How to Lead with Kate Waterfall Hill

In this episode of 'How to Lead,' leadership coach Kate dives into managing underperformance, a challenge that affects all leaders. Kate shares practical tools and strategies to address underperformance in a structured, calm, and human way. Learn how to handle different types of employee responses and the importance of consistency in follow-up. The episode concludes with self-reflection questions to help leaders improve their approach to managing underperformance.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Managing Under Performance02:05 Common Mistakes in Handling Under Performance03:20 Understanding the Root Causes of Under Performance05:26 Effective Conversations for Managing Under Performance07:09 The LECA Framework for Performance Conversations08:53 Handling Different Types of Responses10:26 When to Escalate: Reset Conversations and Formal Processes12:10 Consistency and Self-Reflection in Leadership13:37 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsUseful links:The Digital Academy Online CourseFree Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmesBuy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact KateMentioned in this episode:Digital Academy January SaleClick here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

Kate kicks off the new year with a strategic reflection and planning process for 2026. The episode includes actionable steps and a workbook (link below) to help leaders enhance their effectiveness, with practical tools for weekly touch points, team discussions, personal leadership plans, and creating a shock-absorbent leadership approach. The episode aims to help leaders cultivate clarity, care, and curiosity, and ultimately, a more impactful and adaptable leadership style in 2026.Episode Highlights:00:00 Reflecting and Planning for 202600:55 Introduction and Setting Up for Success01:01 Linda the Bad Manager: A Lesson in Self-Awareness02:24 The Reality of January for Leaders03:21 A Fresh Strategic Model for 2026 Planning06:26 The Three Rooms Model07:56 Setting Intentions, Not Resolutions09:24 Planning Through the Lens of Energy10:44 Designing Your Year with Leadership Touch Points11:43 Planning with Your Team12:59 Creating a One Page Personal Leadership Plan13:53 Planning for the Unexpected14:48 Day One, Week One Action List15:38 Closing Reflections and Final ThoughtsUseful links:The Reflect & Plan WorkbookThe Digital Academy Online CourseFree Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmesBuy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact KateMentioned in this episode:Digital Academy January SaleClick here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

In this episode of the How to Lead Podcast, Kate provides practical tools, techniques, and strategies for managing Gen X and Baby Boomer employees successfully. Managing experience can be just as tricky as managing inexperience, and in this episode Kate highlights the importance of respect for expertise, clarity over charisma, and the benefits of tech integration without condescension, with actionable tips.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Managing Gen X and Boomers00:54 Understanding the Generational Spectrum01:43 Alice's Story: A Lesson in Assumptions02:48 Challenges in Managing Experienced Employees03:45 Four Key Lessons for Managing Experienced Colleagues05:53 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them07:25 Practical Tips for Immediate Implementation07:55 Conclusion: Respect, Relevance, and RelationshipJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE⁠⁠ if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox along with weekly tips, tools, and musings.Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmesBuy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact KateMentioned in this episode:Digital Academy January SaleClick here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

In this episode of 'How to Lead,' Kate delves into the critical challenge of building and sustaining trust in hybrid and remote teams. Drawing from her extensive leadership experience, she outlines practical habits to strengthen trust, address common pitfalls like proximity bias, and promote equity in meetings. Through a mix of strategic insights, Kate emphasises the importance of consistent behaviours, clear communication, and intentional connection to foster a thriving hybrid work environment. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Hybrid Leadership00:57 The Importance of Trust in Hybrid Teams04:08 Common Pitfalls in Hybrid Work05:41 Core Principles of Trust06:38 Practical Strategies for Leading Hybrid Teams10:01 The Role of Office Policies in Hybrid Work12:00 Feedback and Iteration in Hybrid Work12:48 Conclusion and HomeworkJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE⁠⁠ if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox along with weekly tips, tools, and musings. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact KateMentioned in this episode:Digital Academy January SaleClick here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

In this episode of 'How to Lead,' Kate delves into the critical skill of prioritising tasks and managing to-do lists. She discusses common pitfalls leaders face, such as the confusion between urgency and importance, and ineffective delegation. Kate provides actionable strategies including the Eisenhower Matrix, impact vs. effort grids, the 1-3-5 Rule, and the 'Hell Yes' test to ensure leaders can focus on what truly matters. Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Prioritising and To-Do Lists00:58 Common Struggles with To-Do Lists01:48 Linda's To-Do List Dilemma02:52 The Importance of Prioritization04:50 Effective To-Do List Strategies05:07 Prioritization Frameworks06:33 Daily Prioritization Techniques09:09 Communicating and Reviewing Priorities12:02 Conclusion and Reflective QuestionsJOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE⁠⁠ if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox along with weekly tips, tools, and musings. Have you subscribed yet?It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Useful links:Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes Buy the "How to Lead" bookConnect with Kate on LinkedInFollow Kate on TikTokContact KateMentioned in this episode:Digital Academy January SaleClick here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy