Leadership
Ann works with many people in leadership roles, helping them to identify an appropriate style of leadership, and to remove any barriers that might be stopping them from leading effectively.
She works with senior women leaders who want to develop alternative approaches to leading in their organizations and with men who want to avoid developing “workaholic” patterns that mean they have no life outside work. Much of her work is aimed at helping leaders to feel comfortable in their role and to be able to “be themselves” even though they have a leadership role to carry out.
Ann uses new models of leadership that are appropriate for today’s complex organizations and which are designed to create empowering and non-adversarial cultures. Working with partners is a key aspect of today’s leadership requirement, as is making sure that those being led are encouraged to take personal responsibility and to be accountable.
Leadership development is normally delivered through one-to-one coaching or through concentrated work in small groups using a method called action learning.
Politics and Influence
These are some of the questions that Ann is frequently asked by her clients. The answer to the questions is usually linked to what is generally described as organizational politics. This for some people, is a dirty word, as images of shady dealings and unbridled ambition often come to mind.
“Why can’t I get promotion – I do a much better job than many of my colleagues but I can’t seem to get to the next rung in the promotion ladder?”
“I can’t understand why I keep being passed over when there are special projects that I would be interested in doing”
“How do other people seem to get all the resources they need to do the job while I always have to fight a battle?”
“I don’t understand how they do it, but somehow, they always make me feel I’ve missed the plot somewhere along the line and I just can’t catch up.”
“Every time I say something at a meeting I’m ignored, but when someone else says it they get listened to – what am I doing wrong, it’s as if I’m invisible”
Organizational politics is simply the ability to get things done through others so that you get what you need to carry out your role and to gain some recognition for your achievements and successes. You don't have to treat others badly to achieve this, but you do need to recognize your power and how you can use it to best effect.
Political skills include impression management; understanding the organization's culture; identifying your power base; increasing your visibility and influence; and developing alliances and networks.
Ann specializes in working with individuals and teams in developing effective political skills that are not undermining others, but are about maximizing their success.
