Positively Leading

How to have powerful, positive, and productive feedback conversations

As humans, we crave feedback because we want to learn and grow. 
 
But let’s face it, feedback often sucks, and stats from Gallup show that less than one in five managers think they’re effective at giving feedback! Let’s change that! 
 
This episode’s for you if you’ve ever felt tongue-tied or uncomfortable giving feedback or perhaps you just avoid giving it.
 
I’ll share how you can give honest, kind, and effective feedback that people love to receive and that actually makes a difference. We’ll cover: 
 
The three different kinds of feedback we need to thrive 
The positivity ratio in feedback
Two easy-to-use frameworks that can help you structure feedback so it’s easier for you to give and for others to receive
And so much more! 
 
Imagine how good it would be when you no longer avoid the conversations that you know will grow yourself and others too. Tune in for powerful, positive, and productive feedback conversations. 
 
Keep on Positively Leading,
Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Website: sarahhowling.comLI: @drsrahhowling
IG: @leadwithdrsarahFB: @drsarahhowling
 
Resources:
Book: Thanks for the feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen

Feedback reimagined: Unlocking growth, connection, and impact

Feedback. It’s the lifeblood of learning and growth. It’s a gift. And yet more often than not, it feels anything but and we’d happily return the gift for a refund!
Today’s episode is the first in a series of four on feedback and this series is for you if you want to: 
Understand the challenges of feedback and overcome them
Become more aware of how you respond to feedback and get better at receiving feedback - even if you didn't ask for it, want it, and think it’s just plain wrong
Give feedback that people want to receive and actually makes a difference
Grow a culture of feedback in your school or organisation.  
In today’s episode “Feedback reimagined: Unlocking growth, connection, and impact”  I’ll share: 
Why feedback matters 
5 reasons why feedback can be hard to give and receive well
Some strategies and my GROWTH framework for reimagining feedback in a more powerful, positive, and productive way.
Tune in and learn how to transform your approach to feedback and create a culture of growth and development. 
 
Keep on Positively Leading,
Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Website: sarahhowling.comLI: @drsrahhowling
IG: @leadwithdrsarahFB: @drsarahhowling

The Power of Values: Leading with authenticity and purpose

​​Knowing your leadership values is a vital part of being an effective leader. When you’re in touch with your values – and live them every day – you can be more transparent, make better decisions, build stronger relationships and trust in your school, and inspire others. 
 
In this episode you’ll discover what leadership values are and the benefits of leading with them. I’ll also share strategies to discover your own values and how to incorporate them into your daily leadership.
 
Additionally, we’ll discuss how to create a value-based culture within your team and school. 
 
Let's unlock the power of values in leadership together. And remember to check out the free resource on discovering and living from your values – you can access it below or by visiting sarahhowling.com/resources. 
 
Keep on Positively Leading,
Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Website: sarahhowling.comLI: @drsrahhowling
IG: @leadwithdrsarahFB: @drsarahhowling
 
Resources:
Knowing your values as a leader helps you to show up authentically, consistently, and influentially. Want to get clear on your values as a leader? Whether you’ve already got a pretty good idea or you’ve never really thought about it before, download the workbook to discover your values and lead from them.
Discover Your Values 
 
Books:
​​Dare to Lead by Brené Brown 
The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner
From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership by Harry M. Kraemer Jr
The Values Driven Organisation by Richard Barrett

Unlocking learning: Strategies to learn and grow at every level of leadership

As leaders, we’re always learning. And in today's episode, we're diving deep into the topic of learning in leadership, whether you’re an emerging, middle, or senior leader. 
 
We'll talk about why having the right mindset and heartset is so important, and how without cultivating these first, any learning might not be as effective. 
 
I'll also share some useful strategies designed to help leaders learn and grow from focused, planned learning, and from every experience. 
 
Lastly, I'll discuss team dynamics and how learning isn’t just an individual effort; it's about working with our teams too. We'll explore ways to learn alongside them, from their experiences, and how to support their growth as well.
 
Tune in and find out the importance of continuous learning in leadership.
Keep on Positively Leading,
Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Website: sarahhowling.comIG: @leadwithdrsarahFB: Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Resources:
Learning Frameworks 
Books: 
Humble Leadership by Edgar Schein
Humble Inquiry by Edgar Schein
​​The New Leaders: Transforming the Art of Leadership by Daniel Goleman, Richard E. Boyatzis, &  Annie McKee 
 
Gibbs, G. (1998) Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods. Oxford Brooks University, Oxford.

How to build a high-performing team

Building a high-performing team is crucial for success in any organisation. But building a high performing team isn't always easy. Many challenges can arise, from conflicting personalities to unproductive meetings. The key is to create a positive team culture that promotes trust, communication, and a growth mindset.
 
In today's episode, the third part of our back-to-school series, we dive into the core of what makes a team truly stand out and the essential elements that boost its performance. We'll also spotlight some challenges teams and their leaders might face, providing insights and practical strategies to not only mitigate them but to transform them.
 
So, if you're all about strengthening team bonds and reaching goals together, tune in to this episode!
 
Keep on Positively Leading,
Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Resources:
VIA Character Strengths https://www.viacharacter.org/
Book:
Collaborative Intelligence: Using Teams to Solve Hard Problems by J. Richard Hackman
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Website: sarahhowling.comIG: @leadwithdrsarahFB: Dr. Sarah Howling

How to create a culture of connection in schools

Creating a culture of connection is essential in school because feeling like we belong is a core human need. When we feel disconnected this can negatively impact our well-being, our thinking, our productivity and so much more. 
 
In this episode, the second in the back-to-school series, we’ll take a deep dive into culture and explore the different types of school culture and the six ingredients in a culture of connection.
 
I also share four simple strategies that you can start implementing right away to foster a culture of connection in this new school year. 
 
If you’re ready to strengthen relationships, boost wellbeing, and transform your school culture, tune in to this episode!
 
Keep on Positively Leading,
Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Website: sarahhowling.comIG: @leadwithdrsarahFB: Dr. Sarah Howling

Maximising your impact: strategies for success in a new leadership role

Stepping into a new leadership role can be both exciting and overwhelming.
 
Whether you’re stepping into a new position or simply seeking actionable insights, this episode is packed with ideas to help you thrive. 
 
As part of our back-to-school series, today we’ll explore the four Ps that will support your approach to leadership: people, purpose, personal, and process.
 
Tune in and quip yourself with tips and techniques to lead with confidence and clarity. Don't just step into leadership; stride into it with assurance, armed with the actionable insights from this episode.
 
Grab your headphones, hit play, and get ready to transform your leadership approach.
 
Keep on Positively Leading,
Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Website: sarahhowling.comIG: @leadwithdrsarahFB: Dr. Sarah Howling

How to build new habits for positive, long-lasting change, and success

Did you know that 82% of New Year's resolutions fail by the end of January and 23% don't even last a week?
 
The truth is, most change initiatives fail and our brains are wired for survival and conserving energy. That means change can be a real challenge.
 
In this episode, we are going to be digging deep into the science of habits and successful change. We're going to be covering a few need-to-know essentials about our brains, how habits are formed, and why it can seem difficult to make changes. I’ll also share five powerful strategies for building new habits and positive, long lasting change.
 
Are you ready to take control of your habits and transform your life? Tune in to this episode and discover the strategies that will help you become a better leader and live your best life.
 
Keep on Positively Leading,
Dr. Sarah Howling
 
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Website: sarahhowling.comIG: @leadwithdrsarahFB: Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Resources: 
Books: 
Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way by Jonah Berger
Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by B.J. Fogg

Building courage: The seven muscles to strengthen for courageous leadership

Courage is not just about being brave in the face of fear. It's about understanding that fear, acknowledging it, and using it as a stepping stone to achieve your goals. 
 
In today’s episode, I'll offer a perspective on courage that might just knock your socks off (or at least it did mine!). I’ll be sharing my "seven muscles" that you need to strengthen for courageous leadership.
 
You’ll walk away equipped with four actionable strategies that will help you identify your fears, reflect on potential outcomes, and take those small steps outside of your comfort zone. 
 
Get ready to reflect on your own leadership journey. Grab your headphones, hit play, and let's unleash your inner courage together.
 
Keep on Positively Leading,
Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Work with me:The Connection Revolution
 
Resources:
Podcast: Think Fast Talk Smart (interview with Kelly McGonigal)
Book: Leading With Emotional Courage by Peter Bregman
Book: Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Website: sarahhowling.comIG: @leadwithdrsarahFB: Dr. Sarah Howling

How to build self-confidence as a leader

No two ways about it, it takes confidence to lead.
Having healthy levels of self-confidence is critical for success. But how do you shake loose of self-doubt and lead from a more consistent place of confidence?
In today’s episode, I’ll talk about two misconceptions about confidence, offering you a fresh perspective on this crucial aspect of personal development.
Second, I will share three behaviors and situations that can zap your confidence that may be quietly undermining your self-assurance and give you actionable tips on navigating these confidence pitfalls, helping you stay on your path to self-belief.
Finally, I’ll also reveal 2 powerful strategies to boost your confidence.
So, are you ready to unlock your true leadership potential? Tune in to this episode and prepare to take your confidence to new heights. 
 
Keep on Positively Leading,
Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Website: sarahhowling.comIG: @leadwithdrsarahFB: Dr. Sarah Howling
 
Resources: 
Book: The Alter Ego Effect: The Power of Secret Identities to Transform Your Life by Todd Herman 
Book: The Comparison Cure: How to be less ‘them' and more you by Lucy Sheridan
Book: Flawsome: The journey to being wholesome is learning to be holey by Georgia Murch