In a world of virtual meetings, the simplest leadership intervention might be the most powerful: getting people in the same room.
One of our brilliant team members, Sue Firth, reflects on a recent occasion.
In times that feel increasingly turbulent – with constant change, uncertainty and pressure, not just within organisations but across the wider world – it can be powerful to be reminded how important it is to simply bring people together… in person. Not just to talk about work, but to connect, reflect and think together.
Last week I had the privilege of spending three days face-to-face with a wonderful client team. Moments like this are becoming increasingly rare as budgets tighten and we see teams working in various locations, often across time zones.
This team worked hard. We created space for open and honest conversations, we challenged assumptions, and we reflected on how they want to lead together in 2026.
But it was the moments in between the sessions where the light really flooded in. The conversations over coffee, the laughter, the walk back from lunch when an idea suddenly clicked.
That’s where the magic happened. Where people connected as humans, not just roles, and where trust deepened.
In challenging times like these, creating space for teams to simply be together might be one of the most important things we can do. Because while organisations invest heavily in strategy, systems and structures, performance still depends on something very human.
Keeping humanity at the heart of how we work together matters now more than ever.
(The photo is of some of our Sladen team, and perfectly represents the connection that Sue talks about in this feature)