changing](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leaders-and-teams-need-to-be-upskilling-times-are-changing/) - So, McKinsey came out today, and said that a new report has shown: “Unemployment could spike by up to 2.5 percentage points as a result of the expected automation of up to 46 per cent of jobs in Australia by 2030”. McKinsey Australia also says that left to its own devices, “automation could see Australia’s unemployment rate
- [The 7 Deadly Sins of Leaders (who can’t influence)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-7-deadly-sins-of-leaders-who-cant-influence/) - Most leaders that I deal with (fortunately) have got it together, reach out for support when the need it, and generally get their priorities and their processes right. Then, there are the other group, who unfortunately don’t reach out. I struggled for a long while on why most of my work came from leaders that
- [I Love Boardrooms](https://theguineagroup.com.au/i-love-boardrooms/) - I really, really do … it is like they are my happy place, seriously. I think the reason is that; I can feel the energy in the room, I can feel the power of the decisions that are made, and I realise that there are lives, households, families positively affected by the decisions made. Businesses
- [The Challenges For The New CEO](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-challenges-for-the-new-ceo/) - So, you have been in the business for afew years, now, you have managed several of the departments or functions, you have achieved great results at Senior Manager level, you are the next logical choice for the CEO role, and you get appointed. Congratulations! Then, the fun starts! Because, as much as you think you know what
- [My 25-Year Anniversary … of a Near Fatal Workplace Incident](https://theguineagroup.com.au/my-25-year-anniversary-of-a-near-fatal-workplace-incident/) - It is a big day, and my mum always rings on March 8, each year, just to say ‘thanks for being alive’ – all good mum, it is much preferable to the alternative (I think … not that I really know … and am certainly not ready to find out). It is a big day
- [Bounce Back Resilience](https://theguineagroup.com.au/bounce-back-resilience/) - What is bounce back leadership? In a word – Resilience!!! At the ripe old age of 21, I was blown up in a switchboard, and it really did take a long, long time to come to grips with that incident. I received second degree burns to my hands, face, arms and neck, spent a month
- [Leaders with Influence – Oprah Winfrey](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leaders-with-influence-oprah-winfrey/) - 10 years ago, I wrote a best-selling book on Millionaires and Billionaires, and that book revealed the secret to their success! I am current doing a re-write of that book – here is what we published about Oprah Winfrey … Ms. Winfrey stresses passion for what you are doing as the key to success. She has governed her life
- [FREAKING OUT IN FRONT OF A BIG CROWD … How to not](https://theguineagroup.com.au/freaking-out-in-front-of-a-big-crowd-how-to-not/) - Can you remember the first time that you spoke to a big crowd? And, you may never have, though for some people a big crowd might be 10 people)?!?!?! You know that moment when you walk out from backstage … You got introduced as the ‘thought leader’. Then there are hundreds of eyes staring back,
- [Don’t Ride Motorbikes](https://theguineagroup.com.au/dont-ride-motorbikes/) - Zac, please meet my online community. Online community, please meet Zac. This is Zachary Ruben Guinea, mine and Julie’s nearly 20-year-old son. Z man is a champion and is current in those great end of teen years, where he is enjoying life, doing a lot of partying on weekends, and selling houses during the week
- [The Accidental Leader – How to lead from behind, with Kerrie Atherton](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-accidental-leader-how-to-lead-from-behind-with-kerrie-atherton/) - Stories of Hope Australia! Have you ever hit rock bottom, have you ever struggled with a mental illness, an addiction, an abusive relationship, considered suicide … Kerrie Atherton has done all of those … and is now sharing her story, and others, in the form of Stories of Hope! Kerrie was good enough to take
- [What we can learn for the biggest plant on Earth](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-we-can-learn-for-the-biggest-plant-on-earth/) - There is one plant on earth that doesn’t have a stem, that doesn’t have any roots, that doesn’t have any flowers. And that only opens for six whole days, at the end of its 13-month gestation period. Is a plant that we can learn a lot from. I did a video on this same topic
- [How to retain your top talent](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-retain-your-top-talent/) - 2020 was the year of lockdowns and working from home. 2021 was the year of the great resignation. 2022 was the year of quiet quitting. 2023 is the year of moonlighting (or even career cushioning), or supplementing income from another source. None of these are good for your business, or your productivity. But what can
- [How to hire the right leaders for your organisation](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-hire-the-right-leaders-for-your-organisation/) - If you want to create a nightmare in your organisation, hire the wrong leader. If you want to upset everyone, and lower morale, hire fast and fire slow. If you want to demonstrate that you are more worried about bums on seats, rather than hiring quality leaders, hire the first applicant. Or even worse, promote
- [How to upgrade your mindset](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-upgrade-your-mindset/) - Upgrading your mindset is one of the most important steps to take in life. It can help you reach your goals, make better decisions, and become a better version of yourself. It can also help you become more resilient, confident, and happier. However, it can be difficult to upgrade your mindset, and it requires dedication
- [You aren't leading if you aren't doing this one thing](https://theguineagroup.com.au/you-arent-leading-if-you-arent-doing-this-one-thing/) - The biggest challenge leaders have, is that they need to give so much of themselves to others. Leaders need to constantly show up, with purpose, passion, and persistence. They need to be there to coach, to counsel, and to collaborate. Which can be difficult at times, especially when there are people in your team that
- [Leadership teams need this one thing to be effective](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-teams-need-this-one-thing-to-be-effective/) - Teams need not only strong leaders, but they also need strong leadership teams. Senior leadership teams set the tone for the business, for the culture, for the vision, and for the strategic direction. Every day, or every week, I get asked by a leader, or a team member why their leadership team are not aligned.
- [I'd have less work if leaders did this one thing](https://theguineagroup.com.au/id-have-less-work-if-leaders-did-this-one-thing/) - The more senior the leader, the bigger the decisions they have to make. But some senior leaders don’t make the decisions that they need to. They put decisions off. They postpone decision making. They let decisions linger. And it doesn’t help their teams. I understand it. And I can empathise with putting off decision making.
- [Apparently EQ is more important than IQ (I am ranting here)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/apparently-eq-is-more-important-than-iq-i-am-ranting-here/) - Have you ever read something, and it was just like – are you kidding me – doesn’t everyone know that. Seriously, why do we have to spend time and money on research at our major institutions that tells us what actually happens on planet Earth. I read an article by Big Think recently, that just
- [If you are terrified of emotion, read this...](https://theguineagroup.com.au/if-you-are-terrified-of-emotion-read-this/) - Your team members bring their emotions to work. Which is a good thing, if you are comfortable talking to humans that are hurting. Some leaders aren’t. Some leaders are actually terrified by emotions. And the display of emotions. Some leaders I have coached say that, ‘they don’t do tears’. And I get it. It can
- [When does leadership stop and life start, if it does?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/when-does-leadership-stop-and-life-start-if-it-does/) - This is such an interesting question. This morning I had an experience which made me realise that it probably never does. Not for me at least. Leadership is on my mind most of the time, including at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, as I write this content. Here’s what got me thinking about this one,
- [Stop duding it up bro, it's uncool](https://theguineagroup.com.au/stop-duding-it-up-bro-its-uncool/) - These are not my words. They are the words of a senior female leader. Who is the only female on an all-male leadership team. When I asked how her team was performing, she told me that she was over it. She was over the bro talk, the bro culture, the duding it up. She was
- [Only great leaders understand these responsibility accountability distinctions](https://theguineagroup.com.au/only-great-leaders-understand-these-responsibility-accountability-distinctions/) - I was never a great leader (I’m great at coaching though ????), but a great leader once took time to explain to me the difference between responsibility and accountability. And it wasn’t until that conversation that the leadership penny dropped for me. That leader’s name was Pat, and I am grateful for what Pat shared,
- [Embrace the complexity of humans, but how](https://theguineagroup.com.au/embrace-the-complexity-of-humans-but-how/) - Fun fact. Every human is a unique creature. There are no two humans the same on the planet. Every single human is a complex amalgam of personality styles, behavioural characteristics, and experienced conditioning. Every specimen of our species is so different from each other, that humans are not only different, but most of us are
- [Why your purpose trumps your profile](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-your-purpose-trumps-your-profile/) - If you have a big enough purpose, you will find a way through or around any challenge. Nothing will stop you. I have been doing a resilience training program for two days, and one element of resilience is about your vision. And finding the purpose of your life, or your role, or any other part
- [Navigating the impartiality of leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/navigating-the-impartiality-of-leadership/) - Not so great leaders struggle to be impartial. They make decisions that benefit the few. They have the purple circle, and they are focused more on their own needs (like being popular), rather than the needs of the team and the business. This is not a great way to lead teams. Team members see right
- [How you can upskill as a leader, and why you should](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-you-can-upskill-as-a-leader-and-why-you-should/) - Only 10% of the hoomanz on planet Earth are born with leadership skills. The rest of us (like me) have to learn them. The good news is that they can be learnt, the bad news is that most people come to leadership because they were good technicians, or their boss was away. And just ended
- [Why Confucius should be every leaders idol](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-confucius-should-be-every-leaders-idol/) - In their book, ‘The 100 Most Influential Leaders of all Time’, Britannica lists their guide to the 100 people who have had the biggest influence on others. And on us. This is one of my favourite books, of all time, of course, and there are a few names on that list that, on first reading,
- [How to uplift a team's performance](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-uplift-a-teams-performance/) - Dysfunctional teams suck. They really do. I have been coaching leaders and teams now for what feels like a lifetime, and I have seen first-hand the impact that dysfunction has on team members. I have seen countless people go off on stress leave. I have seen people turn to addiction or substance abuse, and I
- [The real meaning of collaboration for leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-real-meaning-of-collaboration-for-leaders/) - I did a session yesterday, for an amazing client. One of the big topics was collaboration. Why, because collaboration is associated with great teamwork and alignment. Absolutely. But it’s a broad term and one that can be hard to really define or to nail in practice. What is important when you start to think about
- [Leadership versus management won't go away](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-versus-management-wont-go-away/) - This just does not go away. Leadership versus management. It has been around forever and looks like it will be around for years to come. Why do I say that? Because you can quickly find out what people are searching on Google. Go to answerthepublic.com, and you can put in a word and find out
- [Where leadership starts](https://theguineagroup.com.au/where-leadership-starts-2/) - Before we think about where leadership starts, let’s think about where it finishes. I don’t think it ever does finish. Leader in work, leader out of work. Leaders are always on show. People are always looking at you. But every finish has a start point. Though I don’t think leadership has one start point. I
- [Why leadership is important](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-leadership-is-important/) - Leadership changes lives. Leadership unlocks humans. Leadership changes the planet. It is a big deal. Just think of your favourite leader, and how much they meant to you. That is why leadership is important. For those feels that you just got. They matter. This is, in my humble opinion, why leadership is important. 1. Leadership
- [What leadership style am I](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-leadership-style-am-i/) - I am a good leader… now… I wasn’t in the early days of my leadership journey. I am one of the 90% of hoomanz on planet earth who aren’t born leaders. I am a bred leader. Through and through. Every leadership lesson I have learnt – especially the big ones – has been obtained through
- [Why leadership development is important](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-leadership-development-is-important/) - As a young leader, I was not equipped for the requirements of the role. I was not ready for what it took, I was not able to deal with the challenges it presented. And I didn’t work for organisations that helped me develop the requisite skills. Leadership development is a key element of any leader’s
- [How to turn your pain into your purpose](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-turn-your-pain-into-your-purpose/) - Once upon a time, there was a young man living in regional Queensland. That young man finished his Apprentice training and became qualified as an electrician. On the completion of that apprenticeship, the young man could not find any work in his trade. You see, he had not been a great apprentice. He had not
- [When leadership fails](https://theguineagroup.com.au/when-leadership-fails/) - Most people are not born leaders. And others will always struggle with leadership. Some people tell me that there are people in leadership roles that will never be successful as a leader. I take a slightly different view, that leadership is a skill. And skills can be learned. Regardless of what your view on leaders
- [How to fail forward into perpetual momentum](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-fail-forward-into-perpetual-momentum/) - Life goes boom for all of us at some stage. Yes, it will happen to us all. If life hasn’t gone boom, yet, the chances are that it will. When you least expect it. But the boom doesn’t need to be permanent. It doesn’t need to be a punishment, and it doesn’t need to be
- [The motivation versus inspiration quandary](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-motivation-versus-inspiration-quandary/) - Let’s start with a big question. Who inspires your to be the best version of yourself? Notice the question, who inspires you? There is a presupposition in that question – the presupposition is that there is a hooman somewhere that has demonstrated what is possible. So, if there is someone else that inspires you to
- [Can leadership be taught](https://theguineagroup.com.au/can-leadership-be-taught/) - Leadership can be taught. On one condition. A big condition. That the leader is willing to learn. Willing to upgrade their mindset. Willing to upskill on leadership, and willing to work hard to uplift their teams. Learning is difficult though. And the leaders that are not willing to learn, give those that are, a bad
- [Leadership in the 21st century](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-in-the-21st-century/) - I was taught about leadership in the 1900s. I was not a leader in the last century, but I certainly had leaders during that time. And most of them were what we would now call old school. They saw hoomanz as resources, they thought bullying, and the three As, were ok (aggression, abuse, abrupt), and
- [How leadership works](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-leadership-works/) - Put simply, and this article will be different to most of my other work, as I want to focus on an innovative leadership style in this article – leadership works when it is about empowerment, group cohesiveness, and individual learning orientation. These three elements of leadership were studied by Mutonyi et al. (2020), who were
- [My first cricket coach was a great leader](https://theguineagroup.com.au/my-first-cricket-coach-was-a-great-leader/) - The year was about 1980. The game was cricket. The town was Gladstone. And the youngster involved in this story was me. The cricket coach was Jack (Jacko to us). Who was an amazing human. Who was as dedicated to our little cricket club as he was to supporting the young players in it. Even
- [Who will you slow down for](https://theguineagroup.com.au/who-will-you-slow-down-for/) - For the past 15 years, I have been an addicted triathlete. Addicted to the finish line feel of the sport. The training is hard. But the racing is rewarding. Triathlon is a sport that has given me so much. Even though there have been times during the last 15 years, when I have not been
- [My first Ironman triathlon was like hell on Earth (like leadership can be)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/my-first-ironman-triathlon-was-like-hell-on-earth-like-leadership-can-be-2/) - The year was 2010. The sport was Ironman triathlon. The town was Busselton. And the mad man involved in this story was me. The distance was a 3.8k swim, a 180k bike ride, and a 42.2k run (or run/walk). Which seemed to take me forever. Here are some interesting facts about that event. Firstly, it
- [Why Richard Branson is my favourite businessperson](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-richard-branson-is-my-favourite-businessperson/) - I have always been a big fan of Sir Richard Branson. Entrepreneur and owner of Virgin Group of Companies. And if there was a businessperson on planet earth who I want to be like when I grow up, it is Richard! He didn’t let anything stop him. And he followed his dreams… In business. And elsewhere.
- [The Pygmalion Effect is still alive and well in leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-pygmalion-effect-is-still-alive-and-well-in-leadership-2/) - Once upon a time in Greek mythology, the king and sculptor Pygmalion carved a statue of a beautiful woman out of ivory. The statue was so beautiful that Pygmalion fell in love with it. He took a vow of chastity and devoted himself to the statue. Pygmalion loved the statue as though it was a
- [Leaders lose their mojo too](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leaders-lose-their-mojo-too/) - Staying ‘positive’ is hard. Staying ‘up’ is harder. And staying ‘happy’ all the time is nearly impossible. As a leader, when you are on… you are on. And when you aren’t… life is tough. A leader asked me about this in a coaching session yesterday, and the question was ‘how do I get my motivation
- [How to lead like Alejandro Murrieta](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-to-lead-like-alejandro-murrieta/) - Once upon a time, in the wild west, the Spaniards were on a mission to colonise Mexico and what was then, the Californias. The Spaniards, led by Rafael Montero, were brutal in their attack, and showed no mercy to civilians; or the commoners, who became the defenders of the invaded lands. The commoners were led
- [Leadership is lonely](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-is-lonely/) - Leadership is a team sport. That you do on your own. You are the one. You are responsible. You are accountable. You take the ownership. During the good times. And when things go boom. And when things go boom, no matter how good your team is, or how good your support network is, there are
- [Transformational leadership is still a thing](https://theguineagroup.com.au/transformational-leadership-is-still-a-thing/) - The year was 1978. The author was James McGregor Burns. The book was titled simply “Leadership”. In that book, Burns unpacked the difference between transactional leadership and transformational leadership, and why the latter was the preferred leadership strategy for the more people focused leader. In 2023, a CEO told me that this is an old
- [Competition in your leadership team, or front-line teams, can be positive](https://theguineagroup.com.au/competition-in-your-leadership-team-or-front-line-teams-can-be-positive/) - The year was 1891, and The Congregation of Christian Brothers had an issue. The Brothers had built and ran a school (St Joseph’s) on Gregory Terrace in Brisbane city. It was an all-boys school for day scholars and for boarders. St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace was founded in 1875, and after 16 years, they had outgrown
- [What does being an authentic leader really mean?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-does-being-an-authentic-leader-really-mean/) - The year was 2003, and I had just been made redundant. For the first time in my life. Until that point, I had never been “let go” in any capacity from a job. So it was a bit of a blow. Not completely unexpected, but a blow, nonetheless. My wife was not working, and we
- [What being made redundant taught me about leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-being-made-redundant-taught-me-about-leadership/) - The year was 2003, and on my way to the refinery that I (and hundreds of others) worked at, I found out that it was being shut down. And everyone would be made redundant that day. Nothing like the media getting the scoop on a story. Oh, and it was in the paper, too, on
- [The story of the dog at the front door ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-story-of-the-dog-at-the-front-door/) - The year was 2020, and it was a normal day in Gladstone. Mrs G and I had just turned in for the evening. We were having a conversation about our day and were drifting towards drowsiness. And our bedroom (in that house) was located right next to the front door. The front door was open to
- [Succession Planning should be a key leader focus](https://theguineagroup.com.au/succession-planning-should-be-a-key-leader-focus/) - The year was 1998, and I was lucky enough at the time to have gotten my first job as a Maintenance Planner at Santos Limited. I was only employed by Santos for about two years, but I learnt so much during that time, from some great leaders. One of the things that I learnt about
- [What are the 2020s leadership styles and why do they matter ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/what-are-the-2020s-leadership-styles-and-why-do-they-matter/) - The year was 1996. I had just recovered from a major workplace accident that could have claimed my life. The day that I got out of the burn’s unit (about 5 weeks after the accident), I interviewed for my first trade role – a job on a remote mine site in Western Australia. In the
- [Managing someone out of the business is a thing](https://theguineagroup.com.au/managing-someone-out-of-the-business-is-a-thing/) - Yes. It is a thing. It is not a great thing. But it is a thing. And it still happens. I remember being a young leader and being asked to do just that. To manage someone out of the business. It was wrapped up in the form of performance management. But it wasn’t really performance
- [<strong>Difficult conversations are still difficult</strong> ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/difficult-conversations-are-still-difficult/) - The year was 2023. And it was last week. And I was doing leadership training, as I do. And the leaders in the group brought up the topic of difficult conversations. And so they should. Because difficult conversations are still difficult. I once had a CEO tell me that the conversation was going to be
- [How do you keep your energy up as a leader?](https://theguineagroup.com.au/how-do-you-keep-your-energy-up-as-a-leader/) - So, you have run out of energy. Hoomaning is taking its toll on you, and you don’t think you will be able to get through the day. You are doing all the right stuff (or not) like getting enough sleep and eating well. But you just can’t find the energy you used to have.
- [The 3 biggest challenges for the C Suite in 2023](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-3-biggest-challenges-for-the-c-suite-in-2023/) - The year was 2023. And it was this week. And I travelled to the United States of America to attend the 50th edition of the National Speakers Association Conference, which was held in Orlando Florida. It was interesting to talk to speakers from all over the States (and the world) and to discuss some of
- [The key skills of the Construction CEO](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-key-skills-of-the-construction-ceo/) - Working with construction company CEOs or senior leaders is our jam. I love construction, I love the people in the industry, and the I love the leaders running the businesses that build or maintain big noisy things. Over time, we have been drawn to the construction industry, and vice versa. Why, because I have been
- [3 ways to be better at recognising the performance of your team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-ways-to-be-better-at-recognising-the-performance-of-your-team/) - We all crave recognition. And you might think you don’t, but you do. You might just crave it less than the person next to you. But we all, not only need recognition. We crave it. Like sugar or exercise, or anything else addictive. Recognition is as powerful as a drug for some people. So why
- [Dealing with the subcommittee quandary](https://theguineagroup.com.au/dealing-with-the-subcommittee-quandary/) - One of the biggest challenges that leaders face is the subcommittee. The subcommittee includes those team members that aren’t courageous enough to speak up in meetings. And then they take the meeting outside the meeting. And make their own decisions. An uncool situation for a leader. Subcommittees are destructive. Subcommittees are a form of gossip.
- [3 ways to turn around a team in turmoil](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-ways-to-turn-around-a-team-in-turmoil/) - I am a leadership coach, and I help leaders to develop high performing and psychologically safe teams. Fortunately, most of the work that comes our way, is to help teams who are already high performing. To help them become even higher performing. On the odd occasion, we still get the call, we get the request,
- [Paying my respect to the Defence Forces](https://theguineagroup.com.au/paying-my-respect-to-the-defence-forces/) - I was presenting a leadership training program recently, and as I did the acknowledgement of country as part of the introduction to our session, one of the attendees asked if I was going to also acknowledge our defence forces, and those people that have given their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom that
- [Conscious Leadership explained in Academic Terms](https://theguineagroup.com.au/conscious-leadership-explained-in-academic-terms1/) - I haven’t always like writing. Actually, for the first 12 years of my life, I couldn’t think of anything worse. I can remember in primary school not being able to piece a story together. Mind you, I think I was more worried about playing sport at that age. Then, in grade 8, I was marched
- [Why leaders should be doing planning sessions with their teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/why-leaders-should-be-doing-planning-sessions-with-their-teams/) - One of my favourite activities as a leadership coach is to work with leaders and their teams, as part of planning sessions or strategy sessions. This week, I have facilitated two of those sessions, and they are generally full of energy and engagement. Planning sessions (usually a half or full day long) are even better
- [<strong>Unveiling the Essence of Leadership: Beyond Authority</strong> ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/unveiling-the-essence-of-leadership-beyond-authority/) - Did you know that one of the most common Google searches about leadership is, ‘how is leadership different to authority”? This search is (according to the Answer the Public website), the 6th most searched leadership query on Google. I must say that I was surprised. I was surprised because I don’t often hear the word
- [Understanding the Pathways to Leadership: 3 Key Reasons People Become Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/understanding-the-pathways-to-leadership-3-key-reasons-people-become-leaders/) - How did you come to being a leader? And more importantly, why did you choose leadership? Or did leadership choose you? Are you a born leader? Or was it by accident? Did your organisation choose you? Or was the boss away and no one else wanted to do it? These are important questions,
- [Gain Fresh Insights: Three Ways Leaders Can Embrace New Perspectives](https://theguineagroup.com.au/gain-fresh-insights-three-ways-leaders-can-embrace-new-perspectives/) - Yesterday, I was lucky enough to deliver a TEDx Talk on the power of perspective. And in that talk, I unpacked how to Upgrade (with resilience), Upskill (with reframing), and Uplift (with reassurance) your perspective taking. In this post, I have taken a different approach. Everyone has a different perspective on what perspective is. And
- [Navigating the Top 3 Challenges: Insights for Construction CEOs](https://theguineagroup.com.au/navigating-the-top-3-challenges-insights-for-construction-ceos/) - Construction CEOs have got it tough. They have a challenging role. Smaller construction companies are going out of business every other day. Their clients are impacted. In the ever-evolving landscape of construction, CEOs are at the forefront of steering their companies through both triumphs and tribulations. Today, let's delve into the three biggest challenges
- [Unlocking Potential: 3 Reasons Why a Great Leader Trumps a Great Business](https://theguineagroup.com.au/unlocking-potential-3-reasons-why-a-great-leader-trumps-a-great-business/) - I don’t work for the company; my coaching client told me. I work for the person in the GM seat. Plain and simple. There was no black and white about that conversation. This client (senior leader themselves) was more committed to their leader than they were to their organisation. It was like a level of
- [Unlocking Leadership Excellence in the Construction Industry](https://theguineagroup.com.au/unlocking-leadership-excellence-in-the-construction-industry/) - We do two-day training programs. And we get guest speakers in to add value to the sessions. We use sports stars (like Casey McGuire or Steve Jackson) and sometimes industry leaders share their wisdom. In a recent session, a senior leader did an amazing opening talk. This leader looked out the window at our little
- [Unlocking Empathetic Leadership: 3 Essential Tips](https://theguineagroup.com.au/unlocking-empathetic-leadership-3-essential-tips/) - In more than 700 leadership coaching sessions, the skill that I notice is most lacking in leaders is empathy. Empathy is a misunderstood concept. It is not about feeling sad for someone (sympathy). It is not about being oblivious to emotion (apathy). At its simplest, it is about acknowledging and accepting. At its deepest, empathy
- [Navigating Tomorrow: 3 Future Trends in Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/navigating-tomorrow-3-future-trends-in-leadership/) - “I’ve already used AI today.” That was the first words that I heard at a leadership program that we ran this week. I couldn’t believe it. When I asked a leader how they were going in life and in leadership, their response was, "great, and I have already used AI today." In other words, they
- [Building Stronger Team Connections: Engaging with Technical Team Members](https://theguineagroup.com.au/building-stronger-team-connections-engaging-with-technical-team-members/) - In more than 700 leadership coaching sessions, the skill that I notice is most lacking in leaders is empathy. Empathy is a misunderstood concept. It is not about feeling sad for someone (sympathy). It is not about being oblivious to emotion (apathy). At its simplest, it is about acknowledging and accepting. At its deepest, empathy
- [Leadership Blind Spots: 3 Common Psychological Pitfalls](https://theguineagroup.com.au/leadership-blind-spots-3-common-psychological-pitfalls/) - Every eye has a blind spot in the visual field where the optic nerve enters the eye. There are no receptors in those areas. With both eyes open, the blind spots are not perceived because the visual fields of the two eyes overlap. Blind spots can be difficult to detect, because of the ability the brain has
- [Slowing Down to Speed Up: 3 Essential Strategies for Leaders](https://theguineagroup.com.au/slowing-down-to-speed-up-3-essential-strategies-for-leaders/) - Recently, Mrs G (my favourite teacher) was away at a mindfulness retreat. Learning how to help the kids in her class be more mindful and make better choices when they are heightened. At the same time, I was working with a leadership team on the exact same topic. In our session, we covered what it means
- [The Real Issue for Leaders - Most don't get any Training](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-real-issue-for-leaders-most-dont-get-any-training/) - It turns out that leaders don’t get the training they need for their role. Not a great shock to some. But an issue, nevertheless. As a leadership trainer, the longest I have seen a leader (who has come through our programs) be in a leadership role without training, is 30 years. That person said that
- [The 3 Biggest Mistakes Leaders Make: And How to Avoid Them](https://theguineagroup.com.au/the-3-biggest-mistakes-leaders-make-and-how-to-avoid-them/) - Got this statement and question recently. You train all the good stuff. You give us all the skills. But what are the pitfalls of leadership? What are the biggest mistakes that leaders make? Not too much commentary for this one. Straight to the point. Here they are: Mistake #1: Neglecting Self-Development One of the most
- [Elevating Your Career: 3 Key Considerations Before Pursuing a Promotion](https://theguineagroup.com.au/elevating-your-career-3-key-considerations-before-pursuing-a-promotion/) - A lot of the leaders that I coach are trying to progress their career. And rightly so. Career aspiration is a positive aspect of the journey for a vast number of our team members, and leaders. Some people are not looking to climb the ladder of corporate success. Which is cool, too. I coach both
- [3 Words Leaders Should Avoid ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-words-leaders-should-avoid/) - Your language matters. Your words matter. Your statements matter. Language goes straight to the emotional part of our brain. It impacts people’s psychology instantly. It turns people on. Or it turns them off. In a heartbeat. So, if language is so important, why don’t many leaders work hard on what they say. And how they
- [Another 3 Words That Leaders Should Avoid ](https://theguineagroup.com.au/another-3-words-that-leaders-should-avoid/) - Last week, I wrote a post on three words that leaders should never say. Those were impossible, fault, and just. Well, there are three more. The words ‘always’, ‘never’ and ‘but’ are often referred to as absolute or limiting words in the context of leadership and communication. While they are not inherently bad words (in
- [3 Crucial Tips for Managing Upward to Protect Your Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-crucial-tips-for-managing-upward-to-protect-your-team/) - Managing upwards is a big deal for leaders. It is crucial if you are going to (insert your word here… protect, care for, support) your team. Leaders need their leader’s support to be effective in their role. Or they risk doing one of two things. One is looking like a toothless Tiger, with no influence
- [Navigating Leadership in the Age of a Younger Workforce](https://theguineagroup.com.au/navigating-leadership-in-the-age-of-a-younger-workforce/) - There are around 11.9 million people employed in Australia. More than two thirds are employed full time, while 46 per cent are female. Around 39 per cent of workers are aged 45 years and over, with young jobseekers — those aged 15 to 24 — accounting for a further 16 per cent. Almost a third work
- [3 Critical Focus Areas for a Senior Leadership Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-critical-focus-areas-for-a-senior-leadership-team/) - Want to upgrade your organisation, upgrade your senior leadership team (SLT)! Your SLT is the driving force for your business, and they are crucial to the success of the organisation. Their key role is obviously to drive the success of the business. They do that by driving the success of the hoomanz and the teams
- [Achieving Consistent Outcomes: 3 Key Strategies for Effective Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/achieving-consistent-outcomes-3-key-strategies-for-effective-leadership/) - On Sunday, I completed my 14th straight Noosa Triathlon. I’ve never really been able to compete, but I have always completed. It is a non-negotiable for me, on this same weekend ever year … we are heading to Noosa. It is hard for my (very patient) wife to understand, but for me, that event is
- [3 Compelling Reasons to attend Leadership Training](https://theguineagroup.com.au/3-compelling-reasons-to-attend-leadership-training/) - Too many leaders have never done leadership training. Which is why I do what I do. To change that. I spend some of every day and every week, trying to convince leaders about the importance of learning about the work they do, and how to do it at the next level. Whether you're an experienced
- [Upgrade your Leadership: Three Key Practices for Self-Care and Team Success](https://theguineagroup.com.au/upgrade-your-leadership-three-key-practices-for-self-care-and-team-success/) - There is so much expected of leaders in 2023. Especially at this time of the year. In my conversations with leaders, I am hearing more and more about how much work there is to do. Either simply due to the time of year, or because their teams are struggling with workload or personal challenges. Some

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- [Home](https://theguineagroup.com.au/) - The Guinea Group empowers leaders to excel under pressure, fostering high-performing, psychologically safe teams through tailored coaching and training.
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## Products

- [Speak Safe (Audiobook) - Coming Soon](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/speak-safe-audiobook/) - $19.97 What if your team felt safe enough to say what they really think? In Speak Safe, leadership coach and cultural safety expert Anton Guinea delivers a practical, powerful playbook for creating the one thing every high-performing team needs: Psychological Safety. This is an online copy which will be available in our store soon!
- [Speak Safe - Lead With Care (E-Book)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/speak-safe-lead-with-care-e-book-copy/) - $19.97 What if your team felt safe enough to say what they really think? In Speak Safe, leadership coach and cultural safety expert Anton Guinea delivers a practical, powerful playbook for creating the one thing every high-performing team needs: Psychological Safety. This is an online copy which will be available to download upon purchase
- [Speak Safe - Lead with Care (Hard Cover)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/speak-safe-lead-with-care-book/) - A$35.13 What if your team felt safe enough to say what they really think? In Speak Safe, leadership coach and cultural safety expert Anton Guinea delivers a practical, powerful playbook for creating the one thing every high-performing team needs: Psychological Safety.
- [Uplift Your Teams (Audiobook)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/uplift-your-teams-audiobook/) - Dealing with a team in turmoil? Need to increase your team’s bandwidth? This book is for you. Spend some transformational time with leadership specialist Anton Guinea, and learn how to support your team. You’ll discover the radical candour approach, how to build a psychologically safe workplace, and learn to become a better leader by uplifting your team. This book is available on Audible—get your copy today and start listening!
- [Uplift Your Teams (E-book)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/uplift-your-teams-e-book/) - Dealing with a team in turmoil? Need to increase your team’s bandwidth? This book is for you. Spend some transformational time with leadership specialist Anton Guinea, and learn how to support your team. You’ll discover the radical candour approach, how to build a psychologically safe workplace, and learn to become a better leader by uplifting your team. E-book Download and start reading today for only $11.97.
- [Uplift Your Teams](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/uplift-your-teams-anton-guinea-book/) - Dealing with a team in turmoil? Need to increase your team’s bandwidth? This book is for you. Spend some transformational time with leadership specialist Anton Guinea, and learn how to support your team. You’ll discover the radical candour approach, how to build a psychologically safe workplace, and learn to become a better leader by uplifting your team. Hard Copy Edition Be among the first to hold it in your hands! Set to launch on 1st October, you can secure your copy now at a special pre-order price of just $19.97, postage included. After the release date, it'll be priced at $29.97, with postage still on us.
- [Upgrade your Mindset (Audiobook)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/upgrade-your-mindset-audiobook/) - Out of your depth? Leading under pressure? Need to put things in perspective? This book is for you. Spend some time introspecting with leadership specialist Anton Guinea, and find your ‘why’. You’ll discover your leadership style and how to transform it, find ways to cope when things go BOOM, and learn to reach your leadership goals by upgrading your leadership mindset. This book is available on Audible—get your copy today and start listening!
- [Upgrade your Mindset (E-book)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/upgrade-your-mindset-e-book/) - Out of your depth? Leading under pressure? Need to put things in perspective? This book is for you. Spend some time introspecting with leadership specialist Anton Guinea, and find your ‘why’. You’ll discover your leadership style and how to transform it, find ways to cope when things go BOOM, and learn to reach your leadership goals by upgrading your leadership mindset. E-book Can't wait? Download and start reading today for only $11.97.
- [Upgrade your Mindset](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/upgrade-your-mindset-anton-guinea-book/) - Out of your depth? Leading under pressure? Need to put things in perspective? This book is for you. Spend some time introspecting with leadership specialist Anton Guinea, and find your ‘why’. You’ll discover your leadership style and how to transform it, find ways to cope when things go BOOM, and learn to reach your leadership goals by upgrading your leadership mindset. Hard Copy Edition Be among the first to hold it in your hands! Set to launch on 1st October, you can secure your copy now at a special pre-order price of just $19.97, postage included. After the release date, it'll be priced at $29.97, with postage still on us.
- [Upskill Your Leadership (Audiobook)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/upskill-your-leadership-audiobook/) - As a leader, are you in control? Reacting instead of responding? Dealing with bullies in business suits? This book is for you. Spend some time with leadership specialist Anton Guinea, and learn how to create conscious control. You’ll discover ways to develop emotional intelligence, how to operate with care factor, and learn to reach your leadership goals by upskilling your leadership. This book is available on Audible—get your copy today and start listening!
- [Upskill Your Leadership (E-book)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/upskill-your-leadership-e-book/) - As a leader, are you in control? Reacting instead of responding? Dealing with bullies in business suits? This book is for you. Spend some time with leadership specialist Anton Guinea, and learn how to create conscious control. You’ll discover ways to develop emotional intelligence, how to operate with care factor, and learn to reach your leadership goals by upskilling your leadership. E-book Download and start reading today for only $11.97.
- [Upskill Your Leadership](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/upskill-your-leadership-anton-guinea-book/) - As a leader, are you in control? Reacting instead of responding? Dealing with bullies in business suits? This book is for you. Spend some time with leadership specialist Anton Guinea, and learn how to create conscious control. You’ll discover ways to develop emotional intelligence, how to operate with care factor, and learn to reach your leadership goals by upskilling your leadership. Hard Copy Edition - Presale 1st October Be among the first to hold it in your hands! Set to launch on 1st October, you can secure your copy now at a special pre-order price of just $19.97, postage included. After the release date, it'll be priced at $29.97, with postage still on us.
- [Let's Talk About Safety (Audiobook)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/lets-talk-about-safety-audiobook/) - This book is an engaging one-on-one chat with Anton and a mate. They could be you, someone you work with, or someone in your company. Over the chapters, Anton considers some of the most important safety topics that he hears from employees and he replies to each of these topics in an easy to follow, conversational style. James Wood, a former trades person, workplace incident survivor and safety champion also shares the story of how he was paralysed at work. If you are serious about your safety and the safety of your employees, you must read this book. It might just save a life – it is that powerful. This book is available on Audible—get your copy today and start listening!
- [Let's Talk About Safety (E-Book)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/lets-talk-about-safety-e-book/) - $11.98 This book is an engaging one-on-one chat with Anton and a mate. They could be you, someone you work with, or someone in your company. Over the chapters, Anton considers some of the most important safety topics that he hears from employees and he replies to each of these topics in an easy to follow, conversational style. James Wood, a former trades person, workplace incident survivor and safety champion also shares the story of how he was paralysed at work. If you are serious about your safety and the safety of your employees, you must read this book. It might just save a life – it is that powerful. This is an online copy which will be available to download upon purchase
- [Let's Talk About Safety (Hardcover)](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/lets-talk-about-safety-hardcover/) - $28.67 This book is an engaging one-on-one chat with Anton and a mate. They could be you, someone you work with, or someone in your company. Over the chapters, Anton considers some of the most important safety topics that he hears from employees and he replies to each of these topics in an easy to follow, conversational style. James Wood, a former trades person, workplace incident survivor and safety champion also shares the story of how he was paralysed at work. If you are serious about your safety and the safety of your employees, you must read this book. It might just save a life – it is that powerful. Free Australia-Wide Shipping
- [The Leadership Trilogy](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/the-leadership-trilogy/) - Learn how to uplift your teams by learning to lead with courage, care and radical candour.
- [DISC Coaching - One Month](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/disc-unpack/) - $2,250.00 DISC is the shortcut to help you figure out where to focus, how to get better, and a way to talk about this concept with your teammates in a structured way. It provides a common language that people can use to better understand themselves and to adapt their behaviours with others — within a work team, a sales relationship, a leadership position, or other relationships. TGG enhances the DISC experience by assisting you to unpack your DISC profile. Complete your 20 minute survey to receive your personalised workbook (printed and electronically). Once completed you'll also receive a month with Anton, 2 one on one sessions, 24/7 support, all designed to understand how to implement your DISC profile it and use it become an outstanding communicator! Why we DISC – because it makes a difference!
- [DISC Profile](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/disc-profile/) - $250.00 DISC is the shortcut to help you figure out where to focus, how to get better, and a way to talk about this concept with your teammates in a structured way. It provides a common language that people can use to better understand themselves and to adapt their behaviours with others — within a work team, a sales relationship, a leadership position, or other relationships. DISC is an amazing tool, and as professional facilitators of the process, TGG will enhance the DISC experience for you and your team! Complete your 20 minute survey to receive your personalised workbook (both printed as well as the pdf version) to learn more about your character and work styles Why we DISC – because it makes a difference!
- [1 Month Gratitude Journal](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/1-month-gratitude-journal/) - Purchase a hard copy for $14.99, or download for $1.99. It is nearly impossible to feel down or sad … if you are feeling grateful. Gratitude is powerful. It helps you to change your focus, to count your blessings, and to realise all of the things that are going right in your life, rather than what is going wrong. All it takes is between 3 and 5 minutes per day, to write down what you are grateful for. There is so much research now that backs up the fact that gratitude changes your brain. It reduces your cortisol, the stress response hormone, and it increases your happiness and resilience. Who doesn’t want that, right? Anton’s one-month gratitude journal will get your started on the path to being grateful every day. We know you will love it.
- [Speak Safe Training Program](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/speak-safe-training-program/) - What Is SPEAK SAFE Speak Safe is a high-impact training experience, tailored for organisations that are committed to creating psychologically safe, legally compliant, and emotionally intelligent workplaces. Led by renowned facilitator Anton Guinea, the program empowers leaders and teams to understand what psychological safety means in practice – and how to live it out through communication, empathy, responsibility, and inclusive leadership. More about Anton Guinea An expertly trained professional and experienced leadership specialist, who will support you and your team through the Speak Safe process.
- [The New Leader's Survival Guide](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/the-new-leaders-survival-guide/) - learn how to uplift your teams by learning to lead with courage, care and radical candour.
- [Speak Safe Video Training Program](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/speak-safe-online-training-program/) - Master clear, empathetic leadership with the Speak Safe Training with 5 short videos, practical tools, and proven steps to build psychological safety.
- [Upgrade your Leadership Team](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/upgrade-your-leadership-coaching-program/) - Register your interest to access the program brochure. Our ‘Upgrade Your Leadership Team’ program, informed by two decades of global leadership experience, is engineered to equip leaders with the tools and mindset they need for the modern age. Designed from in-depth exposure to over 150 organisations and countless success stories, this program offers an unparalleled journey of personal and professional growth. This program is designed for leaders who want to: Make a difference Have more influence See others succeed Build a strong culture Be their best self More about Anton Guinea An expertly trained professional and experienced leadership specialist, who will support you and your team through the leadership upgrade process.
- [Doco Safe - 14 Psychosocial Guidelines Templates](https://theguineagroup.com.au/product/doco-safe-14-psychosocial-guidelines-templates/) - Empower leaders to identify and manage 14 key psychosocial hazards. Create safer, healthier workplaces that support wellbeing and prevent harm.

## Quotes

- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/leaders-be-aware-of-your-intent-and-if-it-is-not-positive-pause-and-reflect-on-why-you-cant-make-a-positive-difference-with-a-negative-intent/) - Leaders, be aware of your intent, and if it is NOT positive, pause and reflect on why. You can’t make a positive difference with a negative intent!
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-18/) - Two things the universe will call on you to do - live well, and lead well. AKA – be a good human.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-17/) - A leader's job is to help, not harm. To heal, not hurt.
- [Lao Tzu](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/lao-tzu/) - A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-16/) - Lead, listen, empathise, care, repeat.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-15/) - There is something about living and leading in flow that makes life fly by, and living feel easy. Find your flow, find your life. And your purpose.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-14/) - Life Rocks.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/when-leaders-care-their-teams-do-too/) - When leaders care, their teams do too.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/being-a-leader-is-a-bit-like-being-spiderman-with-great-power-comes-great-responsibility/) - Being a leader is a bit like being Spiderman: with great power, comes great responsibility.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-7/) - The subtle change from "I need to" to "I get to" will help leaders, public speakers, and workshop facilitators to get it done with purpose and passion.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/regardless-of-your-struggles-remain-in-dialogue/) - Regardless of your struggles, remain in dialogue.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-2/) - The best leaders turn up in service.
- [Frank Sonnenberg](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/frank-sonnenberg/) - Life isn’t about the number of ups and downs that you experience, but how you deal with them.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea/) - Does my team feel safe today? I'll ask them.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-10/) - Stress less leadership is about being calmer and more controlled! Try it, it feels so much better.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/our-relentless-question-why-do-leaders-need-to-stay-calm-and-in-control-and-how-do-we-help-them-to-do-that/) - Leaders who are comfortable with resistance, become more resilient.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/2403/) - Leadership is like alcohol. It accentuates your character traits. Givers give more. Takers take more. Learners learn more. Carers care more. True leaders transform more. Accentuate your character traits that make a difference. Reduce others.
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-4/) - Leadership is about being calm under pressure. And remaining in control of: - Your emotions - Your behaviour - The situation
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/leaders-are-learners-they-are-active-learners-and-seek-out-new-information-and-ideas/) - Leaders are learners – They are active learners and seek out new information and ideas!
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-13/) - The best leaders don't have the best teams, they develop the best teams!
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-12/) - When leaders care, they connect. When they connect, they commit. When they commit, they create change. Change in people, change is results!
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-11/) - Leaders are listeners – the best leaders listen with an open mind and an open heart!
- [Anton Guinea](https://theguineagroup.com.au/quotes/anton-guinea-8/) - Our relentless question: why do leaders need to stay calm and in control, and how do we help them to do that?

## Categories

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