Solution Focused (Learning & Development Consultancy)

Solution Focused (Learning & Development Consultancy)

By Solution Focused

Our weekly podcast on current business and development topics
Currently playing episode

How to negotiate effectively

Solution Focused (Learning & Development Consultancy)Jun 27, 2025
00:00
02:55
What to do when your best people stop developing!

What to do when your best people stop developing!

What might have happened? The most common cause, is that they have exhausted the more complex issues that they might face.


Aug 24, 202604:44
Time and energy management...the tasks that drive high performance!

Time and energy management...the tasks that drive high performance!

First off all, remind yourself that time is a finite resource. You can't get more hours, but you can dramatically change what a given hour produces. High performers optimise the second variable.


Aug 03, 202604:15
Critical Thinking Explained

Critical Thinking Explained

First of all, what is "critical thinking"? Quite simply, its the process of actively and thoughtfully analysing information...evaluating, and questioning assumptions allowing you to form reasoned judgments rather than accepting claims at face value. 


Jul 28, 202603:11
What are the traits of successful teams?

What are the traits of successful teams?

With the World Cup now over, and congratulations to Spain, we look at how the world of football and success compares with teams within business.


Jul 20, 202603:57
What Business Can Learn From England's Quarter Final Victory

What Business Can Learn From England's Quarter Final Victory

England booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a hard fought win over Norway.

Jul 13, 202604:21
The Art of Delegation: How Letting Go Empowers Your Team!

The Art of Delegation: How Letting Go Empowers Your Team!

Delegation isn't about offloading tasks you don't want to do. It's about multiplying your impact by investing in the people around you


Jun 30, 202603:59
The Leader in the mirror: Developing self awareness to transform your management style

The Leader in the mirror: Developing self awareness to transform your management style

Leadership is often described in terms of strategy, vision, and results. But the most transformative leadership work happens in a quieter place...the space between stimulus and response, where a leader pauses and asks, "Why did I react that way"? 

Jun 23, 202604:07
Cultivating a Leadership Mindset 

Cultivating a Leadership Mindset 

First of all, its important to realise that leadership isn't a title you're given, but a way of thinking that you develop.


Jun 15, 202605:20
Managing hybrid and remote teams effectively. 

Managing hybrid and remote teams effectively. 

Since Covid, remote working has become ever more popular. Some though say, its not the same! 


Jun 08, 202604:21
The Art of Active Listening: Hearing What's Really Being Said.   

The Art of Active Listening: Hearing What's Really Being Said.   

Most of us think we're good listeners. We nod, we make eye contact, we wait for our turn to speak. But true active listening goes deeper


Jun 01, 202604:38
Leading with empathy and understanding

Leading with empathy and understanding

Instead of looking at output or results, this means paying attention to what your team members are experiencing


May 25, 202603:10
Overcoming imposter syndrome and adopting a growth mindset

Overcoming imposter syndrome and adopting a growth mindset

These two terms are closely linked.

  • Impostor syndrome says: “If I struggle, it means I’m not capable.”
  • Growth mindset says: “Struggle is part of becoming capable.”

May 19, 202603:32
How to identify the talent in your teams

How to identify the talent in your teams

This is critical for any business, to both succession plan and also to better understand individuals career aspirations. 


May 11, 202602:31
How to Build a High-Performance Team Through Effective Coaching and Delegation

How to Build a High-Performance Team Through Effective Coaching and Delegation

Building a high performance team isn’t about constantly demanding more from people


May 04, 202604:02
How to stay calm in business in an unstable world

How to stay calm in business in an unstable world

Sadly in the current world, this is very much a "hot topic", both domestically for individuals & families, but also for many of those same people in the commercial world!


Mar 16, 202603:22
What resilient teams do under pressure

What resilient teams do under pressure

Resilient teams behave differently from average teams when pressure, setbacks or uncertainty appear


Mar 10, 202602:39
The Importance of Ethics in Business

The Importance of Ethics in Business

Ethics in business refers to the moral principles and standards that guide behaviours in the world of commerce.


Feb 24, 202604:19
 Why Soft Skills Are the “New Hard Skills” in Business

 Why Soft Skills Are the “New Hard Skills” in Business

For decades, technical expertise and "old fashioned intelligence" were seen as the primary drivers for success. But in the modern workplace, soft skills have become true competitive advantages.


Feb 17, 202603:37
After a slow January, how to kick start your business.

After a slow January, how to kick start your business.

No one relishes the January blues, and it can be a sluggish month for business! What has to happen!  


Feb 03, 202602:30
How to empower your teams

How to empower your teams

The dictionary definition is "the process of giving a group ofpeople more freedom or rights".

Jan 26, 202603:14
What Creates A Toxic Culture In The Workplace

What Creates A Toxic Culture In The Workplace

A toxic workplace culture usually isn’t caused by one single thing...it’s the result of patterns of behaviour, leadership choices, and systems that reward the wrong actions or ignore problems. 

Jan 20, 202602:30
Manager or Leader?

Manager or Leader?

The idea behind "lead, don't manage” isn’t that management is wrong, it’s that leadership creates impact, while management maintains the "status quo".

Jan 13, 202603:30
How to hit the ground running while adjusting if things go wrong

How to hit the ground running while adjusting if things go wrong

Starting a new year in business is a great chance to reset, focus, and build momentum. Here’s a clear, practical way to begin and a smart approach for adjusting when things don’t go as planned.


Jan 06, 202602:07
Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a time to reflect, rest, and spend time with loved ones, and we hope you are able to enjoy a well-earned break.


Dec 23, 202501:54
The link between career development and employee loyalty

The link between career development and employee loyalty

The link between these two things is strong...when employees see a future for themselves in an organisation, they are far more likely to stay committed to it.


Dec 15, 202503:35
Cultural Awareness in The Workplace

Cultural Awareness in The Workplace

Cultural awareness in the workplace refers to understanding, respecting and effectively interacting with colleagues whose backgrounds, values, communication styles and perspectives may differ from your own. 


Dec 08, 202503:31
How to keep your team focused in the final month of the year

How to keep your team focused in the final month of the year

It's been a challenging year...or maybe you are comfortably ahead of plan! Ask yourself, how do you keep your teams focused as the holiday season begins?


Dec 01, 202503:01
HOW TO REMAIN POSITIVE IN CHALLENGING TIMES

HOW TO REMAIN POSITIVE IN CHALLENGING TIMES

This is something that can effect all of us, and as you move higher up the career chain, it can become even more challenging


Nov 18, 202503:58
Reflecting for success and planning for the future

Reflecting for success and planning for the future

We learn in so many ways...from feedback, from success and of course from setbacks!


Oct 27, 202503:01
What can business learn from elite sport?

What can business learn from elite sport?

A great deal is the answer! High performance athletes, teams, and organisations often operate under immense pressure, with a relentless focus on results, much like competitive businesses.


Oct 20, 202504:47
Making sure that you finish the business year on a high...the final quarter!

Making sure that you finish the business year on a high...the final quarter!

Finishing the business year on a high note is so important...ahead of the game, or behind...its all about closing strong, celebrating wins, and setting up for success in the New Year. Here are some key strategies to make sure you do just that!


Oct 14, 202503:21
Change and Transition

Change and Transition

Change refers to an external event or situation that is different from the way things were before. It happens quickly and can often be observed or measured.

Oct 06, 202503:02
Situational Leadership

Situational Leadership

Situational Leadership is a leadership theory developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard. It emphasises that there’s no single best leadership style


Sep 29, 202503:21
How to take accountability for your own actions in the workplace.

How to take accountability for your own actions in the workplace.

Taking accountability for your actions is essential for personal growth, professional trust, and a healthy team dynamic. One way to approach this is through the development of the Five C's of Accountability.


Sep 14, 202504:06
Sustaining a positive attitude in the workplace.

Sustaining a positive attitude in the workplace.

This is a key ingredient for productivity, teamwork, and overall job satisfaction. Simply by using those three areas of success, will boost the bottom line (productivity), staff morale (teamwork), and staff retention (job satisfaction).

Sep 08, 202503:16
Identifying and developing talent in the workplace

Identifying and developing talent in the workplace

As part of growing a business, its vital that organisations develop their talent. It helps organisations grow, innovate, and remain competitive. 

Sep 01, 202503:49
The Return To Work

The Return To Work

Coming back to work after a holiday can sometimes produce a number of emotions...mentally, physically, and emotionally.


Aug 25, 202503:35
Coaching, not Controlling: Developing Future Leaders

Coaching, not Controlling: Developing Future Leaders

This is a powerful concept that emphasises empowering individuals rather than micromanaging them. 


Aug 18, 202503:26
Feedback is a Gift: Creating a Culture of Constructive Dialogue

Feedback is a Gift: Creating a Culture of Constructive Dialogue

The reality is that feedback doesn’t always feel like a gift! Sometimes it’s wrapped in awkward silences, or delivered like a surprise shock to the system...but when it’s done correctly? When it’s honest, respectful, and about genuine growth? That’s when it becomes the most valuable gift a Leader or colleague can give.


Aug 11, 202504:31
Building High-Trust Teams

Building High-Trust Teams

Lessons in Psychological Safety is a crucial topic for leaders and organisations striving for innovation, engagement, and resilience.

Aug 04, 202503:47
Emotional Intelligence: The Hidden Superpower of Great Leaders.

Emotional Intelligence: The Hidden Superpower of Great Leaders.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, technical skills and intellectual brilliance are no longer the sole features of great leadership. Increasingly, research and real-world experience point to emotional intelligence (EI) as the "hidden superpower" that sets exceptional leaders apart from the rest. How do you match up?


Jul 29, 202503:50
The Shift from a Manager to a Leader…developing a Strategic Mindset.

The Shift from a Manager to a Leader…developing a Strategic Mindset.

Shifting from manager to leader requires more than a change in title…it involves a transformation in mindset, focus, and approach.


Jul 21, 202503:07
What we can learn from professional sport.

What we can learn from professional sport.

Summer is in full swing, and we have Wimbledon, Test Cricket, The Women’s European Football Championships and more…what then can we learn?


Jul 07, 202503:24
How to negotiate effectively

How to negotiate effectively

Negotiating effectively is a skill that blends preparation, communication, psychology, and strategy. This week we bring you a clear set of guidelines to help your negotiation skills.


Jun 27, 202502:55
Half Year…time to reflect and plan. Don’t let time slip by!

Half Year…time to reflect and plan. Don’t let time slip by!

Caught up in day-to-day activities, things can often get forgotten or overlooked!


Jun 24, 202502:53
Creating personal impact and presence

Creating personal impact and presence

Creating impact and presence, be that in your own personal image, public speaking, leadership, or even content creation, comes down to a mix of authenticity, clarity, confidence, and emotional resonance.


Jun 16, 202503:23
Effective selling skills

Effective selling skills

Gone are the days of old-fashioned sales…while some elements remain, many more should be on your check list!


Jun 09, 202502:56
How modern-day leadership is changing

How modern-day leadership is changing

Modern-day leadership is evolving rapidly due to changes in technology, culture & values, and global challenges.


Jun 02, 202503:13
The importance of systems and checklists in the workplace

The importance of systems and checklists in the workplace

In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency, quality control and consistency are non-negotiable. It’s therefore important to have systems and checklists in place…they become essential tools.

May 19, 202503:13
How to build a learning culture and not a compliance culture

How to build a learning culture and not a compliance culture

Building a learning culture instead of a compliance culture means shifting from rule-following and control-based motivation to curiosity, growth, and continuous improvement.

May 12, 202502:54