Opinion

Handwriting text writing Lets Chat on a post-it note on a desk with screwed up post it notes strewn all over.

A four-step process for having tough conversations with difficult people

James Scouller

James Scouller looks at how to structure those challenging conversations so that everyone wins I’ve found that most managers struggle with what I call “tough conversations” with people they find “difficult” – people who underperform or behave badly and show no signs of changing. Unfortunately, research research by Larson and LaFasto shows that engaging and resolving issues with difficult team members is one of the six things people most want from their team leaders. So instead they avoid them altogether.…

Laptop keyboard with plant growing on it.

The green leader’s toolkit: carpooling, home offices, and sustainable leadership practices

Luke Smith

Luke Smith looks at the impact of leadership on corporate environmental responsibility Companies no longer have the option to put sustainability on the back burner. It’s the responsibility of leadership to ensure their business is operating as ethically and environmentally responsibly as possible. This is a continuous effort — one that you must refine and refresh as employees change, technology advances, regulations update, and climate change persists. Learn how to lead with confidence into the sustainable future your company must…

Scribbled note that says "work trends" on an office desk.

Is your L&D approach out of fashion? Trends that need to be retired

Wendy Hanson

Wendy Hanson is rethinking learning and development for 2024 and urges us to drop what’s not working In the dynamic landscape of professional development, the traditional approaches to learning and development are undergoing a significant transformation. As we move through 2024, it’s crucial for organisations to re-evaluate and retire outdated practices that no longer serve the evolving needs of employees and businesses. This year, it’s time to finally bid farewell to several long-prevailing L&D trends that can be replaced with…

Nervous African american speaker breathing with paper bag and having panic attack during business conference.

The show must go on: leveraging 8 performance techniques for dynamic presentations

Karl Green

Karl Green unleashes the power of performance with his approach for mastering presentation skills As someone from a performance background of over a decade, and recently pivoted career from dance and musical theatre to coaching and development, I have witnessed the transformative impact performance skills can offer in life, careers and most importantly when giving presentations. Just like a captivating stage performance, a successful presentation requires more than just the right words—it demands a compelling performance persona, audience connection and…

Businessman find a solution drawing on a whiteboard.

Lost in translation: the battle for survival in the world of learning solutions

Andy McConville

Andy McConville urges those marketing their learning solutions to tone down the complex language Finding a place to market, sell and get repeat business in learning and development is more challenging than ever. A LinkedIn search finds 8,200 potential suppliers of “learning providers”. Change that to “learning solutions” and you can add 2,000 to that list. Okay some of them may be the same companies, but, this is just one way that we can see why L&D practitioners and vendors…

Hispanic man recording podcast stressed and frustrated with hand on head.

10 reasons your L&D podcasts will fail

Michael Olatunji

Michael Olatunji uses his podcast background to help your podcast be the best it can Podcasting has become an increasingly popular medium for sharing knowledge and insights, especially in the training and learning and development industry. However, despite the potential benefits, many podcasts in this niche fail to make a lasting impact. Understanding the key reasons behind podcast failures can help aspiring creators avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful venture. Here are ten factors that can contribute to the…

Three artistically drawn robots sitting next to an office man with a laptop

#WOL24: Navigating the new frontiers of hybrid work and learning

Jo Cook

This AI written article analyses some of the themes shared on Twitter from the recent World of Learning conference and summit In the span of a few days, from January 30th to February 1st, 2024, the digital realm buzzed with insights, discussions, and revelations under the hashtag #WOL24. This digital congregation marked a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of work and learning, epitomized by the World of Learning Summit. Professionals from various sectors converged in a virtual space to…

Person putting out wooden bricks on a desk with the year "2024" written at the top of them.

Preparing for the Evolving L&D Landscape in 2024

Jo Cook

Three L&D experts, Tommy Richardson, Kyile Stair and Dr. Jill Stefaniak, share their predictions and advice for 2024, stressing the importance of AI training, time-sensitive training, and keeping up to date with evolving regulatory landscapes Employee demand for corporate training opportunities has been rising steadily over the past few years. With 76% of employees being more likely to stay with a company that offers continuous training than one that does not, continuous training has become more of a “need” than…

VUCA Leadership. Volatility Uncertainty Complexity Ambiguity. Magnifying glass on office desk.

Complex times means we need to develop leaders with vision

Graham Clark

Graham Clark explores a term many know well, VUCA, but flips the script and focuses on the positive solutions developing leaders with these skills can bring Business leaders are continuing to battle the seismic shifts in the workplace since the pandemic, with changes in how people are working, the war for talent and growing concerns around employee mental wellbeing. Throw in the rapid advancements in technology and AI, and leaders could be in for a rocky ride as they steer…

Group of disappointed young multiethnic people give thumbs down, hands in closeup.

The end of accidental managers?

Laura Ashley-Timms

Dominic Ashley-Timms and Laura Ashley-Timms focus on the impact on people and organisation of someone who hasn’t been given the opportunity to learn to be a great manager, and a key skill they need Imagine you’re a Formula 1 driver. You’re the best driver in your team, experienced, constantly in pole position and winning races. Suddenly, you turn up for a race one day and find that you’re now the team manager – the Christian Horner to Max Verstappen. Now,…