Nurturing people and caring for their health and wellbeing is a key focus - more so now than ever before. Creating a set of core values and living these every day helps you and your team to do the right thing.

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.

Clarity is so important. You only need look to the sketchy government guidelines on the wearing of face masks to understand exactly how important. Lack of clarity leads to uncertainty - and further questions.

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.

With many teams furloughed or working remotely, a lack of personal contact with a team leader can make difficulties harder for leaders to spot. How can you be sure that your employees are coping?

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. 

As many of us settle into the reality of self-isolation, it’s now more important than ever to be considerate, empathetic and respectful of others’ feelings and perspectives.

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?

Effective recognition and feedback is hugely powerful. Leaders that notice good performance and build recognition into their daily routine will improve team performance and motivation. 

The words employee recognition conjure up scenes of lavish awards ceremonies and big budget events. But you don’t need a huge budget to recognise exceptional performance.

Employee recognition creates a feel good factor that has clear benefits to an organisation’s performance. Can you imagine how the award winners feel the next day when they go into work, award in hand?

When communication breaks down the culture of the organisation can take a hit. Everyone has it within them to become a more effective communicator. It’s up to leaders and managers to lead by example.

You can learn a lot from listening to others, but when you choose to listen with intent to understand you will learn at a much deeper level – about your team and your organisation.

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.

A great leader supports their team and learns at every opportunity. Learn how to take ownership of your goal and how to communicate effectively to drive it forward within your organisation.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you communicate desired outcomes to your team but you’re not 100% sure if that message has landed?

If you’re not clear on outcomes, how can anyone else be? Read my 6 coaching tips on setting achievable goals and help you gain clarity in your own career, team, or business.