Leadership

In workplaces, what appears as ‘miscommunication’ often arises from hidden rules—unspoken assumptions that shape interactions. By surfacing these deeper influences through patient inquiry and active listening, leaders transform conflict into productive dialogue. When everyone shares the same map of understanding, collaboration thrives, genuinely flourishes, guiding teams towards trust, respect, and long-term, deeply meaningful, sustainable outcomes.

Recruitment mistakes can lead to costly hires. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of smarter hiring with the CFM model: Competence, Fit, and Motivation. Avoid the three common pitfalls—settling for sub-par candidates, failing to re-advertise, and mistaking competitors for ideal hires. Remember: hire for attitude, train for skills, and build better teams!

Try building a plane while flying it – that’s what creating CleanCo’s HR function felt like. Starting from scratch in a high-risk, heavily unionised environment, we needed everything from basic policies to complex union agreements, all while keeping the lights on. Sometimes the best way forward is to build while flying!

Two phones sat on my desk – one for lawyers, one for building an employment centre. With coal prices halved overnight and 220 jobs at stake, I asked the unions, “Which call should I make?” While other mines faced 16-week strikes, we chose collaboration over confrontation. Sometimes your biggest crisis becomes your proudest achievement.

Remember when HR just meant paperwork and policies? Those days are gone. Today’s HR is where human potential meets digital innovation, where AI helps us predict workforce needs while emotional intelligence drives real connections. We’re not just managing people anymore—we’re orchestrating the future of work, building workplaces that are smarter, kinder, and more dynamic.

Remote work: a blessing or a curse? As someone who’s been navigating this new world of work, I’m here to share my secrets for striking the perfect balance between productivity and well-being. From crafting a cozy workspace to avoiding burnout, we’ll explore practical strategies for thriving in the era of remote work. Bunny slippers optional!

Managing complex employee relations issues demands a strategic approach combining clear processes, fair implementation, and thorough documentation. In today’s evolving workplace, organisations must navigate challenges ranging from performance management to mental health concerns while maintaining compliance with Australia’s industrial framework. Success requires early intervention, consistent processes, and comprehensive documentation.

Managing organisational change in unionised environments demands more than standard change management approaches—it requires deep understanding of industrial relations and stakeholder dynamics. Through strategic planning, early union engagement, and transparent communication, organisations can successfully implement change while maintaining workforce stability. Success comes from balancing innovation with tradition, compliance with progress.

In high-risk industries, union negotiations demand more than just bargaining skills—they require a deep understanding of safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity. When a mining company faces negotiations during a safety overhaul, or an oil refinery discusses new shift patterns while maintaining 24/7 operations, success depends on thorough preparation, trust-building, and effective implementation.

Creating a culture of accountability is crucial for high-performing teams. It goes beyond setting expectations—it’s about empowering team members to take ownership of their roles. This article explores practical strategies, including clear goal setting, effective feedback, and balanced recognition, to help leaders foster accountability and drive sustained success in today’s complex business environment.

Adaptive leadership is essential in today’s dynamic business environment. This article explores key strategies: embracing uncertainty, engaging employees, and effective communication. Using the VUCA model, it outlines how leaders can foster resilience and navigate change with confidence, supported by practical examples, frameworks, and resources for further learning. Adapt and thrive in complexity.

Effective leadership requires more than just decision-making—it’s about choosing the right approach for each challenge. The mutual problem solving, tell and listen, and tell and sell methods empower leaders to engage, refine, and implement solutions. By mastering these strategies, leaders can drive collaboration, innovation, and success in any business context.