Articles
Short, practical guides for better working days
Thirty articles on emotional intelligence, leadership and workplace relationships. Each one includes a workplace example, practical steps and a question to reflect on.
Showing all 33 articles
Lead a team across several countries
When your team sits in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Lusaka, the work may be the same but the context is not.
Read articleEmpathyGive feedback that works across cultures
Feedback that feels clear and fair to you can feel blunt, or too vague to act on, to someone else.
Read articleTeamworkLead a hybrid team across time zones
A team that stretches from Accra to Port Louis already spans four hours before anyone travels.
Read articleSelf-awarenessNotice your emotional triggers
Think of a recent moment when your reaction felt stronger than the situation required.
Read articleSelf-awarenessBuild a daily emotional check-in
Before your first meeting, name the emotion you are bringing into the room.
Read articleSelf-awarenessSeparate intention from impact
You may intend to be efficient while a colleague experiences your short response as dismissive.
Read articleSelf-awarenessAsk for feedback you can use
Broad questions such as “How am I doing?” can produce vague answers.
Read articleSelf-awarenessRecognise the story behind a reaction
When something goes wrong, the first explanation that comes to mind may feel like a fact.
Read articleSelf-managementCreate a pause before responding
A pause gives you time to choose the purpose of your response.
Read articleSelf-managementRespond to a challenging email
Read the message once for the practical request.
Read articleSelf-managementProtect focus during a pressured day
Start by listing the commitments that genuinely need attention today.
Read articleSelf-managementRepair a conversation after frustration
If you spoke sharply, return to the conversation promptly.
Read articleSelf-managementBuild a practical EQ action plan
Choose one workplace situation you want to handle differently.
Read articleEmpathyListen before you solve
When a colleague raises a concern, first check what kind of help they want.
Read articleEmpathyAsk better questions at work
Use questions that invite information rather than defend a conclusion.
Read articleEmpathyWork with different communication styles
People may differ in how quickly they process information, how much detail they need and whether they prefer to think aloud.
Read articleEmpathyInclude quieter voices in meetings
Send the topic and decision needed in advance.
Read articleEmpathyCheck understanding across cultures
Do not assume that a familiar phrase, silence or a polite agreement carries the same meaning for everyone.
Read articleLeadershipGive feedback about behaviour
Choose a specific event and describe what you observed.
Read articleLeadershipReceive feedback without rushing to defend
Let the other person finish.
Read articleLeadershipSet expectations with empathy
Empathy and clarity can work together.
Read articleLeadershipCoach with curiosity
Begin a coaching conversation by asking what the person wants to work through.
Read articleLeadershipLead through a change you cannot fully explain
Separate what is confirmed from what is still being decided.
Read articleTeamworkCreate a team working agreement
Ask the team to identify the everyday behaviours that would make collaboration easier.
Read articleTeamworkMake delegation clearer
Explain the outcome, scope, deadline and decision-making authority attached to a task.
Read articleTeamworkBuild a useful team check-in
A short check-in should help the team coordinate work.
Read articleTeamworkSupport accountability without blame
Start with the agreed commitment and the result that occurred.
Read articleTeamworkRecognise contributions specifically
Recognition is more useful when it tells someone what they did and why it mattered.
Read articleConflictPrepare for a difficult conversation
Write down the issue, the facts you can verify and the outcome you want.
Read articleConflictDisagree without making it personal
State the part of the proposal you disagree with and the reason connected to the work.
Read articleConflictDe-escalate a tense discussion
Slow the pace and return to a specific issue.
Read articleConflictSet boundaries respectfully
Describe what you can do, what you cannot commit to and which alternative is available.
Read articleConflictClose a conversation with a clear agreement
Before ending a difficult discussion, summarise what has been agreed and what remains unresolved.
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