Features

Diversity, equity, inclusion DEI

The business case for diversity: from recruitment to retention

Yves Schneuwly

Yves Schneuwly offers practical tips to weave DEI values into every aspect of your employee experience Creating a diverse and inclusive environment at work has a positive impact for many reasons. It contributes to an ethical and equal company culture, but it also brings forth a multitude of additional advantages. A study by McKinsey found that companies whose executive teams are diverse have a 12% higher chance of financial success.   Embed DEI values into your training for staff at all…

Chatbot, digital conversation, AI

The role of AI in training feedback analysis

Chris Wigglesworth

With its ability to quickly summarise survey answers, recognise trends and identify areas for improvement, AI can revolutionise training feedback analysis, writes Chris Wigglesworth Have you ever looked at the pile of feedback survey responses and wondered how you’ll find the time to pick out the relevant points that you can act on to improve your training programmes? Well, the answer lies in the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and its ability to analyse large volumes of content.   AI allows…

influence analysis

Leadership in times of change: mastering emotional and political intelligence for influence  

Steve Macaulay

Steve Macaulay and Sarah Cook provide an overview of enabling managerial success through EQ and PQ   In times of instability or sudden and unexpected change, it becomes even more important to manage relationships influentially. Many organisations are in this position now, with a host of change issues, one after another – from recovery from the pandemic to supply chain issues and working in a hybrid way.   Bluntly: grasp political and emotional skills if you wish to make a success of…

Searching for the right candidate

How to cultivate digital leaders in your organisation 

Peter Verster

Follow Peter Verster’s steps for digital transformation success Over the past decade, we’ve seen a sharp rise in the number of organisations undergoing widespread digital transformation projects to cut costs, gain competitive edge, streamline their operations, or secure their place in an increasingly noise market.  Getting the ‘frozen middle’ on board enables you to cascade change through the organisation   However, along with this rise in change implementation, we’ve also seen a significant proportion of these companies run into challenges…

Watching content on screen

Organisation culture at the movies 

David Buchanan

David Buchanan and Steve Macaulay suggest the movies to watch and the questions to discuss  Organisation culture is a ‘soft’ issue for most managers – vague, and intangible. But dysfunctional cultures have disastrous consequences. How can we get this message across?  Films have learning advantages. The narratives are entertaining… and the events are often controversial   Conventional methods don’t overcome the ‘soft topic’ problem. Sessions with charismatic speakers, colourful PowerPoints, compelling evidence, and case studies are not convincing. Instead of useful debate, you get BOPSAT –…

Silhouette of people and speaker at a conference, with blue background and white writing that says "conference unthinking".

Designing conferences that foster innovation, collaboration, and real impact

Ed Bernacki

Ed Bernacki rethinks the design of conferences and the skills participants need to make the most of them. Oh, and tells off the TJ Editor… Following the World of Learning 2024 London summit, Training Journal asked people on social media, “What is the key learning point from the last event you attended?” It’s an interesting question. Yet, is it the right question? The reason people take notes and never look at them is a result of their lack of skills…

Big juggernaut truck with futuristic design and "AI" on the side of it. Created by Dall-e with prompts from Jo Cook

Remaining relevant in the transformational juggernaut of AI – part two

Conrad Gottfredson

Conrad Gottfredson and Sara Chizzo continue part two of their feature to focus on the need for different ways to develop people so that L&D can compete with AI solutions In part one: Conrad and Sara delved into the transformative impact of technology and AI on the workforce and organisational learning, emphasising the critical need for businesses to adapt their training strategies to secure their value. Stopping work to learn is the most significant cost in every organisation’s training investment…

RELEVANT - fluorescent Neon tube Sign on brickwork

Remaining relevant in the transformational juggernaut of AI

Conrad Gottfredson

In part one of this feature, Conrad Gottfredson and Sara Chizzo explore historical shifts to the present AI revolution and advise on how professionals can leverage AI to ensure the delivery of impactful, business-aligned learning strategies that drive continuous growth and agility History has taught us that advancements in technology can permanently disrupt and even eliminate jobs. Consider the now extinct work for human computers, who were hired to complete complex mathematical calculations by hand, and switchboard operators, who physically…

"STRATEGY" written in the style of a blue print design.

The strategic L&D blueprint: leveraging LearnOps for competitive advantage

Ryan Austin

Ryan Austin does a deep dive into the transformative potential of LearnOps as an approach to aligning L&D with organisational strategy in this epic feature In today’s evolving business landscape, aligning learning and development (L&D) with organisational strategy is essential. To achieve this alignment, L&D professionals must embark on a strategic journey articulated through several critical steps, encompassing the adoption of a Learning Operations (LearnOps) approach: a framework that optimises learning operations to drive business outcomes. A proactive stance is…

Strategic thinking words on a brain shape and papers.

The strategic mind: elevating your leadership game in uncertain times

Michael Watkins

Michael Watkins, author of The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking, explores how to unlock your potential and develop your strategic thinking muscles Strategic thinking is a vital skill for leaders navigating their businesses through today’s turbulent waters. Your capacity to think strategically is shaped by your endowment – your innate cognitive abilities – and your experience in situations demanding strategic thought. You can enhance your strategic thinking abilities by playing specific games regularly By the time you reach adulthood, your…