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Latest news and views from the Academy, ILM, CMI and the Institute for Leadership

Servant Leadership Explained: Key Advantages and Everyday Actions
Every so often, a leadership idea resurfaces that feels less like a framework and more like a reminder of what people have been craving all along. Servant leadership is one of those concepts. Though Robert K. Greenleaf first gave it a name back in 1970, its heartbeat is much older: the belief that leadership begins

How High-Trust Leadership Transforms Teams and Performance
High-trust leadership changes everything about how a team works, communicates, delivers and how they respond to their boss. When people genuinely trust their leader, they step forward with confidence, share openly, bring their best thinking to the table and feel comfortable challenging the status quo. As trust becomes embedded in the team culture it strengthens

Trust, Strategy and the Big Dog Effect: Leadership Lessons from The Celebrity Traitors
The Celebrity Traitors has sparked conversation for many reasons here at the Academy it goes beyond the entertainment factor. It is more than just a game. For us, it has offered an insightful study in group dynamics and a credible simulation of what happens in the workplace when you bring together a group of peers

Stakeholder Management: A Core Leadership Skill for Lasting Impact
As an aspiring leader, one truth is clear: you cannot succeed alone. Every project, initiative, or vision depends on people: those who fund it, deliver it, support it, or are affected by it. That is why mastering stakeholder management is not just a nice-to-have skill. It is a cornerstone of leadership. “A stakeholder in an

Leading Through Performance Management: Coaching Your Team to Success
Performance management can often be a thorny topic for our leadership learners. At the Academy of Leaders and Management, we see performance management as more than a system. We see it as leadership in action. It’s where strategy meets people. The successful leaders we work with don’t just manage; they mentor, coach, and inspire individuals

Becoming an Inspirational Leader: Lessons Beyond the Movies
We can’t all be like John Keating, the charismatic teacher from Dead Poets Society who leaps onto desks and urges his students to “seize the day.” His style was memorable, but inspiration doesn’t need to depend on theatrical gestures. True leadership is about sparking growth, unity, and commitment in others, often in quieter, more consistent

Talent Development: A Strategic Priority for Leaders
Attracting, developing, and retaining talented people is one of the most powerful ways leaders can drive long-term success for their team and the business. So what is Talent Development? According to the CIPD, talent management is about identifying, engaging, and deploying individuals who are particularly valuable to an organisation. For managers, the challenge is to

Thrilled to Share Our Ofsted Achievement
We’re proud to share that The Academy of Leadership & Management has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted. The ‘Good’ rating has been achieved across the board including: education, behaviour, personal development, leadership, and apprenticeships. The Ofsted inspectors praised our motivated learners, respectful learning culture, and high-quality work. The report highlighted that many

Master Active Listening
Are you really listening, or just waiting to speak? If you’re in coaching or leadership then mastering ‘Active Listening’ is non-negotiable. It’s more than just hearing words and the occasional nod. It’s about tuning into tone, expression, and unspoken cues. It’s a 2 way process too. So put away distractions, show you are listening and

6 Career Questions Future Leaders Ask
Ever leave a 1:1 feeling like you could’ve got more out of it? Check out our 6 impactful questions future leaders can ask in 1:1s. Plus we explain how each question shows your boss that you’re thinking ahead, open to growth, and ready for more responsibility. These questions aren’t just conversation starters, they’re career builders.

Why Knowing Your Sphere of Influence Helps You Grow as a Leader
Leadership isn’t just about your job title. It’s about how you show up, who you impact, who you connect with and how you shape the workplace around you. That’s why identifying your personal sphere of influence is such a powerful tool for anyone looking to grow as a leader. Let’s break down what your ‘Sphere

Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI
As AI continues to reshape the workplace, one thing remains true: what sets us apart as leaders isn’t how fast we process data instead it’s how we learn through experience, connect with others, and adapt in real time. Emotional intelligence is at the heart of our leadership skills. Unlike AI, we don’t just analyse situations,

Dependable, Respected and Overlooked: The Mid-Manager’s Trap
The career path from mid-manager to executive leader can be tricky and you may often wonder why your hard work and diligence hasn’t been rewarded with promotion. Take a beat and consider why you’re stuck. This may surprise you but being known as the dependable finisher completer could be exactly why you are overlooked for

Active Listening: The Skill Every Coach and Leader Needs
Organisations talk a lot, leaders talk a lot but who is actually listening? Active listening is a skill often overlooked as a sign of a good leader. People may even think they are good listeners but are they really actively listening and in turn understanding and connecting? If you want to build stronger connections and

Bridging the Communication Gap Across 5 Generations in the Workplace
In today’s diverse workplace, up to as many as five generations can work together as we live longer and work longer. Question is – can they coexist? We understand that each generation brings unique perspectives, communication styles, and preferences, creating both opportunities and challenges. The challenge for managers is how can you bridge the analogue