How to Lead with Kate Waterfall Hill

In this episode of 'How to Lead,' leadership coach Kate dives into managing underperformance, a challenge that affects all leaders. Kate shares practical tools and strategies to address underperformance in a structured, calm, and human way. Learn how to handle different types of employee responses and the importance of consistency in follow-up. The episode concludes with self-reflection questions to help leaders improve their approach to managing underperformance.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Managing Under Performance
02:05 Common Mistakes in Handling Under Performance
03:20 Understanding the Root Causes of Under Performance
05:26 Effective Conversations for Managing Under Performance
07:09 The LECA Framework for Performance Conversations
08:53 Handling Different Types of Responses
10:26 When to Escalate: Reset Conversations and Formal Processes
12:10 Consistency and Self-Reflection in Leadership
13:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Useful links:
The Digital Academy Online Course
Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes
Buy the "How to Lead" book
Connect with Kate on LinkedIn
Follow Kate on TikTok
Contact Kate
Mentioned in this episode:
Digital Academy January Sale
Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

Kate kicks off the new year with a strategic reflection and planning process for 2026. The episode includes actionable steps and a workbook (link below) to help leaders enhance their effectiveness, with practical tools for weekly touch points, team discussions, personal leadership plans, and creating a shock-absorbent leadership approach. The episode aims to help leaders cultivate clarity, care, and curiosity, and ultimately, a more impactful and adaptable leadership style in 2026.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Reflecting and Planning for 2026
00:55 Introduction and Setting Up for Success
01:01 Linda the Bad Manager: A Lesson in Self-Awareness
02:24 The Reality of January for Leaders
03:21 A Fresh Strategic Model for 2026 Planning
06:26 The Three Rooms Model
07:56 Setting Intentions, Not Resolutions
09:24 Planning Through the Lens of Energy
10:44 Designing Your Year with Leadership Touch Points
11:43 Planning with Your Team
12:59 Creating a One Page Personal Leadership Plan
13:53 Planning for the Unexpected
14:48 Day One, Week One Action List
15:38 Closing Reflections and Final Thoughts
Useful links:
The Reflect & Plan Workbook
The Digital Academy Online Course
Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes
Buy the "How to Lead" book
Connect with Kate on LinkedIn
Follow Kate on TikTok
Contact Kate
Mentioned in this episode:
Digital Academy January Sale
Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

In this episode of the How to Lead Podcast, Kate provides practical tools, techniques, and strategies for managing Gen X and Baby Boomer employees successfully. Managing experience can be just as tricky as managing inexperience, and in this episode Kate highlights the importance of respect for expertise, clarity over charisma, and the benefits of tech integration without condescension, with actionable tips.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Managing Gen X and Boomers
00:54 Understanding the Generational Spectrum
01:43 Alice's Story: A Lesson in Assumptions
02:48 Challenges in Managing Experienced Employees
03:45 Four Key Lessons for Managing Experienced Colleagues
05:53 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
07:25 Practical Tips for Immediate Implementation
07:55 Conclusion: Respect, Relevance, and Relationship
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Useful links:
Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes
Buy the "How to Lead" book
Connect with Kate on LinkedIn
Follow Kate on TikTok
Contact Kate
Mentioned in this episode:
Digital Academy January Sale
Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

In this episode of 'How to Lead,' Kate delves into the critical challenge of building and sustaining trust in hybrid and remote teams. Drawing from her extensive leadership experience, she outlines practical habits to strengthen trust, address common pitfalls like proximity bias, and promote equity in meetings. Through a mix of strategic insights, Kate emphasises the importance of consistent behaviours, clear communication, and intentional connection to foster a thriving hybrid work environment.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Hybrid Leadership
00:57 The Importance of Trust in Hybrid Teams
04:08 Common Pitfalls in Hybrid Work
05:41 Core Principles of Trust
06:38 Practical Strategies for Leading Hybrid Teams
10:01 The Role of Office Policies in Hybrid Work
12:00 Feedback and Iteration in Hybrid Work
12:48 Conclusion and Homework
JOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE⁠⁠ if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox along with weekly tips, tools, and musings.
Have you subscribed yet?
It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!
Useful links:
Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes
Buy the "How to Lead" book
Connect with Kate on LinkedIn
Follow Kate on TikTok
Contact Kate
Mentioned in this episode:
Digital Academy January Sale
Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy

In this episode of 'How to Lead,' Kate delves into the critical skill of prioritising tasks and managing to-do lists. She discusses common pitfalls leaders face, such as the confusion between urgency and importance, and ineffective delegation. Kate provides actionable strategies including the Eisenhower Matrix, impact vs. effort grids, the 1-3-5 Rule, and the 'Hell Yes' test to ensure leaders can focus on what truly matters.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Prioritising and To-Do Lists
00:58 Common Struggles with To-Do Lists
01:48 Linda's To-Do List Dilemma
02:52 The Importance of Prioritization
04:50 Effective To-Do List Strategies
05:07 Prioritization Frameworks
06:33 Daily Prioritization Techniques
09:09 Communicating and Reviewing Priorities
12:02 Conclusion and Reflective Questions
JOIN MY COMMUNITY: Subscribe HERE⁠⁠ if you’d like new podcast episodes delivered right to your inbox along with weekly tips, tools, and musings.
Have you subscribed yet?
It would mean so much to me if you would SUBSCRIBE, SHARE OR REVIEW the How to Lead podcast wherever you get your podcasts!
Useful links:
Free Resources and more information on Kate's coaching programmes
Buy the "How to Lead" book
Connect with Kate on LinkedIn
Follow Kate on TikTok
Contact Kate
Mentioned in this episode:
Digital Academy January Sale
Click here for the How to Lead: Digital Academy: www.waterfallhill.co.uk/htl-digital-academy