Category Archives: Personal development

Critical Thinking and why we need this more than ever

In a world characterised by complexity, ambiguity, rapid change and AI, critical thinking is no longer a desirable trait — it is a fundamental leadership capability. Leaders who think critically can interpret complexity, distinguish signal from noise, and guide teams with clarity and intentionality. Rather than repeat parrot fashion what we’re told and what we read.

When I was researching for the article on AI last month, I kept reading that critical thinking was becoming more and more essential, which makes sense.  We need to be able to critically review, as well as embrace how AI helps us.  So, I thought it would be helpful to write about it – this article blends research insight with actionable guidance to help you build or enhance your critical thinking as both a mindset and a capability.

I hope you find it interesting and helpful – do let me know what you think!

Rose Padfield

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Learning matters – but what learning approach is best for your organisation?

I don’t know of any leaders who would disagree with the importance of learning, at both an organisational and an individual level. It is key to gaining a competitive advantage and is seen as an imperative to keep pace with technological advances and to attracting and retaining the best talent. But not all leaders have stopped to think about the best way to lead learning in their organisation and about their philosophy regarding the outcomes of this knowledge. Why does learning matter and who benefits from it? In this newsletter, we explore and expand on research conducted by Gianpiero Petriglieri, associate professor of organisational behaviour at graduate business school INSEAD. I hope this will be of interest to you – do let me know what you think.

Rose Padfield

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Philosophy – how the big questions can act as the springboard for happiness

What can the ancient philosophers teach us about happiness?

I have been reading about some of the ancient philosophers and am struck by how their teachings resonate even today, several thousand years later. The world around us can often feel like a scary place (whether that’s the actual world, our more immediate surroundings or indeed our inner world), so what can we learn from them? I have incorporated some of their ideas that I hope will be of interest to you into this month’s newsletter – do let me know what you think of them.

Rose Padfield and Cara McCarthy

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How to intercept your saboteurs

As we reconnect after the summer, we’re happy to be back with you and sharing something that we hope will boost your wellbeing, performance and relationships.

Most of us are familiar with emotional intelligence, which focuses on understanding and managing emotions, both our own and others’. However, a new concept, positive intelligence, is rapidly gaining attention, thanks to the work of bestselling author and Stanford lecturer Shirzad Chamine. We explore the theory in this newsletter.

Cara McCarthy and Rose Padfield

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Navigating the stuck state: understanding decision paralysis

We’ve all been there: standing at the crossroads of choice, feeling stuck, indecisive or even paralysed by the prospect of making the wrong decision. Whether it’s choosing, or changing, a career path, making a significant life change or even deciding what to have for dinner, the experience of decision paralysis is a common, albeit frustrating, part of the human condition. This state of being stuck can stem from an overwhelming number of options, fear of the unknown or the pressure to make the ‘perfect’ choice.

But what exactly happens in our brains during these moments of indecision? And, more importantly, how can we navigate through them to reach a resolution? This article delves into the neurophysiology of decision-making, offering insights into why we sometimes struggle to make decisions and proposing strategies to overcome this mental gridlock.

Cara McCarthy and Rose Padfield

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How to overcome Impostor Syndrome

Have you ever felt like you’re masquerading as someone more competent than you truly are, fearing that one day you’ll be exposed as a fraud? If so, you’re not alone. Research shows that this phenomenon plagues seven out of 10 of us at various stages of our lives and careers. It’s the persistent belief that your success is not deserved, attributing it instead to luck or other external factors.

In this month’s article, we explore the impact of impostor syndrome and, most importantly, how to beat it.

Cara McCarthy and Rose Padfield

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White wolf

Navigating the inner game of Self-Leadership: insights and strategies

Last month, we delved into the world of self-leadership, setting the tone for a year of purposeful growth in 2024. This month, we’re continuing our exploration by focusing on the ‘inner game’ of self-leadership – gaining a deeper understanding of self-awareness and honing the skill of self-regulation.

Cara McCarthy and Rose Padfield

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Play

How’s your play life?

To kickstart my Autumn reading, I’ve been delving into a business/leadership book by Stuart Brown called Play, How it shapes the brain, opens the imagination and invigorates the soul.

He talks about our ‘play life’ as essential to the quality of our human experience.  As an adult, I’d never thought of having a ‘play life’ before!

Being playful is so good for us, but how much space do we allow for play in our adult lives?

This article explores why and how you can lighten up your work and life through play.

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Ripples

How to lead in a world that’s gone beyond VUCA to BANI

This month’s article is written by a special guest author – Cara McCarthy. We met about four years ago when we were both certified to use the Leadership Circle profiling tool, and have collaborated several times since then. Like me, Cara is a coach and facilitator who helps organisations develop, leaders grow, and teams be more effective.

The subject of ‘moving on from VUCA’ arose in a recent conversation, (and was very well received in a talk we prepared for a network of senior Executives), so I have invited her to share her thoughts in this area. I think this is a fascinating read! As usual, they are mixed with practical ideas you can implement in your working life, and link to related reading on the topic.

I’m sure you’ll find this information useful and look forward to your comments.

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