Leading Lines from Oliver Wyman Leadership Development

Leaders need to learn together and focus on real issues

2010-06-21T09:24:00Z

Over the last three decades, the resources and energy devoted to leadership development in corporations has skyrocketed. You would be hard pressed to find a major corporation that has not invested millions in leadership initiatives for its executives and managers. But has the investment in these efforts paid off, however the return is measured? Perhaps more importantly, for a CEO evaluating the various levers to improve organisational performance, would we select leadership development versus the...(read more)

Tough times ahead could lead to transformation

2010-06-09T11:48:00Z

This week, David Cameron warned of tough times ahead as the government plans to cut public sector pay, pensions and state benefits. In business, as in politics, people are more likely to accept tough decisions if they understand the reasons behind them, the impact they’ll have, and the benefits they’ll bring. Cameron doesn’t have to explain too much about the reasons for the planned cuts. Everyone in the UK has felt the impact of the recession in some way, and we’re looking at a £156bn budget deficit...(read more)

The Power of Partnership

2010-05-20T14:12:00Z

In the business world, partnerships between very different organisations often offer real opportunities for growth and entry into new markets. Many mergers start off with both organisations stating how delighted they are with their new partner, how they’re going to work together for the benefit of customers, and how together they will achieve so much more than they ever could apart. They don’t always continue quite so happily. In reality, in most mergers there is a stronger partner, and the stronger...(read more)

The ash cloud challenge: how is your business coping?

2010-04-20T13:15:00Z

For many organisations, the impact of the ash cloud has made them realise just how global the world of business has become. It’s been a bit of a wake-up call. Because so many of us rely on flying staff around the world or on using air transport to import and export goods, we’ve seen some major disruptions to UK businesses. This is an extreme example of the kind of uncertainty facing us in business today. It is difficult to predict and plan for every eventuality. This is why leaders and managers need...(read more)

The New Normal

2010-04-01T11:03:00Z

The green shoots of recovery are appearing. But when the current recession finally ends, and things return to 'normal', what will the new ‘normal’ look like? Will things ever be ‘normal’ again? Business has become more complex, diverse and uncertain. This will only continue. In fact, it is likely to become a lot more complex, diverse and uncertain. Don’t believe it? Consider how global our economy has become. More players from around the world will be entering markets and competing successfully...(read more)

How can political leaders engage voters?

2010-03-24T13:27:00Z

A successful leader needs followers, and our political leaders don’t have as many as they used to. Major issues such as the banking crisis, the recession, the MPs’ expenses scandal and the UK’s involvement in overseas conflicts has undermined many people’s trust in political leaders. In 2007, the British Social Attitudes survey found that 29% of people trusted the government to put the needs of the country above those of their party ‘all’ or ‘most’ of the time – not a great percentage. However, the...(read more)

Saying no to bonuses, sending out a strong message

2010-03-03T17:04:00Z

This week it was announced that the CEOs of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Lloyds Banking Group are waiving their bonuses, and the CEOs of HSBC and Standard Chartered will donate theirs to charity. While some media commentators have welcomed these moves, others have criticised them as the banks involved will still pay out many millions in bonuses to other employees. There is no doubt that these leaders are taking a bold step. Their public statements of personal commitment demonstrate their willingness...(read more)

The difference between bullying and tough leadership

2010-02-25T08:16:00Z

There’s been a lot in the media this week about bullying in the workplace – particularly concerning allegations of bullying in one particular workplace. Bullying is an abuse of power. It is intimidating, unwarranted and damaging. However, it’s worth remembering that sometimes leaders do need to be tough. A tough leadership stance is something entirely different from bullying. An effective leader needs to be tough at times. Tough doesn’t mean nasty or threatening. It simply means that leaders need...(read more)

What makes an outstanding leader?

2010-02-08T18:16:00Z

A major study on leadership was published recently by The Work Foundation. The two-year study, Exceeding Expectation: the principles of outstanding leadership , provides evidence that a people-centred approach to leadership results in outstanding performance. The study is based on over 250 interviews with leaders in major organisations including Tesco and Unilever. For me, one of the most interesting elements to emerge from the research was the difference between good leadership and outstanding leadership...(read more)

Barack Obama’s first year of leadership

2010-01-19T19:24:00Z

It’s a year to the day since Barack Obama became president of the United States. His election and inauguration were momentous occasions which caused outpourings of emotion not only across the US but also around the world. It would be hard for any leader to live up to the kind of expectations so many had of Obama. He landed what is arguably the most powerful job in the world at a time when his country was at war and in the middle of an economic crisis – never mind all the other ongoing issues such...(read more)

Leader, develop yourself

2010-01-13T17:10:00Z

Team development is a top priority for leaders in 2010. According to new research from the Chartered Management Institute , leaders and managers plan to focus on developing their teams ahead of other priorities such as networking or spending more time with customers and clients. It is heartening that most leaders see team development is a top priority. However, how many leaders, when considering how best to develop ‘their’ teams, also think about developing their own team working skills, or about...(read more)

The little changes that make a big difference

2010-01-06T19:39:00Z

Resolutions at this time of year are often well intended but not always of immense value. Having said that, I’m pleased with two that my kids suggested to me over the New Year. The first we call ‘the eyebrow’. I will raise an eyebrow rather than overreact to their misdemeanors (or my frustrations). This will give me time to think rather than reacting in the moment. The second they suggested was ‘the nod’. I will nod when they are suggesting things or coming up with ideas. This will help me avoid...(read more)

Learning from 2009, looking ahead to 2010…

2009-12-30T13:32:00Z

Sitting in a traffic jam surrounded by snow, I took the opportunity to reflect on the past year. If 2009 has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t predict the future. However, as the early signs of recovery start to appear, let’s hope that we see the economy improve in 2010. I hope that we emerge from 2009 wiser, stronger and more resilient. Most of us have had to deal with unprecedented challenges. We’ve been forced to make tough, unpopular decisions. We’ve seen some businesses collapse and others...(read more)

How to be an energetic leader

2009-12-22T11:01:00Z

Find the source… ‘Energy is contagious’ I wrote in my last blog. But where can we get it from? How can we increase our natural reserves in order to improve our leadership effectiveness? The first step is to find the source of our own personal energy. Where does it come from? The second step is to express it well. How can we increase the flow? What’s stopping it come through into our daily interactions with others? It’s all very well saying that there are some people who naturally have great energy...(read more)

FT Business Wisdom: Energy is Contagious

2009-12-09T19:36:00Z

The Financial Times asked me to contribute a thought to their ‘Business Wisdom’ spot. Could I share a useful insight with readers – in less than 20 words? I thought energy would be a good focus: Energy is contagious: it drives performance and quality service, it inspires others to be energetic too, and it’s free. Energy has always been important. To be innovative, agile, proactive and productive at work, we all need energy. Now more than ever, I see that energy drives business success. Energetic...(read more)