Category: Resources

Have you heard about the “bad apple effect”? It’s an interesting 2006 study, led by Will Felps and Terence Mitchell at the University of Washington. They wanted to show if what we’ve always suspected might be true. 

We know from years of experience that its often a real struggle for managers and teams when someone in the team is acting negatively or inappropriately. 

One of the reasons Brave Conversations is so popular with our clients is because people need to learn how to have difficult conversations! Anyway, back to the study. The research clearly demonstrated that just one negative team member can indeed significantly reduce both a teams performance and lower their morale.

One incredible statistic showed that a teams performance could be reduced by as much as 30-40% versus a team that didn’t contain a bad apple. 🍎

If that’s not bad enough, there’s a second scary fact to consider. In the same team two other critical skills reduced, by a whopping 50%. Those teams also declined in both creativity and problem solving. 😮 The issue with this is more complex than you think. It’s not just the bad apple you need to watch out for. The study shows that over longer periods of time other team members can in fact start to mirror those very same negative behaviours, so the answer to the question is yes. The batch really does get spoilt!

There are 3 behaviours to look out for in a team. If you spot these then you have some work to do.

Bad Apple-ism 1 – Consistently critical of the team, the work or the business and often in a disrespectful manner.

Bad Apple-ism 2 – Regular seen to disengage with workload, goals and other team members and often does the bare minimum to ‘get by.

Bad Apple-ism 3 – Always negative about goals, project outcomes or generally the team’s overall chances of achieving anything.

So, what’s the takeaway? 

This important study really highlighted both the importance of carefully hiring new team members in the first place, and facing into addressing negative behaviours as soon as that start, to reduce negativity and of course, maintain harmony in the team and solid performance. 

For us that means stepping up and having those BRAVE conversations. You’ll need to dare to Disagree Well, learn how to both Think and Speak effectively and make well formed, well informed Decisions. 

If this post resonated with you, and you’ve got some work to do with bad apples, then give us a call.

We’d love to help. 

Sara and Rhi. 

Enjoy your free copy of our new L&D Trend Report for 2025. Swipe through ➡️ to understand more about our forecast of what’s hot 🔥 and where to focus your budgets 💰 You can download a copy here too. If you love 🥰 it, then like 👍🏼 it, share ⬆️ it and save 💾 it. 2025 Trend Report – We Are BRAVEDownload

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We believe that everyone has untapped potential locked away inside them. There’s a multitude of reasons why it’s stays hidden, but we know it’s there. Using a 121 Coach can help you unlock that power.

But there’s a catch. It needs to be unique to you. Working with a 121 coach gives you a personalised plan, not some generic cookie cutter version that’s been used before.

We’ve researched a few reasons that will help you see what booking some coaching sessions could do for you. Let’s get started. 

It’s all about you ❤️

No two businesses (or people) are exactly alike. What works for one person might not work for another. Enter stage left: 121 BRAVE coaching. Having a coach is like having a bespoke suit made just for you. Tailored advice, custom strategies, and goals that actually make sense for your unique situation. No more cookie cutter rinse and repeat solutions for you!

It can help you see the forest and the trees 🌳

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in the daily grind and can’t see beyond your to-do list? A coach provides an outside perspective that can help you see the bigger picture. It’s like having a friendly satnav to help you navigate through the dense forest of business challenges. Less wrong turns, less swearing and hopefully no emergency stops! 

It creates the perfect peer pressure 👊

Remember in January when you promised yourself you’d hit the gym every day, but somehow the chocolate digestives keep on disappearing? A coach helps keep you accountable. They’re like that annoying gym partner who actually shows up and makes sure you do, too. With a coach, you’re less likely to let things slide and more likely to achieve those goals you’ve been procrastinating on.

It reignites the fire for learning 🔥

One-to-one coaching is all the benefits of learning but without the boring lectures and rules. You still get to learn new skills, develop existing ones, and apply them directly to your work but there’s no corridor conversations, playground bullies or hideous school dinners.

It’ll boost your confidence 🚀

Let’s be honest: we all have moments of self-doubt, especially in the business world. Imposter Syndrome is a thing! A coach can help boost your confidence, offering encouragement and validation when you need it most. A great coach helps you grow and spot your own progress along the way. 

You can navigate new networks 📌

Your coach is likely to have a network of their own, and they can introduce you to new contacts, opportunities, and resources that you might not have discovered otherwise. Think of it as expanding your circle without having to face those awkward networking events (and not a single crumpled business card in sight!)

121 coaching in business isn’t a luxury; it’s an investment in your personal and professional growth. 

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, or just starting out to someone who needs some signposting having a coach can help you reach your full potential—and have a little fun along the way. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about BRAVE 121 Coaching you can arrange a FREE 15 Minute Conversation with us using the link below 👇. We’d love to hear from you. 

Sara and Rhi. 

One to One Coaching

In the increasingly busy world in which we live, and work, the ability to focus on your goals can be the defining factor between success and failure.

Imagine going on a journey without a map or a clear destination? Jumping on the tube without knowing which direction you needed? We all know that confusion, distraction and frustration can quickly take over.

The same applies to everything you do. Whether you’re aiming to improve some specific problems, complete a business project or advance in your career, maintaining laser-sharp focus is essential to achieve your objectives.

Why Focus Matters?

It gives you Clarity and Direction

Focus allows you to clearly define your goals and develop a personal roadmap to achieve them. It helps you prioritise your tasks and allocate your resources effectively, ensuring that every step you take brings you closer to the outcome you need.

It can boost your Efficiency and Productivity

When you concentrate on your goals, you can better shrink those distractions and optimise your productivity. Getting to a place of heightened efficiency means you can accomplish more in less time, making your efforts more impactful.

It drives Motivation and Perseverance

Having a mindset that’s laser focused helps to keep your motivation levels high. Constantly reminding yourself of your goals helps you stay driven and committed, even when faced with the inevitable challenges. Perseverance is all about getting back up and having another go, even when you don’t want to.

It can help improve your Decision-Making

Focus enhances your decision-making abilities. With a clear understanding of your goals, you can evaluate options more effectively and make choices that align with your long-term vision. Using Decide BRAVE principles can help you in navigating the road to get stuff done!

How to Get Focused

Set Specific, Measurable Goals
Remove Distractions
Practice Mindfulness
Be Self-Disciplined
Keep Learning
Be Open to Change

At We Are BRAVE we can help you, your teams and your business to focus on what really matters.

Get in touch to find out more.

Congratulations! You are still in the world of work, but have you noticed the strange sensation creeping in of never being able to get away? Feeling a sense of ‘uber-connectedness’..? You are not alone.

Studies have said that up to 70% of the UK workforce feel like they simply cannot switch off from work.

If you know you need some coping strategies to fend off your tech-savvy colleagues (and overly enthusiastic AI) whilst they all compete to see who can “circle back” to you the fastest, then setting some boundaries at work has never been more critical.

Here’s how to stay sane while keeping both your digital and human co-workers in check and maintaining that all important work life balance.

1. Implement The “No Thanks, AI” Rule

Nearly every workplace now has that AI assistant that schedules meetings for 8:00 a.m. on a Monday because it is “optimised for productivity.” Remember: AI works for you, not the other way around. Use clever prompts to reprogram the way it works for you and get it to prioritise “work-life balance” (a.k.a. scheduling all your meetings during your most caffeinated hours).

2. Block Interruptions

Yes, your boss can now appear as an avatar directly into your teams call to check on your latest report, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept every call to interact with it! Activate “Do Not Disturb” mode when you need time alone to do your day job without interruptions. Having focus time like this allows you a boundary and safe thinking time.

3. Master the Art of Instant Message Replies.

When you receive a “Can you just quickly look at this…” message at 10:00 p.m., remember that “Sure, I’ll look into it tomorrow” is perfectly acceptable shorthand for “This is not happening tonight, Steve.”

Try disabling notifications at a certain time period or moving the app to a page you don’t look at as much. Your brain needs time without work to rest & recharge.

4. Don’t be Blinded By Free Perks

In-office perks have evolved to include anything from wellness pods, fruit and yoghurts to AI-coached yoga, but don’t let the allure of a “mental health Thursdays” trick you into staying late or interacting in the evening if it’s not your thing. Practice some polite declines with lines like, “I’d love to, but I’ve got other plans”, or “I’m all done with work mode for today, I need some home time”

5. Get Help to get the Words Out

If Speaking Up and saying the words needed to set boundaries sounds a little too scary for you, don’t panic! We get it, and we’ve got you. Check out our online courses to get braver with your boundaries.

6. Use Tech to Help Set Boundaries

Finally, if someone tries to overstep your boundaries, you can use technology to help you in subtle ways. Try an out of office message that clearly states your working hours, or gently reminds people of your working days so that the subliminal message is there: This. Is. When. I. Work.

Setting boundaries at work is about balancing technology with your humanity.

Remember: you’re not just an employee; you’re a person and we all have different limits, expectations and wants and needs.

Sara & Rhi

In today’s workplace, full of LinkedIn posts, AI and faking it till you make it, authenticity is more important than ever. In fact it’s what makes you stand out

It’s more than just a buzzword; it’s a key ingredient to building trust, fostering collaboration, and enhancing your overall well-being. But, we also know that being authentic can feel challenging in professional environments where conforming, performing pressure often dominates the landscape.

At We Are BRAVE, we believe that cultivating authenticity starts with your own self-awareness and intentionality.

Here are six practical ways we think help you bring your true self to work.

1. Know Your Values and Align with Them

Authenticity starts with understanding who you are and what matters most to you. Take time to reflect on your core values and how they align with your role.

•   Ask yourself: What drives my passion for this work?

•   Identify moments where your actions align—or clash—with your principles.

When you consistently act in accordance with your values, you create a sense of inner harmony that others will recognise as genuine.

2. Speak Up, and Practice Open and Honest Communication

Transparent communication fosters trust and authenticity. Whether you’re collaborating with teammates or engaging in difficult conversations, aim to speak openly while remaining respectful. Being able to Speak Up and be heard in the right way displays an inner confidence many will be drawn to.

•   Share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback without fear of judgment.

•   Admit mistakes when they happen. Authenticity is often demonstrated in vulnerability, not perfection.

By expressing yourself clearly and honestly and speaking up when the time is right, you show others that your words and actions are reliable.

3. Embrace Your Unique Set of Skills

You bring something valuable to the table—your unique background, experiences, and abilities. No-one else has what you have!

Celebrate these qualities and use them to add a personal touch to your work.

•   Avoid the trap of mimicking others to fit in. Instead, find ways to shine by being yourself.

•   Seek roles and projects that allow you to leverage your strengths while learning new skills.

By leaning into your individuality, you’ll inspire others to do the same.

4. Listen Actively and Show Empathy

Authenticity isn’t just about expressing yourself; it’s also about understanding others. Being genuinely present in conversations and showing empathy for colleagues fosters meaningful connections.

•   Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues during interactions.

•   Validate others’ perspectives, even if you disagree.

This reciprocal understanding strengthens relationships and builds a culture of authenticity within your team.

5. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Energy

Being authentic doesn’t mean overextending yourself or sharing everything with everyone. Setting healthy boundaries ensures you can stay true to yourself without compromising your well-being.

•   Learn to say “no” to tasks or commitments that don’t align with your values or priorities.

•   Be mindful of how much personal information you share at work, balancing openness with discretion.

Boundaries help you maintain authenticity by preventing burnout and preserving your integrity.

6. Stay Open to Growth and Feedback

Authenticity isn’t static—it evolves as you learn and grow. Be willing to adapt while remaining true to your core self.

•   Seek feedback from colleagues and mentors to gain insights into how you’re perceived.

•   Reflect on this feedback to refine your approach and behaviours.

By showing a commitment to self-improvement, you are role modelling an authentic willingness to grow and adapt to new challenges.

Why we believe this is important.

Authenticity is a journey, not a destination. It requires self-awareness, intentionality, and courage. By incorporating these six strategies into your daily work life, you’ll not only build stronger professional relationships but also enjoy greater satisfaction in your role.

At We Are BRAVE, we’re passionate about helping individuals and teams unlock their potential through authentic leadership and personal growth.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey to authenticity at work!

Sara & Rhi

Imagine a teacher who truly believes in the potential of their students.

The interactions they display shows they holds high expectations, they communicate belief in their abilities, and invests time in their development. Surprisingly, more often than not, these students often rise to the occasion, performing better and achieving more.

This phenomenon is known as the Pygmalion Effect, a compelling demonstration of the power of expectations.

The Pygmalion Effect was studied in the educational context by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson in the 1960s. In their seminal experiment, they informed teachers that certain students were likely to be “intellectual bloomers” based on fictitious test results. These students, randomly selected, showed significant academic improvement over the school year, purely because their teachers expected them to succeed and unconsciously provided more support and encouragement.

This effect isn’t limited to classrooms. In the workplace, managers who believe in the capabilities of their employees often see higher productivity and job satisfaction. Similarly, athletes who are expected to excel by their coaches frequently surpass their performance benchmarks. The underlying mechanism is simple yet profound: belief shapes behaviour. When we believe someone will succeed, our actions towards them—whether in providing feedback, opportunities, or emotional support—create a self-fulfilling prophecy.
We see this in action when we deliver our BRAVE programmes to our clients. The culture we create is high support & high challenge and this allows the delegates to feel safe and grow their potential.

Harnessing the Pygmalion Effect involves conscious effort. It requires you to recognise potential, provide encouragement, and create environments where high expectations are the norm. Whether you are a leader, a manager, a coach, or a parent, your belief in others can be a powerful catalyst for unlocking potential.

In essence, the Pygmalion Effect is a testament to the transformative power of positive expectations.
By believing in the potential of others, we don’t just predict the future—we help shape it.

If you’d like to start embracing the Pygmalion Effect into your business then get in touch with us.

We’d love to help. Click the contact button below.

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Fear and curiosity are like separate light switches in our brains — they cannot be on at the same time. 

When fear lights up, our curiosity dims; when curiosity takes over, our fear fades into the background. This clever dynamic gives us a powerful tool for managing fear….by making our curiosity just 1% stronger. And that takes bravery. 

The Science Bit. Fear and Curiosity

Fear is our evolutionary onboard warning system designed to protect us from danger. It’s deeply hardwired into our brains, especially in the amygdala, which triggers the fight-or-flight response when it senses a threat. 

On the other hand, curiosity — our desire to learn, explore, and understand — is driven by a different region of the brain like the prefrontal cortex, which handles higher-order thinking.

The fascinating thing is that these two states can’t coexist fully. When we are deeply curious, our brain shifts its focus from self discovery (fear) to discovery and learning. 

“Here’s our powerful opportunity: by cultivating curiosity, we can calm our fears.”

How to Make Curiosity 1% Stronger Than Fear
Imagine you’re about to step on stage to give a presentation. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and your mind floods you with thoughts of failure. This is fear taking the driver’s seat. But what if you could shift that energy toward curiosity? 

What if, instead of thinking, “What if I fail?” you asked, “I wonder what it will feel like to succeed?” or “What can I learn from this experience?”

By making curiosity just 1% stronger than fear, we create enough of a shift to open ourselves up to new experiences. 

Asking questions — especially questions that begin with “What if…?” or “How might…?” — can help reframe a fearful situation into an opportunity for discovery.

Or how about this alternative example? 

Imagine you’re heading into a potentially difficult conversation where there will be some disagreement. Naturally we can feel apprehensive and inevitably our fight or flight system will start to kick in. 

Getting curious about how you might feel in this situation and then consciously choosing a couple of thought out questions will become your next magic trick! When you Ask these questions it not only helps you to listen and gives you control of your fight or flight response but as a result, it also helps you to speak clearly and get your point across more effectively. Boom! ???? 

Bonus Tip: When we train this we always suggest it’s helpful to write down those questions because when faced with fear, our brain cannot always find the right words.

Here’s three simple steps to activate your curiosity in moments of fear:

Ask Open-Ended Questions
The next time fear strikes, counter it with questions that spark curiosity. Instead of asking, “What if it all goes wrong?” try asking, “What might happen if it goes right?” or “What new skills or experiences will I gain from this?” Open-ended questions steer your mind away from fear’s narrow focus and toward possibilities.

Be BRAVE & Show Up
Taking small steps toward the unknown can help build bravery. Even if you’re afraid, showing up to learn more about what scares you is a great first step. Attend that meeting, speak up, disagree or debate or simply ask someone to share their experience.

Develop Self Awareness 

Developing your self awareness of when fear or curiosity is in control is crucial. Learning to spot when your fear is in the driver’s seat is the first step. Once you notice it, you have the power to flip the switch by choosing curiosity.

When we choose curiosity over fear, we are being BRAVE. You’re choosing to expand your world rather than contract it. By choosing Curiosity it propels you into new territory, helping you grow, learn, and evolve.

Need more evidence? 

Think about it: Every significant innovation, discovery, or achievement in history was driven not by fear, but by a sense of wonder and a desire to know more. 

Fear might have kept us safe in the caves, but curiosity is what pushed us to explore, learn, and thrive into the world we have now. 

If you want to start flicking the curiosity switch more often and build your skills through BRAVE, get in touch and start the conversation today. 

Sara 

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