Features

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…

Aging workforce. Increase in number of elderly workers

Years older, or years better?

Steve Macaulay

David Buchanan and Steve Macaulay explore the perceived challenges and the positive advantages to a workforce with a variety of age ranges The changing demographics of an ageing population and declining birth rates pose a pressing people management challenge. To address skill and labour shortages, employers must actively recruit, retain and develop older workers. Adaptation requires a targeted approach to HR policies and L&D agendas, recognising and leveraging the valuable experience older workers bring to the workforce. How old is…

Close up hand of young woman with pen writing on notebook at a river.

Embracing your creative potential: a guide inspired by Cat Hase’s story

Cat Hase

In this feature as part of International Women’s Day, Cat Hase explores what creativity can bring to your work and personal development Would you call yourself creative? It’s a question that, unfortunately, far too many people answer with a “no.” But let’s pause and ask ourselves: What is creativity? Creativity is the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc. It’s about seeing what’s inside us and harnessing it as it’s…

The word injustice on a wall and the first two letters being painted over with a roller

Brushing aside injustice – art, women and innovation: a call for creative empowerment in training

Rachel Bentley

Rachel Bentley examines not only a gender pay gap, but how creativity can inspire development and change in challenging work climates In the world of art an insidious reality lurks beneath the canvas: a gender pay gap that painfully exposes the struggles faced by women artists. A recent article by The Guardian sheds light on the profound impact of this shocking difference citing evidence from a leading academic and activist.  Creativity and innovation drive progress, allowing organisations to maintain a competitive…

Public Speaking written in the cable from a microphone

Unlock the secrets of skilful public speaking: insights from the pros

Jo Cook

On social media we asked about advice for presentations and boy did our community answer, read their strategies and tips here Public speaking is an art form that requires more than just the ability to speak loudly and clearly—it demands engagement, preparation, authenticity, and a deep connection with your audience. Drawing from a wealth of advice shared by professionals across various platforms, we delve into the nuances of effective public speaking, offering a detailed guide that encompasses the collective wisdom…