The Strategic Leader

Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • SERIES
The Strategic Leader

The Strategic Leader is a podcast for busy leaders to learn how to be naturally strategic, so that you can operate with impact and sit at the top table with confidence, with clear and actionable tips to demystify strategy and help you to succeed. With your hosts Gemma Bullivant, Executive Coach and Strategic HR Consultant, and Fiona Craig, strategist, founder and coaching lead at Good Thinking.

See All

  1. EPISODE 1

    3.01 How to Work With Others More Effectively

    Gemma and Fiona dive into the third pillar of leadership: leading others. They reflect on how leaders can maximise collective impact, focusing on the skills and mindsets needed to work effectively alongside others. Building on insights from previous series, they discuss how strategic leaders need to think beyond task completion and examine relationships. Their conversation emphasises the importance of foundational steps like awareness, understanding, acceptance, and appreciation in creating more effective team dynamics. By acknowledging and valuing differences in working styles, leaders can unlock better outcomes and enhance collaboration. The hosts share practical examples, such as building awareness of differing working styles within teams and adjusting behaviour to improve communication. They also stress the role of feedback in driving personal and team effectiveness. This episode sets the stage for deeper exploration in the series, which will address how to handle difficult relationships, manage teams, and deal with conflicting values. Key Points Discussed: Recap of leadership pillars: leading outcomes, self, and others.Why awareness, understanding, and appreciation are critical for team effectiveness.Common assumptions about teamwork and why they can lead to challenges.How differing working styles can hinder or enhance collaboration.The importance of welcoming feedback and adapting leadership behaviours.Insights into psychological safety and how it fosters better team dynamics. Key Timestamps: [03:55] – Introduction to the third pillar of leadership: working with others. [07:22] – Assumptions about teamwork and why we often overlook relationship dynamics. [12:15] – Step-by-step breakdown of the effectiveness model: awareness, understanding, acceptance, and appreciation. [19:52] – Example of team members with different styles learning to appreciate their differences. [23:37] – The role of feedback in shaping perceptions and leadership behaviour. [26:43] – The importance of psychological safety in inviting feedback and different perspectives. [27:20] – Topics to be covered in future episodes: managing relationships, team dynamics, and psychological safety. Key Takeaway: Effective leadership requires more than just task-oriented thinking—it involves fostering strong relationships with those around you. By building awareness, understanding, and appreciation of different working styles, leaders can harness collective strengths for greater impact. Strategic leaders must also actively seek feedback, create psychological safety, and work to appreciate the diverse perspectives of their teams. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader. If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

    30 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    3.02 How Our Values Affect Our Relationships

    How differing personal values impact teamwork. They explore leadership strategies to foster collaboration by recognising, appreciating, and utilising diverse values.

    28 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    3.03 How to Build Trust in Leadership Using the Trust Equation

    Gemma and Fiona explore the foundations of trust in leadership, discussing the trust equation's components and how they contribute to effective team relationships and strategic success.

    29 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    3.04 Managing Up: Why Adapting Your Style to Suit Your Manager Matters

    Do you find it challenging to communicate effectively with your manager? We talk about the dynamics of optimising workplace relationships, especially with managers, and offer practical techniques to improve communication and mutual understanding. Fiona shares a personal story about adapting her communication style with a previous CEO, and her learnings about the importance of recognising different personalities, thinking styles, and behavioural tendencies. Gemma explains the Parent-Adult-Child (PAC) model, a framework rooted in Transactional Analysis, and how it can specifically help with relationships influenced by the power dynamic. >> Read more about the Transactional Analysis Parent Adult Child (PAC) model in Gemma's blog here According to the PAC model, people may assume different relational stances - Parent, Adult, or Child - depending on the context, and understanding these can empower one to foster healthier, more productive interactions. We talk about how important it is to focus on remaining in Adult mode, the optimal state for professional dialogue, and to notice when power dynamics, authority, or even personality clashes might pull them into Parent or Child roles. We offer valuable insights into creating mutual respect, navigating workplace hierarchies, and ultimately cultivating a more strategic approach to workplace relationships. Key Points Discussed: Fiona shares the importance of self-care for professionals and leaders.Managing up: How to align with managerial styles for better productivity.Recognising and respecting introverted and extroverted thinking styles.Transactional Analysis and the Parent-Adult-Child model for understanding workplace dynamics.Importance of maintaining an Adult-to-Adult mode in communication.Techniques for shifting out of Parent or Child modes into productive “Adult” mode.Practical tips for staying composed and constructive in challenging conversations. Key Timestamps: [04:11] - Introducing the episode’s topic: optimising the relationship with your manager. [06:24] - Gemma and Fiona discuss the idea of “managing up” for mutual benefit. [08:15] - Defining managerial roles: guiding, advising, approving, and influencing. [11:31] - Fiona shares a personal example of adapting communication to an introverted CEO. [13:19] - Introduction to the Parent-Adult-Child model and its workplace applications. [17:55] - How to maintain an Adult-to-Adult mode and avoid Parent-Child dynamics. [19:12] - Strategies for shifting from emotional reactions to rational responses in conversation. Key Takeaway: Fostering strong, strategic relationships with managers and peers hinges on mutual respect and clear communication. The Parent-Adult-Child model offers a valuable framework for navigating power dynamics in professional settings, encouraging individuals to engage in an Adult-to-Adult manner to avoid unproductive emotional responses. By adapting communication styles to meet both parties’ needs, professionals can create a balanced relationship that benefits all involved. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader. If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

    29 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    3.05 - How to Build Strong Hybrid Teams

    Strategies for building strong, remote team connections, and the value of intentional collaboration, including practical models for sustaining hybrid team cohesion.

    30 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    3.06 How to Create High-Performing Teams Without Wasting Time

    How do you create high-performing teams in lightning speed? Drawing on the rapid teaming model developed by David Clutterbuck, the hosts discuss how high-performing teams can be created without the sometimes lengthy stages of traditional models like forming, storming, norming, and performing. Fiona draws on her Team Coaching experience and explains the four core principles of the rapid teaming model: establishing shared purpose, building psychological safety, managing individual contributions, and streamlining team processes. Real-world examples, from a Chilean mining rescue to Spotify's iterative Work From Anywhere policy, illustrate how these principles can be applied to quickly establish strong team performance. Listeners will also learn about the concept of situational humility, which encourages team members to set aside ego for collective impact. By combining theory and practical examples, this episode offers actionable insights for HR professionals and leaders aiming to build highly adaptable and collaborative high-performing teams. Key Points Discussed: Why most workplace challenges require team collaboration. Limitations of traditional team development models like forming, storming, norming, and performing. Clutterbuck’s four key pillars of rapid teaming: Shared purpose and team goals.Psychological safety for honest and productive dialogue.Self-awareness and compromise to enable collective impact.Clear, intentional team processes, including decision-making and meeting structures. Case studies: Chilean mining rescue and Spotify’s iterative workplace policies. Practical tips for fostering curiosity and managing team dynamics effectively. Key Timestamps: [01:17] Importance of teamwork in addressing workplace challenges. [05:06] Introduction to rapid teaming and its relevance in fast-paced environments. [06:28] First pillar: Shared purpose and alignment. [07:25] Second pillar: Building psychological safety and trust. [13:28] Third pillar: Managing self and compromising for collective impact. [17:18] Fourth pillar: Defining intentional team processes. [21:18] Lessons from a Chilean mining rescue. [27:00] Experimentation as a tool for progress and innovation. Key Takeaway: Rapid teaming enables organisations to build high-performing teams without the luxury of time. By focusing on shared goals, psychological safety, and agile processes, leaders can foster collaboration and adaptability in ever-changing environments. FREE RESOURCES Want to know more about the Forming, Storming etc model? Tuckman's Forming Storming Norming Performing Model Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader. If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

    30 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    3.07 Making Effective Team Decisions

    Discussing the complexities of making decisions as a team. The hosts examine how group dynamics, diverse perspectives, and unclear roles can hinder effective decision-making. A central theme is the importance of defining the decision-making process - understanding roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities - before tackling the decision itself. The conversation highlights the RACI framework (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) as a valuable tool for clarifying roles. The hosts also address the concept of consensus, challenging the notion that universal agreement is always ideal. Instead, they explore practical alternatives like “disagree and commit” and “safe-to-try” approaches, fostering commitment even when initial preferences differ. Listeners are encouraged to consider the impact of perfectionism and bias on group decisions. Concepts like gut instinct and iterative decision-making, inspired by Colin Powell’s 40–70% rule, help avoid paralysis by analysis. This episode equips HR professionals and business leaders with actionable strategies to overcome decision-making roadblocks, improve collaboration, and achieve outcomes that align with organisational goals, even amidst diverse opinions. Key Points Discussed Defining the decision-making process: roles, responsibilities, and expectations.Using the RACI framework to clarify team roles.The pros and cons of consensus-based decision-making.Practical alternatives: “disagree and commit” and “safe-to-try” approaches.Avoiding perfectionism and paralysis by analysis with the 40–70% rule.Recognising and addressing biases in decision-making.Balancing individual preferences with team-wide priorities.Managing post-meeting alignment to avoid backchannel dissent. Key Timestamps [03:51] Importance of clarifying how decisions are made before discussing the “what.” [06:12] Introducing the RACI framework: Defining roles in decision-making. [09:03] Practical examples of RACI in action. [12:36] Consensus decision-making: Benefits, challenges, and realistic alternatives. [15:54] Differentiating between preferences and critical issues. [17:31] Consent decision-making: The “safe-to-try” principle. [21:03] Colin Powell’s 40–70% rule for timely decisions. [25:04] Gut instinct as a decision-making tool. [27:47] Summary of key strategies for effective team decisions. Key Takeaway Effective team decision-making requires clarity on roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Tools like RACI, “disagree and commit,” and gut instincts enable teams to balance diverse perspectives, avoid perfectionism, and make decisions that drive progress. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader. If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

    30 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    3.08 From Being in a Team to Leading it

    We discuss the challenges and strategies when you move from team member to team manager, Drawing on personal experiences and coaching insights, we have a natter about the unique challenges this shift can pose. What's your new leadership identity? How do you balance team dynamics? How do you ensure you fulfil what the organisation needs of you in this new role? Fi shares a candid anecdotes about one of her own career missteps and lessons she learned when she was promoted over a team-mate to assume management of him. We look at a few other things that might be getting in the way - imposter syndrome, the need for peer approval, and figuring out new senior leadership responsibilities. We suggest 3 helpful lenses for navigating this transition effectively: define your leadership styleunderstand individual and team needsensure you also meet organisational expectations. Key Points Discussed The emotional challenges of transitioning from peer to leader.The importance of crafting a leadership identity and owning your new role.Balancing team needs with the organisation's strategic goals.Recognising and addressing individual dynamics within the team.Strategies to maintain consistency and build credibility as a new leader.Insights on seeking or providing professional support during leadership transitions.Tackling imposter syndrome and trusting the hiring process. Key Timestamps [02:14] – Introduction to the challenges of managing a former team. [03:02] – Fi’s personal experience: transitioning to her first management role. [05:06] – The pitfalls of inconsistency and the struggle to establish authority. [08:24] – The critical role of identity in leadership transitions. [13:25] – The value of coaching and intentional reflection during the first 90 days. [16:24] – Three lenses for leadership: style, team needs, and organisational expectations. [21:31] – Treating a team as both a group and as individuals. [24:38] – Real-life example: the Flexi Time policy dilemma. [27:38] – Overcoming self-doubt and trusting organisational decisions. [28:23] – Encouragement for aspiring leaders to seize new opportunities. Key Takeaway Transitioning from team member to team manager requires intentional effort, self-awareness, and a clear understanding of organisational expectations. Success lies in embracing your leadership role, addressing team dynamics thoughtfully, and trusting your ability to rise to new challenges. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader. If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

    30 min

  9. EPISODE 9

    S3 09 - The 7 Characteristics of High Performing Teams

    We explore what makes a high-performing team, the difference between individual and collective performance, and a seven-part model for building effective, cohesive, and successful teams. Fiona shares insights from her work in leadership and team coaching, highlighting how individual brilliance does not automatically create a high-performing team. They introduce a seven-part model from Lucy Widdowson that defines the 7 essential elements of effective teamwork, including purpose, identity, relatedness, values and beliefs, awareness, ways of working, and transformation. Through analogies such as football teams and leadership dynamics, they explore common team challenges, from ineffective meetings to the impact of ‘banter’ masking deeper issues. They offer practical guidance for leaders to assess and enhance their teams, including using the Johari Window for awareness and revisiting team purpose. To help listeners apply these concepts, Fiona shares a simple questionnaire for evaluating team effectiveness, which can be used individually or in team discussions. Whether leading a team or participating in one, this episode provides essential insights for optimising team performance. Key Discussion Points • Why high-performing individuals don’t always create a high-performing team • The seven characteristics of high-performing teams (Lucy Widdowson’s model) • Why teams need a clear purpose and shared identity • How leaders can use feedback and awareness tools like the Johari Window Key Timestamps 03:00 – Why a group of ‘superstars’ doesn’t automatically create a high-performing team 05:20 – Classic signs of an ineffective team 07:10 – The problem with banter: masking difficult conversations instead of addressing them 08:00 – Introducing Lucy Widdowson’s seven characteristics of effective teams 12:30 – The role of identity in a team and how external perceptions matter 17:45 – Why defining team values and behaviours is essential for cohesion 22:30 – Practical ways to improve team meetings and decision-making processes 28:30 – How leaders can assess their team’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement Key Takeaway High-performing teams don’t happen by accident. They require clarity of purpose, strong relationships, shared values, and the ability to adapt. Leaders should prioritise team effectiveness over individual achievements and regularly assess team dynamics using structured models and feedback tools. Fiona's Team Effectiveness Questionnaire: Using a simple ratings system, where a score of 1 = not at all and a score of 5 = completely, all the time, answer the following questions: We have a clear instruction and mandate from the wider organisation and those we report toAchieving our team goals is recognised and rewarded above our individual goals, or those of our individual teamsWe have the right selection of necessary, complementary skills within the teamWe can clearly articulate and own our overall purposeWe are working towards shared goals in an effective mannerWe commit to clear actions and with accountability and follow-throughWe have clear and effective ways of working togetherWe maintain a high level of moral and commitment between usWe are fully engaged and involved in meetings. We make good use of our diversity when we meetThe outcomes we reach in meetings are better than any individual could have reached aloneWe leave our meetings feeling more focused, supported and energisedWe have good relationships with all our key stakeholders, and any team member can represent views of the whole teamWe constantly scan our stakeholder environment, and attend to changing needs and perceptionsWe regularly and effectively attend to our own development as a teamWe all give good quality real-time feedback and provide a balance of support and challenge to each other Questions based on work by Professor Peter Hawkins. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader. If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

    32 min

  10. BONUS

    Behind the Scenes Christmas Special

    A behind-the-scenes festive chat to reflect on The Strategic Leader podcast journey over the past year. From how it all began to the highs, lows, and lessons learned, we’re spilling the mulled wine and sharing it all! We also sprinkle in some reflective coaching questions to help you look back on your own year and plan for the next. Use these questions to spark your thinking: What are you most proud of this year?What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?What have you learned about yourself?What would you like to do differently next year?What next? From big goals to small next steps... Grab a festive drink and join us for a cozy and candid chat. Merry Christmas from us to you! 🎄✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader. If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

    27 min
See All Season 3 (10)

Trailer

About

The Strategic Leader is a podcast for busy leaders to learn how to be naturally strategic, so that you can operate with impact and sit at the top table with confidence, with clear and actionable tips to demystify strategy and help you to succeed. With your hosts Gemma Bullivant, Executive Coach and Strategic HR Consultant, and Fiona Craig, strategist, founder and coaching lead at Good Thinking.

Information

  • Creator
    Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig
  • Episodes
    33
  • Seasons
    3
  • Rating
    Clean

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada