Independent Professionals
Beyond push-back: 5 modern truths about change resistance
Change at work feels harder than ever. But there’s more going on than people simply digging in their heels. Simon Phillips unpacks what’s really behind the push-back, from stress and burnout to wanting a proper say in decisions, and shares smart ways to help make change feel better for everyone The old wisdom about change resistance needs updating. Our post-pandemic world has transformed how people respond to workplace transformation, particularly with mental health challenges now taking centre stage in every…
The future of L&D: Focusing on potential to grow skills continuously
Rethinking hiring and learning? You’re not alone. Mark Thompson explores why a tick-box approach is out, and how spotting potential and weaving learning into everyday work can future-proof your business. From agile assessments to leadership-led learning, it’s time to invest in people who grow as fast as the world changes For years, hiring decisions have been shaped by rigid qualifications – degrees, CVs and checklists of experience. But as the workplace evolves, so must our collective hiring mindset. What if…
Think you’re ‘good’ at AI? It’s not automation, it’s augmentation that matters
Let’s bust a myth: AI isn’t just about ditching tasks, it’s about supercharging what people can do at work. In this eye-opener, Joshua Wöhle breaks down why augmentation, not automation, is where the real magic happens, and how it’s reshaping productivity, potential and even what your job might look like Many organisations are approaching AI with a fundamental misunderstanding. I’m seeing plenty of enthusiasm for AI adoption, but there’s a concerning pattern: companies are focusing on building systems that automate and remove…
The role of training in overcoming imposter syndrome
Self-doubt doesn’t just live in your head, it’s hitting businesses hard. From lost productivity to rising staff turnover, imposter syndrome is more than a buzzword. In this piece, Mike Worley explores how targeted training and development can give employees the confidence and tools they need to overcome it and thrive Imposter syndrome – the persistent feeling of not being qualified, smart or confident enough for a role – affects nearly a third of employees. While it often manifests as self-doubt, stress, anxiety and burnout,…
Change fatigue: Why L&D should prioritise the human side of change
Change fatigue is feeling weary, indifferent or resistant towards increasing organisational changes. Steve Macaulay explores how L&D can play a pivotal role in tackling this issue by focusing on emotional wellbeing, resilience and communication, ensuring employees feel supported, valued and capable of navigating transitions successfully in today’s fast-paced business environment There is a widespread problem in organisations, manifesting itself as the exhaustion many employees are feeling as they face constant change. Companies often use neutral, even positive, managerial language to describe…
Unlocking productivity: How gamification transforms the workplace
Get the impression your people are bored of the daily grind? Gamification could be your secret weapon for sparking energy and engagement in the workplace. Marisa Pereira shares smart, practical tips for making work more interactive, rewarding and fun, without losing focus on performance, collaboration and what really drives motivation In today’s increasingly remote work environment, companies are exploring innovative ways to boost employee motivation and productivity. Gamification – the integration of game-like elements into work processes – is gaining…
The future of work: Why most capability frameworks miss the mark
Too many capability frameworks promise impact but deliver confusion. Ben Satchwell cuts through the noise to reveal why clarity, focus and co-creation matter. From avoiding vague, generic descriptions to embedding real utility, he shows how to design frameworks that support performance, enable growth and shape how work actually gets done There’s no shortage of organisations rolling out capability frameworks with the hope of transforming how they assess, develop and deploy talent. But in my experience, many of these frameworks fall short…
TJ interviews: VP of AI, Joseph Leslie
Degreed’s Conor Gilligan discusses skills to enable AI-driven transformation with Joseph Leslie, Vice-President of AI at Golin. From upskilling 100,000 employees to embedding AI in global strategy, Joseph reveals how blending tech with business challenges can fuel creativity, close skill gaps and turn bold ideas into meaningful transformation at scale Training Journal: Tell us more about your background – you were based in the UK for some time and now in the US, right? Joseph Leslie: Indeed! I started in L&D…
How to turn conversations about stress into meaningful interventions in the workplace
Stress is everywhere, particularly in today’s working environment. And when someone finally speaks up, what a manager says next can change everything. Joseph Conway explains why giving managers the tools and confidence to handle tough conversations isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a business-critical skill that can protect employees’ wellbeing and performance Stress has been widely described as a modern-day epidemic – and the research is stacking up to prove just how true this is. According to Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report…
Why AI coaching for soft skills fails without the right data
AI coaching sounds clever. But most tools fall flat when it comes to soft skills. Why? As Petr Kanaev explains, it’s not just about algorithms, it’s about data. Without context, outcomes and expert input, the feedback fails. The good news? With the right foundation, AI can help your employees grow AI-powered coaching tools are gaining traction in workplace learning – especially as organisations seek scalable ways to develop soft skills in hybrid and remote settings. From conversational agents to automated feedback platforms,…
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