Leading Lines from Oliver Wyman Leadership Development

Leaders need to learn together and focus on real issues

sproberthill — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:24:00 GMT

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...(read more)

Tough times ahead could lead to transformation

Clare Roberts — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:48:00 GMT

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...(read more)

The Power of Partnership

Clare Roberts — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:12:00 GMT

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...(read more)

The ash cloud challenge: how is your business coping?

Clare Roberts — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:15:00 GMT

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...(read more)

The New Normal

Clare Roberts — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:03:00 GMT

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...(read more)

How can political leaders engage voters?

Clare Roberts — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:27:00 GMT

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...(read more)

Saying no to bonuses, sending out a strong message

Clare Roberts — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:04:00 GMT

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...(read more)

The difference between bullying and tough leadership

Clare Roberts — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:16:00 GMT

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...(read more)

What makes an outstanding leader?

Clare Roberts — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:16:00 GMT

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...(read more)

Barack Obama’s first year of leadership

sproberthill — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:24:00 GMT

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...(read more)

Leader, develop yourself

sproberthill — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:10:00 GMT

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...(read more)

The little changes that make a big difference

sproberthill — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:39:00 GMT

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...(read more)

Learning from 2009, looking ahead to 2010…

sproberthill — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:32:00 GMT

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...(read more)

How to be an energetic leader

sproberthill — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:01:00 GMT

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....(read more)

FT Business Wisdom: Energy is Contagious

sproberthill — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:36:00 GMT

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...(read more)