Ray Dalio.

Communication: the big ange effect.

A thought for leaders: There’s lots to take from this. Firstly, investing time in communication can have transformational impact on results. Secondly, understanding your audience, and setting the right tone, is key to creating that impact. And thirdly, humility, and vulnerability, is a big part of setting the right tone and establishing credibility as a leader.

Culture: all boats.

Organizational psychologist Adam Grant recently wrote about what American schools get wrong. He references a global study on standardised testing, which has run since 2000. The big winners weren’t the obvious counties, but Finland and Estonia. Separate studies analysed why. They found that teachers were looped with students. They taught a class for more than one year. And in Finland and Estonia they go a step further, where frequently teachers take a class for up to 6 years. The teachers role often evolves from instructor, to coach and mentor. They grow together. Deeper relationships unlock hidden potential. And importantly, no student gets left behind.

A thought for leaders: It’s easy to pick out the superstars. The “gifted and talented”. Great education systems though, create a culture of opportunity. They unlock the hidden potential in people, so all boats rise together. The system of excellence is shared, not dependent on the few. Successful organisations need different types of voices, ideas, perspectives. Remember diversity isn’t just colour, race or gender. Are you investing in everyone, or are you dependent on the few?

Leadership: leadership levels.

A thought for leaders: Leadership is critical. Great companies, ensure great leaders exist at every level. They spot, nurture and develop great leaders. They don’t wait for them to arrive on horseback. They test and stretch young people with leadership potential. Great leaders, create great leaders. Do you recognise the difference between a great manager and a great leader? And are you focussed on creating great ones?

Podcast: Leading Teams in Chaos

In this series, on Leading Teams in Chaos, we cover:

• Part 1: the source formula for leading teams.
• Part 2: agreeing the why.
• Part 3: agreeing the how.
• Part 4: agreements and the four commitment cards.

…dive into more by clicking on the links above. Enjoy!

You can follow Flow Group on Linkedin here.

P.S. This weeks featured artist is Ellie Davies. Her photos are set in UK forests, where nature, culture, landscape, and human activity merge. They explore the complex interrelation of landscape and individual. Part of the charm of her photographs comes from the crystalline stillness of the elements within. The profound space spreads through evocative and magical elements, which invite viewers to contemplate nature and allude to an upcoming event.