Each week we round up some of the best posts we’ve read that we think you might find useful. We pick posts that will spark ideas you can put into practice.
Why not share your thoughts or favourite posts in the comments below?
No.1 15 Steps to Peak Performance

- Leadership
- Psychology
- Innovation
What?
Following on from Chris Froome’s second victory in the Tour de France, we had to include another cycling related post. Much has been written about the work of Sir Dave Brailsford at British Cycling and Team Sky, but this post from Cranford School of Management analyses the recipe for success better than most.
Why?
With 15 quite distinct ideas here, there is something for everyone. We recommend picking no more than three and taking some time to reflect on how you could apply them in your business. Then do some more research and dig a bit deeper. Don’t forget to share the post with the rest of your team to get their thoughts on how this advice could help. Why not make it a pre-read for your next team meeting?
(Hat tip to Creative Huddle for surfacing this one – highly recommend signing up to their fantastic newsletter)
No.2 Five Strategies to Grow Effective Leaders

- Leadership
- Practical tips
- New managers
What?
Another “listicle”, but this one offers some fresh advice that actually does what it says on the tin. These are all strategic tips that can help you build a strong bench and pipeline of leadership talent. What really resonated with us was the idea that leadership is something that should be encouraged and nurtured at all levels. That comes down to culture and your leadership style.
Why?
Leadership development programmes can be really effective, but what happens afterwards depends on your culture. These strategies can help to create a much more grown up culture of responsibility where everyone acts like a leader. If everyone in your business was thinking like a leader what would that do for innovation, for cost control, for business development?
No.3 Dan Pink on Persuasion
- Influencing Techniques
- Mindset
- Empathy
What?
This is a short animation from the RSA based on a talk by Dan Pink supporting his last book “To Sell is Human”. It sums up the core ideas in the book ,of what it takes to be successful in sales or influencing today. According to Pink it’s about ABC; Attunement, Buoyancy and Clarity.
Why?
The premise of Pink’s book is that “we are all in sales now”. Obviously if you’re in recruitment, you’re in sales and you may feel a little patronised by someone coming in from outside and telling you how to do your job! However, Pink has done his homework and brings a wealth of insight based on sound research from a variety of relevant fields. If you like the video it’s well worth checking out the book.