Independent Professionals
8 essential components of a successful DEI training programme
Diversity, equity and inclusion isn’t a box to tick, it’s a gamechanger. Get it right with these eight insights for lasting impact, writes Eleanor Hecks Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have become the top goals of many workplaces. Organisations recognise the importance of building inclusive environments and the benefits they bring to their bottom line. However, for DEI initiatives to succeed, they must go beyond surface-level awareness and address the deeper cultural and systemic challenges for sustainable implementation. DEI training is…
Struggling with trust at work? Blame ‘attachment theory’
Anxious, avoidant or secure? Our early attachments shape how we connect and communicate at work – but coaching helps rebuild trust and foster healthier workplace relationships, writes John Perry Attachment theory, a concept introduced by British psychologist John Bowlby, provides profound insights into how early-life relationships shape our ways of connecting with others. Originally centred on caregiver-child bonds, it has far-reaching implications in the workplace. It reveals how our ability – or struggle – to trust, connect and communicate is…
Managers: Are you fuelling conflict in your team?
Calling all fixers, ostriches and bureaucrats, it’s time to try the owl approach to management – Anna Shields explains A recent CIPD study found that managers could inadvertently be fuelling tensions in their teams. L&D need to identify counterproductive approaches to conflict management and build the skills to overcome these. Owl managers see the world from a wider range of perspectives, identify issues with an open mind, and handle relationship breakdowns with empathy and care Do managers fuel conflict? The…
Your multi-dimensional workforce is a valuable asset: Three ways to make the most of difference
Turn diversity into success with three instantly actionable insights from David Buchanan and Steve Macaulay You know the saying: it takes all sorts? That’s the perfect description of today’s workforce. Look around your team and you’ll see different ages, ethnicities, experiences and backgrounds. When managed correctly, these differences become a valuable asset, offering fresh solutions and driving innovation. But get it wrong, and this diversity can spark disagreements and conflict. Let’s explore three ways to capitalise on your multi-dimensional workforce…
Maximising ROI on training programmes in 2025: Strategies for a high-impact workforce
Personalise learning, engage stakeholders and embrace artificial intelligence to unlock real value, writes Rob Porter As organisations increasingly invest in training and development to drive productivity and ensure business growth, measuring these programmes’ return on investment has become a critical issue. According to a Gartner report, 55% of HR leaders feel their current technologies do not meet evolving needs, and 51% cannot measure ROI on their HR investments. AI-powered learning analytics are transforming how organisations evaluate training success With training…
Scaling skill adoption with AI and a human-centric approach
Take a phased approach and keep people at the heart of strategy, advises James Swift Leyton, like many businesses, prioritises client retention as a crucial driver of sustainable growth. Recognising that their consultants’ skills directly impacted client relationships and retention rates, Leyton’s talent development team sought innovative solutions to improve skill adoption and consistency across their workforce. The business challenge was to boost client retention. AI provided unprecedented visibility into employee skill usage… replacing subjective observations with objective data …
Behind the scenes of planning a new learning event: Exploring ticket sales tactics
Kirsty Lewis on the ups, downs and wild ideas behind getting people to SOFest 2025 How are you? If you are new to this blog it is all about my crazy idea to put on a festival for 100-plus facilitators, trainers, coaches and consultants from 10 to 12 June 2025, in Essex, UK. I mean how hard can it be to create a large-scale event, in a field, for people who love to learn, connect into the community and have experiences? …
Organizational Learning Communities – book review
Practical, insightful and inspiring, this go-to guide is packed with fresh ideas and real-world strategies – Peter Plumlee reviews essential reading for L&D professionals, team leaders and anyone seeking smarter collaboration Book: Organizational Learning Communities – Empowering social learning and collaboration to improve performanceAuthor: Andy Lancaster When I first picked up Organizational Learning Communities – Empowering social learning and collaboration to improve performance, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. A 400- page book about learning communities? It sounded…
TJ Columnist Peter Honey, dies aged 87
Former TJ Editor Debbie Carter reflects on Peter Honey’s life and his contribution to learning Peter Honey was a columnist for TJ for many years and he was an Editor’s dream. His 700 words of wisdom dropped into my inbox once a month without need for reminder or revision. Peter’s material was well written, pertinent with very little repetition of content. Surveys of the readership consistently put his column at the top of our polls for style, content and entertainment!…
From code to culture: How AI can embed company culture
Artificial intelligence can help turn company culture from words on a wall into something real – Elie Rashbass explains how Strong and healthy cultures help businesses and employees thrive. Weak or toxic cultures, on the other hand, harm both the workforce and the business’s bottom line. Companies know culture matters and recognise exactly what values they want. However, listing and wanting certain values, even if you mean it (which most companies do!), doesn’t make them a reality. The missing link…
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