Communication

Psychological Safety

My whole self – creating psychologically safe cultures at work

Simon Blake

Simon Blake on the importance of feeling valued and empowered to be our ‘whole self’ at work When I feel safe at work, I am me without worrying about whether I am being judged. And when I am confident about that, I can be innovative. I push and stretch myself, and explore new ideas because my focus is on my work, not on worrying about what other people think of me.   This extract is not verbatim, but captures the essence of the…

Top view of podcast recording equipment on rustic wooden table with words new podcast episode written on spiral notepad

TJ podcast: AI and L&D: enhancing human capability – episode 314

Jo Cook

This episode gathers insights from L&D leaders on AI’s transformative role in training and performance. It explores AI literacy, the evaluation of tools, and the ethical use of technology, emphasising AI as both a tool and teammate. The discussion underscores the importance of human insight in leveraging AI to enhance learning outcomes. Speakers include: ⁠ Trish Uhl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul Westlake⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cathy Hoy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ginette Tessier⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Erica Farmer⁠⁠⁠⁠Stella Collins⁠⁠⁠⁠Liz Naylor⁠⁠⁠⁠Emma Weber⁠⁠⁠⁠Matthew Borg⁠⁠⁠⁠Binnaz Cubukcu⁠⁠⁠Viddhi Devani⁠⁠Stella Lee⁠⁠Bob Mosher⁠⁠Lior Locher⁠ Links from the discussion: ⁠Editor’s blog – don’t rush to…

Concept of education and success

Bridging the gap with killer communications: a dive into why you should be ‘selling’ your learning offer

Kerry Jary

Kerry Jary looks at why you can build it, but they might not come and the importance of more than just creating great training In today’s dynamic business world, the phrase “knowledge is power” couldn’t be more relevant. As businesses strive to stay ahead of the curve, investing in employee learning has emerged as a critical strategy for success. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about offering learning opportunities; it’s about selling them to your employees.   First off, let’s…

Reality Check Ahead sign on

Out of touch? The stark reality of the cost-of-living crisis and the responsibility of the C-suite 

Rob Russell

As more employees report feelings of stress and overwhelm, Rob Russell suggests eight ways to help the C-suite play an active role in company culture The cost of living in the UK and across the world has been on the rise since 2022, presenting unique challenges for businesses and individuals alike – and it’s not getting any easier. With 76% of employees reporting feelings of stress and overwhelm as a direct result of living cost hikes, there has never been…

Walking on a tightrope

C-suite and HR disconnect: can L&D redress the balance?

Stan Massueras

HR is often undervalued by the C-suite. Stan Massueras shows how to demonstrate the link between people programmes and business outcomes As workplace trends continue to evolve and businesses drive for greater productivity, performance and profitability, HR and L&D leaders are feeling increased pressure and scrutiny to show the value of their work. In the midst of that, however, it appears that a growing disconnect between the C-suite and HR strategy is developing.   L&D has a vital role to play…

Concept of empathy and sympathy

From conflict to connection: how empathy shapes effective leaders

Alexandra Efthymiades

The ability to relate to others is more than a nice-to-have. It’s a powerful tool for successful leadership. Alexandra Efthymiades shares the tips you need Take a moment to think about a great boss you had in the past, or you have now. What makes them great? When we ask this question on our management development courses, the answers are often as follows:   Are your answers like these? If they are, then part of what you appreciate about a great boss…

Asian woman work from home during using laptop for teleconference with her team

Reimagining our working life with choice, learning and balance

Laura Probert

Laura Probert looks at achieving truly flexible working and learning, and how she’s already done it In an era where the conventional boundaries of office and classroom have dissolved into the digital landscape, the pursuit of truly flexible working and learning seems like the Holy Grail for contemporary organisations. Yet achieving flexibility isn’t the endpoint but a path that requires constant evolution, experimentation, and a willingness to embrace trial and error. HR professionals are realising that time and productivity are…

The outline of the brain with the inscription neurodiversity is surrounded by coloured cubes.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week sheds light on neuro-inclusive workplaces

Holly Biggs

Holly Biggs looks at research that reminds us to foster an improved workplace for our neurodivergent employees for humanitarian reasons, but also because it’s good business In a world that thrives on diversity, recognising and celebrating differences has become a cornerstone of progressive societies. One such celebration that takes centre stage is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, 18-24 March 2024. Society often measures success by conformity; Neurodiversity Celebration Week encourages us to embrace and celebrate neuro-different individuals for the rich tapestry of…

Silhouette of people and speaker at a conference, with blue background and white writing that says "conference unthinking".

Designing conferences that foster innovation, collaboration, and real impact

Ed Bernacki

Ed Bernacki rethinks the design of conferences and the skills participants need to make the most of them. Oh, and tells off the TJ Editor… Following the World of Learning 2024 London summit, Training Journal asked people on social media, “What is the key learning point from the last event you attended?” It’s an interesting question. Yet, is it the right question? The reason people take notes and never look at them is a result of their lack of skills…

Neurodivergent word represented by wooden letter tiles on a wooden table with glasses and a book

The spectrum of success: fostering an inclusive workplace for the neurodivergent

Hayley Brackley

Hayley Brackley explains neurodiversity and neurodivergent, the problem with ableism, and why we all need an inclusive workplace This week sees Neurodiversity Celebration Week being observed, but what does this actually mean? Neuroinclusion doesn’t sit with just one manager Whilst we are discussing it, what exactly is neurodiversity? Simply put, it recognises the natural variations in brain function and cognition among individuals. No two brains will process the world around us in exactly the same way. Neurodiversity is, all of…