
“The biggest leadership challenge in 2025 is the dichotomy between wellbeing and performance in the workplace.” - Chris Whiteley
These two contrasting elements of day-to-day work are critical to the outcomes and success of every organisation.
Understanding the link between wellbeing and performance is the first important step for leaders in leading healthy teams.
The reasons behind good and bad performance involve many factors and influences, depending on the organisation, team and individuals. However, my own experiences working with leaders and teams over the last 20 years leads me to believe there is one common denominator – happiness.
Those that enjoy their work are much more likely to perform effectively, than those that don’t.
Having said that everyone must understand the organisation has a destination as well and that usually translates into hitting targets. However, in recent years I’ve not been hearing much coming from the employees that this is at the forefront of their thinking!
What I am hearing is a lot of private complaining from senior leaders saying this cannot go on.
The big issue appears to be people have no appetite for any conversations that are slightly uncomfortable and particularly those that pit the needs of the individual against the needs of the organisation.
My very clear conviction is that for the good of everyone leaders must lead, and followers must follow! If leaders need to be refreshed on how to tackle these conversations, then organisations must provide the training for them. In the same breath I think employees need to take a wider view of their working life in understanding what will make it a long and fruitful one.
None of us want to experience a recession in the UK, so it is in the interests of the employees and the employers to be realistic about what is required to progress.
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