Book Reviews
The Uncertainty Toolkit – book review
Cathy Hoy investigates why competency-based L&D falls short when uncertainty, not skill, blocks performance. Drawing on Sam Conniff and Katherine Templar Lewis’s new book The Uncertainty Toolkit, she highlights evidence from UCL research, practical exercises and new metrics for tolerance. The aim is to shift teams from threat to challenge. Book: The Uncertainty ToolkitAuthors: Sam Conniff and Katherine Templar Lewis For years, learning and development has been built on competency; we spot a gap, design a course, and measure if…
My book ‘AI for People Professionals’ was a human-first experiment
Behind the pages of a book shaped by humans and machines, Erica Farmer shares the creative highs, challenges and lessons from writing ‘AI for People Professionals’. From neurodivergent-friendly workflows to AI-supported thinking, it’s a candid look at what it means to write about the future of work in real time. When I started writing my book AI for People Professionals, I had no idea how much of a creative, emotional and intellectual rollercoaster it would be. This wasn’t just a…
Unleash the Inner CEO – book review
An insightful read that encourages embracing change and harnessing the power of leadership for success – reviewed by Gaëlle Watson Book: Unleash the Inner CEO – Make distributed leadership a reality Author: Jeremy Blain Beyond the title of leadership, this book is about reinventing the workplace for the digital age. It clearly addresses the C-Suite of organisations, focusing on the most strategic elements of leadership transformation. The tone, vocabulary and examples are tailored to appeal to senior leadership teams. Bain passionately…
Organizational Learning Communities – book review
Practical, insightful and inspiring, this go-to guide is packed with fresh ideas and real-world strategies – Peter Plumlee reviews essential reading for L&D professionals, team leaders and anyone seeking smarter collaboration Book: Organizational Learning Communities – Empowering social learning and collaboration to improve performanceAuthor: Andy Lancaster When I first picked up Organizational Learning Communities – Empowering social learning and collaboration to improve performance, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. A 400- page book about learning communities? It sounded…
Make It Human – book review
A lost sense of humanity creates unhappy humans – this books focuses on a different future! Reviewed by Donna Ward-Higgs Book: Make It Human, a visionfor happier, healthier, more human workplacesAuthor: Sarah McLellan Sarah McLellan’s ‘Vision for happier, healthier, more human workplaces’ is a wonderful exploration of what is required to create organisational environments where people can thrive. The author begins by sharing an imagined future world of work for her daughter before exploring our currently reality and what has…
Conversational Wisdom – book review
Packed with insights, this book provides practical tools to enhance communication skills in everyday life. Reviewed by Peter Plumlee Book: Conversational WisdomAuthors: Emily Cosgrove and Sara Hope I was intrigued yet uncertain about what to expect before diving into this book. We all like to think we engage in insightful conversations daily, but this book prompts us to truly reflect on our daily communication. Our increasingly hybrid lives put meaningful communication at risk, and the authors provide a roadmap for…
The Social Brain – book review
The Social Brain offers a fascinating exploration into the dynamics of group connectivity and leadership. Gaëlle Delmas-Watson reveals its invaluable insights for HR and L&D professionals Book: The Social Brain: The psychology of successful groups Authors: Tracey Camilleri, Samantha Rockey and Robin Dunbar Why read it? I loved the title: The Social Brain! The book really unpicks the various elements that enable individuals to connect with a group. It is short, easy to read and snappy, combining well-documented academic research with…
Learning Metrics – book review
Cathy Hoy on a ‘must-read’ for L&D practitioners committed to making a measurable impact on their organisations Book: Learning Metrics: How to measure the impact of organizational learningAuthor: Ajay Pangarkar, Teresa Kirkwood In corporate learning and development, the ability to measure the impact of training interventions is more crucial than ever. Learning Metrics is a useful and practical resource, offering deep insights into the intricate (and often scary) world of learning metrics and their application for tangible business improvement. “The…
ADHD Works at Work – book review
David Hayden reviews a ‘must-read’ book offering a fresh perspective on inclusion Book: ADHD Works at WorkAuthor: Leanne Maskell There is a line in this book that really stood out for me. I was aware of the concept before I started reading, but it wasn’t at the forefront of my mind. The line is: “If you have met one person with ADHD, you have met one person with ADHD”. This is a very practical book; 224 pages with lots of…
Think Like a Coach – book review
Book: Think Like A CoachAuthor: Jude Sclater As an L&D practitioner, I am increasingly drawn to coaching – the methods, theories and advice. I truly believe this is a skill that benefits everyone. I am also passionate about helping first-time managers find their feet in an authentic way. So, when UK-based coach Jude Sclater reached out to review her very first book, this was like a match made in heaven for me! She veers away from heavy academic language, instead sharing anecdotes…
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