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Work-Life Balance is for the HR wimps

Work-Life Balance is for the HR wimps.

Here are three lessons from my successful coaching clients on how to really master it:

1) Passion First:
When you’re in love with your work, 2am might just be your healthy prime time.
Go for it.

2) Own Your Role:
Burnout isn’t about too much work; it’s about too little control over your decisions and results.
Seize your power.

3) Colour outside the lines:
People with interests and commitments outside work find it much easier to put work aside.
Paint your own canvas.

10 Key Strategies for Growing Effective Teams

Discover the top 10 strategies for building effective teams in my latest article and help grow your team to their full potential

In the world of work, the strength of a team is often the factor that decides your success.

A cohesive, effective team can drive innovation, foster creativity, and above all, deliver results.

But how do you build such a team?

In this article, I set out the top 10 strategies for building effective teams. These strategies, backed by research and expert opinion, provide a solid foundation for leaders looking to cultivate a high-performing team.

Don’t feel you need to do all of these, all at once. But please do reflect on any that you’re not doing or are avoiding. Those are often the ones that have the most potential to grow your own leadership skills and understanding.

  1. Clear Communication
    • Why: Ensure that every team member understands their role, the team’s goals, and how they fit into the bigger picture.
    • How: Regular meetings and open dialogue can foster this understanding. Use clear, concise language and encourage questions to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  2. Shared Vision and Goals
    • Why: A team that shares a common vision and goals is more likely to work effectively together.
    • How: Regularly remind your team of these goals and how their work contributes to achieving them. Use team meetings or newsletters to keep the vision and goals fresh.
  3. Trust and Respect
    • Why: Building a culture of trust and respect can lead to a more collaborative and efficient team.
    • How: This can be achieved through team-building activities (but see below) and open, honest communication. Encourage team members to share their thoughts and ideas, and show appreciation for their contributions.
  4. Diversity
    • Why: A diverse team can bring a wide range of perspectives and ideas, leading to more innovative solutions.
    • How: Encourage diversity in your team not only in terms of demographics but also in skills and experiences. This could involve hiring practices, team assignments, or professional development opportunities.
  5. Regular Feedback and Recognition
    • Why: Providing regular feedback helps team members understand what they are doing well and where they can improve. Recognising and rewarding good work also increases morale and motivation.
    • How: Implement a regular feedback process, such as performance reviews or one-on-one meetings. Recognise and reward good work in team meetings, newsletters, or through a more formal program.
  6. Team Building Activities
    • Why: Regular team building activities can help to build trust, mitigate conflict, encourage communication, and increase collaboration.
    • How: Organise regular team building activities, such as workshops, retreats, or social events. Please be careful to consider the interests and preferences of your team when planning these activities. And decide how to accommodate those people who simply don’t like them or have had poor previous experiences.
  7. Work-Life Balance
    • Why: Encouraging a healthy work-life balance can lead to more productive and satisfied team members.
    • How: This can include flexible working hours, remote work options, and ensuring that workloads are manageable. Encourage team members to take breaks and time off to recharge.
  8. Avoid Perfectionism
    • Why: Perfectionism can lead to burnout and is not conducive to a healthy team environment.
    • How: Encourage a culture of learning and improvement, rather than perfection. Celebrate progress and effort, and view mistakes as opportunities for learning.
  9. Conflict Resolution
    • Why: It’s important to have a process in place for resolving conflicts that arise within the team.
    • How: This could involve open discussions, mediation, or bringing in a third party to help resolve issues. Provide training on conflict resolution skills and create a safe space for team members to express their concerns.
  10. Empowerment
    • Why: Empower team members by giving them the authority and autonomy to make decisions about their work.
    • How: Delegate tasks and responsibilities, and trust your team members to carry them out. Provide the necessary resources and support, and be open to their ideas and suggestions.

Building an effective team is continuous process of commitment, patience, and the right strategies.

By implementing the strategies I’ve set out in this post, you can grow a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared vision. The strength of your team lies in its members, and as a leader, your role is to guide, support, and inspire them.

I’m also interested in hearing from you.  Share your experiences by tweeting me using the button below or by visiting my twitter feed.

What strategies have you found effective in your team-building efforts? Click To Tweet

And if you found this post valuable, please share it with your network. Together, we can all learn and grow.

Top 5 Insights Gained from Executive Coaching Experiences

Discover 5 key insights from executive coaching. Boost skills, navigate challenges, and unlock your potential

In the fast-paced world of work, the journey to leadership can often feel like a solitary climb.


But what if you had a guide to help navigate the challenges, enhance your skills, and unlock your full potential?


This is where executive coaching steps in. Drawing from the experiences of several clients, I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 insights gained from their coaching journeys.

These insights highlight just what’s possible with the right partnership. So, whether you’re an established leader or an aspiring one, read on to discover how to shine a light on your own path to success.

1. Balancing Work and Personal Life is Crucial
One of the most valuable insights is the importance of work-life balance. The right kind of balance is different for everyone, but the pressures of a high-ranking job can often blur the lines between professional and personal life. Executive coaching helped to create ways to manage time effectively, ensuring that clients can perform at their best at work while also spending quality time with their families.

2. Navigating Office Politics with Grace
Office politics can be a challenging aspect of any job, especially in complex organisational structures. Executive coaching provides tools and strategies to navigate these challenges with grace and confidence.

This not only helps in maintaining a positive work culture but also in achieving professional goals with less struggle and conflict.

3. Leadership is More Than Just Managing
Leadership is not just about managing a team or getting tasks done. It’s about inspiring and motivating people and setting the strategic direction. Leading by example, and creating a culture of integrity and team-driven performance. Coaching helped in understanding the nuances of effective leadership and in building stronger, more cohesive teams.

4. Embracing Change and Seeking Growth
One of the biggest fears for many people was stagnation or even missing the boat entirely. Executive coaching instilled the importance of embracing change and seeking continuous growth, both professionally and personally. This mindset has been instrumental in driving innovation, staying ahead of industry trends and helping everybody – people and organisations – to reach their potential.

5. Understanding and Leveraging Strengths
Executive coaching has provided insights into understanding and leveraging personal strengths. Recognising these strengths and how to use them effectively has been key in enhancing performance, increasing efficiency …

… and having a significant impact in boosting people’s confidence.


Executive coaching is a powerful tool for personal and professional development. These insights are just a few examples of the impact it can have. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting your leadership journey, executive coaching can provide valuable strategies and insights to help you reach your full potential.

Let me know what you've found useful from your own experiences of coaching? Please tweet me Click To Tweet