Own Your Leadership Blog: Stories and Real Talk for Leaders
Adaptable Leadership in Multigenerational Teams
Leading a team made up of different generations can feel challenging — but it’s also one of the most rewarding opportunities for growth. Adaptable leadership in multigenerational teams is about understanding what drives each person, valuing diverse perspectives, and creating a culture where everyone can contribute their best. From balancing innovation with experience to fostering psychological safety and encouraging cross-generational mentoring, adaptable leaders turn differences into strengths. In this blog, we explore practical, human-centred strategies to help you connect, collaborate, and unlock the full potential of your multigenerational team.
Why Great Leaders Flex Their Leadership Styles
When I first stepped into a formal leadership role, I thought asking questions was a way to connect. Standing awkwardly at the photocopier, I asked a colleague about recent assessment changes – only to have her think I was being judgemental. That moment taught me a powerful lesson: effective leadership isn’t just about curiosity or authority – it’s about flexing your leadership style to match the situation and the person.
Goleman’s six leadership styles show us that the right approach depends on trust, context, and connection. Sometimes we lead with coaching, sometimes with vision, and sometimes with an affiliative style to build rapport first. Knowing when and how to switch is what makes leadership truly effective.
Leadership Burnout: Why Boundaries Are Powerful
Leadership burnout is on the rise and many leaders don’t realise the hidden cost until it’s too late. In this article, I share my own story of burnout and why boundaries became the most powerful tool in protecting my wellbeing and effectiveness. You’ll discover practical strategies to set limits, protect your energy, and create sustainable impact without overwhelm.
How Secondary Gains Keeps Leaders Stuck in Behaviours That Don’t Work
Even when we know a leadership behaviour isn’t helping, we sometimes keep doing it. Why? It might be down to secondary gain – the hidden emotional payoff. In this blog, we explore how understanding these unconscious drivers can help you lead with more awareness, alignment, and ease.
Leading when you don’t have all the answers
Many leaders believe they must appear confident and in control at all times. However, true leadership isn’t about masking chaos or pretending to have all the answers. Instead, it’s about standing in uncertainty, being transparent, and leading with courage - even when you feel like hiding.
Great Leadership Is About Followship, Not Just Leadership
We often think great leadership is about vision, influence, and authority. But what if it’s really about something else?
On The Growth Addicts Podcast, Maxine Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen, shared a game-changing insight: “What makes me a great leader is I don’t lead, I get people to follow. I think you need followship.”
True leadership isn’t about control - it’s about creating an environment where people choose to follow because they trust you, believe in your vision, and feel empowered.
