Perfectionism is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives us to strive for excellence, creating outstanding results. On the other hand, it can pile on unnecessary pressure – for ourselves and for those around us. This is particularly relevant for women who frequently balance numerous roles and duties. Today, let’s explore how perfectionism affects leadership, how to strike a balance between excellence and “good enough,” and how you can reclaim control over your time, energy, and peace of mind. What Does Perfectionism Mean to You? Perfectionism may seem like a desirable quality. After all, who wouldn’t strive to achieve their best? But here’s the twist: Perfectionism isn’t about being your best. It’s about feeling like you’re never good enough. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. In my early years as a leader, I set my standards so high that I was constantly stressed – not just for myself but for my team. I expected them to match my level of perfection, but the truth was, my “perfection” wasn’t even required. It took me years to realise this: Perfectionism doesn’t equal productivity. Excellence, done well, does. Excellence vs. Perfectionism: What’s the Difference? Let’s break it down. Excellence is about doing your best within the time, resources, and energy available. Perfectionism, however, demands more – even when “more” isn’t necessary or helpful. Think about it. How many times have you redone a task, not because it wasn’t good, but because it didn’t meet your idea of “perfect”? A mentor once told me: Start and get perfect later. This simple phrase was a game-changer for me. Sometimes, starting is all that’s needed. Excellence grows as we learn, but perfectionism can stop us from ever starting. How Perfectionism Affects Leadership For women in leadership, the stakes often feel higher. Many of us are trying to prove ourselves in a world that still underestimates our potential. And while striving for excellence is commendable, perfectionism can leave us exhausted and isolated. Here’s how perfectionism can impact leadership: Personal Stress Constantly striving for perfection can lead to burnout. You may feel like you’re always falling short, even when others see your efforts as exceptional. Team Dynamics If you’re leading a team, your high standards might unintentionally place undue pressure on them. They may feel overwhelmed or even demotivated if they can’t keep up. Missed Opportunities Perfectionism can make us hesitant to take risks or delegate tasks, limiting our growth and innovation. I experienced this first-hand when I expected my team to match my perfectionist standards. While I thought I was pushing them to be better, I was actually causing frustration and decreasing morale. It was a tough but valuable lesson: Your perfectionism isn’t everyone’s standard – and it doesn’t need to be. The Power of “Good Enough” Here’s where the concept of “good enough” comes in – and it’s not as bad as it sounds! “Good enough” doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity. It means recognising the point at which additional effort won’t add value. It’s about focusing on what truly matters. For example: In your work life, “good enough” might mean completing a report that meets the brief rather than spending hours making it look perfect. In your personal life, it might mean letting go of the need to have a spotless home when you’re already stretched thin. When we embrace “good enough,” we create space for what’s truly important – whether it’s innovation, connection, or simply rest. Practical Tips to Manage Perfectionism If you’re nodding along, thinking, “This is me,” here are a few ways to manage perfectionism and lead with balance: Set Clear Standards Define what’s acceptable versus what’s excellent. For leaders, this is crucial for managing expectations – for yourself and your team. Prioritise Tasks Not everything needs your full attention. Focus on what’s important and will make the biggest impact. Start First, Perfect Later Give yourself permission to begin without everything being flawless. Progress often brings clarity. Ask for Feedback Sometimes, an outside perspective helps you see when something is already “good enough.” Practise Self-Compassion Remember, you’re only human. Perfection isn’t sustainable – but your well-being is. Why This Matters to Women As women, we often carry the weight of societal expectations, making us feel like we need to do more to prove our worth. But here’s the thing – and we’ve heard it before: You are enough, just as you are. By letting go of perfectionism, we free ourselves to lead with authenticity, lead with love, to focus on what matters most, and to inspire others with our example. Whether you’re managing a team, running a household, or building your own business, embracing excellence – rather than perfection – can be transformative. Let’s Talk About Your Journey If this resonates with you, let’s continue the conversation. I’m passionate about helping women step into their power, not through perfectionism, but through conscious leadership and intentional action. Connect with me on: Instagram LinkedIn and YouTube For more insights and practical tips, check out my YouTube Channel. Remember, leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present, proactive, and purposeful. Let’s create magic together! Final Thought: Progress Over Perfection Perfectionism might feel like a strength, but it can also hold us back. Embrace the power of “good enough,” and you’ll be amazed at how much more you can achieve – with less stress.
Discovering Ikigai: 5 Steps to Unlock Your Life’s Worth and Purpose
What’s Your Reason for Being? Have you ever questioned why you are doing the things you do? Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or day-to-day grind, we all hit those moments where we question our direction. That’s where Ikigai, a powerful Japanese concept, comes in. Pronounced “ee-kee-guy,” it translates to “life’s worth” or “life’s value.” It’s a reminder that your life is more than just a to-do list, it’s about finding joy, meaning, and purpose. If you’re feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or out of alignment, understanding Ikigai can help you create a more intentional and rewarding life. So, let’s dive in and uncover how this philosophy can inspire your journey toward a life worth living. Why Ikigai Matters in a Busy World In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Between juggling work, family, and personal aspirations, finding purpose often takes a backseat. That’s where Ikigai shines. It’s a way to align what you love, what you’re good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs. Think of it as your personal compass, pointing you toward fulfilment. When you find your Ikigai, you wake up with excitement and go to bed with gratitude. Even if you’re not living in perfect alignment yet, simply being aware of this concept can change your perspective and help you make intentional decisions. A Cultural Insight: Lessons from Japan My journey with Ikigai began during a life-changing tour of Japan. While I was walking through its bustling streets, I was struck by the country’s unique harmony between tradition and modernity. You’ll find cutting-edge technology alongside ancient practices like bonsai pruning, a skill passed down for centuries. In Japan, I visited temples rebuilt in the exact manner of their ancient originals, preserving knowledge while embracing innovation. I think to myself that that balance is the essence of Ikigai: honouring your past while staying adaptable for the future. It’s no wonder Japan has the oldest population and have the highest number of businesses that is over 1,000 years old. This philosophy of purpose is deeply woven into their culture, and it’s something we in the Western world can learn from and integrate into our own lives. The Four Pillars of Ikigai In Western culture’s understanding, Ikigai emerges where four key elements converge: What You Love Pertains to your passions and joys. What You’re Good At Includes your skills and strengths. What You Can Be Paid For Refers to your profession or business. What the World Needs Your mission or impact on society. When these four areas overlap, you’ll find the sweet spot that brings you purpose, happiness, and balance. But here’s the thing, contrary to what some people say, you don’t have to live in perfect alignment all the time. It’s OK Not to Have One Singular Purpose Let me challenge a myth: You don’t have to have one singular, all-consuming purpose in life. It’s perfectly fine to pursue multiple passions or have a job that funds your true purpose. For example, your 9-to-5 might not light you up, but it provides financial stability so you can support a charity, explore creative hobbies, or travel. You’re still living your Ikigai because every piece of the puzzle contributes to your overall life value. The weight of trying to discover your life’s calling can feel crushing. However, you must focus on what feels good now. Purpose isn’t static. It evolves as you do. The key is intentionality: knowing what matters to you and taking steps to honour it, even if it’s just one small action at a time. Practical Ways to Live Your Ikigai Here’s how you can start integrating Ikigai into your life today: Reflect on Your Joys Take 10 minutes to jot down what brings you happiness. It could be something simple, like listening to birdsong or travelling to new places. These are clues to your Ikigai. Create a Plan Align your passions with your goals. For instance, if you dream of travelling, build a budget and timeline to make it happen. Embrace Small Steps You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start by carving out time for the things that matter most, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Balance Work and Passion If your current job isn’t your dream, find ways it can support your passions. Perhaps it funds a side hustle or gives you the freedom to volunteer. Stay Adaptable Remember, your Ikigai will change as you grow. What matters today might look different a year from now, and that’s OK. How Ikigai Can Change Your Life Understanding Ikigai isn’t just a feel-good concept. It’s a tool for transformation. When you live with purpose: You wake up energised, even on tough days. You make decisions with clarity and confidence. You feel connected to something greater than yourself. In short, you stop living on autopilot and start designing a life that feels truly meaningful. Take the First Step Towards Your Ikigai What would your life look like if you aligned with your Ikigai? Imagine waking up with a sense of direction, knowing you’re contributing to something that matters. The journey starts with self-awareness and small, intentional changes. I’m here to help you uncover your unique purpose and create a life that aligns with your values. Whether it’s through my Conscious Leadership Podcast, social media content, or personalised mentoring, let’s work together to unlock your potential. Connect with Me Connect with me today on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook for deeper insights into living a purposeful life. Final Thoughts on Ikigai Purpose isn’t something you find once and hold onto forever, it’s a journey. So, start small, stay curious, and remember: your Ikigai is already within you. You just need to uncover it.
7 Levels Deep Model: How ‘Asking Why?’ Unlocks Clarity
Have you ever felt stuck or unsure about the true reason behind a goal or decision? Maybe you’ve set your sights on something — a career change, personal milestone, or even a big purchase — but the motivation behind it feels unclear. You’re not alone. And that’s where the simple yet powerful act of asking ‘Why?’ can be transformative. In today’s blog, I’m diving into the 7 Levels Deep Model, a method I’ve used for years in business and personal coaching. It’s an evolution of the 5 Whys Approach, originally created by Sakichi Toyota for problem-solving in business. The 7 Levels Deep Model takes it a step further, helping you uncover the core motivation behind your goals. Let’s explore how this method works, why it’s valuable, and how it can empower women to make conscious decisions that align with their values and aspirations. Why ‘Why?’ Matters Asking “Why?” is deceptively simple but incredibly powerful. When we take the time to peel back the layers of our thoughts and motivations, we uncover truths we may not have consciously recognised. This technique is especially useful for women, who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. By digging deeper into your motivations, you gain clarity, focus, and alignment, three things that make decision-making so much easier. The 7 Levels Deep Model doesn’t just help with personal growth; it’s also a valuable tool for leadership and business. Whether you’re solving a workplace problem or exploring a new opportunity, understanding the real reason behind your actions can lead to better outcomes. What Is the 7 Levels Deep Model? The 7 Levels Deep Model builds on the 5 Whys, a method developed by Sakichi Toyota to find the root cause of problems in business. While the 5 Whys focuses on problem-solving, the 7 Levels Deep Model shifts the lens to personal development. Here’s how it works: Start with a goal, desire, or problem you want to explore. Ask, “Why is this important to me?” Use the answer to form the basis of the next question. Repeat the process seven times. By the seventh Why, you’ll uncover the deeper emotional or value-driven motivation behind your initial goal. The process works because it moves beyond surface-level answers, helping you explore your beliefs, values, and emotions. 7 Levels Deep Model: Some Practical Examples 1. Investing in Property Initial Goal: I want to purchase an investment property. First Why: Why is this important? I want to generate additional income. Second Why: Why is additional income important? It will provide financial stability and security. Seventh Why: After digging deeper, the final answer might be: I want to instil strong values in my children, teaching them about hard work and responsibility, so they grow up to be well-adjusted, successful adults. What starts as a financial goal evolves into a deeply personal one tied to legacy and family values. 2. Becoming a Better Leader Initial Goal: I want to lead my team more effectively. First Why: Why is this important? It will help achieve departmental goals. Seventh Why: The final answer might be: I want to leave a meaningful legacy, shaping the organisation’s future and inspiring others. The journey moves from tactical objectives to a broader vision of leadership and impact. 3. Improving Communication Skills Initial Goal: I want to express my ideas more clearly. First Why: Why is this important? To avoid misunderstandings. Seventh Why: The final answer might be: I want to fulfil my potential, make a meaningful impact in my field, and feel a sense of accomplishment in my career. The deeper motivation reveals a desire for personal and professional fulfilment. How Women Can Benefit from the 7 Levels Deep Model As women, we often face unique challenges — balancing ambition with expectations, juggling roles, and making decisions that affect not just ourselves but those we care about. The 7 Levels Deep Model can help by: Providing Clarity: Understand your true motivations, making it easier to prioritise and stay focused. Building Confidence: When you know why you’re doing something, you can pursue it with conviction. Aligning Actions with Values: Ensure your goals and decisions align with what truly matters to you. Whether you’re looking to grow in your career, strengthen your relationships, or achieve personal milestones, this method offers a roadmap to greater self-awareness and intentionality which are keys in achieving conscious leadership. Using the Model in Business and Leadership The 7 Levels Deep Model isn’t just for personal growth, it’s also a powerful tool for business leaders. Here’s how you can use it: Problem-Solving: Get to the root cause of challenges within your team or organisation. Decision-Making: Ensure strategic decisions align with your company’s values and vision. Team Motivation: Help team members uncover their own “why”, fostering deeper engagement and purpose. By applying this method in the workplace, you create a culture of intentionality, alignment, and growth. Final Thoughts: Why Asking ‘Why?’ Changes Everything The 7 Levels Deep Model is more than just a coaching tool, it’s a way to connect with your deepest motivations and align your actions with your values. For women in leadership, asking why provides them an opportunity to make decisions that reflect their true self, build trust with your team, and leave a meaningful legacy. Are You Ready to Dig Deeper? If you’re ready to dig deeper into your ‘why’ and take your personal and professional growth to the next level, let’s work together. Follow me on LinkedIn for actionable insights on leadership and performance management. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for practical how-to videos. Connect with me on Facebook for daily inspiration and leadership advice. Take the first step today, because the most meaningful growth begins when you ask yourself, Why?
The Personal Reality of Our Aging Population 1:6 ratio
One Worker, Six Seniors: The Personal Reality of Our Aging Population and the 1:6 Ratio We have a UK-wide ‘problem’, and with the recent changes with the new budget, it is time to think about radical change in life and business Imagine being 25 years old and knowing that by the time you reach your prime working years, you’ll be financially supporting not just your own family but effectively covering the needs of six elderly people through your taxes.
What is the Difference Between Management and Leadership?
The terms “management” and “leadership” are often used interchangeably, yet they represent two distinct roles that require different approaches. Both are crucial for the success of any organisation, regardless of size, and the way each operates, and the skills required, differ significantly. It is not Leadership vs Management it is the two together that creates the optimum results. Understanding the difference between management and leadership will not only clarify your own role in an organisation but also guide you in developing the roles in your business. If you are in startup mode, you will require both effective leadership skills and effective management skills – both skill sets can be developed. The Focus of Management: Order and Efficiency Management is primarily concerned with structure, processes, and systems. It’s about ensuring that the organisation runs smoothly, tasks are completed, and resources are utilised efficiently. Managers are responsible for maintaining order, organising people and processes, and meeting targets. In this sense, management is more task-oriented than people-oriented and of course in most industries it is people that do the jobs. A manager’s role involves planning, budgeting, organising, staffing, controlling, and problem-solving. They create the framework within which work is done. For example, managers are often responsible for setting project timelines, allocating resources, and monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met. This requires a focus on detail, logistics, and operational excellence. In short, management keeps the machine running. A good manager ensures that processes are efficient, the team is working productively, and the business objectives are being met. The Focus of Leadership: People and Vision While management is about maintaining the existing structure, leadership is about envisioning the future and inspiring people to move towards that vision. Leaders set direction, create a sense of purpose, and motivate others to follow them. Leadership is inherently people-focused, requiring a deep understanding of human behaviour, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect with and inspire others. Leaders are visionaries. They challenge the status quo, encourage innovation, and push for growth. Instead of focusing solely on day-to-day operations, they look at the bigger picture. Leaders ask questions like, *Where are we headed? How can we innovate? What values should guide us? Their role is to create a compelling vision of the future and then rally their team around that vision. A leader’s primary tools are integrity, communication, motivation, and influence. Unlike managers, who often rely on authority and formal processes to enforce tasks, leaders inspire and motivate their team to work towards a common goal. They empower others, fostering an environment where people feel valued and are encouraged to reach their full potential. The Overlap: Why Great Leaders Must Manage and Great Managers Must Lead While management and leadership are distinct roles, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, to be truly effective, a leader must have some management skills, and a manager must have leadership qualities. The best leaders understand the importance of systems and processes, and the best managers know how to inspire and motivate their teams Consider a scenario where an organisation is going through a period of change. A leader will set the vision for that change, communicating why it’s necessary and how it will benefit the organisation in the long term. But the leader also needs management skills to ensure that the change is implemented smoothly, that deadlines are met, and that the team has the resources needed to succeed. Similarly, a manager in a stable organisation may primarily focus on operational efficiency, but there will always be moments when leadership is required. For instance, when motivating a team through a difficult period, inspiring them to go the extra mile, or fostering a culture of innovation within a well-established structure. Knowing When to Switch Between Management and Leadership To truly excel in today’s dynamic business environment, you need to know when to switch between managing and leading. As the saying goes, ‘Do you have 20 years of experience, or one year’s experience repeated 20 times?’ Continuous learning, growth, and adaptability are key. In situations where efficiency and consistency are critical, such as meeting tight deadlines or implementing a new process, management skills take precedence. However, when the goal is to inspire innovation, drive change, or navigate uncertainty, leadership qualities are essential. Management and Leadership Go Hand-in-Hand Management and leadership are both essential, but they serve different purposes. Management keeps the organisation running efficiently, while leadership inspires growth and innovation. Great organisations need both, and the most successful individuals understand how to blend management and leadership to achieve their goals. The truth is ‘nothing sits in isolation, everything is connected.’ Leadership and management, when combined effectively, drive not only operational success but also long-term organisational growth and a positive culture that can withstand the test of challenges and time.
Business Wealth Through Conscious Leadership and Change
Business Wealth Through Conscious Leadership and Change Is vital to prioritise in the evolving business landscape, the concepts of leadership and change stand as two pillars that are crucial for the growth and wealth of business. It is a symbiotic relationship that becomes evident along the path to continued prosperity.
Visionary Leadership: Crafting a Future with Resilience and Integrity
When discussing leadership and strategic planning, the notion of “looking at the bigger picture with the end game in sight” becomes incredibly pertinent. It’s about understanding that, once again, ‘nothing sits in isolation; everything is connected’. This perspective requires a leader to elevate their vision beyond the immediate to see how the pieces fit together in the long term.
The Unwavering Nature of Personal Power when it is Accepted
The Unwavering Nature of Personal Power when it is Accepted Over the years, the British language shifted from the stoic ‘mustn’t grumble’ to the more ambivalent ‘not bad.’ this is part 2, part 1 published last week. This change might be indicative of a broader societal shift where personal responsibility is not as deeply ingrained as before. The ‘mustn’t grumble’ ethos, rooted in a time when perseverance and a collective spirit were essential, implied an inherent understanding of our duty to face challenges head-on without complaint. In contrast, the emergence of ‘not bad’ reflects a society more willing to voice discontent, potentially pointing to a diminished sense of personal responsibility. Where once challenges were met with a silent commitment to push forward, there is now a growing tendency to vocalise dissatisfaction, perhaps attributing challenges to external factors rather than looking inward for solutions. Now, I am not saying voicing discontent is a bad thing – it can be a very good thing when done well and for the right reasons. Rather than the ‘stiff British upper lip’ let us let people know what we think and feel and when the service is poor or downright bad, AND learn how to do it well, to the right people for the right reasons, at the right time NOT just moaning for moaning sakes and because it has become the ‘norm’ Following the linguistic transition from ‘mustn’t grumble’ to ‘not bad’, we can also observe an undercurrent of cultural change that has nudged society towards an attitude marked by negativity and fear. This is not to say that these emotions did not exist in previous eras; they did, but they manifested differently. The resilience and community spirit of bygone eras often acted as a buffer against the pervasive spread of negativity. Today, in an age of digital overexposure and constant comparison, which are both unhealthy, pessimistic and negative opinions often find fertile ground and breed with ease. One major factor is the rapid pace at which information travels in our modern world. News, especially negative news, spreads instantaneously, creating an echo chamber of fear. Be it economic downturns, political upheavals, or global crises, individuals are bombarded with a relentless stream of information that can foster anxiety. In this digital age, the magnitude and frequency of exposure to such news are unprecedented, and this consistent barrage can wear down even the most optimistic among us and only of we let it Remember: your thoughts need to be your own, not those imposed on you by others. Yet, it’s crucial to understand that personal power has not diminished; it remains as potent as ever. Personal power is an intrinsic quality, unyielding and constant. What has changed is how individuals choose to channel it. In earlier times, personal power was often directed towards collective well-being, community growth, and personal resilience. Today, amidst the noise of negativity, it’s easy to forget the strength that resides within and mistakenly believe that one’s ability to influence outcomes has waned. However, this isn’t the end of the narrative. Remember: Recognising that personal power remains unchanged offers hope. It is a call to action, urging individuals to tap into this reservoir of personal strength. By consciously redirecting this personal power, starting with self-first, you can combat the tide of negativity, reframe your perspectives, and realise that you have the agency to shape your destiny. While the challenges of the modern world might seem daunting, they are not insurmountable. Through introspection, self-awareness, and a commitment to positive action, challenging the status quo, you and society can once again foster an environment where optimism reigns, echoing the ‘mustn’t grumble’ spirit of yesteryears. ‘Nothing sits in isolation; everything is connected.’ Far more written to come on this subject & if you like audio please hop across to The Conscious Leadership Podcast to hear more there are over 200 episodes https://podfollow.com/conscious-leadership-podcast
I Am Sovereign and what does that really mean?
The phrase “I am Sovereign” is a statement of personal self-rule and self-power. It signifies that an individual takes full responsibility for their own actions, thoughts, and feelings, and does not relinquish this power to external authorities or influences.
Good and Bad Matrix of People and Things
The Good Bad Matrix of People and Things There is a phrase: ‘good things happen to good people’