Waffles, Bacon, Hybrid Working Polls and #WhoDaresLeads

It's funny how the mind works and what you remember. I remember being ten years old and having a sleepover at my friend Caspers's apartment in Putney. In the morning, we had waffles and bacon (his dad was American) for breakfast, and I can still remember being marvelled at the little hairs on the rind. It was the best breakfast of my ten-year-old life. To this day, I always see this as a breakfast treat and always remember that day in the kitchen. What first-time foods or events do you always remember? Add them in the comments below.

WHO DARES LEADS

??? Introducing "WHO DARES LEADS" - Journeys in Leadership ??

www.whodaresleads.com

I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my new podcast, "Who Dares Leads," which will be going live next Monday with my inaugural guest, Daniel Leech, CEO of Design 4 Structures, on Series 1 Episode 1.

The idea for this podcast came to me at the end of last year, and despite a temporary setback due to a bursting appendix, I'm excited to finally bring it to life and being alive!

My goal is to create a free resource that anyone can tap into for inspiration by sharing and discussing the journeys of exceptional leaders.

Now that Series One is over, I can confidently say that "Who Dares Leads" exceeded my expectations (they were low to be fair) for my first venture into the world of #podcasts.

Throughout the series, each leader has shared their unique path, illuminating the #opportunities and #challenges they faced and how they overcame them to enable their teams and themselves to thrive.

Episodes will be dropping bi-weekly over the next two months. Following Dan, we have an incredible lineup of guests:

• Magda Snowden PCC
• Damian McGee MD of Bader Smith
• Andrew Bloch of Andrew Bloch and Associates

For details on how to watch and listen, please visit the #whodaresleads website. Subscriptions or follows on the various platforms would boost this project's visibility.

We're already filling up Season 2 with new guests, but we still have a few spots available. If you're an exceptional leader who is open to sharing your journey to help others, please get in touch! www.whodaresleads.com

Majority of Employees Would Seek New Opportunities if Required to Increase Office Attendance, Survey Reveals

A recent poll conducted by People Management has shed light on the changing attitudes of employees towards the workplace. The survey found that a staggering 69% of employees would consider searching for new job opportunities if their current employer mandated increased office attendance.

The findings underscore the growing preference among the workforce for flexible work arrangements. Experts suggest that employers must adapt to these evolving expectations to remain competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.

Anwen Bottois, a leadership coach and founder of Purple Sky Consulting, emphasised the importance of recognising the benefits employees have experienced through remote and hybrid work models. "When we know something is achievable or workable when we feel the benefits of it, it makes it difficult to give it up," she stated.

Elizabeth Willetts, founder and director of Investing in Women, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the future of work will likely be hybrid. She advised employers to listen to their employees' needs and preferences and move away from the outdated practices of micromanagement and presenteeism.

The survey also highlighted the financial implications of returning to the office, with 46% of workers citing associated costs as the main deterrent. Additionally, disruptions to work-life balance and long commutes were identified as significant factors contributing to employee reluctance.

However, the survey did reveal some advantages of increased office presence, such as improved weekly routines, opportunities for brainstorming with colleagues, in-person meetings, and increased Facetime with senior figures within the organisation.

Sarah Archer, founder of CareerTree Coaching, emphasised the importance of giving employees more choice and control over their work arrangements. She noted that hybrid working can be particularly beneficial for female professionals with caring responsibilities, allowing them to maintain meaningful employment while balancing personal commitments.

As organisations navigate the evolving work landscape, it is crucial for leaders to be well-prepared for remote and hybrid environments. Kate Maddison-Greenwell, founder and CEO of People Efficient, suggested that a lack of preparedness among employers has contributed to a push for increased office attendance. However, she advised that organisations must recognise employees' value on flexibility and work-life balance.

The findings of this survey serve as a wake-up call for employers to reevaluate their approach to the modern workplace. By embracing flexibility, listening to employee preferences, and fostering a supportive work environment, organisations can position themselves as attractive destinations for top talent in an increasingly competitive job market.

The battle continues ......

I KNEW BRAZIL HAD SOCRATES, BUT PELE.......?

Thanks for reading and start listening to my podcast. Some cheeky previews are here: www.whodaresleads.com