Leadership Development
Welcome to The Engaging Executive News; where STEM pros and subject matter experts unlock the leadership skills holding them back from promotions.
Dive into our free advice on mastering influence, building relationships and honing emotional intelligence via the ENGAGE model. Start exploring now and transform your career today!
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STEM professionals often assume that expertise is enough to earn influence. Deliver strong results, and recognition will come. But when it comes to leadership, people decide who to follow based on trust and connection, not...
Many STEM professionals believe that leadership is a personality trait. You either have it, or you don’t. But in reality, leadership is a set of behaviours that anyone can practise. The most effective leaders I...
When most IT managers think about promotion, they focus on skills. Skills are essential. But here is what I’ve seen over two decades of coaching: once you reach mid-level management, your skills only take you...
“The most respected civil engineers are remembered for the teams they build, not just the projects they deliver.” Moving into senior leadership means stepping beyond technical problem-solving and becoming someone who inspires, coaches, and unites...
“Great finance leaders are remembered not just for their numbers, but for the way they inspire and bring people with them.” Moving from accountant to CFO is not just about technical progression. It is about...
In the dynamic world of technical leadership, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing and guiding your team. The classic Situational Leadership Theory (SLT) still provides utility today as it has such a pragmatic approach....
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving technical landscape, the role of a leader extends beyond managing tasks and projects. One of the most impactful ways to foster growth and innovation within your team is through non-directive...
Technical professionals are often seen as problem-solvers, working with data and logic to drive results. However, no matter how brilliant your solution is, if you can’t communicate it effectively, it may never gain traction. In...
In technical fields, where precision and accuracy are often paramount, mistakes can feel catastrophic. However, learning to reframe these missteps into something humorous or insightful can significantly boost team morale and productivity. Why reframing is...
For many technical professionals, the idea of adding fun to the workplace might feel out of place. However, bringing a sense of humour and enjoyment to your work doesn’t mean sacrificing professionalism. In fact, it...
In leadership, especially within technical fields, we often feel the need to project competence and authority. While this is important, taking yourself too seriously can create unnecessary pressure and distance between you and your team....
Schadenfreude, the joy of watching someone else’s misfortune, might seem counterproductive at first. However, when applied correctly in the workplace, it can actually build stronger team dynamics and improve morale. How to do it right:Instead...
A coaching culture within technical teams can be transformative, turning a group of skilled individuals into a high-performing, adaptive team. Coaching encourages autonomy and growth, allowing team members to realise their potential and contribute at...
A brilliant software architect shared something striking:“I spent 15 years mastering my technical craft. Then in one meeting, I realised that wasn’t enough anymore.” It’s a common revelation among technical leaders. The same precision that...
A fascinating pattern emerged during a recent conversation with a technical director:“I know exactly what I need to improve in my leadership, but finding time for development between project deadlines feels impossible.” This resonates with...
“The quality of your leadership is determined by the quality of your questions.” This insight from “ENGAGE: A practical guide to understanding, influencing and connecting with people” often surprises technical leaders who believe their value...
“I used to think leadership was about having all the answers. Now I know it’s about asking the right questions.”– Recent EEP Graduate In our 12-week Engaging Executive Program (EEP), we’ve noticed a fascinating pattern:...
“As a manager or leader of people, it is your role to pass on your observations and wisdoms to the next generations.” In technical fields, we often focus on passing on solutions. But true leadership...
The “Glow” stage of the ENGAGE model is all about creating positive momentum in your leadership. As outlined in my book *ENGAGE: A practical guide to understanding, influencing and connecting*, it’s not just about you....
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. The final step in the ENGAGE model, as explained in my book “ENGAGE: A practical guide to understanding, influencing and connecting”, is about reflecting on what you’ve learned...