#leadershipandmanagement

Become a Leader Your Employees Want To Follow

What makes a great leader?

In attempting to answer the enduring question of “What makes a great leader?” we could of course wax lyrical about recent statistics, deep dive into emerging research, or explore commonly identified characteristics, however, in its simplest and rawest form, great leadership comes down to one thing; our capacity to positively influence those around us. In recognition of the commonly cited adage, “employees don’t leave their job; they leave their manager”, how can we ensure we are keeping our employees professionally satisfied and personally fulfilled within their role? More importantly, how can we best demonstrate the qualities which will help make us a leader that others want to follow?

At KnowledgeBrief, we recognise that the 21st-century workplace is ever-evolving and often unpredictable, and as such, the need for dynamic leadership to keep up with these demands (whilst simultaneously safeguarding employee productivity and wellbeing) has never been more pressing. Our custom-built leadership and management programmes have been designed specifically to accommodate the fast and dynamic nature of modern working life, through providing a flexible approach to professional development, whereby managers and leaders can learn at a pace which suits them. Through round the clock access to our world-leading learning platform (complete with over 500 MBA-standard techniques) and frequent opportunities to attend our highly interactive training days and expert-led innovation days, we aim to provide a comprehensive and deeply immerse applied learning experience; one provides our clients with the robust professional toolkit needed to enhance professional knowledge and expertise, and ultimately help them become a leader that their employees want to follow.

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Insight articles on how we help:
Become a Leader Your Employees Want To Follow

The Responsible Manager – Could It Happen Here? Eliminating Modern Slavery from the UK Workplace
Insight

The Responsible Manager – Could It Happen Here? Eliminating Modern Slavery from the UK Workplace

Slavery is not confined to history; it exists today in its many forms. Modern Slavery is a global issue affecting millions of people, including here in the UK. We have a duty to protect our people and protect our business by identifying the risks and taking action to eliminate exploitation and the associated criminal activity, from our workplace.

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Jane Savage

Wed 30 Jul

Workplace Wellbeing: A Transformational Leadership Perspective
Insight

Workplace Wellbeing: A Transformational Leadership Perspective

With more time, money, and energy being invested into our employees’ mental health than ever before, we may well be on the cusp of a workplace wellbeing revolution. Nonetheless, for us to truly ensure employee wellbeing becomes a staple of our organisational strategy (as opposed to a corporate check box we feel inclined to pay lip service to) it’s imperative we explore what, or more specifically who, may prove pivotal in guiding the success of our wellbeing-based initiatives.

Dan Sly

Dan Sly

Thu 13 May

Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down
Insight

Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down

The working week doesn't always begin on Monday morning. Increasing numbers of employees report intrusive thoughts about the upcoming week disrupting their weekend downtime, with anxiety peaking on Sunday evenings. This has become known as the 'Sunday Scaries', particularly affecting younger workers. The HSE identifies stress and anxiety as the leading cause of sick absence, with Mondays consistently recording the highest absence rates. The resulting lost productivity significantly costs UK businesses, with a recent estimate as much as £85 billion per year. Do these figures provide enough of a compelling case to take these wellbeing risks seriously and look to implement suitable workplace adjustments.

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Jane Savage

Thu 18 Dec

Creating Cohesion
Insight

Creating Cohesion

Whether in response to a humanitarian crisis or in the pursuit of organisational excellence, we can all agree that great things happen when we work together. However, how can we best transform a group of individuals (often from diverse or differing backgrounds) into a collective driving force which is capable of achieving positive change and innovation? Whilst success at a team, organisational, and indeed societal level is dependent on a range of factors, there is one essential ingredient which all groups require in order to reach their full potential and thrive: cohesion.

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Paul McKinley

Thu 07 Oct

Cracking the Executive Code
Insight

Cracking the Executive Code

To crack the executive code, aspiring leaders and managers must focus on developing a combination of behaviours, gravitas, communication skills, and appearance. In the world of business, leadership is not merely a position but an art to be mastered. The path to becoming an effective leader or manager involves more than just technical expertise or knowledge. It requires a deep understanding of the intangible qualities that set apart exceptional leaders from the rest. Behaviours, gravitas, communication skills, and appearance play a pivotal role in shaping one's executive presence. In this blog, we will delve into these aspects and explore how they can be developed and enhanced to crack the executive code. According to renowned leadership coach and motivational speaker, Ian Dickson, the executive presence mix comprises 5% appearance, 28% communication, and a whopping 67% behaviours/gravitas. In this blog, we will delve into these aspects and explore how they can be developed and enhanced to crack the executive code.

Louise Ward

Louise Ward

Sun 18 Jun

The Responsible Manager – Creating a Neuroinclusive Environment
Insight

The Responsible Manager – Creating a Neuroinclusive Environment

With a rise in awareness and diagnoses, neurodiversity is increasingly recognised in the workplace. Estimates show 15 - 20% of the UK workforce have a neurodiverse condition such as ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia. As responsible leaders, we need to adapt our approach to support neurodivergent individuals and create a working environment that allows everyone to thrive.

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Jane Savage

Fri 20 Jun

The Art of Listening – Finding the Balance between Support and Challenge in Coaching
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The Art of Listening – Finding the Balance between Support and Challenge in Coaching

Coaching involves a real and important tension. It’s not just about making clients comfortable, nor is it about pushing them into discomfort. It’s about creating a space where growth happens often at the edge of support and challenge. The truth many new coaches miss is this: striking that balance depends on your ability to truly and deeply listen.

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Abz Salloum

Fri 16 May

Beyond the C-Suite: Thriving as a Leader in the Polycrisis by Tackling the Imposter Phenomenon
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Beyond the C-Suite: Thriving as a Leader in the Polycrisis by Tackling the Imposter Phenomenon

The corner office is no longer a fortress of certainty. Today’s leaders face unprecedented external challenges and, for many, an insidious internal battle: the imposter phenomenon. We explore how recognising this is crucial for navigating the polycrisis and redefining the very nature of modern, effective leadership across both public, private and charitable sectors.

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Jay Dehaan

Mon 15 Sep

Crafting Your Leadership Philosophy
Insight

Crafting Your Leadership Philosophy

From military generals and medical consultants to elite sports coaches and Fortune 500 CEOs, all great leaders can be united by the fact that their professional identity is underpinned by a clear and enduring professional philosophy. In this article, we help you uncover the foundation of your own unique leadership philosophy.

Dan Sly

Dan Sly

Sun 01 Jan

The importance of theory in coaching: A lifelong journey, not just a skill
Insight

The importance of theory in coaching: A lifelong journey, not just a skill

This question is understandable. Coaching is not just about acquiring a set of tools, it’s about developing a way of thinking, being, and relating to others. While practical application is essential, understanding the theoretical foundations of coaching is what sets truly transformational coaches apart.

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Abz Salloum

Thu 20 Feb

The Voice of a Leader
Insight

The Voice of a Leader

So much of great leadership comes down to successful communication. It isn’t just what you say, but how you say it. Part of what a leader must do to ensure their messages are heard is developing a laser-sharp focus on their voice and the way they speak.

Amelia Sciandra

Amelia Sciandra

Sun 26 Feb

How we can help

Become a Leader Your Employees Want To Follow

Become a Leader Your Employees Want To Follow

What makes a great leader?

Creating a Happier and Healthier Workforce

Creating a Happier and Healthier Workforce

Sustain a positive and psychologically healthy workforce

Better Management Training, Better Results

Better Management Training, Better Results

Our professional development courses are available to individuals or teams. Funded via the apprenticeship levy, the UK’s government apprenticeship scheme.

Essential Training to Grow Your Small Business

Essential Training to Grow Your Small Business

You can now get the same leadership, management and customer service training as the world’s most successful companies – funded via the government apprenticeship levy.

Maximise your Apprenticeship Levy

Maximise your Apprenticeship Levy

The Apprenticeship Levy, now in its third year, can on the face of it appear complex and inflexible and is often overlooked as a solution to recurring HR and L&D challenges. The good news is, the Levy doesn’t have to be disruptive at all.

Trusted by over 700 organisations
and more than 2,000 learners

“The quality of support I have received from my coach has been extremely high. His coaching is considered, tailored and aligned to my personal experience, career stage as well as my day-to-day balancing of responsibilities. My apprenticeship has helped to bolster my confidence that I am taking a reasonable approach with some challenging clients.”

Liane Langdon

Director

Clarity Consulting Associates

“The apprenticeship with KnowledgeBrief was transformative, improving my leadership, strategic decisions, and confidence. I gained skills in planning, change management, financial acumen, and stakeholder engagement. Completing with distinction, I secured a new contract and expanded my consultancy.”

Sally Kee

Programme graduate

Grosvenor Health and Social Care

“The coaching course through KnowledgeBrief was well-structured, balancing theoretical and practical knowledge. The platform is easy to navigate, providing access to support and promoting a solid understanding of coaching fundamentals. The resources provided have been comprehensive.”

Sandra Ajidahun

Senior Talent Partner

Publicis Groupe

“KnowledgeBrief has great content and is detailed in the area I am developing in. The system is very clear and easy to use and navigate. Thanks to my Skills Coach for his support and guidance. I apply my course knowledge and experience, such as team performance, leadership styles, and the Eisenhower Matrix, to manage tasks effectively.”

Jonny Burrows

Assistant Manager

Cheltenham College

“The apprenticeship has greatly enhanced my understanding of strategic work and how different areas of the organisation operate. It has boosted my confidence to ask questions and take on senior-level tasks. Studying has pushed me out of my comfort zone, showing me my capabilities and improving my overall performance.”

Lauren Mitchell

HR Manager

Canterbury Oast Trust

“The support has been timely and professional and, since starting, I have increased my knowledge through the online platform and workshops. I'm covering subjects like business understanding, communication, and operational plans - which has boosted my confidence. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it.”

Jason Windsor

Operations Manager HVAC

DENSO Manufacturing UK Ltd

“As a result of this apprenticeship, I have gained confidence at work. I've developed key skills in project management, communication, and technical processes, and have improved my performance through focused feedback. I am now better prepared to contribute to the team's goals and tackle future challenges.”

Cristian Condurache

Software Engineering Team Lead

Reach

“I have seen positive work improvements using what I’ve learnt about leadership, communication, and decision-making. I highly recommend the easy-to-use KnowledgeBrief platform with visual progress tracking, extra resources, and valuable information.”

Sharon Boia

EHS Manager

Abcam

“This journey has strengthened my strategic vision, stakeholder management, team and organisational influencing skills, and, most importantly, my confidence in communication. The structured learning and the tailored guidance has proven invaluable in giving me direction and purpose as a senior leader.”

Sam Dykes

Accounts Manager

Milling International Marketing Ltd

“This course improved my performance by helping me create strategies, demonstrate values, develop my team, identify growth areas, and gain leadership principles like communication, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to strengthen their leadership abilities and make an impact.”

Linda Evans

UK Head of Product, Pricing & Marketing

Ferdinand Bilstein UK

Equip your employees with the skills to increase results

If you would like to discuss how we can create your Leadership and Management Training Programmes, please get in touch

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