Blogs
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: The workshops
Kirsty Lewis focuses her new festival planning on the different themes and workshops we need For those of you who missed the previous blog, let me catch you up: Imagine walking through a glade of trees with a lake by your side, along a path that leads you to a large field filled with tipis, yurts, a campfire and 120 people. That is what SOFest is going to be like, no stuffy hotel or boring conference centre. I am even…
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: The journey begins
An honest account of the roller coaster of creating a newconference, with Kirsty Lewis About five years ago I came up with an idea of an event whereby 100 facilitators, trainers, coaches and consultants would come together, in a field, to connect, learn and share (and camp). Then came Covid and a few years of self-doubt which meant I never started! I am going to share with you the journey I am on – everything from the finances and emotions,…
Learning from life: Being abandoned portside
When you are left frustrated and abandoned, what can you learn about thinking and communication? Michelle Parry-Slater shares her story The Christmas Holidays are upon us, meaning Boxing Day sales and Summer Holiday adverts will be popping up in abundance, enticing us to plan for summer 2025. There’s nothing like packing up the tinsel and finishing off the Baileys whilst dreaming of blue sea and soft sand. Now I live in Australia, summer is well and truly here. Schools have…
Top blogs of the year: From storytelling to leadership and emotional expression
These top 2024 blogs offer fresh insights and practical tips to inspire growth and innovation As we near the end of another transformative year, the L&D landscape continues to evolve, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the forefront. To celebrate the best of 2024, I’ve curated a list of standout blogs that have sparked meaningful conversations, inspired action, and offered practical insights. From the art of storytelling and the power of emotional expression to redefining leadership and capability-driven futures,…
Facilitate and flourish: The beauty of being present
Listen deeply, tune into the energy and let go – transformative facilitation tips from Fiona McBride I live in the UK near Brighton and, when I can, I make sure I get myself to the seafront. It’s a lovely place to be, especially in the late autumn/early winter when the starlings put on one of their annual murmuration displays. You can spend a good hour or two watching the starlings swooping and weaving in harmony with each other. I’ve found…
L&D marcomms: Adopting a marketer’s approach to email communications
Email sent, information shared, job done – or is it? Hayley Maisey gives pause for thought ‘Send email comms re: new leadership training’ – yep, tick that box. OK, let’s back up and unpack the email just sent. No doubt it contains information on the leadership training being rolled out, a link for online access, a date/time/place for the in-person sessions, and so on. Does it explain why the training is happening, what participants will learn from attending and how they’ll benefit? Is…
Editor’s blog: From pageviews to podcasts
Jo Cook shares numbers and articles that made an impact for TJ readers in 2024 It’s often said, but often meant – I can’t believe a year has whizzed by so quickly! This week I’ve been Editor of Training Journal for 12 months, and I’ve enjoyed every single one! What have I been up to in that time? Good question! Here are some numbers! And those numbers in text: 225,238 pageviews on the website144% increase year on year of website…
The future of work: Why capabilities are the link between learning and performance
Got goals but no learning? Learning but no application? Ben Satchwell brings it all together An integrated approach to business is nothing new and it could be argued that the approach offers superior performance than when business units, systems and processes operate in isolation. In our world though, what often goes unnoticed is that learning initiatives and performance objectives commonly operate in silos, limiting their effectiveness. Capabilities provide the connective tissue between learning and performance From my experience as the…
Tayloring learning: Effective Leadership Skills and Being Overwhelmed
Are you leading, or managing? Daniel Taylor explores the many skills needed for effective leadership Before I start this blog, take a moment to consider what you think are the skills needed to be an effective leader? Stop when you get to 15! I recently delivered leadership development to a group of future leaders at a University and challenged them with this very question and when I set it, it didn’t feel like a particularly broad question as I wanted…
Learning from life: Trusting my gut
Trusting your gut can be your greatest asset in the freelance world, guiding critical decisions. Michelle Parry-Slater explores the importance of intuition in decision-making Freelance life offers many benefits, not least the ability to set your own agenda and work with people and on projects you enjoy and learn from. The freedom to pick and choose which events you attend without seeking permission from a boss. The sense of achievement when you bid for, and win, new client work. And who doesn’t…
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