Skilful Leaders Blog

A thought for the season

By Sally-Anne, 26.12.22

Welcome to my last (occasional) bulletin of the year. These days my writing time is mainly devoted to my book. It’s going slowly. I think I’ve probably deleted more than I’ve written. Who knew that articulating something you know well, and have been working with for years, could be so hard?...

Our home. A tribute.

By Sally-Anne, 26.07.22

Tomorrow, we move house. Goodbye one very large home. Hello one rather small one. It’s the bit in between that’s hard. The massive physical, mental and emotional transition away from the very special place we’ve called home for the past 11 years...

The very model of a modern leader

By Sally-Anne, 20.03.22

As today’s war in Ukraine unfolds, it seems that the indomitable fighting spirit of this Cossack warrior is still very much alive. It is coursing through the veins of the people, in huge numbers, fighting for their freedom. This unifying spirit is undoubtedly the nation’s greatest defence...

For the teacher who changed my life.

By Sally-Anne, 22.01.22

I first encountered the work of Thich Nhat Hanh in 2006. We were away from home, things were tough, and I’d lost my way. Reading the exquisitely simple teachings of his “Peace is Every Step” was the clear, gentle nudge I needed to start looking at things differently...

In all the noise, listen for what matters

By Sally-Anne, 24.12.21

So here we are. Another year over, a new one about to begin. And a time, in all the noise, to carve out some quiet space to take stock. As a boss, parent, partner, colleague, friend – in other words, as a leader, ask yourself these questions...

Day 7: Slow the Pace

By Sally-Anne, 07.02.21

For our last pause together in our 7-day winter series, I encourage you to see pausing as an act of self-kindness. In the simple act of making space and taking a breath, we are being kind to our inner self - that part of us that needs to be heard...

Day 6: Be Compassionately Fearless

By Sally-Anne, 06.02.21

How often on a busy day do you stop and notice what's happening and how you’re reacting to it? Often we’re on autopilot, relying on our habitual judgments of people and events to inform our actions...

Day 5: Gain Perspective

By Sally-Anne, 05.02.21

The 14km ski run that arrives in our village is a bit like a metaphor for life: some parts are gentle and smooth, others steep and difficult, and there are long flat stretches where you have to push yourself along. Overall, it’s glorious and exhilarating, but there are places where it doesn’t feel like that...

Day 4: Embrace Awe

By Sally-Anne, 04.02.21

Embracing awe is very positive for our wellbeing. It gives us a sense of our interconnectedness with Nature and all species, and releases certain chemicals in our body that support our physiological health...