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.

How do you feel about planning? Are you on-it organised or more of a free-flyer? Do you make a plan and keep referring to it? Or do you start with the best intentions and gradually lose focus?

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.

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.