Category Opinion

Coaching at a crossroads – how AI is transforming the support we give at work

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With demand for personalised coaching soaring and the growing need in our changing world, human capacity is being stretched thin. Laurel McKenzie explores how AI can support – not replace – human coaches, helping organisations scale development efforts ethically while…

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AI in the Civil Service: opportunity, risk and the future

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AI is reshaping how the Civil Service works—but how do we harness its power without losing sight of critical human-centred governance? Sam Isaacson explores the risks, rewards and responsibilities of integrating AI into public sector practice ahead of his session…

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How to handle difficult conversations without losing learner trust

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Training and coaching can surface emotions, resistance, and of course, personal baggage. But with curiosity, empathy, and assertiveness, learning professionals can turn tension into transformation—and build deeper trust with their clients. Cliff Lansley explores three types of empathy and advises…

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Influence or manipulation? Why mindful manoeuvring is a leadership skill no one’s teaching

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Influence happens—intentionally or not and it’s the engine of modern leadership. Caitlin Collins unpacks the line between guiding and manipulating at work, revealing why leaders need more than authority to truly move people. This is the leadership skill hiding in…

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We should all be training our teams in the use of AI – the why and the how

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With US public institutions stepping up AI training, it’s time for businesses to ask: why aren’t we doing the same? This piece by Grant Polachek explores why interest in AI is high but usage is low — and what leaders…

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In-house training vs. outsourcing: A breakdown of pros and cons

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Should you keep training internal to the organisation or bring in the experts for an objective approach? Mia Barnes weighs up the practical, cultural and financial trade-offs that shape effective learning strategies – and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when…

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Taking a results-based approach to L&D investment

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As businesses tighten belts and talent gaps widen, L&D really has a chance to shine—not with attendance stats, but by proving real impact. Aisling MacNamara calls for a smarter, outcomes-led approach that aligns learning with organisation strategy, speaks the language…

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Could financial wellness be the workplace benefit your employees need?

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As rising costs bite for individuals, financial wellness is moving from a ‘nice to have’ to an absolute business essential. David Banaghan explores how forward-thinking organisations are tackling money stress at work and supporting their staff—boosting morale, retention and productivity…

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How to create a deaf-friendly workplace (it’s easier than you think)

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To mark Deaf Awareness Week (5 to 11 May), Anna Park reveals just how easy it is to create a deaf-friendly workplace. From clear communication tips to clever office layout tweaks, small steps can make a huge impact. Inclusion doesn’t have to…

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How to avoid a workplace at war: Transforming conflict into collaboration

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Workplace rows? They don’t have to end in tears (or tribunals). With the right nudge from learning and development, leaders can turn tension into teamwork. Carole Gaskell shares actionable insights to help your organisation swap awkward silences for honest chats,…

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