Category Emotional intelligence

From four walls to open fields: What SOFest taught us about connection and curiosity

School of Facilitation Festival 2025 - a tent with people standing around in sunshine.

TJ Editor Jo Cook takes us inside SOFest — the joyful, curious, and beautifully unorthodox learning festival in a field. With sessions ranging from AI coaching to human design, wild swimming to silent discos, this is professional development done differently…

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Psychological safety for neurodiversity: One size does not fit all 

Businessman protecting team under red umbrella.  Hands hold umbrella over small wooden figures of people on a desk

Psychological safety is the secret sauce of brilliant teams, but how does it actually play out, especially when neurodivergent minds are in the mix? We explore what it means to feel safe, seen and supported at work, and why listening…

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How to turn conversations about stress into meaningful interventions in the workplace 

I need you to listen to me very carefully now!

Stress is everywhere, particularly in today’s working environment. And when someone finally speaks up, what a manager says next can change everything. Joseph Conway explains why giving managers the tools and confidence to handle tough conversations isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s…

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

Puppeteer manipulates the doll. The conference is unfair. Fake person at conference or meeting. Fake news

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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ADHD isn’t the problem—being misunderstood is

Pretty girl with red cape on blue sky background. ADHD can create its own challenges, but it has advantages too.

🧠✨ Steve Ollington explores how misunderstanding shapes the lives of people with ADHD—from school to retirement. 🚀 Despite their strengths, many face barriers at work, in relationships, and beyond. The solution? Greater awareness, training, and willingness to learn as people…

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The AI revolution and navigating the future of talent management 

Attractive businesswoman in white shirt at workplace working with laptop to hire new employees for international business consulting. HR, social media hologram icons over office background

By fostering human skills alongside artificial intelligence, organisations can better prepare their workforces for success – Pete Humphreys explains The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the people profession has become crucial in order to remain competitive. As candidates and employees increasingly…

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From tap to hip hop: How dance inspires workplace excellence 

Tap Dancing.

Success at work requires precision, energy, expression and adaptability – just like mastering different dance styles. Karl Green shares lessons from the stage to help you perform at your best  Some of our most powerful lessons about workplace success come…

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From influence to action: key lessons from the World of Learning Summit 2025

World of Learning Summit 2025 Olympia front entrance.

How can L&D leaders drive real impact, influence strategy, and transform learning in the workplace? Be inspired by the industry’s leading thinkers and practitioners in this conference summary What does it truly mean for L&D to have “a seat at…

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A week in the life of: A trainee psychotherapist 

Psychologist taking notes during therapy session with her emotional female patient

Balancing work, studies and a placement isn’t easy, but Anita Guru is relishing the challenge Rewind to 2020 at the start of the pandemic: I could foresee significant challenges for mental health. The trauma people experienced wasn’t solely from contracting Covid, but…

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An exploration of soft skills

Soft skills level meter. Economy and social concept

Soft skills are essential for professional and social success – Professor Rao reveals their transformative power The importance of soft skills is increasingly recognised across global educational institutions, where they enhance employability, and within organisations, where they drive productivity and…

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