What’s Current

AI is reshaping leadership in fundamental ways. It is changing how decisions are made, how people are managed, and what teams expect from their leaders. Organisations are re-examining what effective leadership looks like and how it is developed.

This article was written over six years ago…before the pandemic. It throws up some interesting thoughts. Apart from the world becoming even more complex, uncertain and unpredictable…with how geopolitics has impacted even the concept of ‘global village’…as we continue to learn how to move forward from here, the basic thread has remained unchanged. If anything, it has become more relevant: a healthy and functioning ecosystem has the opportunity to evolve, and evolution is what is going to succeed…creativity, innovation, adaptation. Agility. We have all been challenged to be creative and adapt over the last few years …

For over fifteen years, David Rock's SCARF model has been the go-to neuroscience framework for managers and Learning and Development professionals seeking to understand what drives - or diminishes - employee engagement. Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness have shaped countless training programmes, leadership interventions, and change management strategies across UK and European organisations. Yet recent research suggests we've been missing something fundamental: the psychological need to matter.

“Purpose is not an add-on. It’s not something you do on the side. Purpose has to be a core part of your business model and your long-term strategy.”

How much time do you spend, effectively or otherwise, in making decisions in meetings? We know that significant energy, effort, and frustration can be expended by attempting to reach a level of ‘buy-in’ to decisions that may not be appropriate. Understanding what level of buy-in you really need or want could make meetings more successful – and enjoyable!

As the need for organisations to effectively navigate change and new challenges increases, ensuring that managers and leaders are equipped to use coaching skills with their teams becomes increasingly important.