The Peril of Assumptions

Communication is often thought of as the simple exchange of words, but when we peel back the layers, it’s clear that it’s one of the most nuanced aspects of team dynamics—and assumptions are often its sneaky saboteur. Assumptions in teams can build up like unswept dust under the dresser. Someone assumes that their colleague knows
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Success and failure on your terms

I was clearing out the hallway cupboard this week and came across my tub of teenage keepsakes. You know the ones—diaries, old birthday cards, early payslips, and all sorts of “certificates.” In amongst those relics were three driving test failure certificates and my GCSE results, which proudly boasted a mix of Cs, Ds, and Es.
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Small Frictions That Can Tear A Team Apart

Imagine a single grain of grit sneaks into your shoe. It’s minor at first—a little rub against the back of your heel, that’s hardly worth stopping for. But with each step, it digs in deeper, slowly wearing into the material at the back on the heel. Eventually, that small irritation can tear a hole in
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The Power of Silence: What is really behind the quiet?

One of the most frequent comments on my school reports was, “Charlotte talks too much.” It wasn’t wrong! With my CliftonStrengths Communication theme high, I’ve always had plenty to say, and with Activator fueling me, sometimes I talk a little too fast. Add in my Positivity and the excitement often flows out of me like
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Beyond the Top 5

It’s been quite a week. One of those weeks that leaves you reflecting on how complex we are as people, and how we are so much more than just a single strength or talent. This week, my husband and I found ourselves in court—and we won. You’d think we’d be celebrating, right? But there’s no
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Breaking Down Silos: The Power of Connections, Friendships, and Asking for Help

How can I get my team to collaborate more?  Probably the most common goals I hear from Leaders I work with, many of you reading this email. In workplaces of today, success often hinges on collaboration and communication; the need to break down silos and build authentic networks has never been more critical. Simon Sinek,
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Blind Spots and Hot Spots: Navigating Unseen Risks and Opportunities in Teams

Walking the dog around where I live, I’m constantly reminded of life’s unpredictability. You never know when something might dart out of the bushes—whether it’s a wallaby, a rabbit, or even a snake slithering across the path! These moments make me think of blind spots and hot spots, not just on a walking trail, but
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Navigating Feedback When You Are Told You Shine “Too Much”

Receiving feedback from your boss that you’re “too much” or need to “tone it down” can be challenging, especially when you’re passionate about your work. However, this feedback doesn’t mean your strengths are liabilities. Instead, it’s an opportunity to harness your abilities more effectively and ensure they align with your professional environment. Here’s how to
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How to Speak Up When Your Boss Says You’re Too Quiet

Next in this instalment of ‘TOO’ is the one for my deep-thinking friends. When your Boss tells you that you should speak up more, that you are too quiet. In the workplace, it’s easy to feel pressured to conform to louder, more assertive communication styles. However, if you’ve been told you’re too quiet, it’s crucial
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Navigating Feedback That Suggests You’re ‘TOO Much’

‘You shine TOO much’ ‘You’re TOO quiet’ ‘You’re TOO loud’ All statements I have heard recently from coachee’s and I have even heard myself (the too loud one, or too fast, too assertive). When I hear this, I am often drawn back to a talk I listened to between Marcus Buckingham and Adam Grant at
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