Dr. Natalie Pickering, Author at Dr. Natalie Pickering | Organizational Psychologist & Leadership Coach

The Power of Active Listening: How Leaders Can Build Trust and Improve Team Communication

Two open hands carefully holding a torn cardboard piece inscribed with "Trust" symbolizing the foundational role that trust plays in team cohesion, and power of active listening from a team leader

In leadership, one of the most overlooked yet powerful skills is active listening. Leaders often focus on setting goals, providing direction, and making decisions, but effective communication—particularly the ability to listen actively—plays an equally critical role in building trust, improving team dynamics, and fostering an inclusive work environment. Active listening goes beyond hearing the words spoken … Read more

Flow for Remote Teams: How to Foster Engagement in Virtual Workspaces

Clear water pouring from a wooden bamboo spout into a rustic trough outdoors, representing the steady, sustainable, and replenishing flow of authentic, identity-grounded leadership that Dr. Natalie Pickering's coaching and development work helps leaders cultivate and maintain in a virtual environment

The pandemic brought to work a large experiment in remote work, teaming, and performance. Many organizations have rightly considered the research which supports remote or hybrid as superior options to the office for many situations and employees. Within this where to work discussion lies the opportunity to maximize performance and the intentionality required to mantain … Read more

Cultivating Flow in the Workplace

A solitary figure seated on a rocky cliff edge overlooking a breathtaking mountain expanse at sunset — symbolizing the courageous leadership pause required at critical decision-making forks in the trail, where checking your inner equipment — your values, identity, and purpose — determines which path you take and how high you ultimately climb

Achieving flow in the workplace is no longer a concept reserved for creative professionals or elite athletes. In fact, flow—the state of total immersion in a task where time seems to disappear—can be harnessed by employees across industries to dramatically increase job satisfaction, engagement, and performance. As a leadership, team, and executive coach, I’ve seen … Read more

Tailoring Your Leadership Style to Fit Your Team

A young female leader leaning in and pointing to a document at a conference table while four colleagues listen attentively, capturing the confident, purposeful presence and clear directional leadership that emerges when leaders tailor their leadership style to fit their team

Tailoring your leadership style to fit your team is crucial to growing business operations. To truly connect with and inspire your team, leaders must understand the unique personalities, strengths, and motivations of each team member. The Enneagram, a powerful personality framework that identifies nine distinct types, offers a valuable tool for leaders seeking to tailor … Read more

Aligning Team Goals with Enneagram Strengths for Maximum Impact

An open spiral notebook on a wooden desk with "GOALS" in bold blue letters above three blank numbered lines, with a pen nearby, representing the Enneagram goal-setting and leadership development planning that Dr. Natalie Pickering's executive coaching and organizational psychology practice helps leaders pursue with clarity and purpose

In any team setting, setting clear, achievable goals is critical for success. However, aligning these goals with the unique strengths of each team member can elevate the team’s performance to new heights. The Enneagram, a powerful personality framework that identifies nine distinct types, offers valuable insights into the motivations, strengths, and challenges of each team … Read more

Strategies for Fostering Innovation and Collaboration in Startup Teams

Four hands bringing four white puzzle pieces together from each corner toward the center against a bold yellow background, representing Dr. Natalie Pickering's identity-frist framework establishes strategies for fostering innovation and collaboration in startup teams

When it comes to startups, fostering innovation and collaboration is essential for driving growth and staying competitive. Innovation and collaboration in startup teams can lead to groundbreaking ideas and solutions that propel the business forward. This article explores strategies that startup leaders can use to promote a culture of open communication, encourage diverse perspectives, and … Read more

Enneagram of Team Development

A female leader writing on a whiteboard covered in charts, graphs, data printouts, and sticky notes while two male colleagues engage closely and a third team member looks on in an office, representing the Enneagram of team development

A powerful tool that has gained significant attention for its effectiveness in improving team collaboration and communication is the Enneagram. The Enneagram is a personality framework that identifies nine distinct types, each with its unique set of motivations, relationship styles,, and behavioral patterns. By understanding the Enneagram, teams can gain deeper insights into individual personalities … Read more

Developing Agile Leadership Practices in a Startup Environment

A female leader at the head of a conference table facilitating an engaged discussion with six colleagues in a bright modern office representing the trust, psychological safety, and collaborative team culture that identity-first leadership and effective executive coaching cultivate in organizations

Agile leadership in a startup environment involves flexibility, rapid decision-making, continuous learning, and embracing change. These principles help leaders navigate the dynamic landscape of startups and foster a culture of adaptability and resilience. The Importance of Agility in Leadership Agile leadership in a startup environment is crucial because it allows leaders to respond quickly to … Read more

Mentorship and Coaching for Emerging Leaders in Startups

A confident female leader with a clipboard facilitating an active discussion with five colleagues in a brick-walled office, with two members standing and three seated in engaged conversation representing the inclusive, trust-based team culture and collaborative communication that identity-first leadership and effective team coaching build within organizations.

Mentorship and coaching for emerging leaders in startups play a significant role in the development pf their team. By leveraging the experience and wisdom of seasoned professionals, startups can cultivate leadership skills, facilitate knowledge transfer, and create valuable networking opportunities for their rising stars. This article highlights the benefits of mentorship and coaching, and provides … Read more

Turning Criticism into Opportunities for Leadership Growth

A macro shot of the dictionary definition of "Leadership," highlighted in pink, representing a self-assured leader turning criticism into personal growth

Criticism is an inevitable part of leadership. Whether it’s from peers, subordinates, or superiors, every leader will face negative feedback at some point in their career. While criticism can be challenging to hear, it is also a valuable opportunity for growth and development. By learning how to turn criticism into constructive feedback, leaders can enhance … Read more

Ready for fulfilling life and leadership?