Second core theme from my podcast series
“Leading Professionals”

Isolation and Communication

Leadership is ultimately an individual responsibility but is most effective when understood collectively.

Resist the pressure to adopt a “heroic” leadership persona, particularly in times of crisis. Instead ask colleagues for insights and support, as well as challenge.  

In Episode 6, "Leading complex change: Breaking through practical barriers and political resistance" I talk to Dame Emily Lawson, former COO of NHS England and Head of Number 10 Downing Street's Delivery Unit. We discuss how she led the UK's covid vaccine role out programme.

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Working out the right thing to do is only part of the challenge; taking time to build consensus among colleagues is just as important.

Episode 2 is about “Doing the right thing: How to take ethically tough decisions”. Georgia Dawson, Senior Partner of Freshfields, and I examine how leaders can develop a collective response to fundamental ethical challenges.

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The support and involvement of colleagues is essential for effective leadership, but a leader's most difficult times are when you must decide and act alone. 

In Episode 3, “Electing leaders: How to choose your leaders and how to get elected”, I talk to Michael Ensser, Chair of Egon Zehnder. We discuss how, even when you decide collectively, leadership responsibility must ultimately be born alone. 

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