Opinion
Reimagining engagement: Leadership for uncertain times
Kevin Johnson explores strategies for HR and L&D leaders to navigate volatility and foster engagement When uncertainty is fast becoming the only constant, HR executives and learning and development leaders face a complex challenge. How do they re-engage and reinvigorate their workforce when the foundation of ‘normal’ has shifted? The answer lies in demonstrating leadership, creating purpose, building trust, and fostering personal and business growth. Leadership is not about relentless action; it’s about thoughtful influence From a worldwide health…
Data engineering: a role redefined by business needs and interpersonal skills
Shadi Rostami looks at the role of a data engineer, and it’s not just numbers. Communication and a business mindset are crucial for a role that’s increasingly important for L&D teams While companies today have vast, continually expanding data sources, most don’t fully comprehend the extent of their data’s value, nor the critical role it plays in driving business decisions. This is where data engineers come in, a role among the fastest growing within the UK job market. By cultivating…
How to succeed at telling your personal story
Leslie Fiorenzo gives her top tips on ensuring that you really are heard Since the dawn of time humans have used stories to communicate and influence each other. The ability to tell a compelling personal story is a valuable skill that can set you apart from the crowd. Never make a point without a story and never tell a story without a point Whether you’re pitching a product, leading a team, or seeking investment, your narrative can establish a connection…
From AI integration to equity: reflections on SXSW EDU 2024
Andy Walker and Tom French share five key learnings from the education conference in Texas, including recommended audio highlights so that you don’t miss out We were selected out of thousands of applications to present a panel on ‘A Journey Through Time: Rehearsing Challenging Emotions in XR’ with our partner, Telford College, at the South by Southwest education conference and festival (SXSW EDU 2024). We delivered our panel and talking to the many fantastic educators attending the conference, spent a…
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…
Curiosity and connection for AI in learning
Andrew Jacobs explores how creatively thinking about technology and what we want from it can enhance not only your use of AI, but your strategy too I like to tinker. It comes from when I was a kid; I used to take toys apart and tried to put them back together, or more likely, integrate them somehow. Think Toy Story’s Sid Phillips but much less violent. As I’ve got older, I’ve updated laptops, built PCs, and played with settings on…
Redefining neurodiversity in the workplace: beyond autism and dyslexia
Ed Thompson delves into neurodiversity, showing its power to enhance teamwork and foster inclusivity in the workplace Neurodiversity, contrary to common misconceptions, doesn’t only refer to autism, dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence. In fact, it just means that humans all think differently – there is no one “normal” brain. It is within that human spectrum that all of us somewhere lie. Every organisation is already neurodiverse: 20% of the population may be neurodivergent in some way However, most teams…
How can first-time CEOs manage stress effectively?
New to the top job? Don’t panic! David Roche shares practical tips to help first-time CEOs succeed McKinsey asserts that $1trillion is lost every year in market value of S&P’s top 1500 companies because of poorly planned transitions of CEOs and C-suite appointments. Not surprising, then, that two out of five CEOs fail in their first 18 months, according to the Harvard Business Review. Only when a leader is prepared to ask questions and lean on the skills of…
The importance of upskilling both technical and leadership skills
Sue Musson on how L&D can enhance the leadership skills of technical experts Leaders with technical competence hold a unique advantage in today’s demanding workplace. Their expertise establishes immediate credibility, provides a valuable knowledge resource for their organisations, and demonstrates exceptional technical proficiency. Such leaders also benefit from structured pathways for continuing professional development, ensuring their technical skills stay sharp and relevant. It’s easy to spot the technical expert who has been promoted to a leadership role but not planned…
Data deficiency: how inaccurate reporting undermines the UK labour market
Nichola Hay explains why capturing workforce data on a wide range of L&D initiatives is an economic necessity It was recently reported that workforce data provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has “a long way to go” when it comes to providing an accurate depiction of the current state of the UK labour market. With the right data, the Government could identify where the UK’s skills gaps are at present, and where they could appear in future Part…
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