People Managers
Data engineering: a role redefined by business needs and interpersonal skills
Shadi Rostami looks at the role of a data engineer, and it’s not just numbers. Communication and a business mindset are crucial for a role that’s increasingly important for L&D teams While companies today have vast, continually expanding data sources, most don’t fully comprehend the extent of their data’s value, nor the critical role it plays in driving business decisions. This is where data engineers come in, a role among the fastest growing within the UK job market. By cultivating…
From awareness to action: equipping managers to support mental health at work
Michelle Robinson Hayes looks at the unseen burden of managers and the mental health crisis, and asks: are you helping your managers to help others? Employees across all age groups and demographics are experiencing increased stress levels, anxiety and burnout. In fact, stress, depression and anxiety accounted for 49% of all work-related ill health and 54% of working days lost due to such health issues in 2022 to 2023 – a rate which is higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to…
ADHD Works at Work – book review
David Hayden reviews a ‘must-read’ book offering a fresh perspective on inclusion Book: ADHD Works at WorkAuthor: Leanne Maskell There is a line in this book that really stood out for me. I was aware of the concept before I started reading, but it wasn’t at the forefront of my mind. The line is: “If you have met one person with ADHD, you have met one person with ADHD”. This is a very practical book; 224 pages with lots of…
How to succeed at telling your personal story
Leslie Fiorenzo gives her top tips on ensuring that you really are heard Since the dawn of time humans have used stories to communicate and influence each other. The ability to tell a compelling personal story is a valuable skill that can set you apart from the crowd. Never make a point without a story and never tell a story without a point Whether you’re pitching a product, leading a team, or seeking investment, your narrative can establish a connection…
Think Like a Coach – book review
Book: Think Like A CoachAuthor: Jude Sclater As an L&D practitioner, I am increasingly drawn to coaching – the methods, theories and advice. I truly believe this is a skill that benefits everyone. I am also passionate about helping first-time managers find their feet in an authentic way. So, when UK-based coach Jude Sclater reached out to review her very first book, this was like a match made in heaven for me! She veers away from heavy academic language, instead sharing anecdotes…
Tayloring learning: Webinar skills and The One Show
I have recently delivered some training on running effective webinars as well as hosted some large development sessions of up to 200 people. When I do this, I am aware that it’s is a new skill we didn’t really have to utilise until Covid. It was during this recent development session that I was asked what further learning could be done, or what resources could they use to keep improving, and I duly shared some useful pieces of information. One…
The dangers of ‘wellbeing washing’ and how to avoid it
Anna Eliatamby explores workplace wellbeing, exposing pitfalls and offering effective strategies Years ago, business recognised the importance of supporting and enhancing the wellbeing and mental health of employees and leaders. Wellbeing and employee assistance programmes came into existence. All this came to a crescendo during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is worth assessing the extent to which current efforts enhance wellbeing, and then make necessary changes A central pivot for these programmes was, and remains, learning and development (L&D). These interventions…
Why the way we do business needs to change
Stuck in old ways in a new business world? Blaire Palmer shares key tips to modernise your approach and succeed today With a few minor tweaks, we still run our organisations and organise our people the same way we have done for more than 200 years. We judge people by their working hours, we have a career ladder which goes only in one direction – up. We try to motivate employees with a new job title, a pay rise and…
Redefining neurodiversity in the workplace: beyond autism and dyslexia
Ed Thompson delves into neurodiversity, showing its power to enhance teamwork and foster inclusivity in the workplace Neurodiversity, contrary to common misconceptions, doesn’t only refer to autism, dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence. In fact, it just means that humans all think differently – there is no one “normal” brain. It is within that human spectrum that all of us somewhere lie. Every organisation is already neurodiverse: 20% of the population may be neurodivergent in some way However, most teams…
How can first-time CEOs manage stress effectively?
New to the top job? Don’t panic! David Roche shares practical tips to help first-time CEOs succeed McKinsey asserts that $1trillion is lost every year in market value of S&P’s top 1500 companies because of poorly planned transitions of CEOs and C-suite appointments. Not surprising, then, that two out of five CEOs fail in their first 18 months, according to the Harvard Business Review. Only when a leader is prepared to ask questions and lean on the skills of…
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