Independent Professionals
Make It Human – book review
A lost sense of humanity creates unhappy humans – this books focuses on a different future! Reviewed by Donna Ward-Higgs Book: Make It Human, a visionfor happier, healthier, more human workplacesAuthor: Sarah McLellan Sarah McLellan’s ‘Vision for happier, healthier, more human workplaces’ is a wonderful exploration of what is required to create organisational environments where people can thrive. The author begins by sharing an imagined future world of work for her daughter before exploring our currently reality and what has…
A week in the life of: The CEO of a learning business community and Learning Network board member
Kim Ellis shares about L&D Free Spirits that serves freelancers and small businesses in L&D Hi everyone, my name is Kim, and I have been in the amazing L&D world for nearly 20 years. For the past seven of those, I have been self-employed as the Chief Learning Architect of Go Ginger Learning Solutions. When the first Covid lockdowns happened in 2020, I suggested hosting coffee mornings for members of The Learning Network (LN). I then started editing their newsletter…
A week in the life of: The Editor of Training Journal
What does being the Editor of a learning content websiteinvolve? Jo Cook enlightens us I developed a desire to write when I was 12 years old and was always drawn to periodicals rather than newspapers or novels. I have no idea why; it just seemed to happen naturally. My role for Training Journal is part time (currently just one and a half days a week) and, being the creative person I am (my mum would say awkward), I’m flexible on…
AI in coaching: A tool for the many, but not a replacement for the few
AI is reshaping coaching, making personalised development accessible. But will we lose the human touch? Markus Bernhardt and Teresa Rose take us on a journey to discover Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally, and coaching is no exception. Once a domain reserved for senior executives, coaching is now being democratised thanks to AI-driven tools that make personalised professional development more accessible to employees at all levels. AI’s capabilities extend beyond mere scalability, as recent studies suggest that large language…
The future of work: From skills-based to capability-driven
Discover how shifting the emphasis from skills to capabilities fosters growth, innovation and mental wellness with Ben Satchwell Skills, skills, skills. We’re hearing a lot about the skills revolution. Should we become a skills-based organisation or a skills-driven organisation? Are we going to do away with traditional job roles and descriptions, segment everyone by their technical skills and simply deliver our performance outcomes based on fluid and dynamic projects? I’m not so sure. From the conversations I have, organisations are realising…
Why your brainstorming sessions fail: How to unlock your team’s true creative potential
Discover how strategies like daydreaming breaks, eliminating groupthink, and BrainSprinting can boost your team’s creativity with Chris Griffiths and Caragh Medlicott In an ideal world, brainstorming sessions would always be fruitful. Everyone would come together, ideas would fly, and you’d leave with ideas aplenty and clear plans for implementation. Sadly, an ideal world isn’t quite where we live. Still, do not despair! As with anything in life, the strategy we bring to a task can have a huge impact on…
Navigating zero-hours contract regulations: What UK employers and workers need to know
Legislation introduced in Parliament to upgrade workers’ rights includes a reshaping of zero-hours work regulations. Pete Taylor offers his perspective on the proposed changes As October progresses, the recruitment and HR industries are focused on the detail of the government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is set to impact thousands of businesses and employees across the UK in the coming months. Zero-hours contracts remain a central topic of discussion around the Bill, specifically Labour’s plans to give workers on zero hours…
TJ interviews: Cognitive neuroscientist and C-suite mentor Dr Lynda Shaw
How can leaders use neuroscience and psychology to improve business? Dr Lynda Shaw shares insights from her expertise in cognitive neuroscience and psychology and experiences as an adventurer in Antarctica trekker of mountains in six of seven continents Training Journal: How did you get into neuroscience and psychology? Dr Lynda Shaw: I have worked in several sectors including as an airline cabin crew, a gym owner and a personal trainer, but then my father died. He had previously told me…
Bringing L&D to centre stage: How improv elevated the learning experience
Neil Mullarkey’s theatre improvisation techniques prepare leaders for the unpredictable nature of real-world business interactions – all while boosting the impact of the L&D function For learning and development professionals, standing out in a crowded field of conventional training programmes can be a significant challenge. One seasoned L&D director in the professional services sector discovered a ground-breaking approach that not only enhanced the skills of her leaders but also elevated the status and impact of the L&D function itself. “Improv training addresses a…
Diversifying work settings: The growing trend of workcations
Do you fancy taking a break from your work environment, but not the work itself? Try a workcation – remote working from a holiday destination When flexible remote working became the norm, employees worldwide began reaping the benefits of a more relaxed schedule, improved productivity, and enhanced mental health. A study by Microsoft found that 70% of workers globally want flexible remote work options to continue. Gen Z is spearheading a new trend called ‘workcations’ which offer the opportunity to…
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