How to Take the Lead

Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade

How to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership. Every week we'll be exploring a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way. If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith (from www.sundayskies.com) and Carrie-Ann Wade (from www.cats-pajamas.co.uk) as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. New episodes are released every Thursday. To get involved, share your thoughts and stories or to ask questions visit www.howtotakethelead.com or DM us via instagram, LinkedIn or twitter. read less
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Episodes

What do we need to unlearn to lead well?
08-02-2024
What do we need to unlearn to lead well?
Have you heard about unlearning? It sounds like the opposite of what we are all about here at How To Take The Lead - learning, growth and development. But understanding what we need to unlearn as leaders is key to that growth and development. In this episode we cover:what we mean by the concept of unlearningwhy unlearning a crucial part of our leadership journeyshow you know what you need to unlearn in order to improveSeeking feedback and engaging others in your unlearningAs it's the last episode of this series you can also hear our highlights from series 4. Both of us particularly loved the conversation about self-leadership. Resources and helpful linksHow well do you lead yourself? - How to Take the LeadAbout How to Take the LeadHow to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership.Every episode we explore a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way.If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. Get involvedIf you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast. We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.If you want to watch this episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don't miss out.And you can be a part of our Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. We're also over on Instagram for more behind the scenes, news and views.Plus if you want to work with us to challenge and change leadership in your organisation get in touch by dropping us an email howtotakethelead@gmail.com or DM us on the socials.
Taking risks
01-02-2024
Taking risks
What is your risk appetite as a leader?It's well evidenced that high-performing teams are those who are willing to take collective risk. But it's not easy to get to that place, especially if it's outside of your comfort zone.In this episode, we chat all things risk and why your approach to it matters. We discuss:how we define risks and how our approaches varyrisk awareness versus risk-takinghow your DISC profile - or preferences - can affect how you view and take risks the requirement of psychological safety in building risk appetitewhat good risk taking looks likehow to identify where you sit on a risk scalehow to become less risk averse tackling risky behaviours in others without being a killjoygetting alignment with your Board and taking people with youembracing your inner risk-taker Resources and helpful linksSurrounded by idiots by Thomas EriksonAbout How to Take the LeadHow to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership.Every episode we explore a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way.If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. Get involvedIf you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast. We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.If you want to watch this episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don't miss out.And you can be a part of our Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. We're also over on Instagram for more behind the scenes, news and views.Plus if you want to work with us to challenge and change leadership in your organisation get in touch by dropping us an email howtotakethelead@gmail.com or DM us on the socials.
Disruptive leadership
25-01-2024
Disruptive leadership
Is being a disruptor about making trouble? We don't think so and it's one of the things we explore in this conversation about disruptive leadership. In this episode of How To Take The Lead we consider how disruptive leadership can support your teams/ organisations.We discuss:what being a disruptive leader really means?the challenges disruption can causehow to take other people on a journey of change as part of disruptiontesting out disruption in small, more manageable ways changing or shifting your mindset in relation to dispruptionbeing comfortable with your role or the role of others in disruptive leadership.Resources and helpful linksRebel Ideas: The Power of Diverse Thinking - Matthew Syed ConsultingDisruptive Ideas by Leandro Herrero | GoodreadsAbout How to Take the LeadHow to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership.Every episode we explore a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way.If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. Get involvedIf you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast. We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.If you want to watch this episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don't miss out.And you can be a part of our Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. We're also over on Instagram for more behind the scenes, news and views.Plus if you want to work with us to challenge and change leadership in your organisation get in touch by dropping us an email howtotakethelead@gmail.com or DM us on the socials.
Are you a thought leader?
18-01-2024
Are you a thought leader?
Should you be a thought leader? WHAT exactly does it mean to be a thought leader? In this week's How to Take the Lead, we discuss our thoughts on this topic, arguing the case for more leaders to talk out about things they're expert in.We explore:whether anyone can become a thought leader or if it's hierarchical what you need to bring to be a thought leader - and our equation that makes a thought leaderhow thought leadership can help you as a leaderorganisational benefits of thought leadership and how to work with your organisationwhat activities can contribute to thought leadershipthe role of controversy in thought leadershiplegacy of thought leadership ideashow you work out where your thought leadership subject lies.Resources and helpful linksAbout How to Take the LeadHow to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership.Every episode we explore a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way.If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. Get involvedIf you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast. We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.If you want to watch this episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don't miss out.And you can be a part of our Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. We're also over on Instagram for more behind the scenes, news and views.Plus if you want to work with us to challenge and change leadership in your organisation get in touch by dropping us an email howtotakethelead@gmail.com or DM us on the socials.
Self-leadership
11-01-2024
Self-leadership
What is self-leadership?Why is it important?How do you practice it?These are all questions we discuss in this episode of How To Take The Lead.Self-leadership is about how you show up as a leader and this can mean many things. It might be the boundaries you set and communicate. Perhaps it is how you are using your time and what this demonstrates to those around you. And it could be you need to prioritise your wellbeing.Creating the conditions for your success - whatever you have determined that to be - requires you to be intentional in your self-leadership. This episode will give you practical advice and tips to support your self-leadership journey.Resources and helpful linksThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen CoveyDare to Lead Hub - Brené BrownAre we really listening? - How to Take the LeadWhy you need a personal leadership strategy - How to Take the LeadAbout How to Take the LeadHow to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership.Every episode we explore a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way.If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. Get involvedIf you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast. We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.If you want to watch this episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don't miss out.And you can be a part of our Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. We're also over on Instagram for more behind the scenes, news and views.Plus if you want to work with us to challenge and change leadership in your organisation get in touch by dropping us an email howtotakethelead@gmail.com or DM us on the socials.
Tackling toxicity
04-01-2024
Tackling toxicity
We've talked a lot about culture and how it impacts performance, morale and organisational reputational. If you've been a long-term listener you will have heard our own experiences of working in organisations with poor culture and toxic behaviours. But in this episode we want to tackle it head on and explore what can be done about overcoming toxicity in organisations.We discuss:how we define toxic leadershipwhat tips the balance between an organisation being dysfunctional versus toxicwhat organisational indicators might be telling you about the state of toxicitysigns that toxic behaviours are at play in your organisation how to recognise if you're displaying toxic behavioursevidence, self-reflection, honest conversations that leaders need to have to understand the culture you're creating or perpetuatingthe top three challenges that need to be addressed to tackle toxic leadership calling out poor behaviours and creating the right conditions to role model for othersthe drain of good people leaving organisations - what can be done about it?how to deal with the personal toll of being on the receiving end of toxic leadership and the baggage that you can carry with youResources and helpful linksStaying curious - How to Take the Lead S3, E10Leadership - is it all about power? How to Take the Lead S3, E9About How to Take the LeadHow to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership.Every episode we explore a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way.If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. Get involvedIf you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast. We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.If you want to watch this episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don't miss out.And you can be a part of our Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. We're also over on Instagram for more behind the scenes, news and views.Plus if you want to work with us to challenge and change leadership in your organisation get in touch by dropping us an email howtotakethelead@gmail.com or DM us on the socials.
Identifying future leaders
21-12-2023
Identifying future leaders
Are you spotting future leadership talent?And if so, are you clear what to do next?In this episode we discuss how you can identify future leaders in your organisation and what you can do to support them.We cover:how you can identify future leaderswhat happens when you spot leadership potentialhow to ensure your leadership aspirations for someone are aligned with their ownrecruitment processes and how they can help or hinder your leadership recruitmentensuring you are looking for leadership potential that brings diversity.Resources and helpful linksHow to help people to squiggle and stay | Amazing IfLeadership Potential: Identifying Future Leaders in 2024 - RecruitingDailyHow can organisations better support leaders? - How to Take the Lead S3 E2About How to Take the LeadHow to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership.Every episode we explore a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way.If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. Get involvedIf you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast. We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.If you want to watch this episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don't miss out.And you can be a part of our Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. We're also over on Instagram for more behind the scenes, news and views.Plus if you want to work with us to challenge and change leadership in your organisation get in touch by dropping us an email howtotakethelead@gmail.com or DM us on the socials.
Leadership strategy
14-12-2023
Leadership strategy
Do you have a personal leadership strategy? Often we can focus on organisational strategies and lose our own purpose and intent along the way.In this episode Carrie-Ann and Lee explore what it means to have a personal leadership strategy, why you need one and how you go about getting one. We discuss how:your personal strategy differs from an organisational onewe've approached and developed our own strategies during our careersyour strategy can help you in your career development and job searchit can help you to build diverse teamsto align your strategy with the bigger pictureto get clarity about the type of leader you are and how you position yourselfto develop your personal leadership strategymeasurement and evaluation is an important part of your strategy your leadership strategy sits alongside self-leadership and communication as the core cogs to be impactfulto create time to be intentional in your leadership approachWe also shared our one How To to help you get clarity in your leadership strategy.Let us know what recommendations you want from us in 2024. Comment on YouTube, instagram or via our Substack community. Resources and helpful linksNHS Orkney Chief Executive 100-day reportLeaders with impact podcast (Lee's new podcast)About How to Take the LeadHow to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership.Every episode we explore a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way.If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. Get involvedIf you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast. We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.If you want to watch this episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don't miss out.And you can be a part of our Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. We're also over on Instagram for more behind the scenes, news and views.Plus if you want to work with us to challenge and change leadership in your organisation get in touch by dropping us an email howtotakethelead@gmail.com or DM us on the socials.
Is leadership for you?
07-12-2023
Is leadership for you?
In this episode of How To Take The Lead, we ask the question 'is leadership for you?'. We are into our fourth series of the podcast now and we realised we hadn't ever really addressed this question. We share our own experiences and the reasons why we have chosen to step into leadership positions.Our conversation is broad and wide ranging covering the following:the difference between leadership and managementwhat defines you as a leader - is it about positional power and hierarchy or something else?clarity on your purpose and the impact you intend to have as a leaderis leadership all about the job title and the pay, plus is it ok to want to be paid well for what you do?do you choose to be a leader or is it something that is granted to you by others?defining what leadership means - no one size fits allquestions you can start to ask yourself about why you want to be a leader, regardless of whether you are new to leadership or a well established leader.Resources and helpful linksAbout How to Take the LeadHow to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership.Every episode we explore a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way.If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. Get involvedIf you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast. We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.If you want to watch this episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don't miss out.And you can be a part of our Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. We're also over on Instagram for more behind the scenes, news and views.Plus if you want to work with us to challenge and change leadership in your organisation get in touch by dropping us an email howtotakethelead@gmail.com or DM us on the socials.
The state of leadership - 2023 edition
30-11-2023
The state of leadership - 2023 edition
We are back with series 4. And as we're getting to the end of the year we thought it would be the perfect time to check-in on the state of leadership.We last did this in 2022, so we wanted to see what had changed, what stayed the same and what we think it all means for next year.In this episode we discuss:what we both got up to over the summer, including some side-hustle / sister / cousin podcasts that may have been launched!how to show up in your organisation when things are troubled globally politics, conference season, Laura Kuenssberg's infamous word clouds and what organisations could learn from themWorld Cup leadership highs and lowswhat's changed since the Modern Leaders' report was published in 2022what leaders are choosing to speak up about and what they're ignoring stillareas and skills that leaders should focus on including values-driven, prioritising wellbeing, having an adaptable approachour predictions for 2024 and what will be influencing leadership.Resources and helpful linksOwning your s**t! - How to Take the Lead, S3 E8The modern leader - research reportInterview with Monmouthshire Council CEO Paul Matthews — Leaders with impact podcastLeaders with impact podcast (Lee's new podcast)Behind the Bob, Diary of a Comms Director (Carrie-Ann's new podcast)About How to Take the LeadHow to Take the Lead is a show exploring all things leadership.Every episode we explore a different part of life as a leader, questioning everything we've ever learnt and sharing a few of our own stories along the way.If you want to learn how to do leadership your own way, join hosts Lee Griffith and Carrie-Ann Wade as they debunk myths, tackle stereotypes and generally put the leadership world to rights. Get involvedIf you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast. We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.If you want to watch this episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you don't miss out.And you can be a part of our Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. We're also over on Instagram for more behind the scenes, news and views.Plus if you want to work with us to challenge and change leadership in your organisation get in touch by dropping us an email howtotakethelead@gmail.com or DM us on the socials.
You didn't think that would be it did you?
15-06-2023
You didn't think that would be it did you?
You know we can’t resist a cheeky bonus episode. As we end the series we take the opportunity to reflect on which episodes really resonated with us and with listeners. And we use this episode as an opportunity to cover things that cropped up between our conversations that we didn’t get the chance to discuss.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:04:22 – finding your fire again – the “so what?”07:24 – getting comfortable with being uncomfortable12:40 – honesty and vulnerability19:18 – shifting perceptions of power   31:00 -  making your voice count33:21 – perception – it’s all personalAs it’s a bonus we’ve not stuck to our usual format with top takeaways. However we have delved into all sorts of examples of good, bad and ugly leadership including mentions for Edward Enninful, Plaid Cymru, Dominic Raab, CBI and even the TV show Rise and Fall.Get in touch to let us know what you want us to cover in Series 4, back after the summer holidays.If you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast: www.howtotakethelead.com/listenWe would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.And if you're looking to lead differently in 2023, we've launched our new Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. Subscribe at How to Take the Lead | SubstackInstagram https://www.instagram.com/howtotakethelead/Twitter https://twitter.com/How2TakeTheLeadYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@howtotakethelead/
Staying curious
04-05-2023
Staying curious
It’s the last episode of this series and we are all about staying curious. We discuss how we define curiosity in leadership and whether it is a core leadership skill. We are not just talking about being curious about others, but being curious about your own approach to leadership and how a culture of curiosity can impact your teams and organisation.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:03:08 – the art of asking questions07:24 – benefits of being curious13:56 – can you learn to be a curious leader?22:24 – losing your curiosity   28:21 -  How to… demonstrate curiosityAs always, we share our top takeaways to help you demonstrate curiosity as a leader. Questions are key, the types of questions you ask and how you ask them. Surrounding yourself with a diverse group of people and diverse thinking will support your curiosity.  In this episode we reference Matthew Syed’s Rebel Ideas------------------------------If you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast: www.howtotakethelead.com/listenNew episodes will be released every Thursday and you can listen / download on your favourite platform.Episodes will also appear on YouTube channel every Thursday, so hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.And if you're looking to lead differently in 2023, we've launched our new Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. Subscribe at How to Take the Lead | SubstackInstagram https://www.instagram.com/howtotakethelead/Twitter https://twitter.com/How2TakeTheLeadYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@howtotakethelead/
Leadership - is it all about power?
27-04-2023
Leadership - is it all about power?
Can you believe it’s the penultimate episode in this series already?In this episode we tackle the topic of power in leadership and how power dynamics show up. We talk about some of the misconceptions in relation to power, challenge some of the stereotypes of how power can play out for leaders and how we can better understand how we can use our power for good as leaders. We share our own thoughts and experiences about how the concept of power has impacted our own leadership journeys.03:08 – different types of power09:21 – behaviours and signals from others16:18 – can you lead successfully without power?21:32 – feeling powerless   31:18 – abuse of power43:18 - How to… leverage your powerAs always, we share our top takeaways to help you leverage your power as a leader. If you are uncomfortable with the concept of power consider reframing this to think about impact and influence. Identify where you do and don’t have the power to help you deliver your purpose. Focus on relationships you are building, grow your awareness and work on your communication and connection skills.-----------------------If you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast: www.howtotakethelead.com/listenNew episodes will be released every Thursday and you can listen / download on your favourite platform.Episodes will also appear on YouTube every Thursday, so hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.And if you're looking to lead differently in 2023, we've launched our new Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. Subscribe at How to Take the Lead | SubstackInstagram https://www.instagram.com/howtotakethelead/Twitter https://twitter.com/How2TakeTheLeadYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@howtotakethelead/
Owning your s**t!
20-04-2023
Owning your s**t!
Leaders or not, we are all human, so mistakes are inevitable right? Whether it is making a bad decision, moving in the wrong direction strategically or not listening to stakeholder feedback, it’s the way we deal with our mistakes that can make all the difference.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:06:01 – the BBC v. Gary Lineker08:36 – warning signs you’re getting it wrong14:50 – blaming and scapegoating22:27 – sorry seems to be the hardest word  28:10 – trust is at the heart of it31:35 -  How to… own your sh*tAs always, we share our top takeaways to help you to own your sh*t as a leader. Get the balance right, you need to move quickly but don’t create a knee jerk reaction. Situational awareness and understanding what actions you might need to take is crucial. Assess, acknowledge and act are three useful ‘As’ to support your thinking when you get things wrong.------------------If you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast: www.howtotakethelead.com/listenNew episodes will be released every Thursday and you can listen / download on your favourite platform.Episodes will also appear on YouTube every Thursday, so hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.And if you're looking to lead differently in 2023, we've launched our new Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. Subscribe at How to Take the Lead | SubstackInstagram https://www.instagram.com/howtotakethelead/Twitter https://twitter.com/How2TakeTheLeadYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@howtotakethelead/
A matter of communication
13-04-2023
A matter of communication
While we might have 40 years of professional communications experience between us, we are super clear that leaders have to take the lead in communicating and engaging for their organisations, not leave it to their corporate communications team. Organisational performance and communications go hand in had for us and we explore this further in this episode.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:04:07 – whose responsibility is it to communicate?06:59 – communications and organisational performance15:03 – understanding communication preferences24:47 – where’s your evidence?  28:53 – consistency is key40:30 - How to…communicate and engageAs always, we share our top takeaways to help you to communicate and engage as a leader. We are all about clarity and consistency this week as well as understanding the notion of know, like and trust.In this episode we reference Surrounded By Idiots by Thomas Erikson.-------------------------If you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast: www.howtotakethelead.com/listenNew episodes will be released every Thursday and you can listen / download on your favourite platform.Episodes will also appear on YouTube every Thursday, so hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.And if you're looking to lead differently in 2023, we've launched our new Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. Subscribe at How to Take the Lead | SubstackInstagram https://www.instagram.com/howtotakethelead/Twitter https://twitter.com/How2TakeTheLeadYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@howtotakethelead/
Avoiding overwhelm
06-04-2023
Avoiding overwhelm
We’ve already discussed the leadership landscape and how challenging it is for leaders at present. In this episode we talk about how, as a leader, you can avoid overwhelm, recognising when you might be heading towards burnout and how to support your wellbeing. We also share our own personal experiences of dealing with overwhelm.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:03:38 – the stats – setting the scene11:11 – recognition of signs and privilege16:59 – the impact of who you work with23:37 – boundary setting  31:30 – where are you getting your support?41:00 -  How to…avoid overwhelmAs always, we share our top takeaways to help you avoid overwhelm. Start with one small thing that could make a difference, make time to reflect and work out what some of your signs of overwhelm are and reach out to your support network.In this episode we reference data from Deloitte Insights and the Development Dimensions International Global Leadership Forecast 2021. We also reference Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.------------------------------If you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast: www.howtotakethelead.com/listenNew episodes will be released every Thursday and you can listen / download on your favourite platform.Episodes will also appear on YouTube every Thursday, so hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.And if you're looking to lead differently in 2023, we've launched our new Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. Subscribe at How to Take the Lead | SubstackInstagram https://www.instagram.com/howtotakethelead/Twitter https://twitter.com/How2TakeTheLeadYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@howtotakethelead/
Making your voice count
30-03-2023
Making your voice count
As leaders we have a platform and opportunity to use our voice and our influence, whether we like it or not. In this episode we explore how and when you might choose to use your voice.We share our own views, thoughts and experiences:5:37 – representing what matters8:23 – what does it mean to have a voice?13:53 – individual v. organisational views28:14 – testing alignment36:56 – persistent and consistent39:01 How to…make your voice countAs always, we share our top takeaways to help you make your voice count. This week it’s about understanding what matters most to you and your people so you can determine how and where you can use your voice as a leader. Don’t try to be perfect and lean into the discomfort that might come with some of this.In this episode we reference the Edelman Trust Barometer 2023.-----------------------If you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast: www.howtotakethelead.com/listenNew episodes will be released every Thursday and you can listen / download on your favourite platform.Episodes will also appear on YouTube every Thursday, so hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.And if you're looking to lead differently in 2023, we've launched our new Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. Subscribe at How to Take the Lead | SubstackInstagram https://www.instagram.com/howtotakethelead/Twitter https://twitter.com/How2TakeTheLeadYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@howtotakethelead/
Difficult conversations
23-03-2023
Difficult conversations
Having difficult conversations is part and parcel of being a leader, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In this episode we talk about how to have a difficult conversation with individuals, teams and in public. We share our advice and tips for how you can prepare for a challenging conversations and what you might want to consider from the point of view of the person/ people you are talking with.In this episode we share our own views, thoughts and experiences:5:10 – conflict and tension10:10 – difficult team conversations17:29 – communicating challenges outside of your organisation24:10 – preparation is key25:56 – seeking support32:53 – How to… have a difficult conversation as a leaderAs always, we share our top takeaways to help you consider how to have a difficult conversation. This week is all about preparation, evidence, relationship building and mindset. And we want to remind you not to take it personally.In this episode we reference Connect by Carole Robin and David Bradford------------------If you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast: www.howtotakethelead.com/listenNew episodes will be released every Thursday and you can listen / download on your favourite platform.Episodes will also appear on YouTube, so hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.And if you're looking to lead differently in 2023, we've launched our new Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. Subscribe at How to Take the Lead | SubstackInstagram https://www.instagram.com/howtotakethelead/Twitter https://twitter.com/How2TakeTheLeadMentioned in this episode:Join the How to Take the Lead communityWe're now on substack. Join a community of people who want to lead their own way. Get extra content and behind the episode discussions, take part in 'ask us anything' bonus episodes and a new leadership book club, plus much more. Visit www.howtotakethelead.com to sign up.
Confidence
16-03-2023
Confidence
Confidence is something that comes up in so many of our conversations with leaders and aspiring leaders. In this episode we explore what confidence means in relation to leadership – both in terms of your own leadership and how you create confidence for others.In this episode we share our own views, thoughts and experiences:05:18 – confidence is subjective10:30 – loud doesn’t equal confident13:28 – don’t assume confidence means you don’t need support15:15 – who is creating the confidence gap?21:12 – developing your confidence28:36 – practical things to support you29:09 – How to – lead with confidenceAs always, we share our top takeaways. We want you to be curious and explore that feedback in relation to your confidence, seek out the evidence and reflect on what the issues might be in terms of your confidence. Don’t take feedback, yours or anyone else’s at face value – put the work in to develop your confidence.In this episode we reference The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman.----------------------------If you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast: www.howtotakethelead.com/listenNew episodes will be released every Thursday and you can listen / download on your favourite platform.Episodes will also appear on YouTube, so hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.And if you're looking to lead differently in 2023, we've launched our new Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. Subscribe at: How to Take the Lead | SubstackInstagram https://www.instagram.com/howtotakethelead/Twitter https://twitter.com/How2TakeTheLeadYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@howtotakethelead/Mentioned in this episode:Join the How to Take the Lead communityWe're now on substack. Join a community of people who want to lead their own way. Get extra content and behind the episode discussions, take part in 'ask us anything' bonus episodes and a new leadership book club, plus much more. Visit www.howtotakethelead.com to sign up.
How can organisations better support leaders?
09-03-2023
How can organisations better support leaders?
Organisations have a huge role to play in developing leaders but not all organisations do this well. In this episode we discuss what support leaders need, how organisations identify future leaders and what leadership development programmes need to consider:05:22  – talk about leadership early10:28 – organisational mindset shift14:30 – floundering out of the funnel17:31 – closing the development gap23:54 – creating a coaching culture29:09 – How to... influence leadership developmentAs always, we share our top takeaways including the benefits of a coaching approach to leadership development, personalising development for individuals and challenging your own expectations of new leaders.If you enjoyed this episode why not subscribe to the podcast: www.howtotakethelead.com/listenNew episodes will be released every Thursday and you can listen / download on your favourite platform.Episodes will also appear on YouTube every Thursday, so hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss out.We would love it if you left us a rating or review and feel free to share the link to this episode with anyone else you think would find it interesting.And if you're looking to lead differently in 2023, we've launched our new Substack community, where you can get extra bonus goodies, network with a community of leaders and get direct access to us both. Subscribe at How to Take the Lead | SubstackInstagram https://www.instagram.com/howtotakethelead/Twitter https://twitter.com/How2TakeTheLeadYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@howtotakethelead/ Mentioned in this episode:Join the How to Take the Lead communityWe're now on substack. Join a community of people who want to lead their own way. Get extra content and behind the episode discussions, take part in 'ask us anything' bonus episodes and a new leadership book club, plus much more. Visit www.howtotakethelead.com to sign up.