A Different Viewpoint on Coaching Underperforming Teams: Leadership-First Strategies
When faced with coaching underperforming teams, most managers immediately focus on individual skill gaps, process improvements, or performance management procedures. However, this conventional approach often overlooks the fundamental truth about team performance: underperforming teams typically reflect leadership challenges rather than individual deficiencies. This perspective emerged from a conversation with a colleague renowned for transforming underperforming […]
10 Qualities of a Good Influencer: The Essential Traits for Success
In today’s interconnected world, the ability to influence others has become more crucial than ever. Whether you’re building a career in the corporate world, establishing yourself as a thought leader, or creating impact in your community, understanding the qualities of a good influencer can make the difference between mediocrity and excellence. Being an effective influencer […]
How to Retain a Star Performer: Spot the Warning Signs Before They Leave
You’ve noticed the signs. Your key performer’s star is no longer burning so brightly. They’ve stopped putting in overtime and no longer seek you out with new ideas or to talk about the future. They are taking odd times of day off, or strange 24-hour bugs have appeared that necessitate a day off. They seem […]
Tackling Introversion Bias in the Workplace
Workplace diversity initiatives have gained significant momentum in recent years, with organisations striving to create inclusive environments that embrace differences in age, disability, gender, and ethnicity. However, one crucial aspect of neurodiversity often remains overlooked: introversion bias in the workplace. This oversight affects nearly half the workforce, creating barriers to productivity and employee wellbeing that […]
How to Develop Responsible, Accountable and Committed Teams
High-performing teams don’t just meet expectations — they take ownership, follow through on commitments, and deliver consistent results. These behaviours are rooted in a culture of responsibility, accountability, and commitment. This guide defines each of these principles and outlines how to embed them into your team’s mindset, habits, and daily performance. Understanding the Differences: Responsibility […]
How to Lead a High-Performing Hybrid Team
In today’s evolving work landscape, building a high-performing hybrid team has become crucial for organisational success. As we navigate the complexities of remote and in-office work, leaders must adapt their strategies to ensure team cohesion, productivity, and engagement. This article explores key steps to create and maintain a high-performing hybrid team, drawing from recent research […]
6 Barriers Hindering Women’s Career Advancement in Business
Despite increasing dialogue around gender equality, the reality for women in business remains challenging. According to McKinsey & Company, the proportion of women in senior roles has barely shifted in recent years, even as organisations publicly commit to equality. From the gender pay gap to structural exclusion from leadership tracks, barriers to women’s career advancement […]
8 Attitudes and Beliefs Successful Leaders Hold
Leadership is more than decision-making and strategy. At its core, it’s about mindset. The most effective leaders consistently exhibit patterns of thinking – deeply held leadership attitudes and beliefs that influence how they lead, how they respond under pressure, and how they build teams and culture. Before diving into the list, it’s important to define […]
What Maya Angelou Teaches Us About Leadership
Maya Angelou’s leadership legacy was not built in boardrooms or through corporate hierarchies – it was shaped by lived experience, creative mastery and unshakable conviction. Born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou endured an extraordinarily difficult early life, marked by racism, abuse and long periods of silence after trauma. Yet she transformed these experiences […]
Leading from the Front or Behind: Which Should You Choose?
One leadership principle holds true across industries: leadership – not management – drives success. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s important to lead from the front.” But what does that really mean? Is it the only approach that works? Should we also consider the concept of leading from behind? This article explores the strengths and […]
10 Important Leadership Communication Skills for Effective Leadership
Strong leadership communication skills are the foundation of effective leadership. They empower leaders to inspire, motivate, and guide their teams towards success. At Zestfor, we have seen how mastering these skills can transform both teams and organisations. Here are 10 essential leadership communication skills every leader should develop. 1. Active Listening Great leaders listen more […]
The Future of HR: Key HR Trends to Watch in 2025
The world of work is evolving faster than ever, and 2025 promises to bring a wave of transformation for HR teams. With groundbreaking advancements in technology and shifting workforce expectations, staying ahead of the curve is no longer optional – it’s essential. So, what should HR leaders be preparing for? From AI-powered solutions revolutionising employee […]