Create a world where you manage your own development - through doing, coaching, mentoring, and putting your hand up, as well as traditional training. Devote time to your growth. Invest in yourself. As with any DIY, it’s all in the preparation. Learn more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/diy-developmen…

Next week, Helena Sharpstone speaks at Chartered Institute of Fundraising FundraisingConvention 2025 (9–10 June, QEII Centre, London). Join her interactive session Develop Thyself! to explore the 70/20/10 model and take charge of your growth. Find out more: ciof.org.uk/fundraising-co…

Fessing up is common at coaching sessions - like the CEO who said they were a great engineer but a pain in the neck as a leader. Too much nit-picking, not enough enabling. What felt helpful came off as interfering. Read our latest blog to learn more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/when-managing-…

If you don’t know how to do the work of the people you manage, your purpose suddenly comes into focus:  put energy into leading and managing the organisation and its people to achieve better things. Find out more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/when-managing-…

The start of the decade took backing off to a new level. With no one under our noses, close contact managing gave way to trust and enablement. Now, with hybrid working the norm, don’t unlearn those good habits. Let it go, let it go… Discover how: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/when-managing-…

Remember what got you to this point of leading. Whether you rose up due to technical ability or came in as a team leader, neither route is better. You can’t help what you don’t know or unlearn what you do - but you can avoid management traps. Learn more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/when-managing-…

Leaders who are experts in their team’s work: You’ve been there. You know the job. That gives you credibility, so mentor others to grow. But here’s the challenge: delegation. Will they do it as well as you? Maybe not. Maybe better. All of that has value: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/when-managing-…

Leaders who are technical experts: Be careful all roads don’t lead to you. Fix less, coach more. Your knowledge isn’t in question - develop your leadership skills. Avoid meddling disguised as “being helpful" and contribute on another project. Read more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/when-managing-…

Not a technical leader? You can still lead well: Listen hard, learn fast through intelligent conversations. Spend time on the shop floor. It’s a first-hand experience you can discuss. Join forums and grow knowledge to gain respect. Learn more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/when-managing-…

Whichever route got you to where you are now, make a pact with yourself to use your knowledge and skill to be the kind of leader people want around. Meddling is so last decade. 👉 Want to lead without overpowering? Read more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/when-managing-…

Coaching is a purposeful conversation. At the heart of our approach is a focus on real work, measurable results, and a balance of support and challenge, to suit both your goals and your individual needs Ready to take the next step? Contact us today: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/contact-us/

High performers stand out. They present with impact, handle challenges with elegance, and build strong client relationships. We understand what separates the good from the great, and we’ll help you bridge that gap. Start your journey: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/contact-us/

☀️ As the weather hots up (ever the optimist), our workloads often cool down. Summer’s a chance to breathe, take a break & tackle the not-so-urgent list. Quiet times are perfect for progress. Here are 3 ways to make the most of it: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/summer-in-the-…

🎓Summer’s a great time to learn a skill, beef up your knowledge, chase a new experience or attend an event. If you’re feeling stale after a busy stretch, freshen up with some learning. Find out more ways to make the most of the quiet periods: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/summer-in-the-…

👂As a coach, trainer and facilitator, you’d think I’m an excellent listener. Wrong. I fall into the “clever clogs” trap too - showing my worth instead of listening. So this summer, I’m brushing up on what really matters. What about you? Read more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/summer-in-the-…

⚙️During your quiet periods, improve a system or tidy up a process. It could benefit your team, organisation - or just you. We tolerate systems that aren’t fit for purpose and with time and headspace, you can build something better. Learn more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/summer-in-the-…

🤖 When it comes to improving a system or tidying up a process, maybe AI can be of some assistance. If that’s a brave new world for you, you’re ticking two boxes: engaging in some learning and creating smarter, efficient ways of working. Find out more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/summer-in-the-…

✈️ There’s a common assumption that everyone disappears in July and August - but lots of us don’t. For many, summer is the perfect time to reconnect with sector mates and new contacts. Things do happen. And it all feels a bit more relaxed. Read more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/summer-in-the-…

☀️There are 3 ways to make the summer period work for you: - Engage in some learning - Improve systems - Renew contacts/widen your networks And if summer isn’t your quiet time? Save this and pull it out when your quiet time comes around. Learn more: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/summer-in-the-…

This summer, if you see no down time on the horizon - a miserable thought – give yourself a break. Read our blog Peaks Need Troughs for some inspiration: sharpstoneskinner.co.uk/peaks-need-tro… #TakeABreak #SummerProductivity #Progress #Inspiration