Avsnitt
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Lee talks about the critical factors that contribute to career success, encapsulated in the concept of PI: Performance, Image, and Exposure. Lee emphasises that while performance accounts for only 10% of success, image and exposure play significantly larger roles, at 30% and 60% respectively. He discusses the importance of personal, product, and professional branding, urging listeners to consider how they present themselves and their teams. Through real-world examples and insights from conversations with change practitioners, Lee highlights the necessity of aligning branding efforts and increasing visibility to foster trust and credibility within organisations. This episode serves as a guide for individuals and teams looking to enhance their impact and recognition in their professional environments.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Understanding PI for Career Success: Career success is influenced by three factors: Performance (10%), Image (30%), and Exposure (60%). While performance is essential, image and exposure play a more significant role in how individuals are perceived and recognised in their careers.
Three Brand Perspectives: When considering career and team success, it's important to evaluate from three brand perspectives: personal brand (individuals), product brand (the services or products offered), and professional brand (the team or organisation). Each aspect should align to create a cohesive identity.
Authenticity in Exposure: Exposure should be authentic to the individual or team. Engaging in social media or other platforms should reflect one's true self rather than conforming to external expectations. There are various ways to increase exposure that align with personal values.
Building Trust through Reliability and Credibility: Trust is built through demonstrating reliability (performance), credibility (image), and intimacy (exposure). Ensuring that these elements are present can enhance relationships and foster a positive reputation within an organisation.
Importance of Branding and Communication: Change teams should actively manage their image and exposure. This includes having a clear team identity, consistent branding, and effective communication strategies to ensure that their contributions are recognised and valued within the organisation.
BEST MOMENTS
"10% of career success is down to performance, 30% down to the image that you have, and 60% down to your exposure."
"You need to think about performance, image, and exposure to ensure that many people have an opportunity to understand who you are, how you help, and what you do."
"Far too many change people believe that just by doing a good job, people will recognise what they're doing. But unfortunately, that doesn't work."
"If you can get others to build connection with you first, then you've got a far greater chance of having a successful change team."
"You want to make the team stand the test of time, and it comes down to not just doing a good job."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee wraps up the "Big Picture, Big Insights" series, which synthesises the voices of 5,000 individuals from 10 UK organisations to uncover what drives, hinders, and empowers them in achieving their company vision. Lee discusses the final three key themes: culture and morale, communication and collaboration, and work environment and resources. He emphasises the importance of fostering an engaged workforce, transparent communication, and a supportive work environment to enhance employee well-being and productivity. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their organisational culture, ask targeted questions, and take actionable steps to create a thriving workplace. The episode concludes with an invitation to download the comprehensive insights document and reach out for further engagement.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Understanding Culture and Morale: Organisations should focus on transforming their culture from disengaged to empowered by removing negative elements such as low morale and lack of recognition, while fostering a culture of respect, continuous learning, and appreciation.
Enhancing Communication and Collaboration: To shift from chaos to clarity, organisations need to eliminate delayed responses and fragmented updates. Implementing structured communication frameworks and maintaining open channels can significantly improve team interactions and information flow.
Improving Work Environment and Resources: A well-designed work environment is crucial for employee well-being and productivity. Organisations should prioritise modern resources, ergonomic workspaces, and mental health support to create a balanced and supportive atmosphere.
Asking the Right Questions: Leaders are encouraged to engage with their teams by asking targeted questions related to the six key themes identified (systems and processes, people and teams, leadership and strategy, culture and morale, communication and collaboration, work environment and resources) to gather insights and drive improvement.
Taking Action on Insights: Gathering feedback is only the first step; organisations must listen to the responses and take actionable steps to address identified challenges. This proactive approach is essential for fostering a high-performance culture and empowering employees.
BEST MOMENTS
"A negative or stagnant work culture can drain motivation, lower productivity and lead to disengagement."
"We want to shift from disengagement to empowerment, from unrecognised effort to visible appreciation."
"To create a transparent, efficient communication culture, organisations must implement a clear and structured communication framework."
"When employees lack the right tools and support, organisations face remote working inefficiencies."
"The journey to high performance requires addressing inhibitors, enhancing enablers and reinforcing strengths."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Lee continues the discussion on "Big Picture, Big Insights," focusing on two critical themes: people and teams, and leadership and strategy. Drawing insights from 5,000 voices across 10 UK organisations, Lee explores the barriers to achieving business vision from an internal perspective. He highlights the importance of fostering collaboration, psychological safety, and inclusivity within teams while addressing the detrimental effects of silos and poor communication. Additionally, Lee emphasises the need for visible and engaged leadership that aligns with strategic goals to build trust and clarity. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their organisational dynamics and consider how to shift from disconnection to engagement, ultimately enhancing team performance and morale.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Critical Themes for High Performance: The podcast identifies six critical themes that impact organisational performance: systems and processes, people and teams, leadership and strategy, culture and morale, communication and collaboration, and work environment and resources.
Moving from Disconnection to Collaboration: To enhance team dynamics, organisations should focus on eliminating toxic behaviors, fostering psychological safety, and breaking down silos between departments. Key elements to maintain include strong morale, flexibility in working arrangements, and a customer-focused approach.
Leadership Visibility and Engagement: Effective leadership requires visible and accessible leaders who engage meaningfully with employees. Organisations should aim for consistent messaging and strategic clarity to build trust and empower employees to make decisions.
Identifying Challenges: Organisations can assess their engagement and collaboration levels by asking specific questions about employee comfort in sharing ideas, collaboration between teams, recognition of contributions, and the clarity of strategic priorities.
Actionable Steps for Improvement: To transition from disconnection to engagement, organisations must connect with their people, understand their challenges, and facilitate meaningful conversations. This process is essential for gathering insights and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
BEST MOMENTS
"A dysfunctional team environment can severely impact productivity, morale and overall business success when poor communication and isolation take root."
"The two most important metrics in an organisation that are never actually measured are the number of thoughts we are creating in our people and the length of time from those thoughts to conversation to action."
"To create a high performing, inclusive and engaged teams, organisations must cultivate consistent collaboration across departments, breaking down silos."
"A lack of leadership visibility and strategic alignment can leave teams feeling disconnected, uncertain and unsupported."
"If the answers reveal gaps, it's time to move from disconnection to engagement, from mixed messaging to strategic clarity."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee shares exciting insights from a comprehensive study involving the voices of approximately 5,000 individuals across over 10 UK organisations. The discussion centers around six key themes that drive success in high-performing teams: systems and processes, people and teams, leadership and strategy, culture, morale, communication and collaboration, and work environment and resources. Lee emphasises the importance of understanding the current realities and aspired futures within these themes, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by senior leaders, such as getting trapped in operational issues and fostering silos within leadership teams. The episode aims to provide practical approaches to overcome these challenges, starting with a deep dive into the theme of systems and processes, and sets the stage for further exploration in upcoming episodes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Insights from 5,000 Voices: The podcast discusses insights gathered from approximately 5,000 individuals across over 10 UK organisations, focusing on what drives, hinders, and empowers them in achieving their team and company visions.
Six Key Themes Identified: The analysis revealed six critical themes essential for high-performing teams: systems and processes, people and teams, leadership and strategy, culture and morale, communication and collaboration, and work environment and resources.
Leadership Challenges: Senior leaders face recurring challenges, including getting trapped in daily operational issues, lack of alignment within leadership teams, and managing a disengaged workforce, which can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
Importance of Systems and Processes: Efficient systems and processes are crucial for operational success. Organisations should aim to eliminate legacy software, paper-based processes, and overly complex approval structures while integrating tools that enhance collaboration and provide real-time insights.
Cultural Definition: Culture is defined as the sum of all habits, behaviours, and routines within an organisation. Understanding and improving these elements can significantly impact motivation, engagement, and overall organisational performance.
BEST MOMENTS
"We've captured the voices of about 5,000 people from approximately 10 UK organisations sharing what drives, what hinders and what empowers them in achieving their team and company vision."
"Culture is the sum of all the habits, behaviours, and routines that exist within your team, function, business, or family."
"When we've engaged with all of these people, there's a bias towards those on the front line, not those at the top of the tree."
"Disengaged teams increase costs and erode performance."
"People, processes, and information need to flow together and support each other."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee explores the critical role of people in driving improvement within organisations. Drawing from recent experiences in delivering improvement training, Lee emphasises that while tools and methodologies are essential, they must be aligned with the right habits, behaviours, and a clear purpose to be effective. He discusses the importance of creating a culture where individuals feel empowered to identify and address issues, highlighting the need for both top-down direction and bottom-up collaboration. Lee encourages listeners to think differently and engage in meaningful conversations that foster connection and collaboration, ultimately leading to high performance and successful outcomes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Importance of People in Improvement: Improvement is fundamentally about people. Engaging, aligning, and influencing individuals is crucial for achieving desired outcomes in any organisation.
Connection of Tools and Behaviors: Tools such as skills matrices and visual management should be utilised to influence the right habits and behaviors. They must be aligned with the organisation's goals and purpose to be effective.
Culture and Habits: The culture of an organisation is shaped by the habits, behaviors, and routines of its people. Recognising and addressing these elements is essential for fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches: Effective improvement requires both top-down direction and bottom-up idea generation. Leaders should set expectations and role model behaviors while also creating safe spaces for employees to share their thoughts and solutions.
Continuous Engagement and Reflection: Improvement is an ongoing process that involves connecting, conversing, collaborating, and celebrating achievements. Regular reflection on these interactions helps reinforce positive behaviors and drives continuous improvement.
BEST MOMENTS
"Improvement needs to be a factor in everybody's role, but we outsource it to change teams."
"High performance is a demonstrable evidence of the right habits and behaviors, consistently doing the right thing at the right time."
"If you see something out of the ordinary, what's out of the ordinary to you might not be out of the ordinary to somebody else."
"You've got to think and do to achieve. You've got to think different."
"It's all about the people, but it's about how we are influencing people, engaging people, aligning with people."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee Horton delves into the critical importance of understanding both the destination and the starting point when creating a vision for an organisation. He emphasises that while many companies focus on their aspirational goals, they often overlook the current state of their teams and the challenges they face. Lee provides insightful questions to help leaders engage with their teams, uncovering what is working well, what hinders progress, and what support is needed to bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Understanding the Current State: Before setting a vision or goal, it's crucial to assess where the organisation currently stands. Knowing the starting point allows for a more effective strategy to reach the desired destination.
Engagement Through Questions: Engaging team members by asking targeted questions about their current challenges, frustrations, and what works well can provide valuable insights. This helps in understanding their perspective and meeting them where they are.
Three Key Aspects of Vision: When working on a vision, consider three components: where you want to go, where you are now, and how to bridge the gap between the two. This holistic approach ensures that everyone is aligned and understands the journey.
Focus on Empowerment and Support: Identifying moments when team members felt supported and empowered can help recreate those conditions. Understanding what keeps them engaged is essential for fostering a motivated workforce.
Stop, Start, Continue Framework: Utilise the stop, start, continue framework to evaluate current practices. Determine what should be stopped (hindrances), what should be continued (successful practices), and what new actions should be initiated to achieve the vision.
BEST MOMENTS
"Rather than talking about the destination, the word you want to get to, the big goal for next year, five years, 10 years, I want to talk to you about where are you today?"
"What are your biggest challenges or frustrations that you face in your daily work?"
"When people feel like and are genuinely listened to, cared for and supported, then they will give that back."
"Don't just focus on the future. Absolutely start with the ending mind. But also take a moment to understand where we are today."
"You can only understand where they are starting from if you meet them where they are."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee talks about the critical role of habits, behaviours, and routines in shaping organisational culture. He introduces the concept of the "5Rs" for successful habit formation: Reason, Readiness, Routine, Repetition, and Results. Lee emphasises the importance of clarity and simplicity in defining what should happen within teams and organisations, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own practices. By exploring each of the 5Rs, he provides practical insights on how to foster a more engaged and inclusive culture, ultimately guiding individuals and teams toward meaningful contributions and desired outcomes. Tune in to discover how to effectively implement these principles in your own business environment.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Definition of Culture: Culture is defined as the sum of all habits, behaviours, and routines within a team, department, or organisation. Understanding this definition is crucial for fostering a positive workplace environment.
Five Rs for Successful Habit Formation: The five Rs—Reason, Readiness, Routine, Repetition, and Results—are essential for creating and maintaining effective habits. Each R addresses a specific aspect of habit formation that contributes to personal and organisational success.
Importance of Clarity: Clarity in what should happen daily is vital for effective habit formation. Everyone involved should understand their roles and responsibilities to ensure alignment and engagement towards common goals.
Role of Accountability: Readiness involves not only personal belief in one's ability to succeed but also having external accountability. This support system is crucial for maintaining motivation and commitment to the desired habits.
Reflection and Adaptation: Regular reflection on the results achieved is necessary to ensure that the habits and routines are effective. Understanding what success looks, sounds, and feels like helps in adjusting strategies to stay on the right path.
BEST MOMENTS
"The definition of culture is the sum of all of the habits, behaviors, and routines that exist within."
"We need to make it clear and simple what should happen and is what should happen happening."
"If you're not ready to start today, are you really ready?"
"How often do you need to do these things to get the results? And are you doing it enough?"
"The five R's of successful habit formation are what I spoke about."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee explores the concept of leadership and the importance of aligning one's habits, behaviours, and routines with their job title. Drawing on Aristotle's idea that "excellence is not an act but a habit," Lee emphasises that simply holding a title does not make someone a true leader. He shares personal anecdotes, including his experience training for marathons, to illustrate how consistency in actions defines our identities. The episode highlights the significance of building trust through reliability and understanding the expectations of those we lead. Lee encourages listeners to engage in open conversations about leadership styles and to seek alignment with their teams to foster high performance.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Excellence as a Habit: True excellence is not defined by job titles or occasional acts but by the consistent habits and behaviours we exhibit in our roles.
Leadership Consistency: Effective leadership requires consistent actions and behaviours that align with the expectations of those being led. Leaders must be aware of how their actions are perceived by others.
Trust and Reliability: Building trust as a leader involves being credible and reliable. Leaders should consistently follow through on their commitments to foster trust within their teams.
Alignment of Expectations: Successful leadership hinges on a mutual understanding of expectations between leaders and their teams. Open communication about what is expected from both sides is crucial.
Self-Reflection and Feedback: To be perceived as a leader, one must engage in self-reflection and seek feedback from others. Understanding how others view your leadership style is essential for growth and alignment.
BEST MOMENTS
"Excellence is not an act but a habit. What are your habits that you are displaying?"
"Just because you've got the job title, it does not mean that you are the thing."
"We cannot pick and choose when we want to be a leader because we don't know who is seeing what we do."
"The number one reason for people leaving organisations is the leadership, the leader that they've had."
"If you want to be a leader in everybody's eyes, then they've got to see, hear, feel and think about you as a leader."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee Horton delves into the critical role of setting clear expectations in leadership and team dynamics. He emphasises that expectations should be a shared understanding between leaders and their teams, forming the foundation for trust, collaboration, and success. Drawing an analogy from Santa Claus, Lee illustrates how genuine connection and clarity can lead to delightful surprises rather than unwelcome ones in the workplace. He outlines three essential steps for leaders: listening deeply to their teams, collaboratively setting expectations, and connecting meaningfully with individuals. By prioritising these elements, leaders can unlock creativity, innovation, and stronger relationships within their teams, ultimately driving better results.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Importance of Clear Expectations: Expectations should be a shared understanding between parties. When they are clear, aligned, and agreed upon, they form the foundation for trust, collaboration, and success. Connection is Key: Building genuine connections on a human level is essential for effective leadership. This includes understanding team members' strengths, motivations, and challenges, as well as fostering a two-way connection. Three Steps for Leaders: To enhance connection and set expectations effectively, leaders should: 1. Listen deeply to their teams to understand their needs and aspirations. 2. Set expectations collaboratively, clarifying what should happen while co-creating how it will happen. 3. Connect meaningfully with team members, moving beyond transactional relationships to build trust and rapport. Two-Way Street of Leadership: Leadership involves both top-down and bottom-up communication. Leaders must provide direction while also empowering their teams to contribute ideas and solutions, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. Unlocking Potential: When leaders prioritise connection and set clear expectations, they unlock not just the potential for results, but also for creativity, innovation, joy, and strong relationships within the team.BEST MOMENTS
"An expectation is a shared understanding of what is desired, required, and possible between two or more people."
"When people understand each other, when there's genuine two-way connection, expectations are met and surprises are welcome."
"Missed expectations lead to frustration, they lead to conflict, leads to disengagement."
"Leaders must build genuine relationships with their people. Leadership isn't a one-way street."
"Expectations are powerful, but only when they're clear, aligned and agreed upon."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee dives into the critical leadership challenges of 2025, emphasising the importance of connecting with people during times of change. Reflecting on his past messages, Lee highlights that effective leadership is not just about tools and processes but fundamentally about engaging the head, heart, and hands of team members. He discusses the necessity of asking better questions, fostering emotional buy-in, and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully. Lee also addresses the need for transparent communication, collaboration across silos, and balancing technology with the human touch. This episode serves as a rallying cry for leaders to embrace genuine connections and inspire their teams to navigate change effectively.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Focus on People-Centric Leadership: The defining leadership challenge for 2025 is leading people through change. Successful leadership hinges on the ability to connect with and empower individuals, fostering understanding, trust, and commitment.
Engage the Head, Heart, and Hands: Effective leadership requires engaging people intellectually (head), emotionally (heart), and practically (hands). This holistic approach ensures that change is not just implemented but embraced.
Tailor Communication: Understanding the unique needs, motivations, and challenges of team members is crucial. Leaders should ask better questions and communicate transparently to build trust and ensure everyone feels valued.
Break Down Silos: Collaboration across teams and functions is essential for successful change. Leaders must encourage teamwork and collective progress, moving away from siloed thinking to a shared vision and purpose.
Balance Technology with Humanity: While technology can enhance efficiency, it cannot replace the human touch necessary for effective leadership. Leaders should use technology to support communication and foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
BEST MOMENTS
"The defining leadership challenge for 2025 is leading people through change. It’s about people because leaders are people in change."
"Engaging the head, heart, and hands of your people ensures that change isn't just implemented, it is embraced."
"Connection is more than a buzzword. It's the foundation of effective leadership and successful transformation."
"You need to tailor your communication to meet them where they are, considering their unique needs, motivations, and challenges."
"The greatest challenge of 2025 is also the greatest opportunity to lead change and people in a true way that connects and inspires."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee reflects on his journey through 2024, a year marked by significant personal and professional challenges, including completing both the London Marathon and an Ultra Marathon. He shares insights on the importance of setting meaningful goals and the need to prioritise time with loved ones, particularly as his children grow older. Lee emphasises the value of being present and making conscious choices about how to spend time, rather than simply exchanging time for money. He introduces his upcoming book, which aims to document critical success factors for sustainable change and people leadership, and encourages listeners to adopt a more ambitious and strategic approach to their own goals in 2025. The episode serves as a motivational reminder to think differently and take actionable steps towards achieving personal and professional aspirations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Value of Time: The importance of prioritising time with loved ones over solely focusing on work and financial goals is important, to consciously make choices on how to spend your time.
Goal Setting: Setting ambitious and meaningful goals is crucial. Instead of waiting for a new year or a specific date, one should take immediate action towards their aspirations, ensuring that goals are strategic, meaningful, ambitious, real, and targeted.
Reflection and Learning: Taking time to reflect on past experiences, such as completing marathons, can provide valuable insights into personal growth and the importance of gradual progress in achieving larger goals.
Authentic Connection: Building authentic connections and relationships is essential for personal and professional growth. The focus should be on championing and coaching others while maintaining a leadership role.
Daily Actions for Change: To achieve significant differences in life, it is necessary to think differently and take consistent actions towards goals every day. Small, incremental steps can lead to substantial progress over time.
BEST MOMENTS
"If there's something that actually makes you feel that you want to succeed, then you've got to really double down and go for it."
"At the time when I might be ready, they might not want me."
"You have to think and do different to achieve difference."
"I want to provide an opportunity for other people to find about these things that I believe are the critical success factors for sustainable change."
"Make sure it's by a particular date that you're aiming for."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee Horton addresses a critical challenge faced by change teams in large organisations: the need to practice what they preach. He emphasises the importance of change teams not only facilitating change for others but also engaging in self-improvement and problem-solving within their own functions. Lee discusses the necessity of creating a supportive environment that encourages the identification and resolution of problems, rather than outsourcing all improvement efforts to change teams. He advocates for empowering individuals at all levels to treat continuous improvement as part of their daily roles, ensuring that change teams are focused on meaningful work that aligns with the organisation's goals. Tune in for insights on how to enable change teams to succeed and make improvement a collective responsibility.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Practice What You Preach: Change teams often fail to apply the principles of change management to their own processes, which can hinder their effectiveness. It's essential for these teams to embody the change they advocate for.
Empower Problem Solving: Organisations should create an environment that encourages individuals to identify and solve problems proactively, rather than relying solely on change teams to address issues.
Prioritise Meaningful Work: Change teams should focus on strategic problem definitions and prioritise their activities based on organisational goals, rather than just responding to the loudest voices or immediate demands.
Continuous Improvement as a Core Activity: Improvement should be integrated into the daily roles of all employees, encouraging them to take ownership of their processes and suggest enhancements.
Collaborative Approach to Change: Successful change initiatives require collaboration across departments, with change teams facilitating improvements rather than being solely responsible for them. This collective effort is crucial for achieving organisational goals.
BEST MOMENTS
"Change teams hate more than anybody else having to go through and be changed."
"We need to create the right safe environment where problems can be found, opportunities can be found, ideas can be had and shared."
"The change team is not there to just deliver the wish list of a single person."
"If we can get over that, then we can create the right environment to deliver change successfully."
"Do not let your change team fail because of poorly set up and not working on the right stuff."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee explores the dual roles of change teams within businesses likening them to doctors and fitness instructors. He emphasises the importance of aligning change initiatives with long-term strategic goals rather than focusing solely on short-term fixes. Lee discusses the critical need for change teams to enhance their image and exposure by demonstrating their contributions to organisational success. He advocates for breaking down silos between functions and fostering collaboration towards a common destination, ultimately enabling teams to work more effectively together. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own change processes and consider how to better align daily activities with overarching objectives for sustained improvement.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Change Teams' Focus: Change teams can be likened to either doctors, who address specific pain points and problems, or fitness instructors, who focus on building capability and skills within the organisation. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective change management.
Long-term vs. Short-term Thinking: Organisations often prioritise short-term gains over long-term success, which can lead to the undervaluation of change teams. A strategic approach should focus on aligning activities with long-term goals rather than just immediate fixes.
Importance of Image and Exposure: Career success is influenced by performance (10%), image (30%), and exposure (60%). Change teams need to effectively communicate their value and contributions to enhance their image and increase their visibility within the organisation.
Alignment with Strategic Intent: For change teams to be effective, their activities must align with the organisation's strategic goals. This requires clear communication and understanding of how daily contributions support the overall destination the organisation is trying to achieve.
Collaboration Over Competition: Breaking down silos between different functions (e.g., finance, sales, operations, HR) is essential for achieving collective success. By connecting on a shared purpose and destination, teams can work together more effectively and maximise the value of their contributions.
BEST MOMENTS
"Change teams often chase short-term victories over long-term success because everybody's trying to justify the job that they're doing."
"We need to connect together on a destination and achieve success together. Don't compete, connect."
"If you can demonstrate to people that your change teams are supportive of your destination, it will enable them to increase their positive image."
"We need to gain real alignment and connection to people, daily contribution to the strategic intent."
"Nobody comes to work to do a bad job, but we just don't help them do a good job."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Join Lee as he talks about the critical concepts of psychological safety and safe spaces within organisations. Drawing from his recent experiences delivering training to diverse groups from various cultures, Lee emphasises the importance of creating environments where individuals feel secure to share their thoughts and ideas. He highlights key takeaways from his sessions, such as the value of silent brainstorming to ensure equal participation and the significance of asking follow-up questions to demonstrate genuine interest in others. Lee advocates for connecting on a human level and fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels empowered to contribute, ultimately leading to more effective teamwork and innovation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Importance of Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where individuals feel psychologically safe is crucial for encouraging open communication and sharing of ideas. This involves both internal and external factors that contribute to a person's comfort in expressing themselves.
Silent Brainstorming: Implementing silent brainstorming sessions allows everyone to have an equal opportunity to share their thoughts without being overshadowed by dominant voices. This method fosters inclusivity and ensures that all perspectives are considered.
Asking the Second Question: Engaging in deeper conversations by asking follow-up questions demonstrates genuine interest and care. This practice not only strengthens relationships but also encourages individuals to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings.
Human Connection: Fostering connections on a human level is essential. Using relatable icebreakers, such as asking about what someone had for dinner, can help individuals feel more comfortable and open up in group settings.
Adaptability in Communication: Recognising that people have different communication styles is vital. Adapting your approach based on the individuals present can enhance the effectiveness of interactions and ensure that everyone feels valued and heard.
BEST MOMENTS
"Many organizations aspire to create environments that encourage psychological safety for their individuals, but also creating safe spaces."
"Silent brainstorming allowed the individuals the same space, the same time, the same opportunity to share their thinking."
"We need to take this into personal conversations as well as business or coaching conversations because it demonstrates that we care."
"Psychological safety, providing safe spaces is key to connecting with people but it comes down to how we go about doing it."
"If you want people to share their thoughts, you need them to feel safe, but you also need to create the space for them to do it."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee explores the critical relationship between tools and the mindset of individuals in the realm of continuous improvement. Building on a previous discussion, Lee emphasizes that while various improvement methodologies, such as Lean and 5S, provide valuable frameworks, the true essence of successful change lies in fostering a culture of critical thinking and respect for people. He explores popular tools like value stream mapping and Kanban, highlighting the importance of asking the right questions to instil a mindset focused on problem identification, customer centricity, and proactive improvement. Ultimately, Lee argues that creating a thinking culture is paramount for achieving different results and driving meaningful change within organisations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Focus on Thinking, Not Just Tools: The essence of improvement lies in developing people's thinking rather than merely deploying tools. Continuous improvement and respect for people are fundamental principles that should guide all change initiatives.
Value Stream Mapping: This tool is not just about mapping processes but about fostering a mindset that encourages holistic thinking, customer-centricity, and problem identification. The goal is to help individuals think differently to achieve better results.
5S and Workplace Organization: Implementing 5S goes beyond maintaining cleanliness and order. It aims to instil discipline, ownership, and a continuous improvement mindset among employees, encouraging them to recognize and address inefficiencies.
Encouraging Continuous Improvement: Regularly asking questions about small improvements, frustrations, and outdated processes helps cultivate an improvement mindset. This approach fosters collaboration, proactivity, and a belief that there is always room for enhancement.
Critical Thinking in Problem Solving: Tools like root cause analysis and the "5 Whys" are designed to promote critical thinking and accountability. The focus should be on creating a culture where individuals are empowered to identify problems and seek solutions, reinforcing the importance of thinking in driving effective change.
BEST MOMENTS
"It's about continuous improvement and respect for people. Those two things are not in isolation."
"If we can help people think better, then we're creating more ideas and thoughts in those people to make the world a better place."
"We want to try to create thinking. We want people to be able to spot the opportunities for improvement."
"It's not just so we can have a Kanban. It's not so we can just deploy a tool. It's because we're trying to create thinking in people."
"We need to create thinking in people first."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee explores into the often over looked aspects of training sessions, emphasising the importance of aligning language and definitions to ensure effective learning. He challenges listeners to think differently about their approach to training, whether as participants or facilitators and highlights the necessity of creating actionable plans that integrate learning into everyday practices. Lee shares practical strategies for fostering accountability, such as assigning ownership of action items and encouraging personal commitments from participants. By focusing on these elements, he aims to help organisations maximise their investment in training and achieve meaningful, lasting change.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Think and Do Different: To achieve different results, it's essential to not only think differently but also to take actionable steps based on that new thinking. Training should inspire participants to implement what they've learned.
Alignment of Language: Ensuring that all participants have a shared understanding of key terms and concepts is crucial. Misalignment in definitions can lead to confusion and ineffective application of knowledge.
Action Plans for Application: Capturing tangible actions during training sessions helps cement learning. Each action should have a designated owner and a timeline for accountability, ensuring that the knowledge gained is applied in the workplace.
Integration into Existing Routines: Actions derived from training should be integrated into regular meeting rhythms to maintain focus and accountability. This prevents the need for separate discussions about training outcomes and promotes ongoing application.
Personal Commitment: Encouraging participants to make personal commitments to change fosters accountability. Sharing these commitments with the group increases investment in the learning process and encourages follow-through after the training session.
BEST MOMENTS
"You have to think and do different to achieve different."
"When you get back from holiday, the first day back it then seems like it's been months since you've had a holiday."
"Alignment of language is key, especially in a training room."
"We want applied learning. We want people to take the knowledge that they're getting in the training room and apply that learning in the workplace."
"If you don’t do that, then you’re going to have to have another meeting to just talk about the output of that meeting."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee talks through the critical role of questioning in successful change management. Drawing from his extensive experience since 2006, Lee emphasises that while tools and methodologies are essential, the true key to effective change lies in understanding and asking the right questions. He argues that change practitioners should prioritise developing their questioning skills and the principles behind those questions rather than solely focusing on tools. By engaging the minds, hearts, and hands of individuals, change practitioners can facilitate meaningful transitions and foster a culture of ownership and engagement. Tune in to explore how shifting the focus from tools to thinking can lead to more sustainable and successful change initiatives.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Prioritise Questions Over Tools: Successful change management should focus on asking the right questions and understanding the principles behind those questions, rather than solely relying on tools and frameworks.
Engagement is Crucial: The ability to engage with people is critical for successful change. Change practitioners must work to understand and connect with individuals to facilitate a positive transition.
Understanding Change Dynamics: Change is fundamentally about transitioning people from one state to another. This requires a deep understanding of the thinking, habits, and behaviours of those involved in the change process.
Create a Safe Environment for Thinking: It’s essential to foster an environment where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions about change.
Focus on Meaningful Outcomes: Change practitioners should aim to create clarity around goals and desired outcomes, ensuring that these goals resonate with the people involved, making them feel real and meaningful.
BEST MOMENTS
"Our ability to work with people, our ability to engage with people is critical in the success of landing change."
"It's not about tools, it's not about people, it's about thinking and our ability to ask the right question."
"If you want to create new thinking, new habits, new behaviours, you need to create more thinking by asking better questions."
"Don't ask what tools do we need to teach our change practitioners. Ask what questions need to be created in our change practitioners."
"Success is changing the thinking of our people, engaging the heads, engaging the hearts, engaging the hands in a meaningful way."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee talks about the importance of asking the right questions as a leader and the impact it has on coaching and developing people. He emphasises that effective leadership is not just about managing tasks or providing answers, but about fostering thought and reflection in others. Horton discusses the need to balance managing, leading, and coaching, highlighting that change should be an everyday part of business rather than a one-off project. He advocates for a humann centered approach to improvement, where continuous growth and respect for individuals are paramount. By connecting on a personal level and engaging teams in meaningful conversations, leaders can inspire a highly engaged workforce dedicated to making incremental improvements every day.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Coaching Through Questions: Asking questions is a powerful tool for coaching, but the true success lies in generating thought and reflection in the individuals being asked, rather than simply obtaining answers.
Situational Leadership: Effective leadership requires a balance of managing tasks, leading people, and coaching gaps. The approach should be tailored to the specific situation and the needs of the individuals involved.
Continuous Improvement: Change should be integrated into daily operations rather than treated as a one-off project. Engaging employees in continuous improvement fosters a culture where everyone contributes to enhancing processes and outcomes.
Respect for People: Emphasising respect for individuals and their contributions is crucial. A highly engaged organisation thrives on mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improvement.
Holistic Engagement: To achieve organisational success, it is essential to engage employees' heads (through thought-provoking questions), hearts (by inspiring them towards a common goal), and hands (by involving them in meaningful work).
BEST MOMENTS
"The success of asking a question is not in receiving an answer, but in generating thoughts in the people that we've asked the question of."
"Change needs to be, or should be, an everyday business as usual part of every single role because those who do the work know most about it."
"If we truly embraced those two principles, joined them together and made them business as usual for everybody, then everybody will be working to do the right thing at the right time every single time."
"It's about improving that task at hand as well in a collaborative way."
"Change and leadership is not black and white because not every person is the same."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee explores the critical concept of empowering the right person to do the right thing at the right time, every single time. He emphasises the importance of clarity in roles and responsibilities within an organisation, highlighting that not everyone is the right person for every task. Lee discusses how leaders can create an enabling environment through clear expectations, open communication, and trust, allowing individuals to act confidently based on their awareness and experiences. By fostering a culture where responsibility is shared and acted upon with urgency, leaders can ensure their teams thrive. Tune in to discover practical approaches to enhance operational excellence and empower your team effectively.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Empowerment of the Right Person: It's crucial for leaders to identify and empower the right individuals within their teams to take responsibility and act at the right time, rather than assuming that everyone should handle every situation.
Clarity in Roles and Responsibilities: Clear communication of roles and responsibilities is essential to prevent confusion and ensure that team members know when they are the right person to act.
Setting Clear Expectations: Leaders must establish clear standards and expectations for what constitutes the "right thing" to do in various situations, aligning these with the organization's goals and values.
Creating an Enabling Environment: An environment that fosters trust, open communication, and support is vital for empowering team members to act confidently and appropriately when they are the right person.
Understanding Timing: Knowing when to act is as important as knowing what to do. Leaders should cultivate a sense of urgency and awareness of timing within their teams to ensure actions are taken at the appropriate moments.
BEST MOMENTS
"A successful environment is one where the right individual steps up at the right time, without confusion over roles and responsibilities."
"The right thing really should align with expectations and standards."
"Leaders must provide clear expectations of what the right thing looks like for various roles and situations."
"When the right person does the right thing at the right time, it's a reflection of the environment that the leader has cultivated."
"You want the choice to be crystal clear and you want them to act appropriately at the right time."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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Lee talks about the significance of language in the context of business improvement. He explores the use of Japanese terminology, often adopted from Toyota's principles, and the debates surrounding the choice between using familiar English words or introducing new terms. Lee emphasises that words are merely labels and that the real challenge lies in the thoughts and actions they inspire in others. He presents three approaches to introducing new concepts: challenging existing definitions, using foreign words to bypass biases, or creating entirely new terms. Ultimately, Lee underscores the importance of aligning language with the desired actions to ensure that everyone is doing the right thing at the right time, every time.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Language as Labels: Words are merely labels for concepts or objects, and the meanings we attach to them can vary significantly among individuals. Understanding this can help in effective communication and change management.
Three Approaches to Language in Improvement: When introducing new concepts, one can either challenge existing definitions, use foreign terms to avoid biases, or create entirely new words. Each approach has its own implications for understanding and acceptance.
Importance of Thought Creation: The primary goal of using language is to create specific thoughts in others that lead to desired actions. It's essential to focus on the thoughts generated by the words used rather than the words themselves.
Emotional Connection: Words and actions should aim to evoke feelings, as emotions play a crucial role in influencing behaviour. As Maya Angelou famously said, people may forget what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel.
Alignment of Thinking and Action: To achieve effective outcomes, it is vital to align the thinking of individuals with the desired actions. Misalignment can lead to confusion and hinder progress, making it crucial to ensure clarity in communication.
BEST MOMENTS
"Words are just labels that we give that thing... and we may use the same word to articulate a completely different point."
"It comes down to the thinking and the thoughts that are created with the words that we use."
"The name of something is just a label. It's the thinking that you're creating in the people that you are wanting to do something that is important."
"It's a thinking challenge, not a new dictionary challenge. We want to create the right thoughts in the people to do the right thing."
"People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but never forget how you made them feel."
HOST BIO
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194 Lee@leehoughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
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