What Every ‘Leader of People’ Should Know about Leadership

As a relationship specialist working with teams, a parent to a neurodiverse son, a couples therapist and the owner of two businesses, why am I qualified to talk about Leadership? I have never been a CEO of a multi-million pound organisation, nor have I led the country’s team to the Olympics. I am just a normal Mum doing my best to navigate whatever life throws at us ...

Or am I more than that?

I believe it is the intersection of my roles that brings – not a traditional perspective to the leadership conversation, but nonetheless a valuable one. I haven't just studied leadership in a theoretical sense; I've lived it. I've applied leadership principles in highly personal and challenging contexts, from navigating family dynamics to building businesses. This lived experience gives me a practical, nuanced understanding of what truly works (and what doesn't) in leadership. And there are thousands of people like me…whether they are inspiring a congregation in church, coaching their local football team, or even ‘just’ being a parent. We bring a human-centred, emotionally intelligent, and experience-based perspective to the topic. We understand leadership not just as a top-down mandate, but as a collaborative, empathetic, and adaptive process. And as such, our voice is not just qualified, it's essential to the conversation.

So – for all my years being both an integral part of a team as well as leading one; for the sixteen ensuing years as a consultant, supporting a wide range of teams (including Barclays, Roche, Aecom, NHS, Housing Associations and various Sports teams, to name but a few); for all the influencing over the years to get support for my son’s education from impoverished and fatigued City Councils; for the impact to win awards including for being the best Couples therapist in South-East England and the most Influential Business Woman 2024 - AND the boundaries I have protected by taking three large corporations to court (and winning); For influencing my autistic son to do the Muddy Dog Challenge to raise money for Battersea Dogs Home – who has sensory overplay and absolutely HATES anything touching his skin that is slimy or gritty; For what it is worth - this is my view on the top 10 tips that EVERY inspirer/leader/challenger of people (including leaders of families) should know about leadership.

Leadership isn't about the title; it's about the impact. It's about guiding, inspiring, and empowering others to achieve a shared vision. Whether you're leading a team of two or a company of thousands, some fundamental principles apply. Forget the power trips and micromanagement, genuine leadership hinges on these core truths:

1. People are Your Greatest Asset (Seriously!): This isn't just corporate jargon. Your team's skills, perspectives, and passion are what drive success. Investing in their growth, recognising their contributions, and fostering a positive work environment are paramount. A happy, engaged team is a productive team. End of subject.

2. Communication is King (and Queen): Clear, consistent, and empathetic communication is the lifeblood of any successful team. This means actively listening, providing constructive feedback, and being transparent about goals and challenges. Don't assume everyone is on the same page. Regularly check in and ensure everyone understands their role and how it contributes to the bigger picture.

3. Trust is Earned, Not Given: Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, including the one you have with your team. Lead with integrity, be accountable for your actions, and empower your team to make decisions. Micromanaging breeds resentment and stifles creativity. Trust your team, and they'll trust you in return.

4. Embrace Diversity (of Thought and Background): A homogenous team is a stagnant one. Different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their differences. Diversity isn't just a moral imperative; it's a strategic advantage.

5. Feedback is a Gift (Even When It's Tough): Both giving and receiving feedback are crucial for growth. Provide constructive criticism in a supportive way, focusing on behaviour and impact rather than personality. Encourage your team to share their feedback with you as well. A culture of open feedback fosters continuous improvement and strengthens team dynamics.

6. Empathy Matters (More Than You Think): Understanding and responding to the emotional needs of your team is essential. Be aware of individual challenges and offer support when needed. Show genuine care for your team's well-being. ASK OPEN QUESTIONS! A little empathy can go a long way in building loyalty and fostering a positive work environment.

7. Lead by Example (Walk the Talk): Your actions speak louder than words. If you want your team to be hardworking, dedicated, and passionate, you need to embody those qualities yourself. Saying sorry and confessing you don’t always know the answer shows authenticity and a willingness to be vulnerable. Be the leader you would want to follow.

8. Don't Be Afraid to Delegate (It's Not a Sign of Weakness): Delegating tasks not only frees up your time but also empowers your team members to develop new skills and take ownership. Trust your team to handle responsibilities and provide them with the support they need to succeed.

9. Celebrate Successes (Big and Small): Recognising and celebrating achievements, both individual and team-based, boosts morale and reinforces positive behaviour. A simple "thank you" or a team lunch can go a long way in showing appreciation.

10. Be Human (You're Not Perfect): Everyone makes mistakes. Don't be afraid to admit yours and learn from them. Be authentic and approachable. Your team will appreciate your honesty and vulnerability.

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Continuously learning, adapting, and refining your approach is crucial. By focusing on these core principles, you can create a team (or family) that is not only successful but also happy, engaged, and empowered. And that's what truly makes a great leader. All that said, we need to be realistic. We cannot be all of these things, all the time, to all people. Most of us will have patterns in how we think and behave, especially under stress, so we will probably need development in some areas. That is when having a coach can really help.

I definitely know the areas that I don’t manage or execute well during stress. Which of these is the one you would like to be better at?

Ready to grow as a leader in your team? Let’s take that first step together. Book your coaching session today.