Category Emotional intelligence

When leaders run on empty, strategy turns into firefighting

Coronavirus and economy news headlines

Workplace stress is surging, executive burnout is a systemic risk to organisational performance. In a DUSTy polycrisis world, traditional wellbeing initiatives barely touch the root causes. Steve Macaulay sets out a practical HR and L&D roadmap to redesign roles, build…

Read MoreWhen leaders run on empty, strategy turns into firefighting

Smarter skills for a messy world: Why middle managers are the real organisational stabilisers

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills is shown on the conceptual business photo

Middle managers hold organisations together by translating strategy into everyday decisions, absorbing emotional tension and making meaning when work is messy. These capabilities are too often mislabelled as “soft skills”, leading to underinvestment and burnout. Gary Cookson argues that they…

Read MoreSmarter skills for a messy world: Why middle managers are the real organisational stabilisers

Psychological safety is your secret weapon when training gets awkward

The Four Stages of Psychological Safety - Psych Safety are Inclusion, Learner, Contributor, Challenger

Disengaged training rooms are often a symptom of low psychological safety, rather than poor facilitation. Donald Thompson outlines practical ways to build trust before and during sessions. He explores strategies such as clear expectations, thoughtful responses and calm, civil discussion,…

Read MorePsychological safety is your secret weapon when training gets awkward

Boundaries, not burnout: Building a culture of leadership kindness that lasts

In a world where you can be anything be kind kindness rock on green moss

In this candid piece, Maureen O’Callaghan shows why kindness at work starts with self-kindness. From silencing the inner critic that shouldn’t be your coach, to setting boundaries and building support, she argues sustainable leadership means staying present and protecting capacity.…

Read MoreBoundaries, not burnout: Building a culture of leadership kindness that lasts

How can culture gaps in the workplace be turned into strengths?

Workplace culture concept. Silhouettes drawn on sheets.

Anna Flynn explains why commercial and technical teams often pull in different directions, and how growing tech businesses can build shared purpose without flattening diversity. She explores culture, structured communication and meaningful recognition, showing how better alignment reduces friction, improves…

Read MoreHow can culture gaps in the workplace be turned into strengths?

Does reaching the top of the corporate ladder really bring happiness in 2026?

Career progress and personal happiness concept with wooden blocks and smile icon

Rochelle Trow argues that today’s senior roles sit at the centre of global turbulence, where pressure rarely eases and success no longer guarantees fulfilment. Drawing on research from WEF, Gallup and Deloitte, she explores cognitive load, organisational strain and why…

Read MoreDoes reaching the top of the corporate ladder really bring happiness in 2026?

Curiosity over assumption: decoding digital body language in teams

Explore the fusion of human vision and digital innovation in vibrant 4k footage

Body language has always been tricky. Crossed arms, raised eyebrows, leaning in or looking away; all signals we interpret constantly, sometimes accurately, sometimes disastrously. Whilst we’ve had telecommunication for a long time, Covid transformed our work and learning spaces to…

Read MoreCuriosity over assumption: decoding digital body language in teams

The power of psychological safety in uncertain times

Psychological safety concept with succulent

Psychological safety helps people speak up, share ideas, and learn from mistakes, essential in fast-moving workplaces. It’s not about removing fear but creating trust and openness. Steve Macaulay and David Buchanan explore what psychological safety looks like, why it matters,…

Read MoreThe power of psychological safety in uncertain times

EQ isn’t enough: How CEOs are tapping into deeper wisdom

Two business women sit at desk discuss project details, diverse female colleagues met in office, share opinion, working on collaborative task, sales manager makes commercial offer to company client

Modern leaders face more than just business challenges, they’re navigating purpose, pressure, and people in a world that often feels unmoored. What if the real leadership edge isn’t just empathy, but a deeper kind of awareness that connects values, meaning…

Read MoreEQ isn’t enough: How CEOs are tapping into deeper wisdom

The crucial link between appreciation and emotional intelligence

Positive Feedback Note Great Job Well Done Yellow Sticky Note Hand Holding Appreciation Encouragement Success Motivation Workplace Productivity Teamwork Excellent Performance Employee Recognition

Recognition isn’t just about boosting morale, it’s a powerful driver of emotional intelligence. Stuart Cheesman dives into why showing appreciation helps employees feel connected, empathetic and more self-aware. Discover how this simple act can foster high-performing teams and improve workplace…

Read MoreThe crucial link between appreciation and emotional intelligence