Kate Coombs’ Post

🎉 We are delighted to announce the launch of the first in a new series of white papers from Centre for Responsible Leadership 📝 “Facilitating Constructive Challenge: Concrete ways leaders recruit (and repress) speaking up” explores how senior corporate and government leaders can create speak up cultures, bolster organisational resilience and avert organisational failure. When leaders fail to encourage their teams to tell them what they need to know (especially when that information might be challenging, critical, or costly to address) the consequences can be dire, leading to significant organisational failures. Partnering with the Financial Services Culture Board and a financial institution, the Centre for Responsible Leadership conducted a field experiment on team member challenge in a risk and compliance setting. By analysing 43 meetings, observing 377 team members’ contributions, and recording 1537 ‘turns of talk’, we have been able to distill our findings into the four key things leaders can do in meetings to recruit challenge more effectively. Authored by Professor Celia Moore, Kate Coombs, Dr Minjie Gao, Ph.D. and Juliane Schittek, this paper shows that by employing specific, evidence-based strategies, leaders can foster a culture of healthy challenge, thereby mitigating risks and improving decision-making processes. To learn more about the difference between silence and speaking, download the report, here: https://lnkd.in/ehnNTah3 #imperialmeansbusiness #speakupculture #organisationalresilience #responsibleleadership #teamwork #constructivechallenge #corporateculture #speakup

Ever feel like your team holds back during meetings? At the Centre for Responsible Leadership, we’ve put together an evidence-based white paper that digs into why that happens and what you can do about it. It’s filled with hands-on, practical advice on how to get your team to open up and share their honest thoughts, opinions, and concerns. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eZGQmiFm

Extensive research and long-term observations have demonstrated that the absence of constructive challenge and debate surrounding ideas and opportunities often results in serious negative consequences. These consequences may include economic setbacks, damage to reputation, regulatory issues, legal complications, and, in many cases, the downfall of the enterprise. Recognizing the significance of fostering an environment where individuals feel encouraged to voice their opinions and constructively challenge ideas is critical for leaders across both business and public sectors. By promoting such an atmosphere, diverse perspectives can be considered before making and implementing decisions. This report is based on thorough and objective research, offering actionable insights. I strongly recommend adopting the report's recommendations.

🌟 Celebrating Excellence: Kearns Consultancy Shines! Exciting news! Kearns Consultancy’s groundbreaking work—“Helping Super Smart Scientists Be Super Smart Leaders!”—has been selected as a finalist in the Excellence in Behavioural Interventions category of the Association for Business Psychology’s Workforce Experience Awards 2024. 🎉 🤝 We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition for our client support initiatives. Because here’s the truth: Even the brainiest minds need practical guidance to step into leadership roles. It’s not just about IQ; it’s about EQ (and maybe a dash of PQ—Practical Quotient). 🚀 Our mission? To empower these brilliant minds to motivate, inspire, and champion their teams toward sustainable high performance. Because leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about rolling up your sleeves and guiding your team to success. 🔍 And guess what warms our hearts even more? Our fellow Business Psychologists nodding in approval. It’s like a secret handshake among the cognoscenti—a silent cheer for impactful work. 🌟 So here we are - Kearns Consultancy—being the guiding star for super smart leaders! Here's to making your impact ripple through boardrooms and laboratories alike. #brainypeople #brilliantleaders #behaviouralintervention #awards

It does n't matter if you run your own business, work for a big organisation or its just you Adopting leadership behaviours make you a better business person, do you agree? #leadership #womeninbusiness #coaching #personaldevelopment

💥 The Harsh Truth: Most Leaders Don’t Know They’re Bad Leaders It’s time we address the elephant in the room. 🐘 Many leaders are unknowingly failing their teams and their businesses. And the reason? They’re not equipped with the right mindset. Great leadership isn’t about holding a title or managing processes. It’s about empowering people, fostering innovation, and driving growth – and most leaders simply aren’t doing that. Here’s the problem: Too many leaders are stuck in their ways, unable to see their own blind spots. They’re leading with outdated methods, unknowingly limiting the potential of their teams and stifling creativity. The result? Burnout, disengagement, and lacklustre results. Story Time! I was recently chatting with a Managing Director of a medium-sized building company based in the south of England (no names), about trialling our fully funded leadership course. He confidently told me they didn’t have leadership or management issues, and that most of the time, they had a great team culture. Now, here’s the best part: Their HR Director had originally approached us due to the toxic culture within the business, especially within the leadership team. She said the senior leaders were so out of touch with the rest of the business that it was actively pushing the company backwards. This isn’t uncommon – it’s happening in businesses everywhere. Let’s start a conversation: - How can leaders reconnect with their teams? - What are the signs that leadership is failing, even when it seems like everything is fine on the surface? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you experienced leaders who were out of touch? #Leadership #MotivationalIntelligence #LeadershipBlindSpots #WorkplaceCulture #GrowthMindset #ThePowerWithinTraining

🌟 The Power of “No” in Leadership 🌟 In my recent coaching session, I worked with a client—a seasoned leader—grappling with the relentless demands of their role, compounded by recent team cuts and shifting priorities by the higher management. Despite an unwavering commitment, he was feeling stretched, struggling to keep pace while motivating those around him. Through our conversation, we arrived at an essential insight: sometimes, the most powerful tool in a leader’s toolkit is the word “No.” Here’s why saying “No” matters for leaders: 1️⃣ Preserving Well-being: Leaders often shoulder tremendous responsibility. In the face of unrealistic demands, a well-placed “No” helps prevent burnout and allows leaders to approach challenges with clarity and resilience. 2️⃣ Fostering Team Focus: Saying “No” to certain requests allows teams to concentrate on their highest priorities. It shows respect for everyone’s time and energy, driving productivity where it’s needed most. 3️⃣ Setting Realistic Expectations: Effective leaders communicate their team’s capacity. By pushing back on excess demands, they create an environment where quality and accountability thrive. Saying “No” is not about shutting down possibilities; it’s about making space for what truly matters. For leaders, this can be transformative—not just in boosting personal well-being but also in setting a powerful example of focus and integrity for the entire team. It’s a reminder that every “No” clears a path toward a more intentional, impactful “Yes.” #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #Wellbeing #Boundaries #StrategicThinking #Focus

Alarming study showing across 24 industries, 50 countries leadership quality down by 17%, lowest level since the financial crisis of 2007/2008. Plummeting trust one of the driving factors due to remote work, and poor leadership effectiveness. #leadershipqualitynosedives

Sometimes, It’s Okay Not to Be Okay As leaders, we’re often expected to keep it all together, but the truth is, things aren’t always okay, and that’s a reality we all face. Knowing when to step into the arena and show vulnerability as a manager isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a mark of courage and authenticity which helps to lead the way. Vulnerability strengthens trust and empathy, creating a space where teams feel safe to express their own challenges. When we openly share our struggles, we set an example that it’s okay to ask for help, acknowledge stress, and lean on each other for support. Stepping into the arena and being real about our highs and lows can: ✨ Build genuine connections ✨ Strengthen team resilience ✨ Encourage open communication ✨ Foster a culture where growth thrives When you decide to open up, choose a setting where you feel comfortable and your honesty will be respected, and not seen as "oversharing." Finding the right space makes all the difference in being truly heard and supported. Remember, leadership isn’t about being invincible, it’s about being human. Sometimes, showing up as our true selves, even in difficult times, is the most powerful way to inspire our team. Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation at a time that suits you https://lnkd.in/gMcxS7si. Alternatively, feel free to call me directly on 0416 111 454, and let’s explore how we can work together to elevate your managers into exceptional leaders. Achieve more with Pragmatico -💻 https://pragmatico.com.au/. #leadership #culture #productivity #pragmatico

**Unlocking Effective Leadership: Insights from Harvard Business Review** In today’s fast-paced world, leadership is no longer just about strategy and execution—it’s about adaptability, emotional intelligence, and fostering meaningful connections. A recent *Harvard Business Review* article highlights essential leadership skills for navigating the complexities of the modern workplace. ### Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ **Emotional Aperture** Understanding team dynamics is vital. Successful leaders “read the room,” gauge emotional undercurrents, and build stronger relationships to enhance engagement and retention. **Tip:** Conduct regular feedback sessions and reflect on team interactions. 2️⃣ **Adaptive Communication** The *golden rule* has evolved into the *platinum rule*: Treat people as *they* want to be treated. Tailor your communication and leadership style to meet your team’s unique needs. 3️⃣ **Flexible Thinking** Uncertainty demands agility. Embrace ambiguity, seek diverse perspectives, and use tools like mind mapping to unlock creative solutions and strategic clarity. 4️⃣ **Perspective Seeking & Coordinating** Power can reduce empathy, but great leaders actively seek input from diverse voices, challenge assumptions, and integrate different perspectives for stronger decisions. 5️⃣ **Strategic Disruption** Challenge the status quo to drive innovation and inclusivity. Rethink entrenched norms and practices to create opportunities for growth and equity. 6️⃣ **Resilient Self-Awareness** Leadership can be demanding, but self-awareness and setting boundaries are essential. Taking care of yourself sets a powerful example for your team. ### Why It Matters: These skills not only enhance workplace morale and productivity but also foster innovation and inclusion, paving the way for long-term success. 📖 *As Sanchez-Burks says, “Leaders are only human too.”* #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TeamDynamics #AdaptiveLeadership #SelfAwareness #StrategicThinking #Innovation #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork