People Managers
An exploration of soft skills
Soft skills are essential for professional and social success – Professor Rao reveals their transformative power The importance of soft skills is increasingly recognised across global educational institutions, where they enhance employability, and within organisations, where they drive productivity and performance. Despite their importance, soft skills remain an under-researched area. Several myths surround soft skills because the field is still evolving. They are often confused with other concepts, such as: Researchers, scholars and educators struggle to agree on a universal…
A week in the life of: A founder of a small business
Phil Willcox from Emotion at Work reflects on the three choices he makes each week to balance his business needs, personal boundaries and emotions It sometimes feels like you’re constantly choosing between one thing or another. Both options are useful and productive, and both deliver valuable outcomes. But they are still a choice. In or on? Working in the business means collaborating with our (IMHO) fantastic clients. This often involves sticky notes, large flip chart pads, Sharpies, scented pens, tangle toys and…
Data as your mentor: Helping people help people
Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a mentor that helps set direction and drives better decisions – Mike Mair explains how to reap the benefits Effective leaders create outstanding teams; outstanding teams create the culture; and no business can be sustainably successful without engaged and connected people. The key to unlocking true organisational potential lies in harnessing the power of data In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, understanding your people is more critical than ever. In recent times, every organisation has…
Why suicide prevention training is needed now more than ever
Equip teams with the skills to spot warning signs and save lives, urges Ellie MacDonald ONS figures released recently show that suicide rates are the highest they’ve been since 1999. We lost a staggering 6,069 people to suicide in the UK alone in 2023 and this has a detrimental impact not only on people’s lives but economically, costing employers billions of pounds each year in employment productivity losses. Next time something feels off – a colleague doesn’t seem themselves –…
ADHD in the workplace: Challenges, misconceptions and the path to inclusion
With a few practical adjustments, organisations can create workplaces where employees with ADHD truly thrive – Nicole Nadler explains If you’re an employer or manage a team, odds are someone in your organisation may have ADHD. While the disorder impacts everyone differently, knowing the symptoms and how they present themselves is vital. ADHD can be categorised as inattentive, which involves difficulties in maintaining focus, organisational challenges and/or forgetfulness. There is also hyperactive, which is traditionally seen as being unable to sit…
TJ interviews: L&D Trend Catcher, Ger Driesen
A trend what? Trend watching is easy, it’s what you do that makes the difference and Ger Driesen explains to Jo just what is involves Training Journal: What is a trend catcher and what does it involve? Ger Driesen: Trend-watching is easy, you watch and then…? I introduced the term ‘trend catcher’; grabbing a trend, trying to understand it well and then translate it to what it could mean for your own profession – in my case, learning and development. …
Navigating DEI trends: A strategic opportunity for UK companies
By enhancing DEI strategies, UK firms can set themselves apart, fostering inclusivity that drives growth – Reshma Sheikh explains As major US firms like Harley Davidson, Brown-Forman and Molson Coors Beverage Co scale back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts due to financial pressures and shifting political climates, UK businesses face a pivotal moment. UK firms can not only drive innovation and attract top talent, but also strengthen their brand reputation and stakeholder trust This evolving landscape presents…
Tayloring learning: Effective Leadership Skills and Being Overwhelmed
Are you leading, or managing? Daniel Taylor explores the many skills needed for effective leadership Before I start this blog, take a moment to consider what you think are the skills needed to be an effective leader? Stop when you get to 15! I recently delivered leadership development to a group of future leaders at a University and challenged them with this very question and when I set it, it didn’t feel like a particularly broad question as I wanted…
Flipping the script: Collaborative innovation and problem solving for HR Leaders
What is the unconference advantage? It’s action-based learning and designing your own active event experience – Ben Waldman tells us more Imagine you could flip the traditional conference format on its head: Rather than having to sit through various predefined sessions which may – or may not – be useful for you, you have the power to design your own learning experience based on the most pressing challenges you face, tapping into the collective wisdom of experts in the field…
A week in the life of: A Leadership Development Manager
What’s involved in contemporary leadership development? Andy McConville shares about training, support and other responsibilities I’m one of the lucky ones, I really love my job. It’s fair to say that Leadership Capability isn’t often recognised, let alone invested in, when it comes to outsourcers, so I am privileged to be trusted with the opportunity to develop leaders. And, as readers of TJ know, it’s absolutely the right thing to do. Admittedly, growing up, I didn’t necessarily dream that one…
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