Beyond The Water Cooler · 2026-05-14 · 43 min
We often talk about wellbeing, engagement and supporting people at work. But too often, those conversations stay at policy level - or only happen when someone is already struggling. In this episode, I’m joined by Mel Jones , Principal Educational Psychologist at Staffordshire County Council , to explore a simple but powerful approach that one school in Leeds has embedded into everyday practice. Every morning begins with check-ins. Senior leaders check in with each other. Staff check in before the day starts. Teachers check in with their students. And when someone needs additional support, it’s noticed early and responded to with care. It’s proactive, practical and built into how the organisation operates - not treated as an add-on. We explore why this approach works so well from a psychological perspective, what it requires from leaders, and why organisations beyond education could learn a lot from it. Because when people feel seen, understood and supported, performance, communication and resilience all improve. And perhaps the bigger question is this: What could shift in your organisation if checking in with people became part of everyday leadership practice?
Why Performance Lives in an Ecosystem45 / 100Improving Manager Wellbeing in High-Pressure Roles - Dan NorthoverTrading Places: Battling with Business: The Leadership RevolutionAI at Work: Stop Filling the Space - Start Rethinking Roles - Jon Matthews, The Career Innovation CompanyWhy Skills Gaps Keep Growing and What Leaders Miss - Charlotte Harris, Nicholsons