Sally Foley-Lewis

Evach year I design and deliver a big experience for middle managers, and for a while now I've been asked to consider running a retreat. What would you like to experience in a retreat? Your input via this quick survey form would be greatly appreciated.

https://forms.gle/9T5dPikDQpYwxZea6

I would run a men's only, a women's only, or management team (internal) retreats.

I appreciate you
Sally

I’ve been wanting to run a luxury retreat for a long time and have had many leaders tell me they would love to attend. So, it’s time to plan and make it happen for you! I would like to co-create this experience with you.

I’ve put together this quick survey to help me craft and create exactly what you want and need in an international luxury leadership, personal and professional development, and mindset / wellbeing retreat. 

If you could please take 5 minutes to complete the survey I’d greatly appreciate it.

https://forms.gle/ZgN3G823gqYo7VRk9 

Thank you so much for your time.

I appreciate you
Sally

Misuse of the Quote

What do you think of this situation?

1. What do you think the venue would think of the company if they discover the use of the AV via a personal use of the connecting cord?
2. What do you think the team members around the room think of the attitude of the person who suggests this?
3. And, what about the leader who lets this happen?

The Cons and Dangers

1. Risk of Misjudgment: Acting without permission can lead to decisions that are poorly thought out or misaligned with organisational goals, causing more harm than good.
2. Erosion of Trust: Consistently bypassing established procedures can erode trust between employees and management, leading to a breakdown in communication and cooperation.
3. Legal and Ethical Issues: Actions taken without appropriate approval can result in legal and ethical violations, exposing the organisation to significant risks and liabilities.

Three positive impacts of the quote's philosophy:

 
1. Encourages Initiative: One significant advantage is that it fosters a culture of initiative. Employees are empowered to make decisions and take actions without the fear of red tape, promoting innovation and agility. This needs to be within the scope of delegated authority!
2. Speeds Up Processes: In fast-paced industries, waiting for permission can slow down progress. This approach allows for quicker responses to opportunities and challenges. This happens properly when senior leadership empowers their mid-level managers openly, genuinely, fully to 'get on with it'. This is often assumed and is rarely discussed explicitly and often! 
3. Fosters Innovation: By removing the fear of immediate disapproval, individuals are more likely to experiment and try new ideas, which can lead to breakthroughs and advancements.
 
Impact on Middle Managers and Leadership Brand
 
Middle managers, in particular, must balance the empowerment of their teams with adherence to organisational norms. When used judiciously, Hopper’s philosophy can enhance a manager's leadership brand by showcasing decisiveness and a willingness to take calculated risks. However, overreliance on this approach can damage their reputation, making them appear reckless or untrustworthy.

"It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to get permission" is a powerful principle when understood and applied correctly. It promotes innovation and swift action but must be tempered with a thorough understanding of the potential consequences. Middle managers who navigate this balance effectively can enhance their leadership impact, fostering a culture of trust and agility within their teams.

I am speaking at The Business of Events powered by PCMA Asia Pacific, at Maina Bay Sands, Singapore on Monday 15th April 2024, where the day's theme will be UNLEARN.

My really excited to be speaking at this event and to be at Marina Bay Sands - it's such a beautiful venue.

My topic is The Future of Middle Managers

A Gallup study revealed that middle managers account for 70% of team engagement variance. These individuals, often considered as influencers and shapers of organisational culture, play a pivotal role in the evolving workforce. Known as the “doers” and reliable pillars in stressful times, their significance is undeniable. However, there’s a need to question if leaders fully grasp the challenges middle managers face. This session aims to shed light on tackling these pain points through unlearning and offer strategies to optimise middle management performance, thereby enhancing overall organisational effectiveness.

Check out the event here: https://www.pcma.org/apac/thebusinessofevents-programme-day-unlearn/

I absolutely love the idea of reframing our thinking, no matter what industry you're in.

What do you need to UNLEARN in order to be, think, do better?

In the lead up to this amazing event, I was interviewed by PCMA, I'm currently featured on their front page (tad excited about that), you can check out the interview here: https://www.pcma.org/great-leadership-starts-with-self-leadership-how-middle-managers-fit-events-industry/

Location: Anywhere - Travel from Brisbane, Au    Fees: $7,500

Service Type: Service Offered

Location: Anywhere - Travel from Brisbane, Au    Fees: $7,500

Service Type: Service Offered