Bold Leadership: Drive Strategic Change, Elevate Teams and Prevent Burnout

Hello

From an autumnal Yorkshire. Out of my office window I can that the trees are dressed in vibrant hues of red, orange and gold with some of them nearly undressed !! ?

??How was your September?

I attended a few insightful sessions at the Leeds Digital Festival.

Did you know that digital technology accounts for over 5% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to the aviation industry of 3.8-4%?

??How is your organisation addressing the environmental impact of digital technology?

Several teams recently participated in BUILD, my research backed, evidence based team model designed to elevate team performance.

The diagnostic tool enhances team effectiveness by exploring 5 areas:

• Bond: How well we understand, trust and connect as a team.
• Unite: How effectively we collaborate, communicate and resolve conflicts.
• Inspire: How aligned we are with our shared purpose and stakeholders.
• Learn: How committed we are to learning, adapting and celebrating success.
• Develop: How dedicated we are to innovation and continuous improvement.

Teams received comprehensive feedback reports with detailed analysis and tailored practical tips which sparked powerful insights and improvements.

?How do you currently measure and improve team performance?

If your team or organisation is interested in learning more about BUILD or using the diagnostic tool, let’s connect.

Gartner released its report on Top Priorities for HR Leaders in 2025

1. Rethink leadership development?to address talent gaps
2. Re-establish cultural importance?at all organisational levels
3. Redefine workforce planning?to drive progress and impact
4. Review HR technology strategies?to maximise value and productivity

?Which of these priorities resonates most with your current challenges? How are you planning to address them?

In my article,?Cracking the Code for Leadership Development?in The HRDirector, I discuss how integrating horizontal (skills) and vertical (mindset) development empowers leaders to think strategically and adapt to ambiguity, fostering resilient leadership at all levels.

This approach aligns with Gartner's findings. Leader and manager development remains the top priority with 75% of HR leaders report managers are overwhelmed by expanding responsibilities and only 36% feel current programs prepare leaders for future challenges.

?How are you supporting your leaders to manage expanding roles and prevent burnout?

I recently launched my Strategic Leadership Coaching program, specifically designed for senior leaders driving strategic change. It helps them align, engage and build collaborative teams, while maintaining high performance and fostering innovation.

All of this is achieved with a strong focus on wellbeing, ensuring both leaders and their teams can thrive without burnout.

If this resonates, let’s chat.

?What are your biggest challenges in driving strategic change, building collaborative teams and maintaining high performance, while ensuring wellbeing for yourself and your team?

Have you tried FAST goals (MIT Sloan Management Review)?

It’s a framework I find far more dynamic than SMART goals:

• Frequently discussed: Regularly reviewed and updated to stay relevant.
• Ambitious: Challenging enough to drive significant progress.
• Specific: Clearly defined with precise metrics and milestones.
• Transparent: Visible to everyone in the organisation to ensure alignment and accountability.

FAST goals keep you nimble, aligned, and driven toward growth.

?How do you set and review goals within your teams? Could the FAST framework enhance your goal setting process?

I have been embracing my own mantra lately,?Be Bold.

I recorded my first guest podcast, discussing performance, teams and coaching. I also created my first LinkedIn video, sharing how my experiences have shaped who I am and how I coach.

Doing something for the first time can be scary. There is always those ‘what ifs’ – but that's where the growth happens….

To help leaders embrace these challenges, I developed the?ARMS framework?

?? Authenticity: keeps you true to who you are

?? Resilience: gives you the grit to fail and rise again

?? Mindset: helps you grow through adversity

?? Self-care: fuels it all

In my 16 years of coaching over 500 senior leaders, I have witnessed that when leaders cultivate these qualities, they create the bandwidth, resources and energy needed to experiment, fail, innovate and ultimately drive change.

These leaders are bold, unconventional, challenge the status quo, create impact where others see limits.

Ready to be bold and build your ARMS? Reach out, and let's explore how you can embrace the next big challenge.

???As we move forward, let’s embrace boldness and innovation.

Whether it’s adopting the FAST framework, enhancing team dynamics with BUILD, or cultivating the qualities of ARMS, growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones.

Let’s continue challenging the status quo, inspiring those around us, and driving impactful change.

When you are ready to take the next bold step, I am here to support you

Until next time

V

Vera Woodhead

Executive Leadership Coaching