Oxford Leadership

We're thrilled to welcome aboard Michal Oshman, Former Head of Culture at TikTok and Kyle Hermans, CEO Be Courageous as our newest partners!

The world around us is made up of only two factors: The things we can control and the things we can’t. Everything falls into these two categories. From the people and objects in our environment to the problems we face each day. “Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens. Some things are up to us, and some things are not up to us. Our opinions are up to us, and our impulses, desires, aversions—in short, whatever is our own doing. Our bodies are not up to us, nor are our possessions, our reputations, or our public offices, or, that is, whatever is not our own doing.” - Epictetus (Greek Stoic philosopher - 55 – 135 AD) According to Dr Seth Gillihan from Psychology Today, the main reason we worry in uncertain moments is simple. In the past, we’ve worried about something, and everything has turned out okay. Our brain pairs that feeling of worry with a positive outcome. The brain becomes convinced that worrying helps us get the desired result. And sometimes it can. That dreadful feeling can undoubtedly motivate us into action and might help solve the problem. It reminds one of the fight or flight response that the human body takes towards fear. If we compare them, it seems likely that we evolved to experience worry to push us towards action when we need it. But just like the fight-or-flight fear response, it often doesn’t help in our modern lives. Worse, it makes them harder. Severe worry is stressful. It prevents us from resting and relaxing. It hinders our ability to go about our day and care for our lives. It takes control of our thoughts and saps our energy. Stephen R. Covey referred to these in his book – The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. His explanation used two circles: the circle of concern and the process of influence. The circle of concern covers everything in our life that affects us. On the other hand, the influence process includes everything within our life that we can impact or affect. Want to expand your circle of influence and become a more effective leader? Our Self-Managing Leadership programme is designed to help create better leaders. Visit https://hubs.la/Q02Ly3z90 or write to us [email protected] for more information.

Making the transition from individual contributor to manager requires shifts in mindset, skills and behaviors. Follow these 6 crucial identity shifts to succeed in your new role: 🧠 Shift your mindset: As a manager, focus on getting the best from each team member to meet group goals. Develop versatility - the ability to choose effective responses that match each situation. 👥 Shift your relationships: Set clear expectations for former peers who now report to you. Build quality relationships with all team members while treating them fairly based on merit. 👌🏽Shift your attitude: Realize doing all the work yourself is no longer possible or productive. Learn to delegate, coach and mentor team members. 👓 Shift your perspective: Accept office politics as a reality and develop political savvy to be productive. Gather information, observe appropriate behavior, and connect genuinely with stakeholders. 👀Shift your focus: With leadership comes responsibility for acting with integrity and character in all decisions. Consider the impact on your team, organization and stakeholders. 🛠️ Shift your skillset: Enhance skills for leading others like communicating effectively, influencing decisions, building teams and developing team members' skills. Do you agree? 🤔 Read more here: https://hubs.la/Q02Hz_Jx0... Ready to transform your leadership? Unleash your team's highest potential through Oxford Leadership's Self-Management Leadership programme. Resources for inspiring collective purpose and maximizing team performance are just an enrolment away. Growth begins here. Enrol now. https://hubs.la/Q02HB0PL0

Leading teams can be challenging. It's difficult to get everyone on the same page and moving in the same direction. Have you experienced people resisting decisions after the meeting is over or trying to undo agreements? This lack of commitment can seriously undermine your leadership and derail progress. The commitment loop is a simple yet powerful tool to get true buy-in from your team before moving forward. Here are the key steps: 🗣 Ensure Everyone Has Their Say. When discussing an issue or making a decision, go around the table and give each person a chance to weigh in freely before deciding. Silence does not equal agreement. 🤝 Propose a Decision. Once robust discussion is had, the leader proposes a path forward. 👍🟡🔴 Secure Commitment. Go around again and have each person state their level of commitment using a green/yellow/red scale: 🟢 Green - I fully support the decision 🟡 Yellow - It's not my first choice but I'll commit to helping make it work 🔴 Red - I cannot commit and need to discuss my concerns further 🚩 Address Red Flags Immediately. If any red flags are raised, have an open discussion right then to understand objections and seek agreements or alternatives. Using the commitment loop empowers your team, avoids post-meeting resistance, and ensures coordinated forward progress. Does your team employ this technique to build true buy-in? If not, would you try it? #leadershiptraining #purposedrivenleadership

Nadia Nadim was born in Afghanistan. Her father was killed by the Taliban when she was 11 and her family fled to Denmark in the back of a truck. Nadia has scored nearly 200 goals in professional football and represented the Danish national team on 98 occasions. She has finished medical school and is studying to become a reconstructive surgeon when her playing days are over. She speaks 11 languages fluently and is on the Forbes list of the most powerful women in international sports. If you want to show your daughter a role model, introduce Nadia. Individuals like Nadia Nadim illuminate pathways to success for young and emerging leaders by demonstrating the values that underpin success in life. At the heart of leadership lies the role models who inspire, guide, and shape future leaders through values such as Integrity and Ethical Behavior A positive leadership role model embodies integrity and ethical behavior. Their actions and decisions are guided by a moral compass that promotes honesty, accountability, and transparency. An organization rooted in integrity fosters trust, loyalty, and a positive reputation. Ethical leadership becomes a bedrock for sustainable success, proving that doing the right thing is always the best course of action. Vision and Inspiration Role model leaders are visionaries. They see beyond the present circumstances and chart a course toward a better future. Effective leaders motivate their teams, instilling a sense of purpose and direction that transcends day-to-day tasks. This inspiration is infectious, encouraging others to adopt a forward-thinking mindset and strive for excellence. Mentorship and Development Great leaders invest in the development of others. They serve as mentors, offering guidance, support, and wisdom gained from their experiences. This nurturing environment creates a culture of continual learning and improvement. Leadership role models recognize the potential in others and provide the resources and encouragement needed to unlock that potential. Mentorship cultivates new leaders, ensuring the longevity and adaptability of the organization. Resilience and Adaptability In the face of challenges, leadership role models exhibit resilience and adaptability. They navigate uncertainties with a calm and composed demeanor, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. This resilience is a powerful lesson for emerging leaders, teaching them to persevere and remain flexible in the dynamic landscape of business. The ability to adapt and thrive amidst change is a hallmark of true leadership. The Ripple Effect The influence of a leadership role model extends far beyond the individual. Their actions and values create a ripple effect that touches every corner of the organization. As others observe and emulate these behaviors, a culture of excellence emerges. This culture, built on the foundation laid by leadership role models, propels the organization to new heights. www.oxfordleadership.com

Your brain's "happy chemicals" are neurotransmitters that contribute to feelings of happiness, pleasure, and well-being. Here are the key players: Dopamine: Often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward. It plays a significant role in motivation and the experience of joy. Serotonin: This chemical helps regulate mood, appetite, sleep, and digestion. Higher levels of serotonin are linked to improved mood and feelings of happiness. Endorphins: These are the body's natural painkillers, often released during physical activity. They help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Oxytocin: Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin is released during social bonding, physical touch, and intimacy. It fosters feelings of connection and trust. Brain Hacks to Release Happy Chemicals Physical Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can boost endorphin levels, leading to improved mood and reduced stress. Even a brisk walk can be effective. Practice Gratitude: Keeping a gratitude journal or regularly reflecting on what you’re thankful for can increase serotonin levels and enhance overall happiness. Social Connections: Spending time with friends and loved ones can trigger oxytocin release. Make it a point to foster and maintain meaningful relationships. Healthy Eating: Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, can support serotonin production. Additionally, incorporating complex carbohydrates can help regulate serotonin levels. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation can improve mood and increase serotonin levels. Even a few minutes of deep breathing can make a difference. Laughter: Engaging in activities that make you laugh—watching a funny movie, attending a comedy show, or joking with friends—can release endorphins and create a sense of happiness. Sunlight Exposure: Spending time outdoors in natural light can boost serotonin levels. Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of sunlight each day, if possible. Acts of Kindness: Helping others through small acts of kindness can trigger the release of oxytocin, fostering a sense of connection and satisfaction. Listening to Music: Enjoying your favorite music can elevate mood and increase dopamine levels, making you feel happier and more relaxed. Creative Activities: Engaging in creative pursuits, whether it's painting, writing, or crafting, can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy, boosting dopamine levels. By incorporating these simple hacks into your daily routine, you can enhance your mood and promote the release of these happy chemicals, leading to a more joyful and fulfilling life. #HappyChemicals #Dopamine #Serotonin #Endorphins #Oxytocin #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #PositiveVibes #ExerciseForHappiness #Gratitude #SocialConnections #Mindfulness #LaughterIsTheBestMedicine #HealthyEating #Sunlight #ActsOfKindness #CreativeExpression

Reflecting on these six questions every day can help you grow as a leader and a person. Each day, we encounter experiences, people, and situations that have the potential to shape us. These questions, provided by expert coach Marshall Goldsmith, offer a way to navigate that chaos. 👤Did I do my best to set clear goals today? 👤Did I do my best to make progress toward my goals today? 👤Did I do my best to find purpose today? 👤Did I do my best to be happy today 👤Did I do my best to build positive relationships today? 👤Did I do my best to be fully present today? Findings from surveys show that self-reflection through questioning can alter our approach to the world around us. These questions help us identify areas where we are making an effort and where we may be giving up. As a result, we become more aware of what we can change and take on a sense of control and responsibility rather than feeling like a victim. To take your leadership development to the next level, consider working with an Oxford Leadership Certified Coach. These expert coaches can help you apply these insights and develop your leadership skills in a personalised, results-driven manner. Ready to unlock your full potential? Write to [email protected] to start your leadership transformation journey today. Oxford Leadership offers its renowned Self-Managing Leadership course for those looking to dive deeper into self-reflection and leadership growth. Now available online, this program has benefited over one million executives worldwide. Experience the power of structured self-reflection and leadership development by trying it here https://hubs.la/Q02KM1-x0. Take control of your leadership journey and focus on what truly matters in your personal and professional life today! #selfmanagingleadership #purposedrivenleadership #leadershiptraining

As a leader, one of your top priorities is ensuring your organisation has a healthy, productive culture where people can thrive. However, too often toxic managers disrupt this goal through aggressive behaviours that demotivate employees. Managers who regularly ridicule, disrespect or belittle employees create a dysfunctional work culture with far-reaching negative consequences, such as: 🤕 Increased employee turnover as people seek less stressful work 🤕 Decline in job performance as motivation and engagement fall 🤕 Aggression emerging between coworkers as frustration boils over Power imbalances mean victims often can't defend themselves, instead internalising anger or lashing out at peers. While policies prohibit abuse, the roots of the problem must also be addressed to enact real change. Formal structures can guide productive behavior by: ✅ Providing clarity around expectations and procedures ✅ Signaling unacceptable conduct will not be tolerated ✅ Maintaining positivity even when self-control has been compromised ✅ Limiting the spread of destructive behaviour When team members feel heard, supported and confident in their duties, engagement and productivity surge. Read more on reducing peer aggression and abusive supervision here: https://hubs.la/Q02KM0Y40... Are you looking for a leadership development program that can uplift your organisation's performance through coaching, caring and effective supervision? Reach out to explore our leadership solutions which can be tailored to your teams' and organisation’s needs. Our customised programs leverage real-world scenarios to develop the interpersonal skills needed to maximise each person's potential. Contact us at: https://hubs.la/Q02KM1YH0

Getting caught in negative thought patterns is all too easy for leaders. With so many demands on our time and mental energy, it's no surprise that frustrations and worries can start to take over. But dwelling in negativity only makes it harder to be the effective, purpose-driven leader you strive to be. When negativity takes hold, it can feel like a downward spiral with no escape. Negative thoughts breed negative emotions, which fuel even more negative perspectives and behaviors. You may find yourself snapping at colleagues more often or avoiding important tasks. Productivity plummets as stress and overwhelm rise. With awareness and the right tools, you can reverse negativity and regain control. Here are some strategies to help: ➡️ Catch yourself early: The sooner you recognize negative thought patterns, the easier they are to redirect. Pay attention to your internal dialogue and notice when it starts turning critical or worried. Make a conscious effort each day to monitor your thoughts and shift them. ➡️ Break the pattern: Once you've caught negative thinking, disrupt its momentum. Distract your mind by changing locations, talking to a supportive colleague, or doing a mindfulness exercise. Getting outside for a brief walk can also be grounding. The goal is to break the pattern long enough to shift to a more constructive mindset. ➡️ Focus on solutions: Rather than dwelling in problems, consciously steer your thoughts toward viable solutions or potential opportunities instead. Ask yourself what actions you can take, no matter how small, to work through obstacles or further opportunities. ➡️ Practice self-care daily: Negativity thrives when we're depleted or stressed. Make caring for your wellbeing a non-negotiable priority every day through strategies like healthy eating, sufficient sleep, exercise and hobbies you enjoy. ➡️ Surround yourself with support: A strong and caring community of colleagues is crucial for professional and personal resilience. Make time for real connections with people who energize you through casual interactions, coaching sessions or peer support groups. Most importantly, be compassionate with yourself. Negative thought spirals don't define you or your leadership abilities. With awareness and practice of the above strategies, you have the power to transform your mindset and get back on an upward path. Your leadership potential is boundless when you're optimistic and leading from a place of inner strength. If you'd like guidance cultivating self-awareness and resilience as a leader through coaching or Oxford Leadership's leadership program, contact us at https://hubs.la/Q02KLJ5B0. #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipMindset #NegativityToPositivity #OvercomingChallenges #Resilience #PurposeDrivenLeadership Image based on original model source: 2014 The Emotional Guidance Scale, Jerrry and Ester Hicks (Abraham)

Self-sabotage plagues even high-performers. Unclear purpose, values and vision holds your people back from maximising their potential. The Oxford Leadership, Self-Managing Leadership ( SML) Program is a proven solution for developing future-focused talent. Through SML program managers can overcome limiting behaviours like self-handicapping and deception. You can work alone at your pace, or with a certified Oxford Leadership Coach Customised coaching equips individuals to: ➡️ Align personal purpose with organisational goals for focus and motivation ➡️ Lead with confidence through complexity by understanding interconnected systems ➡️ Make strategic decisions from a balanced perspective instead of cognitive biases ➡️ Inspire teams through potent presence, clear intentions and timely action By cultivating self-awareness, your people can unleash discretionary effort normally restrained by their inner saboteurs. Productivity and job satisfaction surge as autonomy rises alongside guidance. HR & L&D leaders partner with us to assess emerging leaders' development needs. We offer a variety of solutions that can be tailored to your organisations needs! www.oxfordleadership.com Contact us to learn more here https://hubs.la/Q02K0sjX0 #leadershiptraining #purposedrivenleadership #focus #leadershipstrategy