I remember one of the toughest workplace conflict cases I ever worked on. It was a project team made of members from four different organisations.
How to get comfortable with uncertainty and not knowing as a leader
Many managers feel pressured to have all the answers, creating an exhausting culture of overreliance on them. This can hinder team self-sufficiency and drive burnout. Embracing humility and admitting uncertainty can strengthen teams, fostering innovation and problem-solving. Five practical strategies for leaders include maintaining a “Things I don’t know” notebook, encouraging team discussions about unknowns, asking meaningful questions, reversing hierarchical structures for better expertise access, and modeling openness by saying “I don’t know.” These approaches can lead to healthier, more productive work environments.
How to transform feedback conversations into breakthrough moments [Podcast summary]
In episode two of Manage with Confidence, psychologist Caroline “Caz” Katz discusses the nuances of feedback. The episode emphasizes the importance of relationships in delivering effective feedback, distinguishing between low-stakes task feedback and high-stakes personal feedback, which can deeply impact self-esteem. Katz introduces the concept of ‘unthought knowns’, highlighting how subconscious knowledge affects feedback reactions. She stresses the necessity of active listening and external input for self-awareness, underscoring that personal understanding requires feedback from others to achieve alignment.
Why do we avoid feedback? 5 practical strategies to help you [podcast summary]
Feedback from line managers is crucial for employee engagement, as highlighted by Gallup’s 2026 report, which states that daily feedback can increase engagement threefold. Yet, nearly half of employees receive limited feedback annually, with only 26% finding it beneficial. Effective feedback should be meaningful and balanced, aiding motivation and growth. Key strategies for effective feedback include preparation, listening, and specificity. Dr. Hayley Lewis discusses these concepts in her podcast, “Manage with Confidence,” which offers insights into enhancing feedback conversations.
Creative ways to learn at work at no cost
Learning at Work Week is celebrated from May 18-24, 2026, focusing on the theme ‘many ways to learn’. Learning is crucial for workplace thriving, a concept developed by Gretchen Spreitzer in 2005. Many organizations struggle with learning due to budget cuts, but numerous low or no-cost options exist to foster development. These include reading, writing, peer coaching, mentoring, job shadowing, and reflective practices. Emphasizing creativity and collaboration can transform workplace learning and improve overall performance and resilience.
7 effective strategies to help you overcome procrastination
Procrastination arises from various emotional and psychological factors, often linked to task-related discomfort. Understanding the reasons behind procrastination, such as fear of failure or overwhelming feelings, can help individuals develop strategies to address it. Techniques include mindfulness, self-compassion, and breaking tasks into manageable segments to enhance productivity.