Kate Leto’s Post

The feedback from my course has been so incredible that I knew I wanted to bring it back...and I have! If you're a product leader looking to add coaching to your skillset this course is all you'll need in one place. Leaders that take a coaching approach to their leadership can build sustainable, long-term skills that empower them to make changes in their organisation on a micro and meta scale. 🤯 The course will take place over 6 weeks from Oct 9th - Nov 13th. If you're interested follow the link and let's get you booked in. https://lnkd.in/euW4pa4f 👈

I'm so pleased to bring back my 6-week virtual course 'Essential Coaching Skills for Product Leaders' which will run from Oct 9th - Nov 13th. Your leadership style can change how your team works, how productive they are, and ultimately how successful your business becomes. That's why nailing the right approach is essential for any product leader, and that's where developing a coaching style can make all the difference. With a coaching style of leadership, you can: ✅ Cultivate a company culture that strives for continuous improvement ✅ Empowers your team to work autonomously ✅ Builds resilience and understanding within your teams ✅ Encourages adaptive thinking and a growth mindset These are only some of the benefits adopting a coaching skill will get you. Join my course and learn how to utilize a coaching style of leadership in your day-to-day and reap all the benefits. I've added a link for more information in the comments, but if you have any questions get in touch before registration closes.

If you're seeking a personalized approach to product leadership development, I think my coaching program could be just what you're looking for. As an accredited executive coach, I bring a unique methodology influenced by the importance of humanity in the workplace. Get in touch and let's design a coaching program tailored to your needs.

What does it mean to be a leader in 2024? Such an interesting question, and to think that the answer really does change with time. This article from Forbes sums it up well and highlights the need for emotional intelligence and empathy. It also did a really great job of summarising what leadership isn't! (Essentially, let's say goodbye to the Great Man Theory)

If you want to better understand and build up your essential leadership skills, the Product Leadership Essentials newsletter is perfect for you. I'll keep you up-to-date and ensure you're building your leadership skills with top tips, resources, and all the latest news.

I think we're all in agreement when I say 'technical skills are no longer enough'. That's why I wrote this book 👇 to dive deep into the human side of Product Management too... I discuss mastering the art of creativity, innovation, decision-making, and leadership that truly sets successful individuals, teams, and products apart. And, I've shared some practical tools and insights that will revolutionize your hiring process and cultivate a thriving product management culture. You can grab a copy using the link in the comments, and let me know what you think.

When your leaders fall short and disappoint you, it’s easy to play the blame game, but that often hurts us more than them. Instead of waiting for them to don their capes, we could focus on what we can control... What I've done in the past is focus on three steps, when I feel let down: 1. Reflect on Expectations: Where do they come from? 2. Acknowledge Your Influence: Control what you can—your behavior 3. Be the Change: Embrace values and lead by example I've written more about this in my blog, (I've linked it in the comments) including your options if you just can't get it out of your mind.

Thought of the week: Micro-managing has a bad rep...and for good reason. A good leader creates space and structure to help their team develop their OWN norms and identity. It's important to let them. 🧠

Earlier this year I was on the Product Thinking podcast with Melissa Perri and we were talking about how product leaders are really feeling the pressure these days (more so than normal) and how this has led to many different forms of leadership styles emerging. One that I particularly think is helpful, empowering, and successful (from experience) is the coaching style. It's something that we discussed further in the episode (I've added a link for the podcast in the comments) ⬇️ We also discussed the real value of coaching, the difference between coaching and mentoring, and how effective coaching nurtures successful product leaders. So, if you've got time to spare and need a podcast ep to binge, I'd highly recommend this one.

Okay, so how many of us often (or have ever) felt disappointed with our leaders? I'm going to assume many of those virtual hands are up... But when it comes to that common storyline of disappointment with our leaders - Why do we expect them to be the heroes? And what happens when they fall short? The answer to dealing with disappointment isn't just about accepting it, but understanding it. Are they realistic? Where do they come from? And more importantly, how do we shift from blaming to taking charge of our own actions and attitudes? Here are some strategies I recommend when you feel yourself mulling in disappointment: 1. Reflect on your expectations 2. Acknowledge your Sphere of Influence 3. Ask yourself what change you need to see and whether YOU can be it. It’s important to recognize that disappointment with leadership is common, but it can be a problem when it becomes a pattern. I've written more on the topic my latest blog, I'll link it in the comments. But how do you deal with disappointment in your professional career?