Stay Calm, Stay Productive: The Benefits of De-Escalation Skills
James Pointon James Pointon

Stay Calm, Stay Productive: The Benefits of De-Escalation Skills

As someone who values creating a positive and productive work environment, you know how important it is to manage conflicts effectively. But did you know that de-escalation skills can also significantly improve customer satisfaction and drive business growth?

We've recently published a new blog post that explores the power of de-escalation in the workplace. From resolving customer complaints to enhancing team dynamics, this skill is indispensable for any organisation looking to thrive.

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Why Empathy is Your Most Powerful Customer Service Tool
Hayley Partridge Hayley Partridge

Why Empathy is Your Most Powerful Customer Service Tool

Where metrics and KPIs often take centre stage, it's easy to overlook the most potent weapon in your customer service arsenal: empathy. This human-centric approach isn't just a 'nice-to-have'; it's a game-changer that can transform your customer relationships and drive business success.

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The Impact of Trust on Team Performance: Unlocking Collaboration and Results
Dr. Humphrey Simmons Dr. Humphrey Simmons

The Impact of Trust on Team Performance: Unlocking Collaboration and Results

Trust is the critical catalyst that distinguishes exceptional teams. Our expert analysis reveals how building genuine trust can dramatically improve team dynamics, productivity, and organisational success. By understanding the neuroscience of trust and implementing strategic approaches, leaders can create high-performance environments that drive innovation, collaboration, and outstanding results.

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Tips on TIME MANAGEMENT
Time Management James Pointon Time Management James Pointon

Tips on TIME MANAGEMENT

Time is our most valuable resource, yet it's easy to fall into the trap of being 'busy' instead of truly productive. From learning how to delegate tasks and set boundaries to mastering email management and planning effectively, this blog provides actionable tips to help you work smarter—not harder. Discover how to stay focused, balance priorities, and make every moment count.

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Protecting Work-Life Boundaries in a Digital Age
Hayley Partridge Hayley Partridge

Protecting Work-Life Boundaries in a Digital Age

The lines between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred in recent years, especially with the prevalence of instant messaging apps like WhatsApp being used in more and more professional settings.

While these tools offer convenience for client communication, they also pose challenges for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and you have a responsibility to protect your staff:

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Understanding Burnout: Causes, Prevention, and the Role of Leadership
Dr. Humphrey Simmons Dr. Humphrey Simmons

Understanding Burnout: Causes, Prevention, and the Role of Leadership

Burnout in the UK has reached alarming levels, with 91% of UK adults experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year, according to Mental Health UK's Burnout Report 2024. This phenomenon, recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an occupational stress syndrome, is characterised by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy. To combat burnout, it is crucial to understand its causes, which include increased workload, unpaid overtime, feeling isolated at work, and the impact of the cost of living crisis. Implementing effective leadership styles, such as empathetic leadership and clear communication, can significantly mitigate burnout. Promoting work-life balance, providing clear job expectations, and fostering a supportive work culture are also key strategies. We specialise in employee wellbeing and management training designed to help organisations prevent burnout and enhance overall employee well-being. Our programs are tailored to address the unique needs of your organisation, ensuring sustainable and effective solutions.

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Workplace relationships: How to Improve and Strengthen them
James Pointon James Pointon

Workplace relationships: How to Improve and Strengthen them

Have you ever wondered why some relationships flourish while others falter? Whether at work or beyond, understanding what influences our connections with others can help shape more positive interactions. By exploring how our perceptions of the past, present, and future impact these relationships, we can create healthier dynamics.

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The Impact of Leadership on Employee Wellbeing: A Holistic Approach
Hayley Partridge Hayley Partridge

The Impact of Leadership on Employee Wellbeing: A Holistic Approach

Traditional leadership often focuses on one aspect of employee wellbeing while neglecting others, leading to what is termed 'managerial trade-offs.' For instance, many leaders focus on providing meaningful work and opportunities for growth, which can enhance psychological wellbeing. However, this approach can sometimes overlook the potential drawbacks, such as increased workloads leading to burnout.A holistic approach to leadership, on the other hand, considers the social, psychological, and physical needs of team members. Servant leaders, for example, prioritise the needs of others, ensuring that team members are happy, healthy, and thriving. By adopting this holistic mindset, leaders can foster a culture of wellbeing, reduce burnout, and enhance job satisfaction. Read the full blog post to learn more about how your leadership style can impact employee wellbeing and discover practical strategies for creating a healthier, more supportive work environment.

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Measuring and Understanding the Importance of Customer Service
James Pointon James Pointon

Measuring and Understanding the Importance of Customer Service

Customer service is a pivotal component of any successful business, whether it operates in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting or in the digital realm. It serves as the direct connection between your customers and your company, influencing customer retention, brand reputation, and ultimately, your business's success.

Here, we will delve into the importance of customer service and how to effectively measure its impact.

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The staggering cost of poor mental health in the workplace demands immediate attention.
James Pointon James Pointon

The staggering cost of poor mental health in the workplace demands immediate attention.

Every company has the 'repeat offender' when it comes to sick leave, but did you know that poor mental health cost the UK economy a whopping £102 billion in 2023, with £57.4 billion lost due to reduced productivity and £26 billion due to sick days. 

 

In our latest blog post, we explore practical steps for creating a culture that supports mental health and resilience.

 

This insightful read emphasises why prioritising mental health is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage which significantly affects your bottom line!

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Great at Interview : Not So Great at the Job!
James Pointon James Pointon

Great at Interview : Not So Great at the Job!

Hiring the right talent is crucial for organisational success. However, many companies struggle with new hires who excel in interviews but fail to perform on the job. Research shows that 81% of new hires fail due to poor cultural fit, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to recruitment. At Higher Performance, we specialise in psychometric testing to assess candidates' personalities, values, and motivations, ensuring they align with your company's culture. Coupled with an effective onboarding programme, our strategies help integrate new employees seamlessly into your team, enhancing productivity and retention. Explore how our tailored solutions can transform your hiring process and foster a thriving workplace culture

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Tough Talks: How to Engage and Inspire Underperforming Employees
Hayley Partridge Hayley Partridge

Tough Talks: How to Engage and Inspire Underperforming Employees

As a leader, having difficult conversations with underperforming team members is unfortunately an inevitable part of the job.

 

But these discussions don't have to be dreaded - with the right approach, they can actually be opportunities for growth and positive change.... Yes, really!

 

To help you, our team of expert coaches has put together 6 powerful strategies to help you navigate these challenging conversations with confidence:

 

  1. Approach from a place of emotional neutrality

  2. Seek to understand the employee's perspective

  3. Prepare thoroughly beforehand

  4. Address issues promptly

  5. Practice active listening and emotional intelligence

  6. Follow up consistently

 

By blending our communication strategies with insights from our behavioural science experts, you can transform tough talks into powerful moments that elevate your team's performance.

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Outsmart Your Rivals: Emotional Intelligence as Your Secret Weapon in Customer Service
Hayley Partridge Hayley Partridge

Outsmart Your Rivals: Emotional Intelligence as Your Secret Weapon in Customer Service

Simply providing decent customer service is no longer sufficient. UK businesses are losing £37 billion annually due to poor customer experiences, making it crucial to elevate your approach. Emotional intelligence (EI) is the transformative skill that can enhance customer service from adequate to exceptional. By understanding and managing emotions—both yours and your customers'—you can improve customer loyalty, boost sales, and reduce churn. This blog explores the importance of emotional intelligence in customer service, practical strategies to implement EI within your team, and the benefits for both customers and staff. Discover how to gain a competitive edge and turn challenging interactions into opportunities for growth.

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The Decline of Customer Service in the UK
Hayley Partridge Hayley Partridge

The Decline of Customer Service in the UK

Did you know that customer satisfaction in the UK has plummeted to its lowest level since 2015? This alarming trend is costing the UK economy a staggering £7.1 billion monthly in lost productivity.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Our latest blog post reveals:

• The true cost of poor customer service

• Why marketing alone isn't enough

• How a 5% increase in customer retention can boost profits by up to 95%

• A case study showing 524% ROI on customer service training

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Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness Through Psychometric Testing
Hayley Partridge Hayley Partridge

Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness Through Psychometric Testing

Imagine having a scientific tool that helps you understand your team better and drives tangible business results.

Underpinned by science and technology, our advanced Psychometric Profiling offers just that!

Discover how these assessments can enhance your leadership effectiveness by:

✅ Tailoring communication for better engagement

✅ Resolving conflicts with empathy

✅ Building diverse, high-performing teams

✅ Fostering a culture of continuous improvement

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Common behaviours that kill company culture…</span>
James Pointon James Pointon

Common behaviours that kill company culture…

Imagine a workplace where stress is the norm, communication is a guessing game, and employees feel undervalued and overworked. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many organizations today, where toxic behaviors have become so ingrained that they are often overlooked or accepted as part of corporate life. But what if we told you that these behaviors not only harm your employees but also stifle innovation and hinder your organization’s success? It’s time to confront the uncomfortable truths about our workplaces and take decisive action to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

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