The ability to continuously look, listen and absorb what’s happening around you, and adapt your actions, behaviours and decision making in response, is one of the qualities that makes a leader exceptional.

Recruitment is a huge challenge right now. Finding the right people you need to complement your team is difficult. People’s needs and priorities have changed and many employers are still struggling to find people with skill-sets to match their requirements.

I have a confession to make...I reached 10 years in business without enjoying any kind of business networking. I used to think networking was really cliquey. I thought it was for formal corporate types and, a bit like Fort Knox, hard to infiltrate.

As the year draws to its festive conclusion, it’s natural to look forward and make plans, perhaps think about a change of role or career direction. And this year it feels like the wave of change in the job market is stronger than ever.

True professionals take ownership of their personal development, making sure their skills, knowledge and behaviour are up to date. Dedicating time to training and development can be tricky and finding budget sometimes even more so.

I’ve had some great roles in my career as a Hotel Manager and Learning and Development Manager in some amazing organisations. The businesses that were most successful were always super clear about their aspirations for any development programme.

It’s time to celebrate the fact that we got through this weird and challenging year. It’s time to celebrate the silver linings of 2020. Sally looks back at the highlights and achievements of a difficult year.

It’s been an absolute privilege to build Zest for Life over the last decade. I always tell the people and organisations I work with to reflect on, and celebrate, their successes, so today I am practising what I preach.

To develop your team and identify their training needs, you need to spend time with them. Focus on their ambitions. Every individual has the potential to grow and develop into a more senior role or to upskill and move into a new area.

If you’re managing or leading a team in these difficult times, try to give people the time, space and support they need to grasp their new way of working. If people are struggling with working conditions, systems or processes, show patience and offer assistance where they need it. 

Looking back at collective and personal achievements and highlights can help identify areas for improvement and feed into objective and goal setting. How often do you do this for yourself?

Whether interacting one-to-one, with a small group or a large audience, understanding what makes communication effective will build your confidence. Great leaders aren’t born effective communicators, though it is a skill you can learn and develop.