'No man is an island', a saying coined by the English metaphysical poet John Donne (1572-1631).

COVID 19 Impacts

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on organisations across the globe is evident. Wherever you look and despite some green shoots of recovery as some economies will try to refresh. However, there is no denying that most large organisations are transforming into battered, bruised and in some cases dysfunctional entities. If you are a leader, you are now dealing with a unique set of circumstances and solitary working for many and for many of you for the first time in your professional career.

 Uncertainty

The sheer uncertainty of what lies ahead, coupled with the need to rapidly employ a new set of skills to help drive your organisation forward has presented what has been described by some as unparalleled. Commissioning the services of an Executive Coach, for some was once seen as a luxury investment for an organisation but many are now considering this service as a...

In order for the relationship between executive coach and executive to be effective, the executive must be able to openly discuss personal feelings and concerns regarding their jobs, their leaders and colleagues, the organisation and its strategy and many other issues which may include personal issues.

Confidentiality, is the necessary foundation to building trust in any coaching relationship. Without it, the executive coach will be unable to fully understand the executive's challenges sufficiently. Therefore, it is paramount that clear ground rules regarding confidentiality are agreed upon between the executive, coach,  and client during the contracting process.

As with any ethical situation, there is rarely a clear-cut answer to issues of confidentiality. However, at Great Leaders Matter™ we expand our ethical curiosity in order to influence our ability to think, reflect and consciously avoid ethical blind spots. Ethical awareness around confidentiality, is the...

Introduction

There are aspects of effective leadership that speak across time. For example, even after more than 150 years, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address still resonates. Vince Lombardi’s coaching for excellence is every bit as timely now as 50 years ago.

However, the passing of time brings with it a changing world and changing economic landscape. Would Lincoln have been able to succeed in today’s media environment? Would Lombardi’s “tough love” approach be accepted in our time? No one knows how historical figures might fare today, yet we can isolate leadership lessons that meet the needs in our time and place.

The list that follows attempts to capture enduring leadership lessons within the unique, fast-moving circumstances of the 21st century.

The GLM List.

1. Service focus: In the Information Age, everyone is a potential relationship. A service mentality is not a choice; it is a requirement.
2. Courage and...