Spa PR recently had the privilege of attending the Leadership Movement, an inspiring event organised by spa industry experts Kay Pennington and Fabienne Guichon-Lindholm at Champneys, Tring. The focus of the event was to explore how we can effectively lead across generations, fostering a purposeful and resilient team in today’s multigenerational workplace.
Understanding Generational Differences
One of the key discussions centered around the distinct characteristics of different generational groups and the best ways to communicate with them. For instance:
Millennials have introduced a strong sense of purpose into the workplace, thrive in a tech-savvy environment, and value teamwork.
Baby Boomers, on the other hand, prioritise stability, prefer a more formal approach, and appreciate face-to-face communication.
While these insights are generalisations, they serve as a valuable reminder that leadership is not one-size-fits-all. Adapting our communication methods to suit different individuals and groups is crucial for achieving the best results. As the workplace continues to evolve, so must our leadership strategies.
Addressing Workplace Challenges
The event also provided a platform for discussing common workplace challenges, including:
• Managing difficult personalities
• Combating isolation for remote workers
• Navigating a lack of ambition among some staff members
• Setting and managing expectations
• Leading through change
A key takeaway was the importance of listening to understand rather than to fix, a principle that can transform leadership effectiveness.
Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Connection
Fabienne and Kay delved into the significance of emotional intelligence and how fostering respect, trust, confidence, and understanding across generations can enhance workplace dynamics.
After a delicious lunch, Kay introduced the concept of the circle of control—an invaluable tool for managing stress and navigating difficult situations. The idea is to focus on what we can control and influence while letting go of concerns beyond our reach, particularly those involving other people’s actions.
Building Resilience and Embracing Boldness
Resilience emerged as a key theme throughout the event. We explored the importance of being bold, staying curious, and embracing vulnerability, as it helps forge deeper connections with others. Additionally, we discussed the seven types of boundaries: mental, emotional, material, internal, conversational, physical, and time – highlighting how consistency in our actions is crucial for turning purpose into lasting habits.
The Role of Personality Assessments
Another insightful discussion revolved around the value of personality tests in leadership. Some attendees shared their experiences with assessments such as Gallup StrengthsFinder and DISC, emphasising their usefulness in understanding team dynamics and personal strengths.
Setting Goals and Unlocking Our Superpowers
The day concluded with individual goal-setting exercises and the empowering concept of putting on our virtual backpack filled with our own superpower, a lovely symbolic reminder to step into our potential and drive our personal and professional lives forward.
The Leadership Movement provided a wealth of inspiration, actionable strategies, and thought-provoking discussions. As leaders, our role is to continuously reimagine the workplace to better serve and support all generations. By embracing adaptability, emotional intelligence, and purposeful leadership, we can create environments where everyone thrives.