Inside the Director's Circle: Recent Episodes
The Director's Circle
We’ve all heard the adage “It’s lonely at the top” and it will resonate with most people in positions of leadership. Each week coaching psychologist Jason Langford-Brown invites members of the Director’s Circle business community to support each other to solve challenges they are having in their businesses. Experts from our Knowledge Circles, Jo Keeler (Belbin), Brian Glibkowski (Answer Intelligence) and Alex Bishop (Shoosmiths) to name a few, join Jason and our business leaders to offer further support and learnings.
In this episode of Inside the Director's Circle, we're diving into the world of social media marketing.
Our host, Jason Langford-Brown, is joined by Scott Billing from Ark Media Group to explore top tips for supercharging your content - with a specific focus on the power of video.
They delve into the importance of understanding your audience and objectives, making the most of filming opportunities, creating engaging narratives, crafting compelling hooks, and the long-term potential of video content.
They also discuss the psychology behind social media engagement and the need for business leaders and marketeers to prioritize thumb-stopping content.
If you're looking to elevate your social media strategy and make a lasting impact in the digital landscape, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in for valuable insights and expert advice on maximizing the potential of your social media marketing efforts.
Topics covered, include:
00:00 Shift from Google to YouTube as go-to.
05:50 Maximizing video content by filming multiple ideas.
08:48 Avoid list format, create engaging narrative instead.
13:07 Create engaging content with three second hook.
14:09 Avoid excessive branding and preambles in videos.
19:28 Maximize video content's long-term potential for ROI.
23:03 Struggle with self-promotion, essential for generating leads.
24:34 CEO expresses concern and questions social strategy.
Scott can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/scott-billing
https://arkmedia.co.uk/
Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777
Welcome to Inside The Directors Circle.
In this episode, host Jason Langford-Brown sits down with Scott Billing from Art Media Group to delve into the world of social media and its impact on businesses.
Together, they explore the value of social media for businesses, the potential for lead generation, and the importance of strategic planning and consistency in content creation.
The conversation also touches on the power of personal branding for leaders within organizations.
Join us as we uncover valuable insights and practical tips to supercharge your social media and video content.
Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of the pros and cons of social media in our modern world.
Topics covered include:
00:00 Expanding network, digital impact on branding strategy.
05:26 Lead Gen is possible for most businesses.
08:48 Plan ahead and connect your content.
11:55 Challenges of referrals in professional services explained.
16:10 Consistency and patience lead to social media success.
20:29 Leaders need to connect authentically with workforce.
21:16 Build personal brand for business success.
Scott can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/scott-billing
https://arkmedia.co.uk/
Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777
In this episode of "Inside the Director's Circle", host Jason Langford-Brown and guest Mike Burke dive deep into the topic of strategy as a process, not just an event or task.
They explore the importance of engaging people in the strategy development process, the need for percolation before finalizing strategies, and the critical role of aligning and empowering the people who will implement the strategy.
Mike shares valuable insights on the significance of cadence in strategy implementation and the effectiveness of tools such as one-page plans and OKRs in cascading the strategic direction.
From the power of weekly check-ins to the significance of regular strategic reviews, this conversation sheds light on the essential elements of successful strategy implementation.
Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the intricacies of turning strategy into action.
00:00 Agile strategy requires ongoing commitment and expertise.
03:36 Importance of historical strategy for human development.
08:45 Reflect on past mistakes, avoid overthinking, collaborate.
11:49 Delegate driving business strategy, prepare brief, implement.
16:28 Three-step process, base camp, implementation, ownership.
20:08 Check-ins on track, accountability at all levels.
22:50 Advocating for concise one-page plans for businesses.
24:39 Consistent cadence is better than sporadic effort.
Michael can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/michaelburke173
mburke@bcag.net.au
Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777
On this episode of Inside the Director Circle, Jason Langford-Brown and strategic planning expert Mike Burke delve into the essential topic of "Strategic Planning - How Can It Keep You Agile?" as they explore how strategic planning can keep your business adaptive and forward-thinking.
They discuss the traits of truly agile companies, emphasizing the importance of regular strategy reviews and solid foundational elements that endure over time, such as purpose, vision, and go-to-market strategies.
They also provide actionable advice for businesses looking to embark on their strategic planning journey, highlighting the pivotal role of accountability and the power of taking small, strategic steps forward.
Tune in for an insightful discussion that will guide you towards a more agile and proactive approach to strategic planning.
00:00 Specialize in mid-sized market, focus on strategy.
04:07 Quarterly cadence, solid foundation for adaptability.
08:02 Discussing strategy implementation and enduring strategic direction.
09:41 Plan for next three years, avoid constant review.
13:17 Continuous evolution of strategic thinking through learning.
18:47 Mission articulates existence, vision is mountain top.
22:20 Importance of strategy for growing businesses emphasized.
23:13 Be clear on why agile is important.
Michael can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/michaelburke173
mburke@bcag.net.au
Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777
Listen to this special episode where we let you hear what happened when Jason Langford-Brown was interviewed by James Mason on the excellent The Authentic Advisor podcast.
00:00 Culture is essential for business success.
05:35 Great culture and teamwork trump inefficiency and strategy.
07:43 Trust is the ultimate aim in business.
14:02 Manage and evolve culture for long-term success.
15:18 Creating aspirational culture, setting foundation, handing over.
20:46 Seeking imperfection in high performance culture.
22:59 Culture of values streamlines decision-making, drives innovation.
As always, it's a great listen with plenty to take away. Enjoy!
On this episode, hosted by Jason Langford Brown founder of the Director's Circle and practicing business advisor and coaching psychologist, he is continuining the conversation about productivity - but extending it out to get some energy hacks
As always, there are a couple of great guests to help with the discussion
Claire Fudge is the founder of 4D, also a practicing clinical nutritionist and dietitian, also still an active triathlete, fresh back from the world champion Iron Man in Hawaii earlier this year.
Graham Nicholl is Managing Director of Atlanta global corporate finance business. Graham's also been MD of Barclays and held senior positions at KPMG. But before that, Graham was an entrepreneur in the fitness space and like Claire, has been a very active guy, done the marathon de Sablas.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Leaders discuss energy and productivity in business.
04:09 Advice for wearable devices: Collect data, analyze.
09:22 Eating late can affect sleep and metabolism.
13:08 Skipping breakfast may lead to overeating.
15:53 Eating breakfast improved energy and muscle tone.
17:44 Choose healthy snacks and refuel after exercising.
21:58 Non-exercise thermogenesis burns energy, consider movement.
25:20 Meetings start five or 35 past the hour.
29:38 Start small, consistent routines, enjoy and improve.
31:41 Measuring data encourages managing and changing behaviors.
Claire can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/claire-fudge-dietitian
https://www.4thdiscipline.com/
Graham can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/grahamsnicoll
https://www.alantra.com/
Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777
On this episode, hosted by Jason Langford Brown founder of the Director's Circle and practicing business advisor and coaching psychologist, he is talking about productivity as a business leader.
As always, there are a couple of great guests to help with the discussion
Claire Fudge is the founder of 4D, also a practicing clinical nutritionist and dietitian, also still an active triathlete, fresh back from the world champion Iron Man in Hawaii earlier this year.
Graham Nicholl is Managing Director of Atlanta global corporate finance business. Graham's also been MD of Barclays and held senior positions at KPMG. But before that, Graham was an entrepreneur in the fitness space and like Claire, has been a very active guy, done the marathon de Sablas.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Manage energy strategically for optimized work-life balance.
05:37 Finding balance in remote work and life.
08:24 Prioritize health and time for productivity.
12:53 Quality, not quantity, of sleep is crucial.
15:24 Frequent blood sugar fluctuations impact energy levels.
18:22 Organizations adapting culture; presenteeism in certain industries.
21:11 Measuring productivity and proving impact with data.
24:24 Measuring productivity, caring for employees' well-being.
27:31 Claire and Graham joining next episode talk.
Claire can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/claire-fudge-dietitian
https://www.4thdiscipline.com/
Graham can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/grahamsnicoll
https://www.alantra.com/
Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777
In this episode, hosted by Jason Langford Brown founder of the Director Circle, practicing business advisor and coaching psychologists - we look at valuing your business, especially when it comes to exiting your business.
Along with Chasz Coulsting who is the Director of Corporate Finance at Crowe UK they give some great value to the entrepreneurs and business owners who get a little overwhelmed when it comes to business value.
Timestamps:
00:01:08 Get involved, gain insights, visit director's website.
00:05:48 Maximizing value; finding ideal buyers; management important.
00:10:02 Factors influencing business valuation: profitability and strength.
00:14:33 Value drivers for growing and strengthening businesses.
00:16:34 Recurring revenue, supply chain, and health checks.
00:21:52 Healthy businesses thrive long-term, prepare for exit.
00:24:14 Time on your side, valuable conversations continue.
Chasz can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/chasz-coulsting-56075441
https://www.crowe.com/global
Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777
In this episode, hosted by Jason Langford Brown founder of the Director Circle, practicing business advisor and coaching psychologists - we look at why, when and how you should be looking at exiting your business.
Along with Chasz Coulsting who is the Director of Corporate Finance at Crowe UK, they look at the right time to start planning your exit from the business.
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Identifying the correct process - and people - to take over
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When to tell other people in the business
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When and how to approach buyers, or accept approaches from buyers
If this is something you are thinking of - listen to this episode. If this is something you haven't been thinking of - you definitely have to listen to this episode.
Timestamps
00:00:13 Why thinking about selling is crucial now.
00:04:17 Owner-managed businesses discuss exit plans & retirement.
00:06:51 Frustration for clients wanting to exit business.
00:11:16 Exit potential, management team, and suppressed price.
00:14:03 Planning ahead: management team, strategy, maximizing value.
00:17:18 Plan for management and continuity of business helps increase pool of buyers.
00:21:22 Business leaders struggle with finding worth beyond being busy; recalibration is necessary to maximize value and achieve personal goals.
Chasz can be found here:
linkedin.com/in/chasz-coulsting-56075441
https://www.crowe.com/global
Get in touch with The Directors Circle here: https://directors-circle.com/ info@directors-circle.com 0121 270 5777
In this episode, hosted by Jason Langford Brown founder of the Director Circle, practicing business advisor and coaching psychologists - we dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and its impact on our daily lives.
Jason is joined by Amy-Rose Hayden and Liz Mulley.
With the proliferation of AI tools, one particular chatbot called Chat GPT has caught our attention. But as with any technological advancement, there are legal implications and security risks to consider.
The need for organizations to stay compliant with UK and EU data regulations is paramount, especially when it comes to the safety and use of data in chat platforms.
Throughout the episode, we explore the potential risks and biases associated with chatbots, as well as the importance of regularly assessing processes and data storage methods.
Join us as we discuss the finer details of chatbot implementation and the ongoing discussions surrounding GDPR compliance.
Timestamped overview
00:00:12 Legal implications of chatbots explored by experts.
00:04:44 Automation and chatbots can enhance productivity. Bill Gates supports embracing the technology.
00:10:30 AI output not always accurate or reliable.
00:12:53 AI regulation varies by jurisdiction, no UK regulation at present.
00:18:26 Chat GPT limited, unreliable for decision-making. Outdated and aggregates fact and fiction. Useful but not to be relied on.
00:21:48 Chat GPT is like a confident apprentice. AI output can be convincing and believable. Deepfakes are concerning and pose risks. AI is based on input and lacks creativity. Careful input and consideration of consequences are important. Businesses should embrace AI with caution.
00:25:54 Balance risk, embrace tech, don't overlook compliance.
00:28:27 Plan, not play randomly. New Facebook?
Guest Resources
Liz Mulley - Managing Associate in Commercial Litigation (Fraud & Risk) at Trowers & Hamlins
linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-mulley-8aa98440
Amy-Rose Hayden - Commercial Dispute Resolution Associate
linkedin.com/in/amy-rose-hayden-701b3076
Get in touch with The Directors Circle here:
https://directors-circle.com/
info@directors-circle.com
0121 270 5777
Welcome back to another episode of Inside The Director's Circle!
In today's episode Jason leads a fascinating discussion on the importance of cyber due diligence and proactive measures businesses can take to protect themselves from cyber threats.
Jason is joined by guest experts Liz Mulley, Amy-Rode Hayden and Stuart Hadley.
They delve into the world of cybersecurity, shedding light on the risks associated with personal data and the need for a more thoughtful approach to consent.
Liz explains what cyber due diligence is and why it should be a vital part of any business's exit or merger strategy.
So grab your headphones, sit back, and get ready to dive into the world of cybersecurity on Inside The Director's Circle.
Timestamps
00:00:11 Cybersecurity due diligence is crucially important.
00:04:06 Cover off on due diligence, risk assessment, compliance, incident response, recovery, business continuity, supply chain assessment, and digital exposure for cyber maturity.
00:07:04 Tech-focused business shift emphasizes security measures.
00:11:45 Stats can be misleading; cyber security is affordable and essential.
00:14:09 Data protection and cyber due diligence are important in mergers and acquisitions. The nature of the data held by the target should be considered. Cyber due diligence can impact the deal, possibly affecting the purchase price or including additional protections in the contract. Business leaders should also assess their own cyber readiness.
00:17:49 More scrutiny needed for data usage risks.
00:22:02 Stress testing, cyber response, supply chain weakness.
00:25:29 "How often do we receive something from someone we know?"
00:28:40 Starting the journey, chatbots in focus.
Guest Resources
Liz Mulley - Managing Associate in Commercial Litigation (Fraud & Risk) at Trowers & Hamlins
linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-mulley-8aa98440
Amy-Rose Hayden - Commercial Dispute Resolution Associate
linkedin.com/in/amy-rose-hayden-701b3076
Stuart Hadley - Group Global Chief Operating Officer CyberQ Group
linkedin.com/in/stuart-hadley-8281a419
Get in touch with The Directors Circle here:
https://directors-circle.com/
info@directors-circle.com
0121 270 5777
In episode 18 of Inside the Director's Circle, Dr Brian Glibkowski, professor at Chicago University and founder of answer intelligence interviews Jason about our use of AQ as a practice in coaching, leadership, and high-performing sales.
Jason reveals how people went from ditching the old-fashioned appraisal processes to creating high-quality conversations that went past coaching and started to inform leadership and customer management skills too.
Listen to the full episode to learn how you can use this in your leadership approach too.
In this follow up episode we will be looking at when and how to use mediation to win trust and positively move forward in the situations we may face.
As we learn, mediation overlaps with other areas, so we dive into some practical tips to help business leaders get the most out of their people, and how to navigate compromise.
Don't forget to follow Jason and The Director's Circle for more insights
In episode 16 of Inside the Director's Circle, Jason is joined by Peter Brewer, commercial litigator and credited practitioner of mediation at national law firm, Clarke Willmott LLP.
In this episode, Jason and Peter unpick why mediation is so powerful and how we can embrace it as a part of litigation before money gets in the way of the solution.
Don't forget to follow us and Jason on LinkedIn @TheDirectorsCircle @JasonLangfordBrown
In episode 15 of Inside the Director's Circle, host Jason Langford-Brown is interviewed by Andrew Menzies, Vice President of TGS Global Network on what is B2B selling.
B2B selling is complex, especially when selling intangible products.
The relationships and processes needed to get the approval of many stakeholders mean that we need to be up to date with the latest practices. If not, failure is imminent.
So what are the approaches to selling that work?
Jason and Andrew take a deep dive into the sales landscape, how it's changed, and what high-performing sales teams now look like.
In episode 14 of Inside the Director's Circle, leading sales expert and Founder of Sales Shift, Mike Boyle and I continue our exploration of nailing our sales process.
Especially since the pandemic, companies have placed a huge amount of investment into nailing their virtual selling strategy. A really important factor in sales but, nothing quite beats the human touch.
So how do we find that optimal balance between social and virtual selling to maximise profits?
Listen to the latest episode to find out.
In episode 13 of Inside the Director's Circle, Jason is joined by leading sales expert and Founder of Sales Shift, Mike Boyle.
The process of sales is something we don't often see written down. Experts like to withhold their knowledge and secrets and steer away from admitting any losses.
So today's episode tackles just that. Having spent decades in the industry, Mike is revealing the tried and tested method on the science behind sales, and how you can implement techniques and processes to increase your revenue.
Episode 12 of Inside the Director's Circle continues on from the previous episode where former British Army Colonel, Chris Carter MBE, dives into his experiences in the military and how this has affected his leadership skills.
Both Jason and Chris are also joined by the CEO of The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Joanne Williams, who brings 23 years of expertise as a leader in the NHS.
Episode 11 of Inside the Director's Circle looks at the canvas of leadership.
Jason is joined by Chris Carter MBE, project leader for the consultancy giant Arup, and former British Army Colonel and Commanding Officer.
Also joining Jason and Chris is the CEO of The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Jo Williams who brings her 23 years of expertise working in the NHS.
This episode unpicks the canvas of leadership and how it's made up of three key blocks to make a great leader, what leaders are, what leaders know, and what leaders do. The discussion looks at the practical application of these blocks, and how we can all become better leaders from them.
In episode 10 of Inside the Director's Circle, Jason Langford-Brown continues to delve into the of topic change with leading change expert Dr Chris Mason, PhD.
This time, Chris is revealing the secrets of some of the most successful companies that have carried out change, with an average of 80% success rate.
Research into these companies highlighted 3 major factors they used to be successful, readiness, capability and beliefs.
Listen to the full episode now to learn how you can apply this to your own change initiative.
Did you know the average change success rate is only 30%?
So how do we plan better for effective change?
In the latest episode, our Founder Jason Langford-Brown is joined by leading change expert and Doctor of Organisational Behavioural Psychology, Chris Mason.
This episode is a must-listen for those wanting to implement change in their business.
In episode 8 of Inside the Director's Circle Jason Langford-Brown, our host, continues delving into the topic of dispute resolution.
As with every episode Jason is joined by one of the Director's Circle knowledge partners, this week we are pleased to be joined by Alex Bishop, Partner & Head of Office at Shoosmiths.
Jason and Alex are joined by a member of our community, Angie Fife, CEO and Founder of PDSI. A both added really useful perspectives to the discussion
Alex starts off by answering Jason's question "What do you even do if you get a legal letter or legal approach around a dispute?". Alex first answer is "Don't ignore it!", she advises that you take time to understand the letter and any time constraints in it and then get legal advice as quickly as possible. Angie gives some really good advice and that is to get the whole team involved to make sure you know all the pertinent information about the claim.
The group then talk about the advantages of mediation and settlements as opposed to playing the zero sum game of taking your dispute to court. Angie says that mediation and settling is not a sign of weakness as it allows both parties to come to an amicable agreement and leave the business relationship intact.
In the next episode Jason changes the subject of the podcasts and talks to Chris Mason from Mindshop about Implementing Successful Change. Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified as soon as future episodes are released.
In episode 7 of Inside the Director's Circle Jason Langford-Brown, our host, begins delving into the topic of dispute resolution.
As with every episode Jason is joined by one of the Director's Circle knowledge partners, this week we are pleased to be joined by Alex Bishop, Partner & Head of Office at Shoosmiths.
Jason and Alex are joined by a member of our community, Angie Fife, CEO and Founder of PDSI. A both added really useful perspectives to the discussion
Jason and his guests start of by focusing on the difference between dispute and conflict resolution. As the conversation evolves they talk about how to prevent disputes from happening and if they do how to make them easy to resolve.
They end the episode by outlining some of the top tips for resolving interpersonal conflict within a company and tips on managing and avoiding business to business disputes.
In the next episode Jason is once again joined by Angie and Alex to discuss how to avoid the legal minefield when resolving disputes. Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified as soon as future episodes are released.
In episode 6 of Inside the Director's Circle Jason Langford-Brown continues on the topic of Strategy.
Jason hosts three members of our business leader community, Kevin Watson, Managing Director of NEC Group, Ben Towe, Group Managing Director of The Hadley Group, and Richard Price, Founder and CEO of Tickd to discuss how to implement a strategy for scale.
Kevin, Ben and Richard discuss some of the mistakes they have made when implementing strategy within their businesses. Ben tells of how some big mistakes cost Hadley Group a lot when they made acquisitions and tried to enter another business sector. Kevin explains how in the past he has over-complicated his strategy which meant that his organisations could come on the journey with him. Richard speaks on the challenges that come with Private Equity and how it can make your strategy short-term focused.
In episode 5 of Inside the Director's Circle Jason Langford-Brown, our host, changes the topic from effective communication to start exploring strategy.
Jason hosts three members of our business leader community, Kevin Watson, Managing Director of NEC Group, Ben Towe, Group Managing Director of The Hadley Group, and Richard Price, Founder and CEO of Tickd to discuss the blueprint for scaling their businesses.
Kevin Watson starts by outlining how important having an externalised strategy is for his business. By that, he means that the strategy should be dictated by the needs of his customers and the market. This is opposed to the needs of, what he calls the 'Ivory Tower', the board and how they want to be perceived. Kevin goes on to explain that he develops his strategy using two simple tools that make a significant impact. Listen to the episode for his explanation of these.
Ben Towe agrees with Kevin that customer insights should be the foundation of any company's strategy. However, he explains that when he is developing a strategic plan he makes sure his team put as much into what they are not going to do as what they are going to do. He said:
"I've studied it a lot and the companies that I've seen grow quickest generally haven't necessarily been the ones with the biggest aspiration and the most ideas in the tank. They've been the ones that have been super clear on what they do and what they don't do so that all the focus can be put into 'this is what we do'. If somebody else is over here is distracting us, our customer wants us to do x or our shareholder or whatever it may be. If the answer is no then no more resources, that's it, cut it and run. That's what you've got to do and I would argue that that is where we've seen some dynamic movement with some fast-growing companies"
Richard Price also gives his take on what the difference in strategy is at different levels. Richard helped grow a startup to a multimillion pound scale-up business but is now starting his own business. He says the difference within a startup is that you have to be versatile and flexible, and go where the revenue is, but for a scale-up, he reiterated Ben's point of doing what you do well and not letting your teams get distracted by other ideas or avenues.
Next episode Kevin, Ben and Richard join us again however, they will be discussing how to implement a strategy at scale. Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified as soon as future episodes are released.
In this episode of Inside the Director's Circle, my guests and I bust some myths about effective communication. In the last episode, we focused on AQ (Answer Intelligence) the missing link, as we see it, of highly effective communication. Listen back to the last episode, those that missed it, as you might find it useful before you listen to this episode.
Last time we tried to bust the first myth of "if you ask great questions and listen intently, then highly effective communication happens". It was all the notion that answers naturally occurred from asking great questions. However, as Dr Brian Glibkowski explained in the last episode, that isn't the case. Answers are as important to consider and prepare for as questions for an effective and balanced conversation.
I was once again joined by two of our members from The Director's Circle community; Gemma Steadman, Business Unit Director at Hadley Group, and Jacqueline Watson, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Henderson Loggie.
Gemma took on board a point I made about how as leaders there can be a perceived difference in what we consider our level of communication has been with our teams and what the reality is. What I said that resonated with Gemma was that:
"I think as leaders, we've got everything running through our head all the time; our strategy, our plans, our challenges. And then, for example, once a quarter, we stand up and talk to our team and say, let me tell you where we're going. Let me tell you our vision. And then we go back and run it through our head for three months."
What I always try to say to leaders is to think about over-communicating because the communication to yourself versus the outward communication is massively different.
Jacqueline suggested that understanding your audience, whomever that might be; a single person, a large audience of people, or people to who you are marketing, is the most important thing to have meaningful and effective communication. Deeply understanding your audience allows your questions to be more targeted and your answers to be more relevant, enabling your conversation to resonate more.
In episode 5 we are starting a new topic on conflict resolution. I am pleased to be joined by Alex Bishop, who's the national head of dispute resolution at the award-winning law firm Shoosmiths. Subscribe to our mailing list (https://cdn.forms-content.sg-form.com/2b09c8d3-b4e3-11ec-b2c2-76ca158c874f) to be notified as soon as future episodes are released.
Answer Intelligence (AQ), which some people have called the missing link in highly effective communication, is the subject of this week's episode. As you might have guessed, for the next two episodes we are delving into the subject of effective communication. My knowledge circle expert for this subject is Dr Brian Glibkowski, creator of AQ. Brian explains that AQ is the ability to provide elevated answers to explain and predict in a complex world, emotionally connect, and achieve results.
Brian is joined by two of our Director's Circle community members; Gemma Steadman, Business Unit Director at Hadley Group, and Jacqueline Watson, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Henderson Loggie.
In this week's episode of Inside the Director's Circle, I continue my discussion from episode one about high performing teams. In the previous episode my guests and I discussed how to hire a high performing team, listen back if you missed that episode. However, in episode two my guests and I discuss how you can continue to help your team members work together to enable your team to be highly productive in the long term.
I am joined once again by our knowledge circle expert Jo Keeler, managing director of Belbin Team Roles, alongside our community members, Matt Jones, Founder of Oxbridge, and Naeem Alvi-Assinder, Founder of Notepad.
Jo Keeler pointed out that building a high-performance team isn't a tick list. Jo said, "it's something you have to constantly keep working at because everything changes; goals change, objectives change, people change. What you had six months ago may not be what you have now". Jo went on to say that teams should foster disagreement however, that is only possible if people feel psychologically safe. It was interesting that Jo mentioned psychological safety because I've observed that most ordinary people in teams are frightened that if they share a disagreement they will get shot down and told to get back in their box. People can only be truly effective if they feel safe within a team.
Naeem shared his challenges in making his team highly productive within the creative agency business model. He said he struggled because the work that his team undertakes requires everyone to be constantly problem-solving and always changes.
Matt identified that showing your team that making mistakes is ok makes them feel empowered to do their job more effectively. He said "I don't run a nuclear power station so if someone makes a mistake it's not going to be that bad", he goes on to say that he makes mistakes all day every day and that he empowers his employees to do the same so they feel safe and ultimately become more productive.
This episode is the last episode to cover high performing teams.
Welcome inside The Director's Circle.
For the first two episodes of Inside the Director's Circle, we are digging into the topic of High Performing Teams. It can sometimes be a struggle to get the balance of a team correct to achieve high performance, sometimes it just feels like magic. However, in this episode, we are starting at the beginning, how to hire a high-performing team to help you begin your high-performing team journey.
The founder of The Director's Circle, Jason Langford-Brown, is joined by our Knowledge Circle expert, Managing Director of Belbin, Jo Keeler. Our community members for the episode are the Founder and Managing Director of Oxbridge, Matt Jones, and the Founder of Notepad, Naeem Alvi-Assinder.
Jo, Matt and Naeem talk about how you plan for a new team member and what to look for when interviewing people for roles. They offer really useful insights on why being patient and hiring slow will always speed up your company in the long run.
Join our community to get regular insights from our knowledge circle experts and your peers.
Welcome inside The Director's Circle. Each week coaching psychologist Jason Langford-Brown invites members of the Director’s Circle business community to support each other to solve challenges they are having in their businesses. Experts from our Knowledge Circles, Jo Keeler (Belbin), Brian Glibkowski (Answer Intelligence) and Alex Bishop (Shoosmiths) to name a few, join Jason and our business leaders to offer further support and learnings.