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Nicola Richardson

The People Mentor's Podcast gives hints & tips to help Employers, Leaders and Managers to cope, develop and grow at work. This Podcast is to support businesses to build great teams.

  • 15 minutes 39 seconds
    How to Tackle Poor Performance When You Have an Unsupportive Boss

    In this episode, Nicola from The People Mentor tackles the challenge of managing an underperforming team member when your boss undermines your efforts.

    She provides practical strategies for:

    - Documenting performance issues systematically

    - Having constructive conversations with underperforming employees

    - Creating and implementing effective Personal Improvement Plans (PIPs)

    - Dealing with a boss who wants to retain an underperformer

    - Handling ongoing underperformance a year after a completed PIP

    Nicola offers step-by-step guidance on preparing for difficult conversations, setting clear performance goals, providing support, and navigating tricky situations with unsupportive management.

    Whether you are facing this issue or want to be prepared, this episode provides valuable insights for maintaining professional integrity while improving team performance.

    14 September 2024, 7:49 pm
  • 22 minutes 45 seconds
    Dealing with Employee Social Media Activities for better business

    Struggling with employee social media issues?

    In this must-listen episode, Nicola from The People Mentor tackles the challenge of confronting staff about inappropriate online behaviour.

    You'll learn practical strategies for professionally addressing social media concerns, protecting your business, and strengthening team relationships.

    Discover how to turn awkward conversations into opportunities for growth using the COMPASS model.

    Whether you're dealing with a social media situation now or want to be prepared, this podcast provides the tools you need to navigate the digital minefield confidently.

    Don't miss these expert insights to become a more effective communicator and leader.

    6 September 2024, 8:15 pm
  • 17 minutes 36 seconds
    Why Being 'Too Nice' is Hurting Your Business -The Case for Constructive Criticism

    In this episode, Nicola from The People Mentor tackles the thorny issue of being 'too nice' in the workplace.

    With her signature blend of warmth and straight-talking advice, Nicola explains why avoiding difficult conversations can hurt your business.

    She shares practical strategies for delivering constructive criticism effectively, including the powerful AID model.

    Whether you're struggling with an underperforming team member or want to create an open, honest communication culture, this podcast offers valuable insights.

    Nicola challenges listeners to shift from being merely nice to truly kind and effective leaders.

    Tune in to learn why sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your employees and your business is to have those tough conversations.

    21 August 2024, 2:44 pm
  • 9 minutes 56 seconds
    How to Have a Successful Difficult Conversation With Your Boss

    Nobody enjoys difficult conversations, and if you need to have such a conversation with your boss, it can intensify the feelings of dread and anxiety you might have.

    In this podcast, I share my tips and techniques for having successful, difficult conversations with your boss that will help improve your relationship.

    12 August 2024, 5:13 pm
  • 17 minutes 41 seconds
    How to Support Neurodiverse Employees with Challenging Conversations for Better Results

    Join Nicola from The People Mentor as she shares valuable

    insights on creating an inclusive workplace for neurodiverse individuals.

    Learn practical strategies to support employees with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological differences during difficult conversations.


     Discover how small adjustments alongside empathy can lead to better communication, collaboration, and personal growth.


    Whether you're a manager or a colleague, this podcast offers actionable tips for creating a more understanding and supportive work environment.


    Tune in to enhance your leadership skills and positively impact your workplace!



    7 July 2024, 3:23 pm
  • 10 minutes 1 second
    How to Manage Emotions in a Difficult Conversation to Remain Calm

    Difficult conversations trigger our fight-or-flight response, so it’s not surprising that managing emotions can feel difficult.

    In this episode of The People Mentor podcast, Nicola shares some strategies for staying calm, empathetic, and focused on constructive solutions.

    31 May 2024, 9:05 am
  • 13 minutes 28 seconds
    How to Lead in a Crisis - Strategies for Thriving in Volatile Times

    If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that you can never be too prepared for a crisis.

    But how prepared are you?

    How can you be the leader that people need in times of crisis so that everyone thrives instead of just surviving?

    In this podcast, I share some strategies for thriving in volatile times.

    16 May 2024, 5:01 pm
  • 7 minutes 50 seconds
    How to Unleash the Leadership Power of Grit and Grace

    Compassionate leadership is badly needed in an increasingly stressful world.

    However, how do leaders balance compassion with strength and professionalism?

    I explore this, particularly in relation to difficult conversations.

    10 April 2024, 2:40 pm
  • 9 minutes 47 seconds
    How to Decode Office Politics for Professional Growth to Lead Authentically

    You love your job.

    But the one thing that takes the shine off it is the office politics.

    The taking credit for people’s work.

    The blame culture.

    The gossiping and the backbiting.

    It can really discourage people and affect performance, and it can even affect your integrity as a leader.

    Here’s how you can navigate negative office politics while maintaining your integrity and positioning yourself as the leader people can trust.

    6 March 2024, 1:31 pm
  • 23 minutes 17 seconds
    Episode 1: How to be a Mindful Leader for Nurturing Success and Well-being
    What if I told you that the single most important factor in your success as a leader is knowing yourself?  That understanding how you think and react can make you a more effective, compassionate, and innovative leader?  This episode of The People Mentor podcast is all about mindful leadership and how to use this self-knowledge to be present and cultivate focus, clarity, creativity, and compassion.  
    13 February 2024, 9:20 pm
  • 16 minutes 17 seconds
    Episode 15: In Burnout, Intensified Times, How to Have Calm Difficult Conversations
    Welcome to my podcast, your go-to guide for leading with heart and results in high-pressure times.  Today I am chatting about all things burnout prevention, handling tough conversations, and boosting team well-being.  Peppered with actionable advice, expert insights, and a hearty dose of empathy, this is your essential toolkit to navigate leadership in burnout-intense times. 
    22 June 2023, 2:40 pm
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