Independent Professionals
Emotions and impact: Make it close. Make it real. Make it easy to care.
Annoyed with not getting heard at senior level? Find out how Phil Wilcox approached it! Fed up with feeling like a lone voice? Tired of having your budget slashed? Considered an afterthought for change projects or programmes? Yeah, I felt that way too. It was all I had known for so long. What felt like safety, reassurance, belief and confidence all evaporated when times got tough and money got tight. It felt like lip service. I still get that now.…
Harnessing the power of AI: A practical organisational guide
Explore practical strategies for integrating AI into learning initiatives, empowering both learners and L&D professionals. Steve Macaulay and Sarah Cook provide expert insights for success The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace is rapidly gaining traction and little wonder that L&D is adopting the opportunities it presents. As the use of AI in the workplace is increasing, L&D and HR need to be very aware of the pragmatic considerations of introducing AI into the organisation to leverage AI…
Mental fitness, or mindset, is key to building resilience
How to recognise, challenge and release ‘mind traps’ to pave the way for greater resilience. Anita Guru shares the helpful habits and behaviours you need to succeed Our mind is like Teflon for positive thoughts – we don’t tend to gravitate towards or recall positive thoughts. For negative thoughts, however, our brain is like Velcro. Negative thoughts tend to stick to our brain and can be on a loop. When we are in a negative thought pattern, it can have…
Will the end of non-competes spell the end of training and development?
Changes to restrictive clauses could reshape employee development, leaving L&D concerned about potential budget cuts. Marie Unger delves into the potential impacts of evolving non-compete agreements on workforce investment and growth Non-competes – a type of ‘restrictive clause’ in employees’ contracts to stop them working for a competitor for a specified period after leaving their current organisation – are in the news. In the wake of the United States Federal Trade Commission’s ruling to eliminate non-compete agreements for most roles,…
Are you scaring people away from cybersecurity behaviour change?
Fear tactics in cybersecurity: Exploring their impact and advocating for real change with usable interventions and insights from Dr Jessica Barker “We just need to scare people into better security.” I’ve lost count of the number of times I have been in meetings, or approached by a potential client, who has said this to me. Over the last 13 or so years working as a specialist in cybersecurity awareness, behaviour and culture, I have been called in to hundreds of organisations…
Cultivating trust: The foundation of strong relationships
Explore the profound impact of trust in workplace dynamics with practical insights, takeaways and tips. Karen Carey explains why trust isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the lifeblood of robust relationships Trust, the elusive elixir of relationships, is a dynamic force shaped by personal experiences. In the professional space, the impact of trust is significantly influencing the very core of workplace dynamics. Trust brings self-reflection. Leaders often overlook the power of looking inward Reflecting on my own journey, a pivotal moment unfolded…
Bootcamps and apprenticeship programmes for skills development
Bootcamps and apprenticeship programmes can provide a fast, flexible and inclusive path to high-demand careers. Paula Fryer explores their impact on career growth and industry innovation Bootcamps and apprenticeship programmes have risen in popularity as effective pathways for people seeking to gain specialised skills. In the United States, the number of apprentices has increased by 64% from 2012 to 2021, according to the US Department of Labor. Bootcamps can quickly adapt their curriculum to match evolving industry needs, particularly in…
Why you should assume that your audience doesn’t care
Grounding us and making us think hard about what if we don’t do that presentation – Kris Flegg helps us think about our work Your audience needs to be as interested in what you present as you are. It’s your job to make them. That’s the challenge you’re up against. In most presentations, failure isn’t as dramatic as a ceiling falling down, a room full of heckling and boos or the audience walking out in protest. A presentation’s main failure…
How artificial intelligence is influencing tech-sector layoffs and reskilling
Carly Holm examines AI’s impact on tech jobs and the need for companies to adapt with the right tools or partners In March, employees in the marketing and communications division at IBM were reportedly told in a staff meeting that their numbers were being culled. This news substantiated a recent pattern of layoffs in the technology sector, which have included cuts at Amazon, Apple and Meta. Combined, these reports have amounted to at least 74,000 workers being laid off by 255 tech companies in…
The hidden dangers of start-up culture: Avoiding burnout
Felizitas Lichtenberg looks at how to avoid burnout when working at a start-up As workers begin to return to the office, and businesses start their slow return to pre-pandemic norms, employee burnout has re-emerged as a significant issue in the UK. A nationwide survey from Indeed Flex found that the number of UK workers experiencing stress or burnout in the workplace doubled in 2023, highlighting the growing impact of the problem. Establishing boundaries can involve communicating clearly when you need…
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