"Potentially Losing a Great Team Member"

Watching a valued team member consider leaving can be bittersweet. It’s tough, but it also means you’ve created an environment where they’ve grown and are ready for the next step. And sometimes, they come back, realising what they had was special. Great leadership isn’t about keeping people forever—it’s about helping them thrive.

"When a Bad Apple Won’t Fall Off the Tree"

A disengaged or disruptive employee can impact morale and productivity. As a leader, your role is to provide support, set clear expectations, and offer a fair chance for improvement. But if they won’t change, you must decide—help them improve or make a change for the good of the team. Tough, but necessary leadership.

"How to Reward Really Good People"

Rewarding top performers is about balance—fair financial incentives, team-based rewards, and meaningful recognition. The key? Transparency, clear goals, and understanding what truly motivates your team beyond just money. A well-designed rewards system builds engagement and drives long-term success.

"Killing Gossip in the Office"

Office gossip is like a leaky tap—it spreads if left unchecked. The key to stopping it? Genuine conversations, trust-building, and fostering a culture where openness replaces whispers. When employees feel seen and valued, they have less reason to engage in negativity.

"When You’ve Messed Up and Everyone Knows"

Mistakes are inevitable, but leadership is about how you respond. Owning up, apologising sincerely, and involving your team in solutions can turn a blunder into a powerful lesson in trust and growth. The key? Transparency, action, and a commitment to learning.

"How to Introduce a New Vision and Values Set"

Rolling out a new vision and values set in an SME is more than just a presentation—it’s about consistently living those principles every day. Clarity, engagement, and leading by example are key to making the shift meaningful and lasting. When your team understands the ‘why’ and sees the vision in action, they’ll feel invested in the journey.

"Introducing New Initiatives"

Bringing change into an SME is a balancing act—too much control can stifle engagement, while too little can create uncertainty. The key? Trusting your team to step up, take ownership, and make the initiative their own. When employees feel empowered, they don’t just follow—they lead.

"Getting the Best Out of Your Introverts"

Introverts thrive in the right environment—one that values thoughtful contributions, respects personal space, and encourages meaningful feedback. Just like a well-tended garden, ensuring they have room to grow without being overshadowed allows their strengths to shine.

"Dealing with Mental Health in the Team"

Mental health isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ in the workplace—it’s essential. As an SME leader, fostering a culture where employees feel supported and valued makes a world of difference. It’s not about having all the answers but about listening, being fair, and creating a space where wellbeing is a priority.

"Why Do I Keep Losing Good People?"

Losing great staff? It might not be about pay or perks—it could be about how they’re managed. Micromanagement, lack of trust, and limited growth opportunities can push talented employees away. The key is striking a balance between guidance and independence, allowing your team to truly flourish.

"Active Listening – Two Ears, One Mouth"

Active listening is more than just hearing words—it’s about fully engaging, understanding, and responding with intention. From maintaining focus and showing empathy to asking open-ended questions and withholding judgment, mastering this skill leads to better conversations, stronger relationships, and improved leadership.

"How to Create a Joyful and Productive Workplace"

A joyful workplace in New Zealand’s SME sector isn’t just about friendly chats—it’s about fostering a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated. From active listening and celebrating wins to supporting innovation and work-life balance, creating an engaged team leads to greater productivity and satisfaction.

"Handling Inappropriate Workplace Relationships"

Workplace relationships can be a minefield for SME owners in New Zealand. Even if a relationship appears consensual, power imbalances and ethical concerns can create serious risks. Legal obligations, team morale, and business integrity all come into play.