Opinion

Top view of many people blocks and cubes with icons.

Curiosity and connection for AI in learning

Andrew Jacobs

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…

Brains, empathy, emotional intelligence

Redefining neurodiversity in the workplace: beyond autism and dyslexia 

Ed Thompson

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…

Stress

How can first-time CEOs manage stress effectively? 

David Roche

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…

Key success factors for leadership

The importance of upskilling both technical and leadership skills 

Sue Musson

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…

African businesswoman using analytics data

Data deficiency: how inaccurate reporting undermines the UK labour market

Nichola Hay

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…

Psychological Safety

My whole self – creating psychologically safe cultures at work

Simon Blake

Simon Blake on the importance of feeling valued and empowered to be our ‘whole self’ at work When I feel safe at work, I am me without worrying about whether I am being judged. And when I am confident about that, I can be innovative. I push and stretch myself, and explore new ideas because my focus is on my work, not on worrying about what other people think of me.   This extract is not verbatim, but captures the essence of the…

AI, artificial intelligence technology

Shaping the future of work with artificial intelligence

Ravinder Tulsiani

AI in the workplace: beware the risks and seize the opportunities, says Ravinder Tulsiani While artificial intelligence (AI) presents organisations with the promise of unparalleled efficiencies and capabilities, it also presents some complex challenges and risks. This positions AI as both a beacon of innovation and a field filled with ethical dilemmas including bias, privacy concerns, job displacement and the dangers of overreliance on digital systems.   AI offers immense opportunities for enhancing efficiency, spurring innovation and fostering business growth …

Reality Check Ahead sign on

Out of touch? The stark reality of the cost-of-living crisis and the responsibility of the C-suite 

Rob Russell

As more employees report feelings of stress and overwhelm, Rob Russell suggests eight ways to help the C-suite play an active role in company culture The cost of living in the UK and across the world has been on the rise since 2022, presenting unique challenges for businesses and individuals alike – and it’s not getting any easier. With 76% of employees reporting feelings of stress and overwhelm as a direct result of living cost hikes, there has never been…

Immersive learning

Immersive learning: the future of training

Phillip Carmichael Jr

‘Learning by doing’ presents limitless possibilities for workforce training, writes Phillip Carmichael Jr In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, traditional methods of learning are being redefined by the growth of immersive learning.   One of the key advantages of immersive learning is its ability to engage learners in a way that traditional methods often struggle to achieve  Immersive learning, which relies on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, has become a gamechanger that is transforming workforce training and…

Walking on a tightrope

C-suite and HR disconnect: can L&D redress the balance?

Stan Massueras

HR is often undervalued by the C-suite. Stan Massueras shows how to demonstrate the link between people programmes and business outcomes As workplace trends continue to evolve and businesses drive for greater productivity, performance and profitability, HR and L&D leaders are feeling increased pressure and scrutiny to show the value of their work. In the midst of that, however, it appears that a growing disconnect between the C-suite and HR strategy is developing.   L&D has a vital role to play…