There’s a particular moment most leaders recognise.

You notice something that isn’t quite working - a behaviour, a pattern, a tone that’s starting to affect others. You don’t react straight away. Instead, you hold it in mind, unsure whether it’s worth raising yet, or whether it might resolve on its own.

Most leaders don’t avoid performance conversations because they lack courage or capability. They avoid them because they are trying to be fair, because they know the person involved, and because they understand that once something is said, it cannot be unsaid.

January loves action.

Plans are made. Priorities are set. Roadmaps are dusted off and re-presented with fresh dates. There’s often a strong sense that movement equals progress.

But action without alignment rarely creates momentum. More often, it leads to exhaustion before February even arrives.

January conversations tend to follow a familiar pattern. Goals are set, targets are revisited, and performance expectations are restated.

All of that matters… but it usually skips the conversation that has the biggest impact on how the year actually unfolds.

The reset conversation.

Many organisations are more willing to fund training than you think. Here’s how to start the conversation confidently, show the value, and increase your chances of getting a yes.

Our Certified Facilitator Programme is returning! Join us in February for a four-day facilitation training designed to help leaders, coaches and L&D professionals deliver learning that lands.

Over the past few months, we’ve had a growing number of clients ask whether Firefly’s online learning content can be plugged into their own systems. The short answer is: yes, and we’re developing this capability further.

This blog is in collaboration with Firefly Coach, Stacy Kellogg, who recently took part in our Certified Facilitator Programme in Montreal. From personal breakthroughs to maple syrup lattes, she shares what made the experience so powerful - and why it’s not your average facilitation training.