Own Your Leadership Blog: Stories and Real Talk for Leaders

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Imposter Syndrome in Leadership: Why it Shows Up and Why it Matters
Behaviour and Mindset in Leadership Sharon Smith Behaviour and Mindset in Leadership Sharon Smith

Imposter Syndrome in Leadership: Why it Shows Up and Why it Matters

Imposter syndrome in leadership can show up even when you are capable, experienced and trusted. It often appears as overthinking, hesitation, over-preparing or searching for certainty before you act. This blog explores why imposter syndrome in leadership happens, how it affects clarity and decision-making, and why recognising the pattern is only the first step.

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Leadership Love: Learning to Lead With Care, Starting With Ourselves
Behaviour and Mindset in Leadership Sharon Smith Behaviour and Mindset in Leadership Sharon Smith

Leadership Love: Learning to Lead With Care, Starting With Ourselves

Leadership love often begins in a place we overlook. Ourselves. In the pressure to be capable, steady, and available for others, many leaders forget to extend the same care inward. This piece explores what it means to lead with compassion that does not dilute standards, starting with how we speak to ourselves, manage our energy, and respond under pressure. Because the way you lead others is always shaped by how you lead yourself.

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Post Holiday Blues: Using the Liminal Space Between Christmas and New Year to Gather Momentum

Post Holiday Blues: Using the Liminal Space Between Christmas and New Year to Gather Momentum

Feeling a little flat after the festive sparkle? You’re not alone. The post holiday blues are common, but this pause between Christmas and New Year is more than just downtime; it’s a liminal space full of potential. By leaning into these quiet days, you can reflect, reset, and gather momentum to step into the new year with clarity, energy, and focus.

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Adaptable Leadership in Multigenerational Teams

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.

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Why Great Leaders Flex Their Leadership Styles

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.

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