The Kind Brave Leader

I just published a new post on Substack about the importance of kindness in leadership, especially during these challenging times with recent far-right race riots and the resulting fear and uncertainty. As leaders, it's crucial that we support our teams, particularly our BAME colleagues who may be feeling especially vulnerable right now. In my latest article, I discuss practical steps managers can take to check in, listen, and provide genuine support. Here's a snippet: “In moments like these, kindness is more than a feel-good gesture. It’s critical. By showing genuine care and concern for our teams, we can help them feel safer, stronger, and more supported.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gjnd_nWE Let’s continue to lead with empathy and kindness. How are you holding up today? Let’s talk. #Leadership #Kindness #TeamSupport #WorkplaceWellbeing #InclusiveLeadership #MentalHealth #Community #TogetherWeStand

🏆 "Southgate, You're the One!" 🏆 As we gear up for the Euro Final against Spain, let's celebrate Gareth Southgate's exceptional leadership! From resilience and tactical brilliance to nurturing young talent and creating a positive team culture, he's leading our Three Lions to new heights. 🎶 With Sweet Caroline ringing in our ears, "Good times never seemed so good" let's back our boys to bring it home! Read more about why Southgate is the perfect leader: https://lnkd.in/eSsYRUEs #GarethSouthgate #England #ThreeLions #EuroFinal #Football #Leadership #SweetCaroline #FootballIsComingHome #Resilience #Teamwork #TacticalGenius #YoungTalent #PositiveCulture

Not only have I experienced this, but I have also seen and heard it becoming more common in libraries worldwide. If you a library manager grappling with staff members who constantly undermine and engage in upward bullying? This challenging issue doesn't just affect those directly involved. It impacts the wellbeing of the manager, the team, and the individual—and can ripple out to affect the entire service. In my latest article, I delve into the ripple effects of undermining behaviour and share actionable strategies to address it: 🔍 Understanding the impact on managers, teams, and individuals 💡 Examples of undermining behaviour 📈 Proven strategies for creating a positive work environment 🧠 Reflective points for both managers and staff members You don't have to face these challenges alone. Learn how coaching and training can help you foster a respectful, productive workplace. Let's turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success. 🚀 #LibraryManagement #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #TeamBuilding #ProfessionalGrowth #Coaching #Training #LibraryLeadership #UpwardBullying

Introducing The Kind Brave Leader Vouchers! I'm thrilled to announce a new way to bring kindness and wellbeing into your organisation – with our versatile and flexible vouchers! Why Vouchers? Perfect for Budget Planning: Ideal for organisations planning across different financial years. Valid for 1 Year: Enjoy the flexibility of using them within 12 months from the purchase date. Versatile Uses: Redeem for coaching, training (in-person or virtual), Strengthscope reports, events, and memberships. Flexible Purchase Options: Buy multiple vouchers at the same price point or mix and match different price points to fit your needs. How to buy: through our website - https://lnkd.in/eKmg9KNn How to Redeem: Simply email us at info@thekindbraveleader.co.uk to book your services. Start investing in your organisation's wellbeing and leadership development today! For more information and to purchase, visit https://lnkd.in/eKmg9KNn #WellbeingVouchers #LeadershipDevelopment #CorporateWellbeing #CoachingVouchers #TrainingVouchers #Strengthscope #OrganisationalGrowth #FlexibleBudgeting #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceKindness #ProfessionalDevelopment #EventVouchers #MembershipVouchers #SelfGuidedTraining

🌟 Join The Kind Librarian Membership: Empowering Librarians with Community, Knowledge, and Wellbeing 🌟 Are you a librarian seeking a supportive community where kindness and professional growth are at the heart of everything we do? Imagine transforming your daily work experience into one where you feel valued and supported every day. Imagine joining a community that fosters your professional and personal growth, connecting you with like-minded professionals dedicated to mutual support and continuous learning. ✨ Why Join Us? ✨ 🔹 Feel Valued and Motivated: Adopt kindness and wellbeing strategies that transform your work environment. 🔹 Connect with Peers: Engage in informal chats and meaningful discussions on topics that matter to you. 🔹 Stay Updated: Access the latest in library science with our monthly superclasses and career talks. 🔹 Grow Professionally and Personally: Enhance your skills through courses and workshops designed for ongoing learning. 🔹 Exclusive Benefits: Enjoy free access to the Well-being & Kindness Strategy for Leaders course, certification of completion, and special discounts on additional resources. Join Now for Just £12.50 a Month! ✨ Don't Miss Out! ✨ Join a network of passionate librarians eager to share their experiences, insights, and strategies. Together, we’ll navigate the challenges of our profession, enhance our wellbeing, and grow both personally and professionally. Let’s make a difference in our careers and workplaces! Ready to transform your work life? Join The Kind Librarian Membership Community today! 💖 https://lnkd.in/eDcdKZTA \#TheKindLibrarian \#LibraryLife \#ProfessionalGrowth \#CommunitySupport \#KindnessAtWork \#JoinNow

If you're passionate about making a positive impact at work, Elevate is for you. Here's what one of my students, Caterina, had to say about a similar course, "Kindness and Wellbeing at Work in Libraries": "I took Helen’s course because this topic is something I am passionate about. I always knew kindness and wellbeing were important, but did not realize that there is so much research that demonstrates how these values and actions can positively impact the workplace. In addition to learning about leadership theories, I was able to create kindness and wellness plans for myself. Who knew it was possible to create actionable goals that stem from kindness? Most importantly, Helen is an authentic person and kind instructor. She provides incredibly detailed feedback on every assignment so you know exactly what you did well and how to improve for next time. Thank you, Helen!" In Elevate, you’ll experience the same transformative journey. You'll: ✨ Elevate Your Self-Leadership: Develop essential skills to guide yourself with confidence and inspire positive change within your library. ✨ Elevate Your Wellbeing: Enhance your emotional intelligence and work-life balance for a healthier, more fulfilling professional and personal life. ✨ Elevate Your Productivity: Master time management and goal-setting techniques to boost your efficiency and accomplish more with less stress. ✨Elevate Your Purpose: Discover and align with your deeper meaning and purpose in your career, leading to greater satisfaction and impact in your work. This six-month program starts on July 1st, and spots are limited! Plus, gain free access to The Kind Librarian membership for one year, featuring monthly superclasses, themed discussion boards, and invaluable resources. Don't miss out—these spots will fill up fast. Join the revolution and connect with fellow librarians worldwide. Together, we can transform workplaces into environments where wellbeing and kindness flourish. https://lnkd.in/gjbNP7wq Join Elevate today! Your transformation starts here. \#LibraryLeadership \#LibrarianWellbeing \#LibraryProfessionals \#LibraryManagement \#LibraryScience

As I've grown in my career, I've learned the immense value of investing in my own development. There were times when I eagerly sought out opportunities to learn, only to be met with the harsh reality of prohibitive costs both to me and my employer. The training programs I wanted were out of reach, and the conferences that promised growth seemed like distant dreams. I remember the frustration of feeling stuck, knowing that the knowledge I needed was just beyond my grasp. It’s a feeling many of us know all too well—that desire to improve, coupled with the barrier of affordability. This experience inspired me to create a variety of accessible training products, including my book. I wanted to ensure that high-quality professional development is within reach for everyone, not just those with substantial budgets. My goal was to provide tools that empower individuals to take charge of their growth, regardless of their financial constraints. Affordable training doesn’t mean compromising on quality. It means providing opportunities for continuous learning, tailored to fit both your needs and your budget. It’s about giving you the autonomy to invest in yourself without feeling the pinch. Investing in yourself is one of the best decisions you can make. I invite you to explore my range of products and take that crucial step towards your personal and professional growth. Let's break down the barriers to learning together and make development accessible for all. https://lnkd.in/enM7kqkc \#LeadershipDevelopment \#SelfImprovement \#AffordableTraining \#ProfessionalGrowth \#ContinuousLearning \#InvestInYourself \#Empowerment \#LeadershipSkills \#CareerAdvancement \#TrainingProducts \#BookRelease \#GrowthMindset Photo Credit Suzanne Wheatley https://lnkd.in/gjMx7S54

I just sent an email to my librarian email list with top tips for wellbeing. I wanted to remind all of you here that whether you're looking to boost your leadership skills, improve your wellbeing, or align your career with your passion, this course has got you covered. Elevate is your key to a more confident, productive, and purpose-driven career. Sign up now, because the journey to your transformation starts here. And remember, you’re not alone on this path. We're here to support you every step of the way. Urgent Notice: Only One Week Left! Spaces are limited for the July launch. As a participant in the first month, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the course's direction. Don’t miss out on this exclusive chance to be a founding member. If now isn’t the right time for you, please support my mission to make our libraries kinder places to work by sharing this post and link with others who might benefit. Join Elevate Today - https://lnkd.in/eW5KFvch Seize this opportunity before it's gone! \#LeadershipDevelopment \#LibrarianWellbeing \#CareerGrowth \#PersonalDevelopment \#ElevateCourse \#ScarcityMindset \#ProfessionalGrowth \#LibraryLeaders \#TransformationJourney \#ExclusiveOpportunity \#CareerAlignment \#WellbeingTips \#SupportLibrarians \#LimitedTimeOffer \#FoundingMember

Sometimes, professional development can be more than just a career booster—it can be life-changing. I was fortunate to have the University of Westminster fund my PGCert in the Psychology of Kindness and Wellbeing at Work. This experience profoundly impacted me in ways I never anticipated. I've always loved learning, whether it was for fun, like my MA in Film Studies, or for work. But this course was different. Studying and learning about kindness and wellbeing resonated deeply with my values. It took what I had intuitively known about creating a healthy work environment and backed it up with evidence. This journey broadened my perspective. I realized the power of kindness in having difficult conversations, the importance of playing to our strengths, and the barriers that prevent compassion. These insights were not just academic—they were transformative. Now, I’m channeling this knowledge into my work with Elevate and The Kind Librarian Community. I believe that kindness and wellbeing are fundamental to professional success and personal fulfillment. Through these initiatives, I aim to share the principles that have guided my journey and help others integrate them into their own lives and workplaces. Professional development isn’t just about gaining new skills. It’s about aligning with your values, expanding your outlook, and transforming your approach to work and life. I'm here to support you on this journey. Let’s create workplaces where kindness and wellbeing thrive together. https://lnkd.in/gjbNP7wq Photo Credit - Suzanne Wheatley https://lnkd.in/gjMx7S54 \#ProfessionalDevelopment \#KindnessAtWork \#Wellbeing \#CareerGrowth \#ContinuousLearning \#InvestInYourself \#PsychologyOfWork \#Elevate \#KindLibrarianCommunity \#TransformativeLearning \#LeadershipDevelopment \#WorkplaceWellbeing \#GrowthMindset \#Empowerment \#CareerSuccess

Ever wonder how a simple email can snowball into a major crisis? Dive into my latest blog post, where I share an utterly bizarre saga from my former workplace that reads like a farce or thriller novel (depending on my mood—it was a weird time). In a tale that feels ripped from the pages of Kafka, anonymous emails began as mild curiosities and spiralled into a troubling campaign of digital surveillance and untraceable communication. This story is not just about anonymous emails; it's a stark illustration of a larger systemic issue within the organisation—a lack of decisive action where it was desperately needed. How did the organisation respond? With a disconcertingly insufficient approach, mirroring the eerie inaction of Kafkaesque bureaucracies. The impact? Not just on morale and safety but on the very soul of the organisation. When I say organisations are only as good as the worst behaviour they tolerate, I mean this. Click through to read about the profound effects unchecked digital communication can have and why workplaces must take anonymous messages seriously. This isn't just my story—it's a call to action for stronger digital ethics in our work environments. https://lnkd.in/ecFh-gqS #DigitalEthics #WorkplaceSafety #CorporateCulture #Leadership #HR #ToxicWorkplaces #SystemicIssues #Wellbeing #LibraryLeaders