Hi all,
I don't know about you but we're having a crazy end of year. All the usual of trying to fit in everything before Christmas, along with some additional pressures such as the kids being at home. We're finishing tomorrow for a well earned break and will be back on the 4th January.
I wanted to get this research report out to you before we finish. We collaborated with our friends at Utopia on some leadership research for our Masculinity in the Workplace event. We wanted to know what leadership traits people were looking for through the pandemic, also how gender stereotypes might have changed and how the pandemic had impacted minority groups.
There's loads in there but a couple of things really stand out for me:-
- People want to see vulnerability, empathy and cultural intelligence in their leaders. However, there's a gap with these skills not currently being rewarded in their organisations and also leaders not being equipped with these skills.
- The research also sadly reaffirmed that it's the minority groups in the workplace that are really bearing the emotional brunt of this year's difficulties.
Please download the report here.
Finally, this is the last newsletter of the year. And what a year it has been! I spend a lot of my time, when coaching, supporting people in sitting with their discomfort rather than avoiding it. However, optimism and seeing the positives are also important. We delivered a webinar last week on Grit & Resilience and it really got me thinking about the 'silver linings' of 2020. These don't take away from what a shitty year it has been, it's about acknowledging the gifts too. Here are our silver linings:-
- When we had headspace earlier in the year, we were really able to sink in to our content and feel our proposition there has improved hugely.
- Whilst I had made up that virtual always equalled less than, the experience of our IMD event really wasn't that. It was like having Gareth Thomas in our houses with us. A real highlight of the year for us.
- There has been increased commitment to the drive for a more inclusive and diverse workplace as we have witnessed the injustices of this year.
And on a personal level....
- I am so much more resilient than I had realised. I didn't think I would be able to survive some of what has been thrown at me this year - and I have. To be sitting here, in one piece, in December 2020 is cause for celebration! - Rox
- The change in what we were doing this year meant stepping out from behind the scenes to be a part of how we delivered it, I feel more passionate and more connected to what we do, than ever before. - Emma
- Despite the challenges of home schooling I gained some quality one on one time with my eldest son which was often as simple as a quiet lunch together. Exploring nature and connecting over previously undiscovered walks has been a silver lining which I will carry forward. - Tanya
With best wishes for 2021
Rox