Independent Professionals
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…
Facilitate and flourish: The role of communities for professional growth
Explore how shared learning, nurturing connections, and active contribution in communities can boost professional growth with Fiona McBride In my last post, I shared how the changing season can serve as a metaphor for growth within our facilitation practice. I reflected on the importance of seeking continuous improvement, trying new approaches as a professional. In our professional lives, those around us play a crucial role in our personal development and contribute to the collective success of our clients and customers. …
Adapting to Change: Leadership, Neuroscience, and AI in Workplace Learning
Explore key points from the World of Learning conference, including AI, neuroscience, leadership and inclusivity – all summarised by Editor Jo Cook At the World of Learning conference, industry leaders shared innovative ideas and practical approaches for transforming workplace learning. Below are the key takeaways from sessions that addressed managerial buy-in, leadership in changing environments, neuroscience in learning, AI-driven skill measurement, and workforce planning – all of which took place in Birmingham, UK, in October 2024. We don’t just train…
Ageless insight: Embracing the value of experience in a rapidly evolving workplace
Ageism is real; talented individuals in their 40s and 50s face unfair bias at work. Effective teams thrive by blending seasoned wisdom with youthful energy. Rose Fass explains how to leverage experience across all ages There’s a shift happening in the workplace that we need to address, and it’s more pressing now than ever before. Ageism, once something that primarily affected those nearing retirement, is now creeping into the lives of professionals much earlier. I’m seeing it firsthand in the…
Boozy dinners are so 2000. Let’s rethink work culture and focus on inclusivity
Help employees thrive by tackling workplace drinking culture and creating inclusive, alcohol-free events for teams, writes Alex Clapp Employee wellbeing has never been more of a priority. From safeguarding mental health and helping staff navigate the current cost-of-living challenges to promoting physical fitness through private healthcare and gym memberships, companies are placing a stronger focus on supporting their workforce’s overall welfare. It’s also widely recognised that these benefits are what new recruits are looking for when considering their next move. But one issue is…
TJ podcast: Gender, AI, and the pursuit of equity – episode 324
Discussing AI perpetuating existing gender imbalances, men’s health awareness, perimenopause support and L&D gender perception Podcast summary: Created by Cleanvoice The podcast explores the complex relationship between gender and AI, discussing how design choices by developers can influence how users perceive the gender of AI assistants. Research shows men are more likely to use AI technology compared to women, mirroring gender imbalances in the workplace. The speakers examine how gender biases and perceptions impact AI adoption and use, emphasizing the…
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