Understanding yourself and others is a cornerstone of effective leadership. TTI Insights DISC profiles provide a powerful tool for leaders to enhance communication, build stronger teams, and drive productivity. Whether you're new to leadership or looking to refine your approach, discovering your DISC profile can be a game-changer.
 
In this blog, I’ll explore what DISC profiles are, how they work, and how you can leverage them to transform your leadership style.
 
What Are TTI Insights DISC Profiles?
TTI Insights DISC profiles assess four key behavioural traits: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. By understanding where you and your team members fall on the DISC spectrum, you can tailor your communication, approach to conflict, and leadership strategies to better suit individual needs and strengths.
 
1. Dominance (D) – The Results-Driven Leader
Those high in Dominance are decisive, goal-oriented, and not afraid to take risks. As a leader, this translates to driving results and pushing teams to achieve high standards. However, balancing assertiveness with empathy is crucial to avoid appearing too demanding.

Leadership Tip: Set clear goals and expectations, but also foster an open environment where team members feel comfortable sharing concerns and feedback.
 
2. Influence (I) – The Inspirational Motivator
Influential leaders are charismatic, enthusiastic, and great at rallying the team. They excel at building relationships and fostering a positive work culture. However, they may struggle with details or delivering constructive criticism.

Leadership Tip: Leverage your natural communication skills to inspire and engage, but remember to back enthusiasm with data and clear action plans.
 
3. Steadiness (S) – The Supportive Team Builder
Leaders with high Steadiness are dependable, patient, and great listeners. They build trust and provide stability, creating a harmonious team environment. However, they may struggle with change or making quick decisions.

Leadership Tip: Use your empathetic approach to support your team through challenges but work on becoming more comfortable with risk-taking and change management.
 
4. Compliance (C) – The Detail-Oriented Strategist
Those with high Compliance are analytical, detail-oriented, and uphold high standards of accuracy. They excel in planning and quality control but can be overly critical or hesitant to delegate.

Leadership Tip: Use your strategic thinking to make informed decisions, but avoid analysis paralysis by trusting your team’s capabilities and encouraging creativity.
 
Applying DISC Profiles in Leadership
Understanding your DISC profile is just the first step. To truly transform your leadership style, apply these insights to:

• Enhance Communication: Tailor your communication style to resonate with different team members. For example, be direct with high D individuals and supportive with high S personalities.
• Conflict Resolution: Recognise potential friction points and address conflicts with empathy and understanding.
• Team Development: Leverage the strengths of each profile to build a balanced, high-performing team.

 
Ready to Bring DISC to Your Team?
Curious to see how DISC profiles can enhance your team’s communication and productivity? I’d love to come and run a session with your team, helping them understand their unique profiles and how to work together more effectively. Drop me an email to [email protected] to find out more.
 
Conclusion:
TTI Insights DISC profiles are more than just a personality test—they’re a strategic tool for self-awareness and leadership development. By understanding and adapting to different behavioural styles, you can communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts with ease, and inspire your team to reach their full potential.
 
Ready to discover your DISC profile and transform your leadership style?

As we reach the halfway point of 2024, it's the perfect time to pause, reflect, and take stock of the year so far. Whether you’re an individual looking to achieve personal goals or a business aiming for specific targets, conducting a mid-year review can provide valuable insights and set the stage for a successful second half of the year.
 
Let's embark on a journey to unlock your potential and propel you towards your dreams.
 
1. Celebrate Your Victories
Start by celebrating your wins. What have you achieved so far this year? Acknowledging accomplishments, no matter how small, can boost motivation and provide a sense of progress. Make a list of your key achievements, whether they are personal milestones, professional goals, or business objectives. Remember, each victory is a stepping stone towards your ultimate success.
 
2. Reflect, Reframe, Refocus
With your wins celebrated, it's time to delve deeper into reflection. Reflect on your goals set at the beginning of the year—are they still relevant and achievable? Evaluate your progress against these goals, identifying areas of growth and opportunities for improvement. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities, reframing setbacks as stepping stones towards success. Now, refocus your energies on the goals that truly align with your vision, discarding those that no longer serve your purpose.
 
3. Cultivate Gratitude and Mindfulness
In the hustle and bustle of chasing our goals, it's easy to overlook the simple joys and blessings that surround us each day. Take a moment to cultivate gratitude and mindfulness as integral components of your mid-year review. Reflect on the people, experiences, and lessons that have enriched your journey thus far. Practicing gratitude not only fosters a sense of contentment but also enhances resilience in the face of adversity.
 
4. Foster a Supportive Community
Success is rarely a solo endeavour—it thrives in the fertile soil of collaboration and community. As you navigate your mid-year review, consider reaching out to your network for support and guidance. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your vision and values, uplifting each other on the path to success. Whether through mastermind groups, networking events, or online communities, fostering meaningful connections can amplify your efforts and accelerate your growth.
 
5. Integrate Self-Care Practices
Amidst the whirlwind of goal-setting and action planning, don't forget to prioritize self-care and well-being. Remember, you are the most valuable asset in your journey towards success. Incorporate self-care practices such as mindfulness meditation, exercise, and adequate rest into your daily routine. Nourish your body, mind, and spirit to sustain the energy and resilience needed to pursue your dreams with vigour and vitality.
 
6. Craft Your Action Plan
Armed with insights from your reflection, it's time to craft your action plan for the remainder of the year. Break down your objectives into actionable steps, each with a clear timeline and responsible parties if working within a team. Stay adaptable and open to new strategies, seeking guidance from mentors or peers as needed. Remember, flexibility is key to navigating the ever-changing landscape of success.
 
7. Embrace the Journey
As you embark on the next leg of your journey, remember that success is not just about reaching the destination—it's about the growth and transformation experienced along the way. Stay adaptable and maintain a positive mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth. Keep your motivation high by celebrating small wins and staying focused on the bigger picture. And above all, savour the journey—each step forward is a testament to your courage and determination.
 
Conclusion: Seize the Day
As the curtain rises on the second act of 2024, seize the day with unwavering resolve and boundless optimism. Armed with the insights gleaned from your mid-year review, you stand poised to conquer new heights and unlock your true potential. So, raise your metaphorical sails, chart your course, and set forth into the great unknown. The best is yet to come—here's to a second half filled with growth, prosperity, and fulfilment.
 
Here’s to a productive and successful second half of the year!
 
Explore a wealth of insights on goal-setting, reflection, and personal growth through my podcast, available on all major platforms https://yourpathtocareersuccess.buzzsprout.com/share, and delve deeper into actionable strategies and resources on my blog section. Additionally, for comprehensive assistance in planning your goals, consider leveraging the Your Career Pathway toolkit, brimming with activities designed to empower you on your journey, available for purchase on my website Your Career Pathway Toolkit - THE CAREER OWL.

​ 
#MidYearReview #GoalSetting2024 #ReflectAndPlan #2024Goals #ProgressCheck #HalfYearReview
#PersonalDevelopment #BusinessGoals #StayMotivated #Success2024

The landscape of employment law underwent significant transformation last month, propelled by the concerted efforts of campaigners, industry bodies, and a select group of progressive MPs. These changes underscore the importance of vigilance regarding your rights in the workplace.
 
In this blog, I will delve into the pivotal shifts that have occurred last month, and why understanding these changes is not only prudent but essential for navigating the complexities of modern employment dynamics.
 
Embracing Flexibility: The Employment Rights (Flexible Working) Act 2023
The first key piece of legislation, the Employment Rights (Flexible Working) Act 2023, introduces significant amendments to the statutory process governing flexible working requests. Stemming from changes in working practices catalysed by the Covid-19 pandemic, advancements in technology, and a growing emphasis on diversity in the workforce, the Act heralds a new era of workplace flexibility.
 
What's Changed?
Employees are now empowered to request flexible working from the onset of employment, rather than after 26 weeks of continuous service. Additionally, individuals may submit up to two statutory requests within a 12-month period, compared to the previous limit of one. Furthermore, the burden on employees to justify the impact of proposed changes on business operations has been alleviated, and the timeframe for responding to requests has been condensed from three to two months. Crucially, employers are now required to engage in consultation with employees before refusing a request, necessitating a meeting to discuss the matter.
 
How to Navigate:
My advice would be to initiate a conversation with a prospective employer regarding your need for flexible working even before commencing the application process. It's essential to align yourself with organizations that prioritize and embrace flexible working practices as part of their core values. By engaging in early dialogue, you can gauge the employer's willingness to accommodate your needs and ensure that flexibility is integrated into their organizational culture. Whilst these changes may not manifest overnight, fostering open communication from the outset sets the groundwork for tangible shifts in how flexibility is approached and implemented within organisations.
 
Supporting Caregivers: The Carer’s Leave Act 2023
The second piece of legislation, the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, grants employees the right to take one week of unpaid leave annually to provide or arrange care for a family member with long-term care needs, extending to spouses, civil partners, children, parents, or other dependents.
 
Key Highlights:
Employees can use this leave in flexible ways, allowing for half or full-day absences to accommodate planned caregiving responsibilities. Notably, this entitlement is accessible from the first day of employment and affords employees the same employment protections as other forms of family-related leave, shielding them from dismissal due to caregiving obligations.
 
Enhancing Parental Rights: The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023
The third piece of legislation, the Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023, represents a significant milestone in bolstering redundancy protections for parents in the workforce. Extending existing safeguards afforded during Maternity Leave, Adoption Leave, or Shared Parental Leave to encompass pregnancy and a subsequent period following the return to work, anticipated to span six months, marks a pivotal advancement in parental rights.
 
What to Expect:
Scheduled to take effect on July 24, 2023, this legislation demonstrates a proactive approach toward supporting working parents. However, the actual implementation of these enhanced entitlements awaits the formulation of new regulations by the Secretary of State.
 
Conclusion
Amidst these legislative advancements, notable strides are being made towards fostering a more equitable and supportive workplace environment. The implementation of these enhanced protections signifies a commendable step forward in acknowledging and addressing the diverse needs of employees, particularly in relation to caregiving responsibilities and parental rights.
 
As we navigate these evolving landscapes of employment law, it's crucial to remain vigilant about your rights as an employee. Keeping a watchful eye on developments and understanding your entitlements is paramount in ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
 
Have you encountered challenges with flexible working arrangements? Share your story in the comments below.
 
#EmploymentRights #WorkplaceFairness #KnowYourRights #EmployeeAdvocacy #LegalAdvice #ParentalRights #FlexibleWorking #WorkLifeBalance

Broadly speaking throughout childhood and into adulthood were brought up to believe that there were three broad categories in which people learn: visual learning, auditory learning, and kinesthetic learning. 
 
According to Howard Gardner in his Theory of Multiple Intelligences there are actually 8 different types of intelligence, and understanding this will help with the jigsaw puzzle of knowing how to make your career rewarding or indeed, choosing a career that is a match for you. As a caveat though, critics argue that the Gardner definition of intelligence is too broad and that his eight different \"intelligences\" simply represent talents, personality traits, and abilities. 
 
What are the different types?
1. Verbal-linguistic intelligence
(well-developed verbal skills and sensitivity to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words).          
Do you like reading, writing, telling stories and memorising words along with dates?
Career Pathways: Writer, Speaker, Translator, Politician, Journalist, Lawyer.

2. Logical-mathematical intelligence (ability to think conceptually and abstractly, and capacity to discern logical and numerical patterns).   
Do you like making sense from logic, reasoning, numbers and critical thinking?
Career Pathways: Mathematician, Analyst, Programmer, Scientist, Detective

3. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (ability to control one’s body movements and to handle objects skillfully)  
In general, are you generally good at physical activities such as sports, dance, acting and making things?
Career Pathways: Athlete, Doctor, Actor, Fireman

4. Musical intelligences (ability to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch and timber)  
Do you normally have a good pitch or perfect pitch and are able to sing, play musical instruments and compose music?
Career Pathways: Musician, DJ, Music Therapist, Sound Engineer

5. Interpersonal intelligence (capacity to detect and respond appropriately to the moods, motivations and desires of others)  
Are you sensitive to others’ moods, feelings, temperaments and motivations?   Are you able to communicate effectively and show empathy for others?
Career Pathways: Sales, Leader, Teacher, Entrepreneur

6. Intrapersonal (capacity to be self-aware and in tune with inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes)  
Do you have a deep understanding of your strengths or weaknesses, what makes you unique and are you able to predict your own reactions or emotions?
Career Pathways: Coach, Psychologist, Philosopher

7. Naturalist intelligence (ability to recognise and categorise plants, animals and other objects in nature)  
Do you have a sensitive, ethical and holistic understanding of the world and its complexities? Is the evolution of the world at the heart of everything you do?
Career Pathways: Vet, Environmentalist, Chef, Horticulturist
 
(“Tapping into Multiple Intelligences,” 2004)
 
Since the creation of the original model two additional types have emerged
1. Spatial-visual intelligence (capacity to think in images and pictures, to visualize accurately and abstractly).  Career Pathways: Photographers, Painters, Interior Designers, Graphic Designers, Navigators, Architects
2. Existential intelligence (sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence such as, “What is the meaning of life? Why do we die? How did we get here?” Career Pathways: Philosophers, Writers, Spiritual Leaders, Public Speakers, Meditation Instructors
 
Try it out!
Why not try the test and see what your results are? Visit Intelligence Type Test (idrlabs.com)
 
Whilst I didn’t have a strongest type of intelligence my top 3 were:- Musical Intelligence (handy as I play the violin in a local orchestra!), Interpersonal Intelligence (ability to communicate effectively and understand people’s thoughts) and Naturalistic Intelligence (building relationships in nature), which are handy as a Career Support Specialist!
 
Let me know what you think in the comments below ⬇️
 
Remember, there is no right or wrong answer.  Consider how you might use your top 3 intelligences in your current role.  Alternatively, if you cannot then how might you use it more in your daily life?

#intelligencetests #intelligence #learningtypes

Are you seeking a new career or looking to shift your existing career in 2023?

Whatever you want then lets get started on the next steps…

1. Upskilling your knowledge
Whether you want to learn new skills or hone existing ones will allow you to take advantage of more opportunities, either with your existing employer or with a new opportunity.

2. Networking
For most people, their least favourite activity.  However, when looking for a new role it is really all about who you know.  Building strong connections with other people, both inside and outside your existing organisation, will help you to see things from differing perspectives and might help when you are looking for a new role.

3. Keep your CV/Resume up to date
Having a current CV/Resume will allow you be amongst the first to apply for a role as you never know when your dream role might pop up.  Ask for help from a professional CV writer, such as myself, if you are unsure on what to do.

4. Utilise LinkedIn
Over recent years, more and more recruiters have started to utilise LinkedIn as a means of sourcing candidates (current estimates stand at 97%).  If your profile is incomplete or badly written your profile might not get viewed.

5. Your accomplishments and value
Ultimately a new employer and indeed your existing employer wants to know what value you bring to them.  Take a trip down memory lane and remember the things you have achieved.  Keep a diary or note of any key projects you have been involved in. 

6. Focus on your weaknesses
Looking at the areas that you might need to improve in before you can get promoted or take on additional responsibilities allows you to focus on them.

7. Get professional recognition
Do you work in a sector which has an industry body such as ACCA for Accountancy, CIPD for HR or BACVW for CV Writers? This demonstrates your level of commitment to your job.

8. Ask for feedback
Taking the plunge and asking for constructive feedback from your manager and/or colleagues might seem to be a scary thing to do.  However, it can really help to grow your career and performance if you understand what your strengths, weaknesses and career achievements are.

9. Stay up to date within your industry
This is one area that often is left until you need to do research for a new job opportunity.  Try and take 15-30 mins a week to review the trade press, watch videos or see what influencers are up to in your chosen career field.  It might spark some great ideas.

10. Learn when to say no and when to say yes
Finding where your boundaries are will allow you to prioritise yourself, avoid burnout and can even help to further your career when you have the time to spare.
​
​Succeeding in our ever changing world requires you to clearly think about what you want from a career rather than conforming to the "perceived norm".  Build your personal brand and show the world who you are and what you can bring to them.

#careertips #careerstreamline #reflections

In this increasingly busy world we live in it is not uncommon for people who are older, unemployed, overstressed, balancing family or caring responsibilities or simply tired of working too hard to seek a lower-level position.

If going for an interview for a role which is a step or several steps lower than you previously worked in you may be asked why.  You need to convince the interviewer that you will be fully committed to the role and not just looking for an easy life.

They want to make sure that you fully understand that the salary and responsibilities will be lower than in previous roles and that you are willing to give this up.  They naturally don't want you to get bored or realise that the reduction in salary is too great within a few months.  From a recruiter's point of view that is a bad outcome since recruiting and onboarding a new employee is time consuming and costly.

The best approach is to focus on the attractive elements of your target job so why you are moving towards the lower level job as opposed to moving away from your current higher level role.  

Tip: Make a list of the most appealing aspects of the new role and relate these to your previous roles and what you enjoyed the most.

It can also sometimes be helpful to share more personal reasons why you are interested in a lower-level role e.g. a more manageable schedule or lower stress levels.

An example answer could be
"I am sure you are concerned whether I won't stay in this role long-term.  Actually I am eager to move into this role as I will be able to use the same skills I am using in my current role in a less high-pressure environment.  I like to make a difference to an organisation but would like to step back from some of the high stake stresses of my current role".

Remember to clarify that you are in this for the long haul and how you can add value to the organisation through picking things up faster (show your expertise and qualifications as a plus not a drawback).

You could also strengthen your case further by ending the interview with the question "Are there any concerns you have about my employment that I haven't yet answered?". The key is to alleviate any worries your potential new employer might have.

In conclusion, frame your answer in terms of what is appealing about taking on a lower-level position.

​#lowerposition #careerchange #stepdown 

​In all of our working lives, finding our way through, reflecting and respecting our journey is important, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zone.  A philosophy called 𝙄𝙠𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙞, loosely translated to mean "𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨" encourages you to do this.