Zombie Leadership

The Strategic Risk of Following Leadership Myths Zombie leadership is a term introduced by S. Alexander Haslam, Mats Alvesson and Stephen Reicher in 2024 to describe leadership ideas that have been repeatedly challenged by research yet continue to dominate organisational thinking. These ideas survive not because they are accurate, but because they are appealing, simple … Read more

R.I.S.E. in Practice: Turning Reflection Into Career-Defining Action

The R.I.S.E.™ model offers reflective leaders a disciplined way to convert insight into influence, without abandoning their natural style. Introduction I once worked with a senior leader who had been promoted rapidly into an executive role in a large, nationally significant organisation. On paper, it was a dream appointment. She was technically exceptional, deeply committed … Read more

From Intention to Impact: A Framework for Real Growth

Intentional Change Theory (ICT) is a psychological model that focuses on understanding and facilitating sustainable, desired change in individuals and organisations. It was developed by Richard Boyatzis in 2006. From intention to impact: A framework for real growth Leadership development is often presented as a collection of tools, models, and good intentions. What matters far … Read more

The Strategic Edge of Being Real: Authenticity as a Leadership Advantage

Authenticity is often described as a hallmark of good leadership, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood ideas in leadership development. We are told to “be ourselves” at work, as though that instruction were straightforward. For quiet, reflective, or introverted leaders working in complex organisations, it rarely is. The question is not simply whether … Read more

Why Reflective Leaders Should Ignore the 70:20:10 Rule

The Learning Myth That Won’t Die: Why 70:20:10 Doesn’t Work for Reflective Leaders When a ratio becomes religion, we stop thinking. The 70:20:10 model has become so embedded in leadership and learning conversations that it is rarely questioned. It appears sensible at first glance, even reassuring. Most people intuitively agree that learning does not happen … Read more

How Reflective Leaders Build Credibility Without Visibility

A quieter, more reliable path to influence in modern organisations Much of today’s leadership advice still assumes that credibility is earned through visibility. Through voice, visible presence, and profile. The assumption is that if you want to be trusted, you must first be seen. For reflective leaders, this advice rarely fits. Those who think carefully, … Read more

No One’s Coming to Develop You: Why Quiet Leaders Must Build Themselves

The competitive edge that no one can give you – and no one can take away. Intentional development is the new differentiator Personal development is often treated like a side project. Something you do if there is time.If the organisation supports it.If you happen to be selected for a programme. For quiet, reflective leaders, waiting … Read more