At the start of my B2B career I worked under a fiery and unpleasant manager who affected me and the team dynamic. Despite the discomfort, his approach spawned two valuable outcomes.
Firstly, it ignited my personal development journey. Along this path, I've learned to fully access vulnerability, deep honesty, authenticity, purpose, integrity, and the mechanics of inner change. Secondly, his style laid a memorable model of how not to lead. His "destructive" style was not isolated however. Throughout my early career, I noticed consistent patterns in other leaders:
Underhanded tactics were ok if it got the deal signed. Goals were uninspiring and pursued in a highly transactional manner. Vulnerability was rare, while bravado was common. People were regarded as resources rather than valued team members. These leadership traits were demoralising and led to poor outcomes for customer and culture alike.
My career journey blossomed when I joined a company where the leader's values aligned with my own. The chairman believed that people wanted to be "valued members, of a winning team, on an inspiring mission." This philosophy underpinned an incredible culture, and I saw the crucial role leaders played in it. When I was promoted to a managerial role I thought, “Yes! Finally, it's time to prove myself as a leader!”. Instead of it being an elegant transition, however, the challenges of frontline leadership activated an array of insecurities and gaps that were lying dormant until this point. I was at the start of a well-documented and steep learning curve that virtually every new manager experiences.
Most new leaders struggle with diagnosing and addressing team challenges, they also lack the self-awareness needed to carry out interventions effectively. They often fall into drama, hide behind a facade of bravado, and grapple with imposter syndrome. My coaching and the Litehouse Leader Program addresses these issues head-on, helping new managers build the confidence and skills they need to lead effectively. Support at this time can make the difference between burnout and brilliance.
The Litehouse Leader Program is built on the principle that leaders must first learn their "inner game," enabling them to lead from their highest self. After this, they learn the "outer game" to begin transforming their team and the value chain. These "Litehouse Leaders" are the key to inspiring tomorrow's workplaces.
If you're looking for someone who understands the complexities of frontline leadership and can guide your emerging leaders through their formative years, look no further. Let's work together to build a future where your leaders are not just effective but also authentic and inspiring.
Why Trust Me with Your Emerging Leaders?
- Real-World Experience: I've been in the trenches and understand the common pitfalls new managers face. In B2B for 25 years, I've managed teams for 15 of those.
- Proven Coaching: With over 10,000 hours of coaching new managers, I've honed my ability to guide them through their initial challenges and set them up for long-term success. I've supported the growth of managers across the UK&I, Europe, US, Canada, Israel, and South Africa.
- Holistic Approach: I focus not just on leadership skills but also on self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Every inch of progress on the inner journey translates directly into better leadership, and understanding how to bring one's “best” self to high-pressure situations requires a good grasp of both personal and professional themes.
- Personal Development: To inspire hearts and minds, leaders need access to vulnerability, empathy, advanced self-awareness and a resilient inner game. These qualities are crucial for building trust and fostering a positive team culture. I've spent >20,000 hours studying, practising and facilitating personal transformation across a variety of settings.
