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How to Get the Most from Networking

💬 “It’s not about who you know, it’s about who knows you.” 💬

Networking can be daunting, especially in environments where personal connections seem superficial. However, building a strong network is essential for personal and professional growth.

🔍 Be genuine – Authentic connections are more valuable than a large network. Focus on building meaningful relationships rather than just collecting business cards.

👂 Listen actively – Networking isn’t just about talking about yourself. Show genuine interest in others by listening to their stories and finding common ground.

🤝 Follow up – Don’t let connections fizzle out. Follow up with new contacts to reinforce the relationship and explore potential collaborations or mutual support.

🔑 Offer value – Networking is a two-way street. Think about how you can help others in your network and offer your support and expertise where you can.

Feeling overwhelmed by networking events? Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity. Focus on a few meaningful interactions rather than trying to meet everyone.

Things to reflect on…
❓What do you want to achieve through networking?
❓How can you add value to your network?
❓What strategies have worked for you in building strong connections?

We’d love to hear your networking tips and experiences 👇

Further Reading

For more networking strategies, check out this article: The Art of Networking

How to Set Boundaries and Be Okay with It

💬 “Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously.” 💬

Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being. In environments where pushing limits is common, knowing how to establish and maintain boundaries can protect your mental and emotional health.

🔍 Know your limits – Understand what you’re comfortable with and what crosses the line for you. This self-awareness is the first step in setting effective boundaries.

👂 Communicate clearly – Be direct and honest when expressing your boundaries to others. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures your needs are respected.

🤝 Be consistent – Consistency is key in maintaining boundaries. If you set a boundary, stick to it. This helps others understand that your limits are non-negotiable.

🔑 Practice self-care – Respecting your own boundaries is just as important as getting others to respect them. Take time for yourself and engage in activities that recharge you.

Feeling guilty about setting boundaries? Remember, it’s about creating a balanced and healthy environment for yourself and those around you.

Things to reflect on…
❓What boundaries do you need to set for yourself?
❓How do you communicate your boundaries to others?
❓What challenges do you face in maintaining boundaries?

We’d love to hear your insights and challenges 👇

Further Reading

Learn more about setting boundaries with this helpful guide: How to Set Healthy Boundaries 

What is Authentic Leadership?

💬 “A real leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” 💬

Authentic leadership is about being true to yourself and leading with integrity. It means being honest about your strengths and weaknesses and using them to inspire and guide others. In male-dominated environments, where bravado can often overshadow authenticity, showing genuine leadership can make a significant impact.

🔍 Lead by example – Demonstrate the values and behaviors you want to see in your team. Authentic leaders walk the talk and inspire others through their actions.

👂 Be transparent – Open communication builds trust. Share your thoughts, feelings, and decisions openly with your team, and encourage them to do the same.

🤝 Embrace vulnerability – Authentic leaders aren’t afraid to show their human side. Admitting when you don’t have all the answers or when you’ve made a mistake fosters a culture of trust and continuous learning.

🔑 Foster inclusivity – Create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Authentic leadership thrives in diverse teams where different perspectives are respected and integrated.

Feeling unsure about your leadership style? That’s okay. Authentic leadership is a journey, not a destination.

Things to reflect on…
❓What does authentic leadership look like to you?
❓How can you practice authenticity in your daily interactions?
❓What impact does authentic leadership have on your team?

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences 👇

Further Reading

For more on authentic leadership, check out this insightful article: The Real Truth About Authentic Leadership

Tackling Difficult Conversations in the Clubhouse

“True strength lies in vulnerability.”

Choose the Right Moment –

Timing is crucial. Find a quiet moment when you’re less likely to be interrupted. 

Be Honest and Direct –

Speak from the heart and be clear about what you want to discuss. Avoid beating around the bush or sugar-coating things. Your honesty will be appreciated, even if the topic is tough.

Listen Actively –

When the other person responds, listen without interrupting. Show that you’re paying attention, maintain eye contact, and properly give them time to express their thoughts.

Stay Calm and Respectful –

Emotions can run high during difficult conversations. Keep your tone calm and respectful, even if the conversation gets heated. If either of you does get activated, suggest taking a breather and coming back when you’re more grounded. You’re each responsible for your own emotions – you’re not responsible for the other person’s. But if emotions are flaring, the dialogue won’t be productive. So take a breather and come back.

Empathise –

Listen intentionally to understand things from their perspective. It doesn’t mean you have to agree, but if you want to move things forward they *have* to feel they’ve been seen and heard. Empathy can defuse tension and foster a more open and honest dialogue. Let them know it matters to you where they’re at with this issue.

Find Common Ground –

Focus on what you both want to achieve from the conversation. Picture rather than facing off opposite each other, you’re actually beside each other, looking at a table in front of you; you each name what matters to you here and what you need from the conversation. Then you work together to find a solution where both perspectives are respected. 

Finding mutual goals can help you navigate the discussion more effectively and reach a positive outcome.

Reflective Questions –

❓ How do you feel after a difficult but necessary conversation?

❓ What strategies help you stay calm and respectful during tough talks?

❓ How can you show empathy even when you disagree?

For more strategies on handling difficult conversations, read this article: How To Have Difficult Conversations Without Burning Bridges.

Public Speaking with Confidence

“Confidence is not about being perfect. It’s about being real.”

Understand Your Fear –

Public speaking can be daunting, but recognizing why it makes you nervous is the first step. Is it fear of judgment, making mistakes, or something else? Identifying this can help you address it head-on.

Prepare Thoroughly –

Know your material inside out. This doesn’t mean memorising every word but being comfortable with the content. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel.

Visualise Success –

Before stepping up, visualise yourself speaking confidently and the audience responding positively. This mental rehearsal can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.

Start Small –

If you’re new to public speaking, start with smaller groups. Gradually increase the size of your audience as you build confidence. Each success will make the next step easier.

Breathe and Pause –

Deep breathing can help calm your nerves. Remember, it’s okay to pause during your speech. Pauses can emphasise points and give you a moment to collect your thoughts.

Embrace Imperfection –

No one expects you to be perfect. If you stumble or forget something, it’s okay. Most of the time, the audience won’t even notice. Focus on delivering your message, not on being flawless.

Reflective Questions –

❓ What makes you most nervous about public speaking?

❓ How do you feel when you finish a successful speech?

❓ What small steps can you take to build your public speaking skills?

For more advice on public speaking, check out this insightful TED Talk: Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are.

Presenting with Impact

Make Your Message Stick

“Presentation is the art of simplicity.”

Know Your Audience –

It’s essential to understand who you’re talking to. Tailor your message to their interests, knowledge level, and what they care about. Doing so will help you connect more effectively and ensure your key points hit home.

Practice Makes Perfect –

Rehearsing your presentation multiple times helps build confidence and smooth out any rough edges. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or ask a mate for feedback. This isn’t about memorising your speech but becoming familiar with the flow.

Engage Your Audience –

Use eye contact, and body language, and vary your tone to keep your audience engaged. Ask questions, use anecdotes, or even a bit of humour to make your presentation memorable.

Use Visuals Wisely –
Visual aids can enhance your message, but they shouldn’t be the star of the show. Use them to support your points, not distract from them. Keep slides simple and uncluttered.

Be Authentic –

Your genuine passion for the topic will shine through and resonate with your audience. Don’t be afraid to show some personality and care out loud about the area of your subject that you feel strongly about. Humans connect to humans – it makes you relatable and your message more impactful.

Reflective Questions –

❓ How does it feel when your audience is truly engaged?
❓ What techniques work best for you in capturing attention?
❓ How do you handle nerves before presenting?

For more tips on creating impactful presentations, check out this article from TED: How to Make a Great Presentation.

There is so much more to golf than just hitting a ball around a field for 5 hours.

This is an honest and vulnerable conversation between two professional athletes. they share their challenges both on and off the field of play. Suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is the Official Charity of the BMW PGA Championship and they took a walk with Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston and Robbie Savage.

Ahead of this year’s tournament, Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston and ex-footballer Robbie Savage

Click here to watch the full conversation

Always wondered why Golf is such a great thing for your Mental Health? Click this link to find out

Check out this really interesting school-based initiative from The Golf Foundation and former professional Nick Doughty. Unleash Your Drive is a comprehensive programme that can be delivered over six weeks by any teacher thanks to their easy-to-follow printed and digital resources, specially adapted Golfway kit and built-in evaluation.

Find out more here.

Check out the below websites for resources on mental health support in golf:

Wales Golf

‘Fore your Mental Health’ – Abergele Golf Club

Golf and Health – The R&A