Post tagged in "psychological safety at work"

As a leadership coach, I regularly hear the words “old school leader” and “new age leader.” I work with a mix of both, and if I was to describe the difference, it’s that new age leaders tend to be more connected with their people. They are more transformational, more emotionally competent, and more invested in the human experience behind the work. Old school leaders, on the other hand, often take a transactional approach. They are more direct, more production-focused, and, at times, “too busy” for conversations about feelings or culture. They prioritise outcomes over people and can struggle to understand... read more

Are you ready to lead with care when everything around you feels out of control? When a crisis hits, many leaders instinctively move into a control mode: quick decisions, tighter reins, rigid protocols. I’ve been there. After my own near-fatal workplace incident I realised that while control has its place, it isn’t enough. What matters more is how you lead with care, especially when people are hurting, uncertain or knocked off balance. Why care makes the difference in tough times When our team is under pressure, it’s easy for a leader to default to commands. But I learned that what... read more

Have you ever felt that your quiet nature holds you back from leading effectively? I’ve met so many leaders over the years who believe that leadership has to be loud, commanding, and full of bravado. But truthfully, some of the best leaders I’ve seen lead quietly. They’re the ones who don’t need to raise their voice to earn respect. They lead with presence, not volume. That’s what I call quiet confidence. As someone who’s spent decades helping people stay calm under pressure, I’ve realised that introverts often have an incredible ability to lead with care, thoughtfulness, and self-awareness. They don’t... read more

Have you ever walked away from a conversation and thought, “I wish I’d just said what I really felt?” I’ve been there, more times than I’d like to admit. As leaders, we often find ourselves biting our tongue to avoid tension or protect feelings. But here’s the truth: if we can’t talk honestly, we can’t lead honestly. And without honesty, there’s no trust, no growth, and no real connection with the people who rely on us to guide them. Over the years, I’ve realised that honest conversations are the heartbeat of strong leadership. They might be uncomfortable, but they build... read more

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 organisation are. They try to answer some of the above questions or address the above statements, which is a great strategy, particularly if the organisation follows up the survey with employee feedback sessions and leadership development programs focused on addressing key engagement issues. At the end of the day, it is the leader’s role to increase engagement. As leaders, one of... read more

Have you ever looked back at something painful in your life and wondered if it happened for a reason? I’ve had that thought more times than I can count. After my near-fatal workplace accident, I didn’t see purpose, I only saw pain. It took time, a lot of reflection, and some honest conversations with myself before I realised that what nearly broke me would one day help others. That’s the part many of us miss in the middle of our struggle, the hurt we go through can often be the very thing that gives us the empathy and courage to... read more

What will you be remembered for when you’re no longer at the helm? Today’s a bit of a special one for me. It’s my birthday. Another year added to my life, and with it, a moment to pause and reflect on what kind of impact I’m leaving behind. Every year, I ask myself the same question: have I made a difference in the lives of the people I’ve worked with, coached, or led? And if I haven’t, what will I do differently from today? I’ve spent more than two decades helping leaders build teams that are safe, trusted and high... read more

Have you ever noticed how much easier feedback feels when you know it’s safe to speak up? That simple sense of safety, of being heard without fear, changes everything. I’ve seen it in boardrooms, on construction sites, and even during coaching sessions. When people feel safe, feedback stops feeling like a critique and starts feeling like a gift. And that’s exactly what it should be: a chance to grow, not a reason to retreat. Why feedback feels like a gift in safe environments Let’s be honest, most people don’t enjoy hearing feedback. It’s human. Our brains are wired to protect... read more

Could you lead with clarity, train with passion, and live with purpose all in the same day? I’ve been living that tension for years. As a leadership coach, speaker, and triathlete, I juggle boardrooms, training lanes, team strategy, and rest. Over time I’ve realised that intentional balance in leadership isn’t a myth or a nice idea, it’s a muscle you build through daily choices. How sport sharpened my view of leadership When I picked up triathlon, I didn’t expect it to inform my leadership work. But the parallels hit me fast. In the world of leadership development, there’s a concept... read more

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what really gives people the courage to speak up, take risks, and try something new at work? I’ve spent years watching leaders and teams at every level, and one thing is clear: courage doesn’t appear out of thin air. It grows in places where people feel safe to show up as themselves. Where they can ask the uncomfortable questions, challenge old habits, and still feel respected. That’s what I call a safe space. And in leadership, safe spaces aren’t a luxury, they’re the foundation of every courageous move we make. Why courage needs... read more