Chris Donnelly

Your title doesn't make you a leader.

How you choose to communicate with your employees does.

10 FREE Management Courses to Try Today 🔥

Another fantastic resource post from Project Management

1. Google Project Management: Professional Certificate
Taught by Google experts who used project management to launch their career.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dz7gKfTN

2. IBM Project Manager Professional Certificate
Build the insights, skills and portfolio to have an advantage in the job market.
↳ https://lnkd.in/drqTnbdk

3. AI Product Management Specialization
Teaches you to manage Design & Development of Machine Learning Products.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dGEFqQgJ

4. Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management
This course covers the core concepts of planning and executing projects.
↳ https://lnkd.in/d9xk4RUk

5. Scrum Master Certification Specialization
Learn and understand how to manage events and tasks in a sprint.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dAM_zwcK

6. Project Management: Tools, Approaches, Behavioural Skills
Learn the primary tools, techniques and approaches to plan projects.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dn25rt-Z

7. Agile with Atlassian Jira
Learn the common fundamental principles and practices used by agile.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dtaiBV6S

8. Software Product Management Specialization
Apply Agile software management practices to team leadership and projects.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dixCqGkt

9. Project Management Principles and Practices Specialization
Understand the skills to guarantee project success, within budget and deadline.
↳ https://lnkd.in/dZ4UR_Uw

10. Engineering Project Management Specialisation
Gain the knowledge, and skills that you need to move into leadership positions.
↳ https://lnkd.in/d-pbwjJg

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Do you want a high-resolution PDF of all these courses and their links?

1. ♻️ Repost this to your network
2. Comment on this post
3. Follow Chris Donnelly
4. Subscribe to: https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

I'll say it again.

Culture is not bean bags, free beer, or a free subscription to a meditation app.

Culture is:

- Not scheduling meetings before or after the working day
- Not scheduling meetings over lunch
- Not publicly shaming individuals in front of the team
- Not pressuring parents to parent around their work instead of working around their kids
- Hiring appropriately and not letting the team carry the load alone
- Not promoting a false sense of your companies culture online

Your actions define your culture. Your culture defines your brand.

People don't leave because they don't have free stuff, they leave because they can recognise the difference between a good culture and a bad one.

People don't just quit bad jobs.

They quit because they're being micromanaged.

Micromanagers are the resignation trigger.
And once one employee goes, others tend to follow.

The reality is:
It's really hard to find top talent.

So as a manager, it is your duty to keep them motivated.

Here are the top 8 ways to keep your top talent happy:

🗣️ Give feedback on a regular basis to help people learn.
💰 Pay people a competitive salary or someone else will.
⚖️ Offer a real work-life balance, not a false promise.
📈 Be open and transparent about growth opportunities.
✉️ Encourage open communication between both parties.
👊 Do not promote toxic behaviour or it'll fester.
👥 Actively focus on creating a great culture.
🤲 Practice empathy and forgive mistakes.

If you do these 8 things, you will notice a few benefits:

😊 More smiles around the office.
🧳 Higher job satisfaction all around.
⚠️ A greater appetite for risk and innovation.

Your team are the foundation of your business.
It's time to start treating them that way.

Did I miss any methods from the list?
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

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Best career advice:

You should either earn a lot or learn a lot.

Although, both would be best.

Here are 9 other amazing pieces of career advice:

1. Build a personal brand. It shows you can create something from nothing.

2. Overcome self-doubt to build confidence. Believe in your ability.

3. Embrace each role as a learning journey. Strive to acquire new insights.

4. View failure as a stepping stone. They're opportunities for growth.

5. Be proactive in finding solutions. Explore and carve out your own path.

6. Action dispels anxiety. Progress triumphs over excessive rumination.

7. Work both smart and hard. There are no shortcuts in this game called life.

8. Choose the right opportunities wisely. You can't say yes to them all.
 
9. Networking is crucial to success. Build meaningful connections.

But above all:
Learn from the very best.
They'll teach you more than any degree can.

Do you agree?
Let me know ⬇️

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Want to know my full system for building a personal brand?
I'm sharing it all for free on Wednesday, December 18th, at 6pm GMT.

Covering:

•⁠ ⁠How to grow on LinkedIn 
•⁠ ⁠How to build your business with leverage 
•⁠ ⁠How to systemise growth

But... We are capping our seats. 
So secure yours here: https://lnkd.in/eFpVhNMe

10 Visuals That Will Change The Way You Think.

Change your mindset, change your outcomes.

These brilliant graphics are created by Liz Fosslien 🔥

Covering some incredible self-development topics like:

- When to take a break
- How to embrace failure
- The power of a great manager

Check them out here:

1. We get what we ask for. 
↳ Closed mouths don’t get fed. If you want something, ask for it! 
↳ Worst case, it’s a no and we learn from it

2. The reality of progress 
↳ Everyone has hard days, even those who are very successful. 
↳ Instead of feeling bad, use this time to reflect on how far you’ve come.

3. When you should take a break
↳ We should not be taking breaks on the brink of burnout
↳ Instead, take smaller breaks when your energy dips, you will go for longer

4. Not everyone starts in the same place
↳ Some people will have a much harder journey to goals than others. 
↳ Always be kind, you don’t know what it’s taken to get somewhere.

5. The reality of hard things 
↳ It may seem like everything but with time everything becomes easier. 
↳ Stay disciplined and persist through the hard times.

6. How to have effective work discussions 
↳ Contribution should come from everywhere, not just from your boss. 
↳ Diversity of thought is absolutely critical

7. How to tackle obstacles in life
↳ When things are hard, remember: it’s one small part of a long journey. 
↳ Reflect on how far you’ve actually come.

8. How we should view failure 
↳ Failure is never a bad thing. It is all a part of the process. 
↳ Embrace failure. Fail fast and learn even faster.

9. Working when you’re anxious 
↳ It’s far easier to take on more when you’re feeling good. 
↳ Prioritise your mental and physical health to make things work.

10. The power of a great manager
↳ A good manager will bring you more benefits than higher pay. 
↳ Find a leader who will truly help you excel.

10 thought-provoking images. 
Aiming to shift your perception today.

Which was your favourite lesson? 
Let me know below ⬇️

- - - - -

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Managers listen up…

Investing in your people is the best decision you will ever make.

It’s their hard work, skill and commitment that will define your business.

The very least you can do is pay them what they’re worth.

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I saw this and it literally sums up marketing right now.

When artificial intelligence and robots are automating so much of marketing on social media and search engines, the best way to connect with your consumers and create lasting memories is to:

- have a strong brand presence
- focus on having creative that truly resonates with your customer
- make customers feel something

That's why Verb produces our own creative and we run the performance activities - because it's the marketing that finds the right people and then the creative that makes them say yes.

Be the person who makes things easier, not harder.

What skills are essential to master in 2025?

(Steal this to become future-proof)

The World Economic Forum published the Future of Jobs Report 2025, 
And the list of core skills for 2030 is absolutely fascinating. 

Key takeaways: 

📍 The top skills for 2030 are strategic, not technical.
📍 Analytical thinking tops the list.
📍 Success in 2030 will come down to how well you:

– Think through problems
– Build connections
– Invest in personal development

If you’re a side hustler in 2025, aiming to be a founder by 2030... 
Study this list.

These skills will directly shape your trajectory.

Here's how to get ahead by 2030:  

1. AI and Big Data 🤖
↳ Subscribe to one AI or data-focused newsletter.
↳ Automate one aspect of your workflow (ChatGPT, RightMessage, ReadAI).

2. Systems Thinking 🔧
↳ Map out a process you use weekly and one point of friction.
↳ Identify a system that can work even when you're at your 9-5.

3. Creative Thinking 💭
↳ Commit to a 30-minute daily idea generation session.
↳ Try creating a cheat sheet on a topic in your niche.

4. Talent Management 👥
↳ Document the roles you’d delegate first as your side hustle grows.
↳ Test outsourcing one small task now - even just a £25 UpWork brief.

5. Analytical Thinking 🤔
↳ Review data from your socials and think about how to action it.
↳ Choose one business metric and write down three inputs driving it.

6. Technological Literacy 🖥️
↳ Set a weekly learning goal in a particular IT skill.
↳ Dedicate 20 minutes every single day to work on this skill.

7. Empathy and Active Listening 👂
↳ Use your day job to sharpen communication with your colleagues.
↳ On your next customer call, take notes and ask specific follow-ups.  

8. Motivation and Self-Awareness 👤
↳ Track your energy levels throughout the day from 8 am to 8 pm.
↳ Schedule tasks according to energy, not time (I do deep work in the AM).

9. Leadership and Social Influence 🗣️
↳ Highlight a customer win or insight, not just the product.
↳ Post once a week on LinkedIn, sharing a principle behind your business.

10. Curiosity and Lifelong Learning 🧠
↳ Listen to a podcast on a topic you're not familiar with. 
↳ Ask one person outside your field how they solve problems.

11. Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility 🐆
↳ Write down one setback and what it taught you.
↳ Try one new approach this week to a repeating challenge.

If you’re serious about building in the next 5 years,
Save this list. 

And if you want support while you scale...

I offer weekly business advice from 20+ years of entrepreneurship.
With the core strategies for scaling up without burning out.  
 
Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

I have important lessons and 30+ free learning resources for you.

Which skill will you be focusing on first? 
Share it with me in the comments. 👇

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The people in your company who are the quietest are often doing incredible things.

Instead of talking about it, they're focused on getting the job done.

🔥 Level up your team's success with Quiet Power by Eric Partaker 🔥

Quieter employees often make the greatest impact.
They are the hidden gems in businesses.

Save Eric’s cheat sheet on the Power of Quiet People,
to utilise this hidden potential.

It's a necessary resource for all leaders.

In it you'll learn:

⚡Which energy sources match each personality type

Introverts prefer to recharge in silence,
However, extroverts thrive in more social environments.

Don't judge by not understanding personality!

💪 8 powers of quiet people:

➨ Deep Thinkers: thrive in creative problem-solving.
➨ Focused Workers: can comfortably and deeply concentrate. 
➨ Calm: serene understanding and presence in tough situations.
➨ Independent: can function independently. 
➨ Empathetic Leaders: understand others emotions.
➨ Effective Listeners: listens for the underlying reason
➨ Observant: an eye for the smallest of details 
➨ Prudent: carefully considered decisions

Gain awareness of these strengths

to maximise their potential!

And to unlock your team's full capacity:

🌟7 lessons to empower quiet talent

1/ Offer a Longer Time to prep
2/ Encourage input that is written
3/ Have a meeting one-on-one
4/ Acknowledge things quietly
5/ Utilise their strengths
6/ Build quiet spaces
7/ Always check-In & actively listen

Quiet team members can often be overlooked,
... yet they're fundamental for team balance.

Learn to nurture and recognise quieter talent.
In order to create a stronger, more well-rounded team.

Are you a quiet worker? ⬇️

- - - - -

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📌 Want a high-res PDF of this cheat sheet?
Try Eric's free newsletter: https://lnkd.in/escn4s-Q
You'll get this cheat sheet & 10+ more for free.

10X Your Productivity With Just 20 Sentences.

The perfect way to start 2024.

🔥 Steal this powerful sheet from my friend Colby Kultgen 🔥

Level up your performance in all areas.

With topics including:

- Work and performance
- Health and wellness
- Time management
- Task prioritisation
- Energy & Focus

This isn’t a “read and move on”.
Treat it as a practical guide to get you back on track.

Carefully consider these sentences.
And start applying them today.

Your future self will thank you.

What’s your favourite productivity hack?
Let me know in the comments below ⬇️

If this content resonates, repost ♻️ this to your network, follow Chris Donnelly and subscribe to my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eN9KS5mW

Your skills are not the problem.

It's your perspective that's sabotaging growth:

As woo-woo as it sounds, I do genuinely believe 
We are capable of shaping our reality.

Not by sitting around and hoping for things to happen, 
But by developing a new perspective on life.

99% of people never learn this, 
And waste their energy focusing on how hard life is.

Meanwhile, the top 1% have learned how to reframe.

They see life as full of opportunity, 
Instead of viewing it as a long series of challenges.

Reframing your perspective sounds like:

🚫 ”I hate my alarm.”
✅ ”I’m blessed to wake up.”

🚫 ”Do I really have to work?”
✅ ”I’m glad I get the chance to work.”

🚫 ”This is exhausting.”
✅ ”I’m getting stronger.”

🚫 ”I have to do this again tomorrow?”
✅ ”I get another chance tomorrow?”

It's not about pretending life is easy, 
And that everything will be smooth sailing...

It's about choosing a perspective that serves you, 
Instead of one that brings you down.

Ultimately, your reality is formed by what you focus on...
 
So, choose wisely.

If you're serious about building a more positive mindset, 
My weekly newsletter Step By Step will help you. 

I share the exact frameworks that changed my life for good, 
And helped me scale multiple businesses while maintaining my focus.

Sign up here ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

I also have 30+ learning resources for you.

Have you tried this kind of reframing before? 
Share your experience in the comments. 👇

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8 Ways to End Procrastination\n\n(To focus on the tasks that really matter) \n\nProcrastination is the biggest enemy of productivity.\nIt's also strongly linked to higher stress in the workplace.\n\nIf you can't master your time,\nYou will not hit your ambitious goals.\n\nBreak the cycle today.\nUse these 8 methods for ending procrastination:\n\n1. The 2-Minute Rule ⏱️\n↳ If the task takes under 2 minutes...\n↳ Get it done RIGHT NOW.\n\n2. Visualise How Future You Will Feel 👤\n\nImagine how it feels at the end of the day in 2 ways:\n\nA) If you’ve worked hard and stayed focused.\nB) If you have procrastinated and did not complete the work.\n\n3. Put Your Phone In Another Room 📱\n↳ Your phone is your biggest distraction.\n↳ Put it in another room to get work done.\n\n4. Break Things Down ⛓️‍💥\n↳ Big projects = overwhelmed feelings = procrastination.\n↳ Break your tasks into small challenges to avoid this.\n\n5. The 5-Second Rule 🕔\n↳ Once you’ve noticed you’re procrastinating, give yourself 5 seconds.\n↳ By 5, get up and get back to the task you were doing.\n\n6. Use the Eisenhower Matrix ⊹\n↳ Focus on the urgent and important.\n↳ Understand how to delegate and automate the rest.\n\n7. Eat the Frog 🐸\n↳ Do the most difficult task first.\n↳ This builds momentum fast. \n\n8. Stop Worrying About Perfection 🧼\n↳ Perfection can be paralysing.\n↳ Just make a start, you’ll figure it out on the way.\n\nSave this carousel to end procrastination today,\nAnd make some real progress towards your goals.\n\nDo you have any procrastination tips that I missed?\nShare them in the comments ⬇️\n\n♻️ Repost this to help your network be more productive.\nAnd follow Chris Donnelly for more.\n\nIf you enjoyed this content, you might like my newsletter, Step by Step:\n\nhttps://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu\n\nI have 30+ free learning resources for you.

Your title doesn't make you a great leader.

How you make your people feel does.

Important message from my friend John Castro
(Yet another banger by John from our Career Accelerator cohort!)

You've got to choose your words wisely.

Leadership isn't all about barking orders.
It's about giving people the autonomy to grow.

The best leaders speak in a way that...

- Fosters trust
- Pushes a growth mindset
- Creates a supportive environment

Here are 10 phrases that set great leaders apart:

1. I trust you.
2. You got this.
3. How can I help?
4. I value your opinion.
5. Let’s do this together.
6. I believe you can do it.
7. You have my full support.
8. Where can I help you grow?
9. Let’s celebrate your progress.
10. What do you think of this idea?

Using these simple phrases can transform your team's performance.

The words you use cultivates the culture you create.

Lead with integrity!

Which phrase resonates with you the most?
Share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️

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12 of the wisest things ever said by Steve Jobs:

1. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.“

2. “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.”

3. “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.“

4. “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.“

5. “It's not the customer's job to know what they want.“

6. “The journey is the reward.“

7. “We're here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise, why else even be here?“

8. “You've got to start with the customer experience and work back toward the technology, not the other way around.“

9. “Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life.“

10. “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.“

11. “You can't do it unless you can imagine it.“

12. “I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what's next.“

His insights on innovation and life has inspired millions of entrepreneurs globally and will continue to do so.

What’s your favourite quote?

- - - - -

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Gymshark nailing branding. In 3 words.

👏

Stop letting your emotions get the best of you. 

You're letting yourself down.

Problems are an inevitable part of life, 
And it's essential that you learn how to handle them.

Most people face a problem and either shut down, 
Or try to think their way out.

That usually results in more anxiety and overthinking.

I've found that most problems can be solved.
You just need to find direction and take action.

Small moves in the right direction can:  
Offset stress and compound into massive change.

This mindset helped me build multiple 7 and 8-figure businesses, 
And stay grounded while doing it.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

🤔 If you’re overthinking → Start writing.
↳ Getting it on the page creates clarity.

😑 If you’re uninspired → Start reading.
↳ Input is the best antidote to stagnation.

😧 If you’re stuck → Start walking.
↳ Physical motion unlocks mental momentum.

😵‍💫 If you’re confused → Start asking.
↳ One conversation can inspire your next move.

🫨 If you’re anxious → Take action.
↳ Even small progress can kill panic.

Newton's Third Law states: 
“Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.“

The same is true of problems.

For every problem, there's an action that can solve it.

And when you stack these small changes:

✅ Your day will feel better.
✅ Your business will run smoother.
✅ And your life will begin to move forward.

If you want to build a business and life you actually enjoy, 
My weekly newsletter Step By Step is designed exactly for that.

I send an email out every Sunday packed full of... 
Strategies, frameworks, and lessons.

Sign up here ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

Do you agree that every problem has a solution? 
Let me know, interested to hear. 👇

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Growth is never a straightforward path.

Learn to trust the process.

I don't think people realise how long they have.
Especially when you're young; you rush everything.

They come across failure for the first time...
And it completely debilitates them.

But this is what I've learned:

Each time I faced a roadblock, I learned something.
It gave me added resilience to face my next challenge.

That resilience is what turns roadblocks into stepping stones.

That's why it's important to adopt
↳ A Growth Mindset 🧠

This is what a setback looks like with a Growth Mindset:

1. Pause and Reflect 🤔
↳ Acknowledge the setback without judgment.
↳ Ask: What can I learn from this?

2. Reframe the Narrative 🖼️
↳ Shift your focus from “I failed” to “I’m growing.”
↳ See the setback as a lesson, not a defeat.

3. Adjust and Strategise ⌨️
↳ Identify what it is that didn't work.
↳ Tweak your approach and create a new plan.

4. Take Action and Persist 💥
↳ Move forward with determination.
↳ Remember, growth comes from consistent effort.

If you avoid failure and challenges...
The truth is that you'll never truly grow.

I do believe that failing is a sign of trying.

And the parts of my life that have felt the messiest...
Reflecting back I realise those were the highest-growth periods.

Do you think about growth in the same way?
Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments ⬇️

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Master The Art of Negotiation

How to Get What You Deserve:

Another fantastic cheatsheet by Josh S. 🔥

A brutal truth in life:

Most people do not get what they deserve.

The solution?
Negotiate for what you deserve.

People who master the art of negotiation:

↳ Earn greater respect and recognition
↳ Secure higher-paid opportunities
↳ Advance more quickly in life

Start enhancing your negotiation skills today.
Steal this guide now!

Harvards 6 Guidelines to get to Yes:

1. Separate the people from the problem
2. Focus on Interests, not positions
3. Learn to manage emotions
4. Express appreciation
5. Put a positive spin on your message
6. Escape the action and reaction cycle

Understand the types of communication

You need to work on:

↳ 7% words
↳ 38% Tone and pace
↳ 55% body language

Understand the Zone of Possible Agreement
From there you can negotiate:

With 6 bonus tips to level up your negotiation!

Remember:

If you don’t speak up you don’t get.
Start negotiating to get what you truly deserve.

Do you have any tips for negotiation? 
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

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Pay is very important.

However, it is just one piece in a much more complex puzzle of employee happiness.

- - - - -

Here are 7 key factors to create employee satisfaction

1. Adaptability & Lifelong Learning

In today's ever-evolving work landscape, a commitment to adaptability and continuous learning is paramount.

Organisations and individuals that prioritise learning are positioned to stay relevant and competitive.

According to LinkedIn's 2020 Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development.

2. Employee Well-being

Prioritising the well-being of employees, focusing on both their physical and mental health, is essential.

A balanced work-life dynamic contributes to enhanced productivity and job satisfaction.

Research from Harvard Business Review suggests that happy employees are 31% more productive and their sales are 37% higher.

3. Embracing Diversity

A diverse workplace fosters innovation by bringing together different perspectives and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable working environment.

According to McKinsey, companies in the top quartile for diversity are 33% more likely to have above-average profitability than those in the lowest quartile.

4. Purpose-Driven Work

Fostering a sense of purpose among employees leads to increased engagement and motivation.

When individuals understand how their contributions align with the organisation’s mission and values, fulfilment and productivity flourish.

A study by Deloitte found that purpose-driven companies witnessed higher market share gains and grew on average three times faster than their competitors.

5. Human-Centered Leadership

Leadership that values and prioritises employees, recognising their humanity first, fosters trust, loyalty, and engagement.

According to a Gallup study, managers account for at least 70% of the variance in employee engagement scores.

6. Leveraging Technology

Utilising technology as a tool to enhance human capabilities, improve efficiency, and foster connectivity is essential in the modern workplace.

A Gartner survey indicated that high-performing organisations use technology and digitalisation to achieve better efficiency and adaptability.

7. Authenticity and Integrity

Leading with authenticity and integrity sets the tone for an open, honest, and ethical workplace, building trust and contributing to organisational success.

The Edelman Trust Barometer highlights that trust is one of the most important factors for employees, affecting their morale and performance.

- - - - -

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90% of top performers have high Emotional Intelligence.

Here are 24 Signs you have it too:

1. You can control your own emotions in times of stress.

2. You have empathy and understanding for others.

3. You are calm when pressure is high.

4. You make decisions carefully understanding different points of view.

5. You help others in times of distress.

6. You can manage team conflicts with ease.

7. You can manage your own motivation.

8. You are resilient when times get tough.

9. You can adapt fast to a crisis.

10. You are integral, honest and trusting.

11. You have mastered self-control.

12. You keep an open mind no matter what.

13. You make others feel comfortable and at ease.

14. You encourage feedback and thrive off it.

15. You can build high-performing teams.

16. You listen more than you talk.

17. You acknowledge others emotions and treat people with respect.

18. You create a positive atmosphere for others.

19. You communicate with clarity and efficiency.

20. You feel comfortable in different social environments.

21. You have strong patience with others.

22. You are self-assured and confident.

23. You are okay with being vulnerable and encourage others to be the same.

24. You make new people feel welcome.

Remember:
Emotional Intelligence isn't a skill you are gifted.
You have to work long and hard to develop it.

If you want to develop it today:

↳ Reflect daily
↳ Seek feedback
↳ Improve your listening
↳ Analyse your emotional response
↳ Learn more through resources online

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7 Uncomfortable truths every employer needs to hear.

Leaders, CEOs, and managers listen up…

When you make your people the priority
They will make your business theirs.

Understand these 7 truths today
For a strong business tomorrow:

1. The worst time to offer a pay rise is after they hand in their notice.
↳ If you value your team reward them before they start looking elsewhere.

2. You don’t have a work-from-home issue you have a trust problem.
↳ If you do not trust your employees to work at home you’re a micromanager.

3. Company culture is not bean bags, free beer or other useless benefits.
↳ The best culture is an environment where your team feel heard and valued.

4. Your team should feel comfortable to say “I don’t know” or “I disagree.”
↳ If employees don’t feel safe to share perspectives you have work to do.

5. Your entry-level jobs should never require any work experience
↳ You’re just trying to hire for a normal job and paying an entry-level salary.

6. If your actions do not always align with your values you will destroy trust.
↳ It should never be one rule for employees and another rule for managers.

7. If an employee is sick or has a family emergency it is not annual leave.
↳ It only takes basic human compassion to understand this is not annual leave.

What other uncomfortable truths would you add to this list?
Let me know in the comments below ⬇️

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Stop waiting for the perfect idea.

Success is earned by taking action.

The truth is:
Most people don't fail because they have bad ideas.

They fail because they never make a start. 

They overthink, overplan, 
And wait for clarity that never comes.

The reality is, the bar for success has never been lower.

The most successful people: 

✅ Picked something imperfect. 
✅ Moved before they felt ready. 
✅ Adjusted as they went.

99% of people don't do that in today's society.

So, the next time you're second-guessing yourself, remember this:

👟 Nike was just a college project.
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 YouTube launched as a dating site.
🖊️ IKEA started out selling pens.

Think about that.
They made a start, and they pivoted later.

Then, they all achieved unthinkable success. 

Here’s how you can do the same:

1️⃣ Pick one idea. 
↳ Think about a problem you hear about often, and how you'd fix it. 
↳ You don’t need a decades-long roadmap.

2️⃣ Start messy. 
↳ Ship it before it’s ready, and sell it before it’s polished.
↳ Listen closely to the feedback of your early adopters.

3️⃣ Be ready to pivot. 
↳ Your first version won't be the final one or the best one. 
↳ The goal ultimately is evolution, not revolution.

But they can't evolve if they never begin.

You won’t get to the right idea, 
Without learning from the wrong ones.

Start now. 
Tidy it up later.

If you’re building something, or want to start, 
My weekly newsletter will help. 

It's packed with actionable frameworks
And skills you need to start, scale, or pivot your next move.

Sign up here 👇 
https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

You’ll also get access to 30+ free learning resources. 

What idea are you working on right now? 
Would love to hear about them in the comments.👇

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11 Visuals That Will Change How You Lead.

Use these to become an amazing leader.

Shoutout to Roberto for these amazing visuals 🔥

1. The reality of micromanagement
↳ Leaders inspire and lead, not control and command.
↳ Micromanagers don’t help the team they hinder them.

2. Maximise Strengths
↳ We are often taught to improve our weaknesses.
↳ But when we master our strengths we become unstoppable.

3. The introversion stereotype
↳ Introverts often make very strong leaders.
↳ Having both introverted and extroverted leaders is a huge advantage.

4. Layers of communications
↳ Listening is far deeper than just hearing things.
↳ When you truly listen to problems they get solved faster.

5. Creating Psychological Safety
↳ Your team should always feel okay speaking up.
↳ The more you listen, the safer your team will feel.

6. How to build a positive culture
↳ Vulnerability isn't a bad characteristic for leaders.
↳ When you say “I am sorry or I made a mistake” you build trust.

7. Traits of a high-performing team
↳ Your business is only as strong as your team.
↳ Implement these 7 steps to transform your team's work rate.

8. The Impact of a Great Manager
↳ A great manager puts their team first. Always.
↳ They help them to focus on performing to the best of their ability.

9. Creativity vs Bureaucracy
↳ Bureaucracy is the biggest threat to creativity. 
↳ Don’t let it hold your company back from doing great things.

10. Toxic culture traps
↳ A toxic culture is the quickest way to derail your team.
↳ Don’t let winning ideas and strategy be sacrificed to toxicity.

11. Great leaders inspire.
↳ Set an example that others want to follow.
↳ Your actions will result in a chain of great leaders.

11 truly incredible leadership lessons.
That will completely change your perspectives.

Which visual was your favourite?
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

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People don’t quit jobs

Here’s what they do quit:

❌ Bad Managers
Lack of good leadership and support.

❌ Toxic Culture
Negative workplace environment.

❌ Poor Compensation
Low pay and weak benefits.

❌ Limited Growth
No chance to move up or learn new skills.

❌ Lack of Support
Insufficient help and resources.

❌ Overwork
Too much work leading to burnout.

❌ No Recognition
Feeling ignored and unvalued.

But they stay when they have:

✅ Good Leadership
Supportive and inspiring managers.

✅ Caring Environment
Positive and inclusive company culture.

✅ Shared Rewards
Fair pay and benefits.

✅ Career Progression
Opportunities to learn and grow.

✅ Autonomy + Support
Freedom to work without being micromanaged.

✅ Flexible Hours
Able to balance work with personal and family time.

✅ Feeling Valued
Being appreciated and heard.

Employers, keeping top talent is key to your success.
Happy employees make your business stronger.

Invest in good leadership and fair pay.
Value and support your team.

Make these changes to strengthen your team.
Build a workplace where everyone wants to stay!

Have you ever quit a bad manager?
Share your experience in the comments ⬇️

If this content resonates, repost ♻️ this to your network and follow Chris Donnelly

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95% of people state they can’t stay focused in meetings.

The Ultimate Guide to Effective Meetings.

When people constantly lose focus in meetings
They quickly become… pointless.

It’s time to stop wasting time in unproductive meetings.
Save and study this guide for more effective meetings:

🏅 Jeff Bezos's 3 golden rules for productive meetings.

1. The two-pizza rule
↳ Limit the number of people to that which two pizzas can feed.

2. Ditch PowerPoints
↳ Ditch the slide shows. Bezos requires detailed written narratives instead.

3. Embrace Silence 
↳ Start by dedicating 30 minutes to read the memo.

6️⃣ best practices to elevate your meetings:

1. Define a clear purpose and agenda.
2. Encourage active participation from all.
3. Select a skilled individual to lead the meeting.
4. Conclude with specific next steps and action items.
5. Explore alternative methods of effective collaboration.
6. Continuously seek feedback and focus on improvements.

👀 Reduce your meetings with 3 proven tips:

1. Establish “No meeting days”.
2. Be very selective with your time.
3. Use meeting tools to your advantage

⚡ 4 Ultimate Meeting Hacks:

1. Have meetings whilst on walks.
2. Richard Branson's stay stood up rule.
3. Cover agenda topic and points in 5 minutes.
4. Invite the 20% of people who will drive 80% of the value

🖥️ Last but not least 5 must-have meeting tools:

1. Otter Ai
2. Loom
3. Tactiq
4. Canva GPT
5. Whimisical Diagrams GPT

How do you maintain productive meetings? 
Comment below to help others do the same ⬇️

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If you're not using AI...

You're not being productive.

In 2022, when AI started becoming mainstream, 
I made a commitment to myself to learn the ins and outs as much as I could.

I said I would spend 30 minutes daily learning about it, 
And I have kept my word.

Here's what I've learned so far:

➡️ AI is hugely valuable for individuals and companies. 
➡️ The systems and automation you can develop are out of this world. 
➡️ I will absolutely be continuing to implement it in my businesses.

Not only can it produce well-written content, 
But it can also:

✅ Develop custom systems from scratch
✅ Summarise and distil an insane amount of information
✅ And create automations that run while you sleep.

That's why I've made this sheet to help you become more productive...
With a list of productivity prompts using world-class frameworks.

The sheet includes frameworks like:

1️⃣ Getting Things Done (GTD)
2️⃣ Pomodoro Technique
3️⃣ Eat The Frog
4️⃣ Time Blocking
5️⃣ Parkinson’s Law

And there are 15 more AI prompts in the sheet below.

I will be talking about how to build a digital business, use AI 
and ultimately how to build a cohort busines today, at 3pm.

On my free live webinar:

“How to Build a Cohort Business“
Today at 3:00 pm BST

We'll cover a wide range of topics: 

- Why cohort models convert better, scale faster, and create real demand. 
- The exact structure behind a multi-million dollar cohort offer. 
- How to build urgency, trust, and community at scale.

Limited seats available, so sign up quickly: 
https://lnkd.in/eMYw-JvF

I genuinely encourage you to turn up and ask the hard questions!

- - - - -

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2. Like the post.
3. Repost to your network.
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6 Free Harvard Courses.

To Change Your Life in 2024 (Part 2 Version).

Another fantastic curation by Josh S. 🔥

Level up your learning right now.
From the world’s most prestigious institution!

Take a look at these 6 incredible free courses.
Covering fundamental topics such as:

- Resilience and Self Development
- Artificial Intelligence
- Leadership

Take your self-improvement further.
Check them out here:

1. Introduction to AI with Python
https://lnkd.in/ezcX3SGu

2. Resilient Leadership
https://lnkd.in/dhPpugaJ

3. The Path to Happiness
https://lnkd.in/e6bBYuUd

4. Building Personal Resilience
https://lnkd.in/eYhuCVv8

5. Leadership: Creating Public Value
https://lnkd.in/dUiw9f7p

6. Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking
https://lnkd.in/ddrNHiKW

Whether it’s improving your existing skills.
Or learning something completely new.

These courses offer something for everyone.

Which one will you be taking on first?
Let me know below ⬇️

♻️ Repost this to help others in your network see these courses
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📌 Want a high-res of this PDF graphic?  
Josh will be adding it to my LinkedIn Vault
To access it for free, subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/eVCiGdBU

4 signs that you have a strong company culture:

1. You are trusted to work from anywhere

2. You have a great work-life balance

3. You laugh with your team, a lot

4. You feel like you can ask for help

#LICreatorAccelerator

Creating an amazing workplace culture shouldn’t be a mystery.

When done correctly it can transform a business.

Awesome graphic from my friend Rob Dance 🔥

When you get thousands of comments per week.
You also get a huge amount of insight from employees.

So leaders, CEOs, and managers listen up…
Here are 12 things your employees DESPERATELY need right now:

1. A Healthy Work-Life Balance
↳ Employees are burning out from trying to balance work and life.
↳ They need leaders to be more flexible when life doesn't go to plan.

2. No More Toxic Culture
↳ Employees deserve a culture that values and empowers them.
↳ Hire for values, lead by example, and cut out toxic behaviour at first sight.

3. Freedom to Work How They Want
↳ Employees want more than just ‘Work From Home Fridays’.
↳ They want more flexibility including how, when, and where they work.

4. Real Job Security
↳ People are nervous about job security because of the economy and AI.
↳ Be honest about the company’s future, invest in upskilling, and training.

5. Show Appreciation
↳ Your team just wants to feel valued and appreciated.
↳ Show recognition and don't forget employees who are not in the office.

6. Clear Career Paths
↳ If there is no room for career growth people will leave.
↳ Progression opportunities in the company need to be clear.

7. Managers Who Actually Care
↳ Employees want managers who actually listen and care.
↳ Forget about the old-school command-and-control style of leadership.

8. A Sense of Purpose
↳ People want to do work that gives them purpose.
↳ Hire for values and find opportunities to align passion with work.

9. Fair Pay and Benefits
↳ Employees NEED fair pay and useful benefits.
↳ No more pizza parties, offer benefits that truly support people.

10. Trust
↳ People want to work for an employer who they trust.
↳ They also want to be given space to excel rather than be micromanaged.

11. Feedback - Good and Constructive
↳ Feedback is the key to employee growth make sure you provide it.
↳ They also want to know that their feedback and suggestions are heard.

12. Respect and Inclusion
↳ People want to work in an inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
↳ Make them feel respected and valued regardless of their background.

Managers listen and act on these 12 points now.

Because when you make your people the priority.
Your people will make your business theirs.

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25 Business Rules for Founders

After 15 years of Running Start-Ups.

Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone.

But you can avoid a lot of failure.
By learning from those who have been through it.

Here are my top 25 lessons:

1. People do not owe you loyalty.

2. The worst time to offer someone a pay rise is when they’ve handed in their notice.

3. Running a business is brutal. You will lose sleep and you will lose friendships.

4. Hiring is THE most important thing in your business.

5. Just because your calendar is booked out, doesn’t mean you’re moving the needle forward.

6. Product reviews are a great way to see what problems need fixing.

7. Create a routine that will get you into deep work easily.

8. Working for free is one of the best ways to get started.

9. You will not win if you are not obsessed.

10. Building your Personal Brand alongside will make things 100x easier.

11. You will likely fail every single day. Embrace it. It’s not a bad thing.

12. You don’t need funding to get started. Start fast and iterate even faster.

13. Your best ideas usually come when you’re away from screens.

14. You will have to work in multiple positions when you start.

15. Most founders are busy doing the wrong things. Find the 20% that’s driving the results and double down on them.

16. Network as if your life depends on it.

17. The A players aren’t often the loudest, they are the people getting sh#t done.

18. Make your team your top priority and they will make your customers their top priority.

19. Always give more than you can take.

20. Know your target customer almost better than you know yourself.

21. Meetings will take your energy. Keep them brief and targeted.

22. If you’re not using AI to improve processes, you will be overtaken by people who are.

23. A strong community is worth its weight in gold.

24. Systems and processes are absolutely everything when you’re trying to scale.

25. You can’t expect people to hit the ground running if you don’t provide the proper training and resources.

♻️ Repost this to help founders in your network 
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Try my free newsletter Step by Step.
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You'll get 30+ high-value leadership, business and personal resources.

Your title doesn't make you a leader.

How you choose to communicate with your team does.

Leaders are there to guide the team toward a collective goal.

Poor communication is probably the No.1 thing that gets in the way of that.

Leaders who don't know how to communicate:

🚫 Frustrate their team and cause confusion. 
🚫 Encourage resentment and high turnover rates. 
🚫 Fail to guide their team to meet company targets.

Instead, the best leaders: 

1. Speak To Everyone With Respect.
↳ They value all inputs equally and listen openly to ideas.
↳ They know that everyone performs better when they feel heard.

2. Use Words and Silence Carefully.
↳ They know when to speak, when to listen, and when to step back.
↳ They avoid knee-jerk responses and over-explaining.

3. See Communication As a Bridge.
↳ They prioritise making connections over asserting their authority. 
↳ They give clear instructions and ensure everyone is on board.

If your team is confused, underperforming or disengaged...

Don’t jump straight to performance reviews.

Start with how you, the leader, communicate.

Great leaders don’t just set direction, 
They make sure everyone can follow it.

Have you worked for a boss with great communication? 
Tag them below to show some recognition. 👇

♻️ Repost to help your network achieve success.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

P.S.
I am hosting:
“How to Use AI to Build a Personal Brand in 2025”
For Free On Thursday 3rd April at 5:30pm BST

You will learn:
- How to use AI to generate high-converting content ideas
- How to turn raw ideas into polished posts
- ⁠How to use AI for audience research
- ⁠How to make AI your behind-the-scenes co-founder

Sign up here: 
https://lnkd.in/eMYw-JvF

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2. Like the post.
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Become World Class at Understanding Finances 
A complete finance book all on one page.

🔥 Check out this Ultimate Finance Cheat Sheet by Nicolas Boucher 🔥

Take control of your business finances today. 
Steal this sheet for all finance KPIs and objectives.

Here’s a little sneak peek of what’s inside:

- Accounting, cash and balance sheet KPIs
- Financial terms explained for beginners
- CEO, headcount and inventory KPIs
- The Finance Organisation Chart
- FP&A Methods & Skills
- Tips on reducing costs
- Cash conversion cycle
- Valuation techniques
- Manufacturing KPIs
- The Budget Process
- PVM Analysis
- SaaS KPIs

“Understanding your numbers is not just an option; it's a necessity.”
(Warren Buffet)

As someone who’s run multiple businesses…
I can confirm this sheet is an absolute gold mine.

Start 2024 in the right way. 
And get on top of your business finances.

What’s the most helpful part of this sheet for you? 
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

- - - - -

If you liked this content, ♻️ repost this and follow Chris Donnelly

CEOs need to stop calling their companies “families“.

In this context, the meaning of “family“ has been hijacked by the corporate world to guilt people into staying in line - to make big sacrifices and take on ridiculous workloads.

But parents don't fire their children when their income drops.

So instead of trying to push that narrative, they need to start focusing on team culture - one built on trust, respect and ensuring everyone is valued and pushed to be their best.

ChatGPT is ruining your critical thinking.

The new MIT brain scans study proves it:

But only if you let it...

MIT released a study on the impact of ChatGPT on the brain.

It found that ChatGPT users had:

➡️ Lower brain activity across 32 regions
➡️ Weaker recall of ideas and information
➡️ Less originality in responses

However, that's only half the story.

The study also found that partial use of ChatGPT, 
Heightened brain activity across all EEG frequency bands.

That's why it's important to look at these negative headlines 
about AI with a pinch of salt...

They don't give the full picture.

I fundamentally think ChatGPT is one of the best 
Competitive advantages that creators and founders have today.

And it would be dangerous to ignore it, 
The same way it was to ignore the internet in 2001.

However, there are right ways and wrong ways to use it, 
And this study has created an opportunity to touch on those.

So, here are my thoughts and takeaways from this study:

✅ Think before you prompt.
↳ Jot down your thoughts first for more clarity.
↳ It’s better for your brain and your growth.

✅ Outline with AI, write without it.
↳ Let ChatGPT help shape the plan, not the final product.
↳ You stay in control of the thinking.

✅ Check sources before summarising.
↳ Make sure the info is actually worth using.
↳ Then use AI to speed up the synthesis.

✅ Never publish raw output.
↳ Rewrite, restructure, and test the logic. 
↳ Your voice should still sound like you.

I hope creators today know better than to post pure ChatGPT content.
Not without refining it first.

Copy and pasting from any generative AI is simply lazy, 
And won't truly capture your unique brand or voice.

AI can, however, be an incredibly helpful assistant. 
(One that can 10x your outputs and never gets tired!) 

The difference is your involvement. 
The more you engage, the better the outputs.

For more insights and strategies for AI, 
My weekly newsletter Step By Step is the place to be.

I share actionable tactics to use AI productively, 
While retaining your unique voice and brand identity.

Sign up here ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

I have 30+ free learning resources for you.

What are your thoughts on this study? 
I'd love to hear what you think. 👇

♻️ Repost to help your network get ahead of the game. 
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Kindness costs nothing.

But it has the power to change everything.

We've all had moments where someone was short with us. 
And naturally, you are geared to respond angrily.

But every single time this happens. 
The best thing you can do is:

Pause and respond with empathy.
 
You will never regret it.

Because you never know what someone else is going through:

😷 A private diagnosis.
🧑‍🍼 A rough night with a newborn.
⛓️‍💥 A deal falling apart behind the scenes.

So next time someone seems off with you, take a moment:

1️⃣ Don't react, respond. 
↳ Pause and take a deep breath before replying. 
↳ Think about what they've said and why it got to you.

2️⃣ Ask yourself what they might be facing. 
↳ There are a million reasons they might be off...
↳ And statistically, you can only be 1 of them. 

3️⃣ Default to understanding
↳ The way you respond is within your control. 
↳ Build a habit of having empathy.

Most people are fighting battles you’ll never see.
A little kindness goes further than you think.

If you want advice like this...
That will help you grow exponentially:

You'll want my weekly newsletter.

Join here 👇
https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

I have important lessons and 30+ free learning resources for you.

What's your best tip for handling confrontation? 
Let me know in the comments. ⬇️

♻️ Repost to help your network practice more kindness. 
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This post about being a “good manager” reached 82,181 likes on LinkedIn..

Here are the 5 steps to becoming a world-class manager


If you like this post, follow me Chris Donnelly for more content like it.

Stop hiring based on [X] years of experience.

99% of jobs can be taught.

This is a message I've shared before, 
And I'll keep sharing until I'm convinced otherwise. 
 
(Which I don't predict happening any time soon...)

Most founders are STILL obsessed with hiring whoever looks best on paper. 

This is a huge mistake that could cost you more than just money.

The truth is, a candidate might be the perfect fit on paper, 
But without the right attitude, none of that matters. 

Some of my best hires had absolutely no background in the role. 
But they were fast, adaptable, and fully committed to their work.

They came in and elevated our performance further.

So, after decades of hiring, 
Here's what I look for in new hires now:

1️⃣ Resourcefulness 
↳ Can they come up with solutions without guidance? 
↳ Do they approach situations proactively or wait for instructions?

2️⃣ Curiosity
↳ Do they ask questions that show they really care? 
↳ Do they genuinely want to understand how the business works?

3️⃣ Bias to action
↳ Are they able to complete and ship tasks quickly? 
↳ Or do they sit on ideas waiting for sign-off?

4️⃣ Self-awareness
↳ Can they articulate their strengths and gaps?
↳ Or do they just tell you what they think you want to hear?

5️⃣ Ownership
↳ Do they treat the outcome like it’s theirs?
↳ Are they able to own their successes and setbacks?

Don't get me wrong, experience does matter. 
But it's not the first thing I consider when hiring.

I look for candidates with the skills and attitude to
Grow with the business and contribute to our long-term goals.

Because when someone has the traits you can’t teach,
Teaching the job is the easy bit.

Do you agree that most jobs can be taught? 
Let's discuss in the comments.⬇️

I cover the exact hiring strategies you need,
In order to grow a thriving business in my newsletter, Step by Step.

Sign up here for actionable advice every Sunday 👇
https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

I’ve also included 30+ free resources to help you grow.

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Everyone sees the win.

Very few see what it takes to get there.

We live in a world that assumes victory is the same as success:

🏆 The shiny exit.
🏆 The big valuation.
🏆 The viral post.

But after founding and exiting multiple businesses, 
I've learned that the opposite is true.

The end result is not success, 
It's just the part that people celebrate. 

The truth is, you don’t reach the top by doing what’s easy.
You get there by sticking with it longer than everyone else.

Look at the greats:

⚡ Usain Bolt trained for 20 years.
You saw 9.85 seconds.

🏀 Kobe Bryant made 1,000 shots a day.
You saw the NBA titles.

👟 Eliud Kipchoge ran over 200 km per week.
You saw the 1:59 marathon.

🥊 Muhammad Ali ran 5 miles every morning.
You saw the greatest.

🏊 Michael Phelps trained 365 days a year for five years straight.
You saw the medals.

If you feel like nothing is moving, 
Here are 3 ways to stay consistent when results are slow:

1️⃣ Commit to one small non-negotiable per day.
↳ Not ten. Just one. Make it impossible to skip.

2️⃣ Default to action, not perfection.
↳ You don’t need the best version. You need the next version.

3️⃣ Revisit your ‘why’ weekly.
↳ It should be strong enough to pull you through the toughest times.

If you’re building something right now, 
And it feels slow, hard, or thankless... keep going.

If you're looking for more inspiration to get started,
My newsletter, Step by Step, is what I write to help with that.

It gives you actionable insights to make exponential progress.

You can sign up here: https://bit.ly/4dCkNEf

What’s your version of success?
Would love to hear in the comments. ⬇️

♻️ Repost to help your network achieve success.
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We get 4000 weeks to live this life. 

It's your responsibility not to waste them.

Living a good life requires focusing on the right priorities, 
And so many are simply not doing that.

They spend precious time:

🚫 Working on the wrong things for too long
🚫 Obsessing over what people think
🚫 Consuming instead of creating
🚫 Avoiding discomfort

Then wonder why they've achieved nothing of significance.

I'm sharing this with you because it genuinely shocked me, 
And I think it's a reminder we could all use: 

The average person hopefully gets around 4000 weeks on Earth.

If you spend 4 hours a day mindlessly consuming content, 
You lose 666 of those weeks.

That's a mere 334 weeks to do the things you truly care about. 

So, if you feel like you're not living the life you want, 
I suggest you look closely at where you're spending your time.

Here's where I would spend my time 
To maximise freedom:

🫂 Invest in friendships
↳ Make time for people who energise you.
↳ Nurture the relationships that matter most.

🤩 Prioritise experiences
↳ Say yes to things you’ll remember.
↳ Create moments that make life richer.

💪 Protect your health
↳ Move daily, sleep well, eat real food.
↳ Schedule rest like it’s non-negotiable.

⚙️ Create with intention
↳ Build things that challenge and excite you.
↳ Share your work, even if it’s not perfect.

🧠 Learn deliberately
↳ Read, watch, ask questions.
↳ Apply what you learn wherever possible.

🎯 Pursue meaningful work
↳ Go deep, not wide.
↳ Focus on problems you care about solving.

📣 Build your personal brand
↳ Share what you know publicly.
↳ Be consistent, be clear, be useful.

🚫 Say no more often
↳ Don’t confuse being busy with being productive.
↳ Guard your calendar like your future depends on it.

🙏 Practice gratitude daily
↳ Acknowledge what’s working. 
↳ Write it down and revisit it later.

How you fill your calendar will shape your life.

We’re all headed to the same destination.
Why not strive to make the journey one you’re proud of?

My weekly newsletter is built to help with just that. 

I offer practical business strategy, personal growth insights,
And simple ways to use your time more intentionally.

Sign up here 👇
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You’ll also get instant access to 30+ free resources when you subscribe.

What's one thing you want to spend more time on? 
Drop your thoughts down below ⬇️

♻️ Repost this to give your network this important reminder.
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Setting boundaries does not make you selfish.

It protects your well-being and preserves your peace.

When you fail to set workplace boundaries you risk,
losing work-life balance and facing burnout.

Learn to set boundaries without burning bridges.
So you can focus on what truly matters.

Here’s a sneak peak:

🚧 5 signs you need to set boundaries:
↳ You feel like you're being pulled in multiple directions.
↳ You feel uncomfortable when asking for time off.
↳ Work bleeds into your life too much.
↳ Your relationships start to suffer.
↳ You feel burned out.

7️⃣ types of boundaries and why they are important.
As well as the step-by-step guide to setting boundaries:

↳ Identify your boundaries.
↳ Communicate them clearly.
↳ Set expectations early.
↳ Enforce and revisit

The final part of the sheet:
🏫 Harvards 7 crucial tips for setting boundaries.

Remember:
Your boundaries are only a problem,
To those who don’t respect your time.

Set clear boundaries and communicate them well,
To experience a healthier and more balanced work life.

Have your boundaries ever been crossed in the workplace?
I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments. ⬇️

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7 Bad Habits That Keep Your Dreams Out Of Reach:

(And how to break them)

Developing positive habits can lift you career.
But adopting bad habits can destroy that progress quickly.

Here are the 7 most damaging habits I see people fall for,
And steps you can take to break them:

1. Persistent Procrastination ⏳
↳ Consistent delaying till the last minute solves nothing.
↳ Break the tasks into smaller chunks, step by step.

2. Doomscrolling Addiction 📱
↳ It is one of the most productivity-draining addictions of all.
↳ Use an app like Opal to break the cycle by blocking distracting apps.

3. Streaming Services 📺
↳ Watching non-stop TV shouldn't get in the way of pursuing your hobbies.
↳ Carve out time daily to building something that's just YOURS.

4. Checking Emails 📧
↳ Emails should facilitate work, not take us away from it.
↳ Mute those notifications and check your emails at specified times.

5. Missing The Present Moment 🧘🏻
↳ We have multiple aspects demanding our attention at once.
↳ Spend some time developing your active listening.

6. Moral Licensing ✅
↳ Behaving morally in the past doesn't excuse less moral behaviour later.
↳ Understand exactly what needs to be done at the start of a project.

7. Overspending 💳
↳ This is classic when you start a new job.
↳ Create good spending habits and follow a budget.

These are easy to fall into.
Breaking them will set you apart from the rest.

Have you fallen for any of these?
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

♻️ Repost this to help others break their bad habits.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

If you enjoyed this content, you might like my newsletter, Step by Step:

https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

I have 30+ free learning resources for you.

Success is the result of consistent, repeated action.

You just need to choose the right habits.

Looking at other people's successes can be daunting.
Sometimes we think:

“They're more disciplined“
“They're more intelligent“
“They're more talented“

This couldn't be further from the truth.
It's actually all the small habits that add up over time.

If you're looking for a route to success,
Try implementing these 12 tiny habits:

1. Utilise The “Two-Minute Rule“ ⏱️
↳ If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately.
↳ This helps you battle procrastination.

2. Focus on the 80/20 Rule in All Areas of Life 🔁
↳ Find out which are the 20% of inputs that lead to 80% of output.
↳ Double down on them and progress much faster.

3. Practise a Random Act of Kindness Daily 🤲
↳ It could just be a simple compliment.
↳ Not only does it make them feel great, it makes you feel good too.

4. Set a Daily Intention In The Morning 🌅
↳ While sipping a glass of water, set an intention for the day. 
↳ For example: “Today, I'll prioritise my well-being.“

5. Put Your Gym Clothes Out the Night Before 🩳
↳ This makes it easier for you in the morning.
↳ It will help you stay disciplined with exercise.

6. Drink a Glass of Water First Thing 💧
↳ When you wake up your body is dehydrated. 
↳ Drinking water first thing kick-starts your metabolism.

7. Incorporate 10 Minutes of Stretching Throughout the Day 🙆🏻‍♂️
↳ Most of us are at desks all day, causing constant tightness.
↳ Do some simple stretches throughout the day to ease the tension.

8. Take a 10-Minute Walk Outside in the Morning 🚶🏻‍♂️‍➡️
↳ Getting sunlight in early aligns your circadian rhythm.
↳ This has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function.

9. Practise Deep Breathing Exercises for 5 Minutes 🧘🏻
↳ Deep breathing can reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
↳ Take a double breath in and exhale slowly.

10. Incorporate at Least 20 Minutes of Exercise Into Your Day 🏃🏻‍♂️
↳ Exercise releases endorphins, which improves mood.
↳ It doesn't have to be a full workout; it may just be a walk.

11. Work on Having a Good Posture 💪
↳ As we are constantly sitting down, our posture suffers.
↳ Put your chin up, chest out, and roll your shoulders back.

12. Limit Screen Time Before Bed 🛌
↳ The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt sleep patterns.
↳ Aim to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime.

You don't have to do every single habit.
Start with a few and go from there.

You'll lead a happier and more productive life.

Which of these habits will you be putting into practice?
Let me know in the comments ⬇️

♻️ Repost this to help others be better today.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

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Your business is only as strong as your team.

Here are 8 traits every high-performing team has in common:

The highest-level teams don't rely on:

- Skills and talent
- One strong leader
- Old-school methods

They use these 8 key traits.
To maximise each other’s potential and achieve excellence:

1. Feedback
↳ Constructive criticism is welcomed, they aim for growth, not perfection.
↳ Teams that receive regular feedback show a 14.9% performance boost.

2. Flexibility
↳ Change is embraced, not feared. They can pivot without hesitation.
↳ 94% of executives believe that an agile workforce is crucial for success.

3. Empowerment
↳ They take ownership for their role and responsibilities, this drives results.
↳ Empowered employees are 4.5X more likely to put their full ability into work.

4. Continuous learning
↳ They embrace the unknown and make it their mission to learn more.
↳ They seek knowledge relentlessly through courses, books, and mentors.

5. Balance
↳ They understand that healthy bodies = sharp minds.
↳ They know how to set boundaries and are aware when burnout is near.

6. Shared accountability
↳ They take joint ownership of their successes and failures.
↳ When problems appear there is no finger-pointing, just problem-solving.

7. Strong communication
↳ Whether it’s through Slack or in person, all updates are communicated.
↳ Over communication is never an issue, everyone is aware of what’s going on.

8. They meet with a focus
↳ They meet with an agenda and everyone is aware of the focus.
↳ No meeting is wasted, they are prepared and discuss focussed topics.

Want to turn your team into high-performers?

1. Offer feedback.
2. Embrace change.
3. Celebrate their wins.
4. Invest in their education.
5. Promote work-life balance.
6. Share responsibility for mistakes.
7. Encourage more open conversations.
8. Schedule and plan meetings ahead of time.

Implement these 8 steps to transform your team.

Which trait do you think is most important?
Let me know in the comments below ⬇️

♻️ Repost this to help others in your network create amazing teams.

📌 Want to download a high-res PDF of this sheet?

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Follow the above steps and receive this + 50 free learning resources to help you level up your business, career and life.

Uncomfortable truth most don't want to hear:

Having an idea isn't what makes you special.

The execution of the idea does.

I'm sure you've been there:

You're on a walk, in the shower, or anywhere where you aren't working.
Ideas come to you in floods and streams.

You scramble to write them down on your notes tab...
But then those ideas simply gather dust with zero action taken.

That's what separates the average minds from the great ones.

It's not about having:

💡 The perfect idea
⏱️ With the perfect timing
🌍 And the perfect environment

Rather, it's about having an idea that's “good enough.“
Then simply focusing on excellent execution of that idea.

So, the next time you have a brilliant or “good enough“ idea...
Here's what you're going to do:

1. Cut the Fat
↳ Strip an idea to its core and build the leanest version.
↳ This could be a landing page or even a waitlist for example.

2. Set a Ruthless Deadline
↳ Use Parkinson's Law to be strict about when it will be done by.

(Parkinson’s Law: “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.”)

3. Collect Feedback
↳ Find key people in your audience who can try it. 
↳ Get an idea on the key things that work and the things that don't.

4. Measure Traction
↳ Pay close attention to the general feedback and sentiment. 
↳ Then ask yourself: is this an idea worth building upon?

5. Ship it. Then iterate.
↳ Put it out. It will not be pretty. But it just needs to work. , 
↳ Then continuously improve it based on feedback.

Remember:

We all get brilliant ideas now and again
Often when we least expect it. But execution is king.

Now I've got something special for you...

I'm going to show you the exact route for launching (and executing) your own coaching business. 
To help anyone scale fast, without burning out or guessing your way through it. 

This is for:

- Coaches (new or established) who want consistent revenue.
- Freelancers, consultants, or experts transitioning into coaching.
- Creators looking to monetise their audience with a clear, premium offer.
- Anyone tired of posting, chasing, and is up for building a lean business.

I'm going live at 3pm BST.
You won't want to miss this one...
 
Grab your seat fast here: https://lnkd.in/eMYw-JvF

♻️ Repost to inspire your network to take action.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.

Enjoyed this post?
I will be going so much deeper on this topic in my newsletter.

Going live this Sunday, don't miss out. 
Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu

You can't lose if you don't give up.\n\nWithout resilience - you won't find success.  \n\nWe've all heard this saying before: \n\n“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.“ \n\nIt's a bit cliche, but when we talk about success, \nIt still rings true. \n\nThe message is clear: \n\nThe most resilient people don't avoid difficult situations,  \nThey acknowledge them and push through harder.  \n\nMost people haven't developed this skill,  \nAnd they quit too early. \n\nHere are 7 laws to help you develop that resilience:\n\n1. If you're struggling to understand something, ask Google.\n2. Learn something new every single day.\n3. The dream job doesn't always feel like the dream job.\n4. You will have to repeat yourself. A lot.\n5. Life is not a zero-sum game. I don't have to fail for you to succeed.\n6. Have a powerful why. Then the how is easy.\n7. Just don't stop until you win.\n\nAnything that you want to accomplish will take work. \nAnd anything that takes work will lead to some setbacks. \n\nPeople who acknowledge this early on will have better outcomes. \n\nI'm not saying it's easy, but it is worth it. \n\nEven some of the top brands were the result of sheer perseverance: \n\n📺 Netflix was rejected by over 1,000 investors.\n🚗 Tesla almost folded three separate times.\n🐦 Angry Birds was Rovio’s 52nd attempt.\n\nIf you're serious about building something real, \nYou'll enjoy my weekly newsletter. \n\nStep by Step includes real lessons to help build momentum. \n\nSign up here 👇\nhttps://bit.ly/4dCkNEf\n\nI also have 30+ free learning resources for you. \n\nWhat's your go-to mental hack when you need to push through? \nDrop it in the comments ⬇️\n\n♻️ Repost to help others develop their resilience. \nAnd follow Chris Donnelly for more personal development content.

Your LinkedIn Profile is Your Landing Page.

But here’s what 99% of people miss:

LinkedIn is the best platform to grow your audience, 
And generate leads at the same time...

The secret to lead generation specifically lies in your profile, 
And setting it up to be the best 60-second snapshot of your offer.

I've set up my profile to drive two goals:

📧 Subscriptions to my Step by Step newsletter.
🖥️ Sign-ups to my Creator Accelerator cohort.

The results speak for themselves:

📈 250,000+ subscribers to my email list.
✅ 4 sold-out Creator Accelerator cohorts.

If you want a profile that generates and converts leads, 
Steal this guide for turning your profile into a landing page:

👤 Profile Picture
↳ Make it clear, high-quality, and on-brand (400x400px works best).

🔲 Banner
↳ State your offer and direct people where you want them to go.

⛓️‍💥 Headline & Link
↳ Share what you do, what makes you different, and why people should trust you.

🖱️ Featured Section
↳ Highlight your main offer. Make it visual, clear, and actionable.

✍🏻 Content
↳ Lead with value to push people towards your profile.

👴🏻 Experience
↳ Include your formative roles and a description to build credibility.

☄️ Skills
↳ Prioritise the top 2 skills you want to be known (or hired) for.

✅ Call to Action
↳ There's no point upgrading your profile if people aren't directed towards it.

Creating an optimised profile only takes a few hours, 
But it could change your career for good.

Between a low-revenue LinkedIn profile that doesn't attract attention,  
And a highly profitable one that generates leads while you sleep...

I know which one I'd choose. 

What part of your profile needs the most work? 
Let me know in the comments. 👇

If you're serious about turning your LinkedIn into
A lead generation engine...

Join me for a FREE webinar I'm hosting on Thursday, 12 June. 
  
It's called: “The Anatomy Of The Perfect LinkedIn Post“

I'll teach you:

- The 5 proven LinkedIn post formats that drive engagement and leads.
- How to build content pillars so you always know what to post.
- The exact types of posts that convert.

Sign up here 👇
https://bit.ly/4jjO6wB

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AI knowledge will be a critical job requirement for future companies.

6 Free Online AI Courses From Top Companies:

---

These future roles won't require a University degree, they require you to start learning today.

Do you want an IVY league standard education in AI for free?

All you have to do is copy and paste the following into your browser:

1: LinkedIn: Generative Ai Training Course
2: Google: Generative Ai Learning Path
3: Microsoft: Transform Your Business
4: IBM: AI Foundations For Everyone Training Course
5: Digital Partner's “The Fundamentals of ChatGPT” Training Course
6: Udemy ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

- - - -

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