Leadership BITES

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In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom sits down with Philip Atkinson, author of "The Twelve Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive" and founder of Hive Logic. They explore the fascinating parallels between beekeeping and organizational leadership, discussing how the wisdom of the hive can inform effective team dynamics and leadership strategies.

• Philip Atkinson emphasizes the importance of effective leadership in team dynamics.
• The metaphor of beekeeping provides valuable insights into organizational behavior.
• Understanding the wisdom of the hive can enhance leadership practices.
• Endings in projects and roles are crucial for organizational learning.
• Communication lessons from bees can improve clarity in organizations.
• Sensing the system is essential for effective leadership.
• Leadership change requires careful succession planning.
• Bees adapt to threats, offering lessons for organizational resilience.
• Reflection and pausing are vital for effective leadership.
• Emotional connections to beekeeping can engage teams in learning.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Metaphors: Philip shares how beekeeping serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding complex organizational systems and dynamics.
• Communication and Alignment: Insights into how bees communicate effectively in a hive and the lessons leaders can draw for organizational communication. 
• System Thinking: The importance of viewing organizations as interconnected systems and the role of leaders in sensing and responding to changes.
• Leadership and Succession: Exploring the concept of "supercedure" in beehives and its implications for leadership succession planning in organizations. 
• Adapting to Change: How bees adapt to new threats and what organizations can learn about resilience and adaptability.

Memorable Quotes:

"Every person deserves to be led well." 

"The wisdom of the hive is about understanding culture, purpose, and patterns of behavior."

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

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Summary

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews Paul Lambert, author of 'Alive', discussing the concept of living organizations and their importance in today's corporate landscape. 

Paul shares his personal journey, insights on leadership, and the characteristics that define a living organisation. He emphasises the need for purpose, trust, and adaptability within organizations, drawing on real-world examples, including Barack Obama's campaign, to illustrate how living organisations can thrive. 

The conversation highlights the challenges and benefits of adopting a living organization mindset, ultimately advocating for a more human-centric approach to leadership and organisational culture.

Takeaways

• Paul Lambert emphasizes the importance of purpose in organisations.
• Living organizations are defined by their adaptability and human-centric approach.
• Trust is a fundamental element for effective teamwork.
• Organizations should be viewed as living systems rather than machines.
• Barack Obama's campaign exemplifies a successful living organisation model.
• The average lifespan of organizations is decreasing, highlighting the need for change.
• Leadership should be plural, involving collaboration and shared goals.
• Effective teams require a mix of trust, diversity, and effective ways of working.
• Living organisations can lead to better employee well-being and productivity.
• The concept of living organisations can be applied across various industries.

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

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Summary

In this episode of the Leadership Bites podcast, Guy Bloom interviews Brad Englert, who shares his extensive career journey from Accenture to becoming a Chief Information Officer at the University of Texas at Austin. 

They discuss the importance of building authentic business relationships, the role of trust in influence, and strategies for effective networking. Brad emphasizes the need for intentionality in professional relationships and the significance of customer retention for business success. 

In this conversation, Brad Englert discusses the importance of understanding goals and aspirations in leadership, the significance of building relationships and managing expectations, and the necessity of creating a culture of openness and communication. He emphasizes the art of apology and accountability in leadership, and shares practical strategies for managing expectations effectively. The dialogue highlights the value of discretionary effort and the importance of fostering trust and collaboration within teams.

Takeaways

• Brad Englert has over 22 years of experience at Accenture.
• He transitioned from a successful career to a CIO role at a university.
• Building a culture of transparency and customer focus is crucial.
• Trust is the foundation of effective influence in business.
• Networking should focus on long-term relationships, not just transactions.
• Intentionality in relationships leads to better outcomes.
• Understanding others' goals is key to successful collaboration.
• Repeat customers are a sign of successful relationship management.
• Mentorship and continuous learning are vital in career development.
• Authentic relationships can withstand the test of time. Understanding goals and aspirations is crucial for effective leadership.
• People are not mind readers; communication is key.
• Building relationships requires vulnerability and openness.
• Discretionary effort comes from genuine care and interest in team members.
• Creating a culture of communication helps in managing expectations.
• The art of apology builds trust and accountability.
• Managing expectations is an ongoing process, not just annual reviews.
• Using techniques like 'Whoa' can help in managing urgent requests.
• Introverts can be encouraged to engage through structured processes.
• Fostering a supportive environment allows for innovation and challenge.

Sound Bites

• "Be strategic and intentional."
• "Networking is longevity of relationship."
• "Use your words."
• "People are not mind readers."
• "Discretionary effort is the difference."
• "It's a muscle memory."
• "You can still be somebody that people trust."
• "I will get to the bottom of it."
• "You have to wipe the slate clean with me."
• "Just saying whoa gives the space and time."

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

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"A tackle gone wrong left me with a fractured vertebra in my neck and an emptiness as I was told I could no longer play the game I so loved. Feeling worthless and devoid of purpose, my attempts to fill the hole with drinking led to a three-year spiral into depression and alcoholism."

In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom interviews James Gwinnett, who shares his journey from a semi-professional rugby player to sobriety and mental fitness. James discusses his book Ready Set Life and the importance of identity, purpose, and mindfulness in overcoming life's challenges. He emphasizes the significance of building a support network and the role of self-reflection in personal growth. The conversation also touches on the lessons learned from endurance sports and the importance of enjoying the journey rather than fixating on the destination.

Takeaways

• James Gwinnett's journey highlights the importance of mental fitness.
• Sobriety can be achieved through discipline and structure.
• Identity can be fluid and should not be solely tied to one aspect of life.
• Mindfulness practices can help build resilience.
• Overcoming challenges requires a supportive network.
• Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth.
• The journey is more important than the destination.
• Small steps can lead to significant changes.
• Sharing problems can lighten the burden.
• Finding joy in the process is essential for happiness.

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

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In this conversation, Guy Bloom discusses the importance of viewing leadership as a craft and the necessity of proactive learning for personal and professional development. He emphasizes the significance of being aware of one's learning journey, the flow state of competence, and the need for tools and techniques to navigate challenges effectively. Bloom encourages leaders to take ownership of their development and to seek resources beyond their organizations to enhance their skills.

Takeaways

• Leadership should be seen as a craft.
• Proactive learning is essential for effective leadership.
• Self-funding learning opportunities can be beneficial.
• The world offers many free resources for learning.
• Being in a flow state is crucial for competence.
• Recognizing when your usual approach isn't working is key.
• Consciously competent leadership is necessary in challenging situations.
• Having tools and techniques is vital for effective leadership.
• Reflecting on experiences helps improve future performance.
• Reliance on oneself is a strong indicator of future success.

Sound Bites

• "Leadership as a craft is crucial for development."
• "You can learn just about anything for free."
• "You need a tool, a process, a mechanism."

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

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This conversation delves into the critical topic of mental health in the workplace, featuring insights from Steve Phillip (The Jordan Legacy) and Charie Brackley. They share their personal experiences and professional backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of open discussions about mental health, the impact of corporate responsibility, and the need for supportive environments. The dialogue highlights the alarming statistics surrounding suicide and mental health issues, urging companies to take meaningful action rather than merely ticking boxes. The speakers advocate for genuine engagement and training to foster a culture of care and understanding within organizations. This conversation delves into the significance of vulnerability in leadership, the duty of care that managers have towards their employees, and the importance of creating a supportive workplace culture. The speakers discuss the need for frameworks to enhance employee wellbeing, the challenges of measuring engagement, and the universality of mental health issues. They emphasize the necessity of having difficult conversations and applying training beyond the workplace to foster genuine connections.

Takeaways

• Mental health conversations are vital in the workplace.
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of mental health.
• Suicide rates are disproportionately higher among men.
• Companies often fail to grasp the connection between mental health and productivity.
• Creating a supportive work environment is essential for employee wellbeing.
• Isolation in certain roles can exacerbate mental health issues.
• Intent and tone matter in conversations about mental health.
• Training is necessary for effective communication about mental health.
• Corporate responsibility should go beyond superficial measures.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in setting the tone for mental health discussions. Vulnerability is a strength in leadership.
• A duty of care is essential for managers.
• Investing in employee wellbeing yields significant returns.
• Caring for employees should be simple and genuine.
• The workplace culture impacts employee engagement.
• Mental health issues affect everyone, regardless of rank.
• Difficult conversations are necessary for growth.
• Training should be applicable in all areas of life.
• Creating a safe space for conversations is crucial.
• Cultural integration of mental health discussions is vital.

Sound Bites

• "We try and make it far simpler than it is."
• "Be strong enough to be vulnerable"
• "Caring about our people is simple"
• "We have a duty of care"
• "For every one pound invested, four pound return"
• "It's about the culture and the environment"
• "We need to talk about things that are real"
• "Navigating difficult conversations is essential"
• "If it's true, it's probably true everywhere"

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

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In this episode of Leadership Bites, Guy Bloom and Erik Korsvik Østergaard discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in the context of future trends as set out in Erik's book Anticipatory Leadership, particularly focusing on the implications of technology and AI. They explore the importance of futures literacy, emotional engagement, and the need for organizations to foster agency among their teams. The conversation emphasizes the significance of involving individuals in the planning process to create a sense of ownership and confidence, ultimately leading to a more adaptive and resilient organizational culture. In this conversation, Erik Korsvik Østergaard discusses the importance of strategic foresight and futures thinking in navigating the complexities of modern leadership and organizational change. He emphasizes the need for leaders to be responsive and anticipatory, integrating futures literacy into their strategic planning to better prepare for uncertainties. Through his books, he explores the traits of effective leadership and the necessity of storytelling in mobilizing teams towards a shared vision of the future.

Takeaways

• Erik helps leaders understand future trends and their implications.
• Organizations need to think about multiple futures, not just one.
• AI will require leaders to be more tech-savvy in the future.
• Emotional responses to trends are crucial for engagement.
• Creating agency among team members fosters ownership and confidence.
• Involvement in planning leads to a sense of purpose.
• Wholeness and self-leadership are essential in modern organizations.
• Short-term and long-term planning must coexist.
• Adaptability is key in navigating future challenges.
• Regularly discussing trends can build futures literacy in teams. Organizations are currently more short-sighted than long-sighted.
• China's strategic planning is generational, unlike Western approaches.
• Innovation in Europe is being stifled due to current challenges.
• Futures thinking should augment existing strategic planning.
• Futures literacy is essential for critical thinking about the future.
• Storytelling is crucial for mobilizing teams around a vision.
• Leaders must be responsive to navigate complexities.
• Any day can be a fresh start for change.
• Futures thinking can apply to immediate and long-term scenarios.
• Engaging younger talent in futures thinking is vital for adaptability.

Sound Bites

• "I help leaders understand future trends."
• "AI will require leaders to be tech savvy."
• "The future is unevenly distributed."
• "Hope, ownership, confidence, and agency."
• "Doctors are shifting their identity."
• "Plan your way out of problems."
• "It's a thousand little adaptations."
• "China plays chess while we play drafts."
• "It's all about mobilization."
• "Any day is day zero for change."

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

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In this episode of Leadership Bites, Rob Oxley, Head of HR, UK for John Sisk and Son Ltd, talks with Guy Bloom about the journey of achieving and maintaining the Platinum Investors in People (IIP) certification. 

Rob shares insights into the importance of external validation, the role of reflection in continuous improvement, and the engagement of senior leadership in the process. He emphasises that the motivation behind pursuing IIP is not merely to obtain a badge, but to genuinely enhance the organisation's 'people and culture' strategy. 

The conversation also touches on the significance of leadership development and the interconnectedness of various initiatives within the organisation.

Takeaways

• The journey to IIP Platinum status is an ongoing journey.
• External validation is a huge enabler for organisational culture.
• Reflection on past successes and failures is key to continuous improvement.
• Engaging senior leadership is essential for the success of IIP initiatives.
• Platinum status indicates exceptional performance across multiple indicators.
• Maintaining IIP status requires continuous improvement and adaptation.
• Leadership development programs are vital for bridging gaps in management skills.
• HR should enable and support organisational success rather than dictate it.
• Celebrating achievements and acting on feedback is crucial for growth.

Sound Bites

• "You can't hide. You can't try and frame this."
• "We have to show continuous improvement."
• "It's not to get another shiny badge."
• "It's not just press repeat."
• "We don't do things in isolation."
• "It's about incentivising people to really get on board."
• "It's a beautiful thing."
• "It's a heck of a process."

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com

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In this episode of Leadership Bites, Kyle McDowell shares his transformative journey from a corporate leader to an author and speaker. He discusses the importance of care in leadership, the hunger for a better work environment, and the principles that guide effective leadership. The conversation delves into the significance of trust, relatability, and the concept of 'We' in fostering a positive organizational culture. Kyle also introduces the 10 We's framework, which serves as a guide for leaders to create a thriving workplace. In this conversation, Kyle McDowell discusses the foundational principles of leadership that can transform teams and organizations. He emphasizes the importance of doing the right thing, leading by example, and fostering a culture of accountability and challenge. The discussion also touches on the human element of leadership, the resistance to change, and the significance of commitment in embedding these principles into an organization's culture. Kyle shares insights on how these principles can lead to personal and professional growth, ultimately creating a more engaged and effective team.

Takeaways

• Kyle transitioned from a corporate leader to an author and speaker.
• His upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and teamwork values.
• Apathy in the workplace can lead to a desire for change.
• The decision to write a book stemmed from a need for a better way.
• Feedback from colleagues inspired him to share his leadership principles.
• Care in leadership is crucial for building trust and loyalty.
• Relatability is key to establishing trust in leadership.
• The concept of 'We' emphasizes collective success over individualism.
• The 10 We's framework provides actionable principles for leaders.
• Transformational leadership can create a positive impact on teams. Leadership principles are simple but not easy to implement.
• Doing the right thing always is foundational to leadership.
• Leading by example sets the tone for team behavior.
• Accountability is crucial for team dynamics and success.
• Embracing challenge fosters innovation and growth.
• Details can differentiate between good and great experiences.
• Cultural change requires commitment from all levels of leadership.
• Resistance to change often stems from past disappointments.
• Creating a supportive environment is essential for team success.
• Leadership is about valuing and connecting with people.

Sound Bites

• "It's a beautiful thing."
• "I care about you."
• "I trust you."
• "You don't have to go to dinner."
• "The concept of 'We' is essential."
• "We do the right thing always."
• "We lead by example."
• "We own our mistakes."
• "We embrace challenge."
• "Details are not just the details."
• "We want to add value, be valued."

To find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.

The link to everything CLICK HERE
UK: 07827 953814
Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com
Web: www.livingbrave.com