Latest news with #MaryCollins
Irish Times
24-06-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Eight things that help make a successful leader
What makes a good leader? Do some people make better 'followers'? Can you develop leadership skills, and how important are they? 1 Know when to take a back seat First of all, a good leader isn't constantly trying to dominate and prove what a great leader they are. Imagine if everyone decided they had to lead every project. Indeed, we've probably all met a person like this – they are, at best, boring and, at worst, insufferable. A good leader knows when to take a back seat and focus on what they can bring to a team and a project. 2 Respect Sinéad Brady , career psychologist and author of Total Reset: Quit Living to Work and Start Working to Live, says our gut feeling comes into play here. 'Look at leaders and managers and see if they model behaviour that you respect. Is this how you would behave if you were more senior?' If you decide it's not, it may be a warning sign that you should have an exit strategy from this organisation. 3 Gain the skills Dr Mary Collins, a chartered psychologist and senior executive development specialist at RCSI , says leadership skills need to be developed. 'So while you may be starting as a graduate and, perhaps, doing pretty mundane work, your local GAA team may need a coach,' she says. 'This is a role that would allow you to gain important skills and make you a more well-rounded person, with skills inside and outside the workplace.' READ MORE 4 Traits Brady says successful leaders don't necessarily have key 'traits'. 'Research around 'trait' was done in labs and primarily with men, especially relatively privileged men,' she says. 'It has been proven now that there aren't key traits. This makes sense, as we all know people who have reached the top of their career who are kind, empathetic and supportive bosses; we also know some who are thoroughly impossible, manipulative bullies.' 5 Empathy That said, empathy and self-awareness cannot be understated. We're all human, and we all have off-days where we might not be our best selves, but a good leader can step back, reflect and, if warranted, apologise. And nobody likes a boss or colleague who lacks kindness or flexibility: remember, leaders shouldn't have to drag people with them; instead, they should inspire, and their employees or team should naturally want to follow and deliver. Dr Linda Yang is the programme director and creator of the intercultural development programme at the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School . 'Successful leaders can appear on the surface to be less empathetic, and more driven by an alpha male culture,' she says. 'But research shows that people who do well in the long run have empathy and a willingness to understand other people's emotions. This is particularly important with diverse teams, where not everyone will share the same views or approaches.' 6 Constant development A good leader doesn't just decide they are a good leader, or that they have learned all that they need to know. Instead, they are constantly developing these skills, through a mix of education, workplace experience and, simply, life. 7 Perseverance 'The leaders that I see around me, in both business and higher education, are entrepreneurs who started with an idea and, despite obstacles, did not give up,' says Yang. 'They kept going.' 8 Trust Leadership means letting go of control and trusting others. At RCSI, students on the MSc in Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare learn about change management, healthcare innovation and strategic leadership. Students on the course say that part of leadership is empowering your staff and giving them responsibility, whereas the worst leaders don't trust their colleagues and are prone to micromanagement.
Irish Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
From AI threats to bad bosses: why emotional intelligence matters
Fresh out of college , graduates usually have their eye on their first job . And these job applications can be demanding, requiring you to tailor your CV and application to each company, persuading them at interview that you're a good fit and dealing with the – almost inevitable – rejections that will come your way. It's really important, however, that any worker pays attention to the long game. Sure, you've got your first job, but what do you want from it? Should you also be considering your second, third or fourth job? What about your professional development? How can you balance the demands of work, life and family while also making advances in your career? And what attributes do you need to do well at work? READ MORE Dr Mary Collins, a chartered psychologist with the RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences and author of the recently published book Emotional Intelligence in Dentistry, says that emotional intelligence is the critical skill that graduates should cultivate in a world of artificial intelligence advancements. 'We're at a crucial moment, on the edge between AI and human interaction,' she says. 'AI is only as good as the information we feed into it and the prompts we use. 'Really, it is the human skills of empathy, self-awareness, flexibility and innovation that we should be honing.' Her view is echoed by Sinéad Brady, a career psychologist and author of Total Reset: Quit Living to Work and Start Working to Live. 'Traditionally, we have set up the world of work to be based on technical skills and other proficiencies,' Brady says. 'And while education, especially third level, gives you this, it is the other, more personal skills, that hold the workplace together. They're often called 'soft skills', but I hate calling them this, as they are the human skills that make us unique. They are really challenging to develop, as there is a maturity attached to them.' [ How AI will really impact your job Opens in new window ] Any more experienced workers reading this will be lucky if they've never experienced a difficult boss. It might be that the person in charge lacks self-awareness and projects their mood on to everyone else, making for a toxic workplace. Or it might be that they're someone you'd love to have a drink with, and they were great at their former role, but they have poor management skills and are scatty. Perhaps they're a micro-manager – and it can be a really undermining and confidence-sapping experience to have someone hire you and then not trust you enough to get on with the job. As you progress through your career, you can learn just as much – more, arguably – from the bad bosses as the good ones. Never forget these early years, never lose sight of who you were starting off and ask yourself: if I am ever a manager or boss, who do I want to be like? Either way, this all comes back to the two key parts of emotional intelligence: empathy and self-awareness. Increasingly, these are the skills that not only graduates and workers need – they're also skills that help us in our personal lives and relationships. Looking around the world and seeing the worst people in the news having such power, it's clear that they lack these two basic skills, and that the whole world would probably be a better place if empathy and self-awareness were fostered and nurtured in children from a young age. But these are skills that can be developed. 'Empathy is at the core of emotional intelligence,' says Collins. 'We have become quite desensitised online, and this leads to depersonalisation and not valuing one another. 'We all need to work on resilience and self-awareness. This means being aware of other's body language, and our own emotions. When we feel frustrated or angry, we should have ways to self-regulate and self-soothe, instead of lashing out at others.' For some who struggle with this, exercise is the answer. For others, talking to friends or medication, meditation or a hobby such as art or cooking. Maybe a mix of all of these. 'The foundation is self-knowing,' says Collins. 'We develop this over a lifetime, so we would generally expect that a graduate has lower levels of this than, say, a 48-year-old.' Brady says that leadership follows on from these skills. 'This is the ability to talk to and engage with people, have challenging conversations without falling out with them. It's not just a nice-to-have – it is essential. That said, it isn't always easy to translate into a job specification, leaving graduates unsure if they have the required skills. 'Ultimately, it is about being able to talk to people and hold opinions that operate in a grey space, understanding that there are nuances to opinions and that different people, with different skills, backgrounds and expertise, will vary on them,' Brady says. [ My first job: How much will I earn – and will I be taxed? Opens in new window ] For Collins, the ability to build and maintain relationships is a core component of emotional intelligence. 'This is essential, especially in a small country like Ireland,' she says. 'We know that Gen Z, who are just coming into the workplace, often struggle with this, as they may have hundreds of digital connections but fewer quality relationships. Brady says that 'career capital' means knowing who you are and where you are going. 'It can be developed through networking, or projects or simply being out there meeting people. If there are event-based groups in your organisation, get involved and get to know people. If there are chances for peer shadowing or courses and learning pathways, use them.' Coping with adversity and being flexible and open in the face of a rapidly-changing world also help. 'We're in a time of incredible change,' says Brady. 'All you have to do is look around and see the turmoil in the world. As this is happening, AI is changing industries and jobs: cars will be able to drive themselves and AI will both help us with spreadsheets and write articles and text that we previously did ourselves.' Collins agrees that adaptability is a crucial skill. 'You can be flexible and adapt your style according to the situation,' she says. 'Be open to new ideas and have a growth mindset – meaning you believe that your potential isn't limited and that you can develop new skills.' What if you're not a naturally adaptable person? 'Many of us like routine, structure and certainty,' Collins says. 'We know, from neuroscience, that we don't really like surprises. One of the world's leading experts in adaptability, Dr Martyn Newman, says to start with small steps, like brushing your teeth with the opposite hand, going a different way to work, trying a new food every day, or simply making small changes in our lives, building in more flexibility.' Brady says there is an intersection where emotional intelligence and the ability to coping with adversity come together. 'It is understanding that, when you look up and look around, you want to look for opportunities to know where you are going, and where you are growing. In a role where you have to deal with tricky people, know that it is not always your fault, and understand that you must work on your career as well as in your career. Be proactive with your decisions and, with time and experience, will come the ability to make strategic decisions.' What if you're the world's most emotionally intelligent person, you're following all the right advice and work is still miserable? 'Have an exit strategy,' says Brady. 'It doesn't mean that you don't accept criticism, but if you're in an organisation that expects you to work to your best ability without also supporting you – is this where you want to be? If the leaders model bad behaviour or the work culture is unhappy, that may be your early warning sign – both for the job and for the type of person you want to be in your career.' How to develop your emotional intelligence and workplace skills If you're prone to anger and moods, step back and consider your own role in any conflicts. Regular journaling can help this, says chartered psychologist Dr Mary Collins. Find a mentor. Career psychologist Sinéad Brady says that, ideally, people might have a workplace mentor who can help show them the ropes, but also someone outside the organisation who isn't embedded in its culture. 'A mentor is future-focused, and perhaps someone who can share their wisdom, advice and suggestions with you,' says Collins. As for finding one – and not to sound like a bad dating app profile – just ask. Many mentors see it as a chance to sharpen and develop their own skills and will be happy to take on this role. Then, find a frequency that works for you – perhaps meeting once a month online or, ideally, in person for a coffee. Collins suggests that, as you progress through your career, you may also consider a coach. This is someone who can help you set goals and be accountable for them. If your communication skills are not where you'd like them to be, Collins recommends joining Toastmasters , an international organisation that has helped thousands of people become better speakers and communicators. It can also help to get involved, perhaps joining a running club or volunteering with a local charity. Collins suggests making time for reflection, perhaps through a 'tactical Thursday', where you sit down and reflect or journal about five key questions: what went well this week? What were the challenges? What was in your control? Who could you ask for help? And what could you do differently to improve on last week? 'These are five simple, powerful questions that quite quickly help you build a snapshot of the company you are in,' says Collins. Don't be afraid to go for therapy – although it can be expensive. Or find other ways to self-soothe: talk, meditate, exercise.
Irish Times
30-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Richard Satchwell trial: jury resumes considering its verdict
A jury has resumed considering its verdict in the trial at the Central Criminal Court of Richard Satchwell, who denies the murder of his wife at their Co Cork home. The skeletal remains of Tina Satchwell were found under the couple's home in Youghal in October 2023, more than six years after her husband reported her missing. Mr Satchwell (58), a lorry driver, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife (45) at No 3 Grattan Street, Youghal, on March 19th and 20th, 2017. The trial, now in its 23rd day, heard evidence from more than 50 witnesses. READ MORE The jury of seven women and five men began considering their verdict about 3pm on Tuesday and continued their deliberations throughout Wednesday and Thursday. When sent home at 3.45pm on Thursday, at their request, they had deliberated for a total of eight hours and 37 minutes. They resumed their deliberations today just after 11.30am. Relatives of Ms Satchwell, including her mother Mary Collins, half-sister Lorraine Howard and cousin Sarah Howard were again in court today. Mr Justice Paul McDermott has told the jury there has three possible verdicts open to it – not guilty of murder; guilty of murder; and not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. The judge has directed they may also consider, depending on their view of the evidence, a defence of partial self-defence or full self-defence. The trial heard Mr Satchwell went to Fermoy Garda station on March 24th 2017, where he told a garda his wife had disappeared from their home four days later, and that he believed she had left him and had taken €26,000 cash savings. He told a garda he was not concerned about her safety. After gardaí interviewed him in early May 2017, he formally reported his wife as a missing person. Gardaí, increasingly concerned something untoward had happened to Ms Satchwell, obtained a warrant to search the couple's home in June 2017 when devices were seized. In October 2023, gardaí carried out a full invasive search of the property, using a cadaver dog. Skeletal remains identified as Ms Satchwell were found on October 11th, 2023, buried in a grave site about one metre deep in an area under the stairs in the sittingroom. Mr Satchwell, who had been arrested but released before the remains were found, was rearrested. During an interview with gardaí, he told them his wife had flown at him with a chisel on the morning of March 20th, 2017, that he fell and that she came on top of him trying to stab him with the chisel. He said that while fending her off with the belt of her dressing gown robe, which was up around her neck, she went limp and died. He told gardaí there was 'no premeditation' and he had not called emergency services due to 'panic and shame'. He said he placed her body on the couch before moving it to a freezer for about two days after which he buried it in a grave dug by him under the stairs and which he had cemented over. A postmortem of the remains was, due to lapse of time, unable to establish a cause of death. The jury heard there was no evidence of fractures to the bones, including the hyoid bone in the neck. Prosecuting counsel Gerardine Small argued in her closing address to the jury that Mr Satchwell's account of how his wife died was 'nonsense' and submitted the evidence, including his own words and actions after her death, showed he had the necessary intent for murder, to kill or cause serious injury. He had a possible motive in that his wife had threatened to leave him, Ms Small said. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan argued the prosecution had called no expert evidence that Mr Satchwell's account of how his wife died was not possible. There was no evidence of fractures on her remains and no evidence that he had ever been violent to his wife, counsel said. Mr Satchwell had, after her death, told many lies and engaged in disreputable conduct but that did not make him a murderer, Mr Grehan submitted.
Irish Times
29-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Richard Satchwell trial: Jury to resume deliberations on Friday
A jury will return to court on Friday to resume considering its verdict in the trial of Richard Satchwell, who denies the murder of his wife at their Co Cork home. The skeletal remains of Tina Satchwell were found under the couple's home in October 2023, more than six years after her husband reported her missing. Mr Satchwell (58), a lorry driver, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 45-year-old wife Tina at their home at No 3 Grattan Street, Youghal, on March 19th and 20th, 2017. The trial, which enters its 23rd day on Friday, heard evidence from more than 50 witnesses. READ MORE The jury began considering their verdict about 3pm on Tuesday, continued their deliberations on Wednesday and again on Thursday. When they were sent home at their request at 3.45pm pm on Thursday, they had deliberated for eight hours and 37 minutes. They are due to resume their deliberations at 11.30am on Friday. Relatives of Ms Satchwell, including her mother Mary Collins, half-sister Lorraine Howard and cousin Sarah Howard were again in court on Thursday. The jury has three possible verdicts open to it – not guilty of murder; guilty of murder; and not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. The judge has directed they may also consider, depending on their view of the evidence, a defence of partial self-defence or full self-defence. The trial heard Mr Satchwell went to Fermoy garda station on March 24th 2017, where he told a garda his wife had disappeared from their home four days later, he believed she had left him and had taken €26,000 cash savings. He told a garda he was not concerned about her safety. After gardaí interviewed him in early May 2017, he formally reported his wife as a missing person about a week later. Gardaí, increasingly concerned something untoward had happened to Ms Satchwell, obtained a warrant to search the couple's home in June 2017 when devices were seized. In October 2023, gardaí carried out a full invasive search of the property, using a cadaver dog. Skeletal remains identified as Ms Satchwell were found on October 11th, 2023, buried in a grave site about one metre deep in an area under the stairs in the sitting room. Mr Satchwell, who had been arrested but released before the remains were found, was rearrested and, during another interview with gardaí, told them his wife had flown at him with a chisel on the morning of March 20th, 2017. He fell and she came on top of him trying to stab him with the chisel, he claimed. He said, while fending her off with the belt of her dressing gown robe, which was up around her neck, she went limp and died. He told gardaí there was 'no premeditation' and he had not called emergency services due to 'panic and shame'. He said he placed her body on the couch before moving it to a freezer for about two days after which he buried it in a grave dug by him under the stairs and which he had cemented over. A post-mortem examination of the remains was, due to lapse of time, unable to establish a cause of death. The jury heard there was no evidence of fractures to the bones, including the hyoid bone in the neck.
Irish Times
29-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Richard Satchwell trial: Jury resumes deliberations
A jury has resumed considering its verdict in the trial of Richard Satchwell who denies the murder of his wife at their Co Cork home. The skeletal remains of Tina Satchwell were found under the couple's home in October 2023, more than six years after her husband reported her missing. Mr Satchwell (58), a lorry driver, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife Tina (45) at their home at No 3 Grattan Street, Youghal, on March 19th and 20th, 2017. The trial, now on its 22nd day, heard evidence from more than 50 witnesses. READ MORE Mr Justice Paul McDermott, having completed his directions to the jury on the evidence and law, sent the seven women and five men out at 3.05pm on Tuesday to begin considering their verdict. The jury was sent home, at its request, at 4pm and returned to court on Wednesday. When sent home at 4pm, they had deliberated for more than four-and-a-half hours. They resumed their deliberations just after 10.30am on Thursday. Relatives of Ms Satchwell, including her mother Mary Collins, half-sister Lorraine Howard and cousin Sarah Howard were again in court. The jury has three possible verdicts open to it – not guilty of murder; guilty of murder; and not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. The judge has directed they may also consider, depending on their view of the evidence, a defence of partial self-defence or full self-defence. The trial heard Mr Satchwell went to Fermoy Garda station on March 24th, 2017, where he told a garda his wife had disappeared from their home four days later, and that he believed she had left him and had taken €26,000 cash savings. He told a garda he was not concerned about her safety. After gardaí interviewed him in early May 2017, he formally reported his wife as a missing person about a week later. Gardaí, increasingly concerned something untoward had happened to Ms Satchwell, obtained a warrant to search the couple's home in June 2017 when devices were seized. In October 2023, gardaí carried out a full invasive search of the property, using a cadaver dog. Skeletal remains identified as Ms Satchwell were found on October 11th, 2023, buried in a grave site about one metre deep in an area under the stairs in the sittingroom. Mr Satchwell, who had been arrested but released before the remains were found, was rearrested and, during another interview with gardaí, told them his wife had flown at him with a chisel on the morning of March 20th, 2017, that he fell and that she came on top of him trying to stab him with the chisel. He said that while fending her off with the belt of her dressing gown robe, which was up around her neck, she went limp and died. He told gardaí there was 'no premeditation' and he had not called emergency services due to 'panic and shame'. He said he placed her body on the couch before moving it to a freezer for about two days after which he buried it in a grave dug by him under the stairs and which he had cemented over. A postmortem of the remains was, due to lapse of time, unable to establish a cause of death. The jury heard there was no evidence of fractures to the bones, including the hyoid bone in the neck.
