Leadership
Curiosity over assumption: decoding digital body language in teams
Body language has always been tricky. Crossed arms, raised eyebrows, leaning in or looking away; all signals we interpret constantly, sometimes accurately, sometimes disastrously. Whilst we’ve had telecommunication for a long time, Covid transformed our work and learning spaces to be even more digital and virtual. Jo Cook shares more. Much of our professional life now is hybrid, online, and text based. That means our digital body language (DBL) — the emojis we use, the speed of our responses, whether…
When CEOs quiet quit: A playbook for executive re-engagement
CEO turnover surged in 2024, with disengagement at the top threatening transformation. Nick Petschek argues that we must move beyond traditional support roles to become active catalysts of change: spotting early signs of executive withdrawal, reigniting urgency, and embedding engagement as a strategic capability in today’s fast-moving, AI-driven business landscape. CEO turnover hit a five year high in 2024, with average tenure dropping from 8.4 to 6.7 years. One in four CEO transitions in EMEA during 2024 were unplanned due…
The power of psychological safety in uncertain times
Psychological safety helps people speak up, share ideas, and learn from mistakes, essential in fast-moving workplaces. It’s not about removing fear but creating trust and openness. Steve Macaulay and David Buchanan explore what psychological safety looks like, why it matters, and how leaders can create a culture that supports it. Do you feel safe to speak up at work? Can you ask questions, raise concerns, and offer new ideas without hesitation? If not, you’re not alone, and your organisation could…
EQ isn’t enough: How CEOs are tapping into deeper wisdom
Modern leaders face more than just business challenges, they’re navigating purpose, pressure, and people in a world that often feels unmoored. What if the real leadership edge isn’t just empathy, but a deeper kind of awareness that connects values, meaning and resilience? Yosi Amram looks at a shift from within. In today’s hyper-speed, AI-driven, burnout-ridden world, emotional intelligence (or EQ) is no longer optional for leaders. They’re expected to be self-aware, empathetic, and emotionally attuned, not just to bolster workplace…
Forget quiet quitting! Revenge quitting is the new workplace wake-up call
Dr Ryne Sherman explores the rise of revenge quitting, where frustrated employees walk away, but with impact, not silence. Driven by unmet needs around purpose, safety, and leadership, today’s workforce is pushing back. Here’s what organisations must do to retain talent, and why quick fixes just won’t cut it anymore. We’ll wish for quiet quitting as we’ve entered a new era of bold exits where frustrated employees aren’t just handing in their notice—they’re making sure it’s heard loud and clear.…
Six leadership essentials for a changed world: From the legacy of Andrew Kakabadse
Professor Andrew Kakabadse’s leadership insights remain vital for today’s HR and L&D professionals. Drawing from decades of research and consultancy experience, Steve Macaulay distils six essential principles that equip leaders to thrive in a complex, unpredictable world. These lessons demand a fresh, values-driven approach to development, governance, and organisational culture. Leadership and governance expert Professor Andrew Kakabadse, who died recently. His work is particularly relevant for L&D and HR professionals today: these core essentials are highly focused on meeting the…
Build a future-ready leadership pipeline with targeted development
Steve George argues that developing senior leaders takes strategic, tailored support. Drawing on CIPD insights, he outlines how coaching, real-world stretch assignments, and structured feedback build resilience, agility and judgement. He shows why needs-led design, multi-tier pathways and succession planning help L&D create engaged workforces and future-ready leadership pipelines today. Change is a constant in today’s working world and during uncertain times, employees look to senior leaders for direction, clarity and confidence. But leading through complexity takes more than experience…
The leadership shift: What truly matters to Europe’s C-suite and L&D leaders
Leadership development is becoming a strategic priority for European organisations navigating digital, cultural, and economic change. Toru Takahashi explores how L&D is shifting from content delivery to capability building, urging C-suite leaders to rethink traditional models and prepare for a future where adaptability, purpose, and cultural intelligence really drive success. Leadership development is receiving renewed attention across Europe as a core component of organisational adaptability. As companies manage parallel transitions in digitalisation, sustainability, workforce models, and global expansion, questions of…
When reviews backfire: How smart managers turn damage into growth
Appraisals gone wrong can leave employees feeling anxious, rejected and disengaged. Drawing on psychological insights, Srideep Sarkar and Anu Sarkar explain how managers can navigate these moments with care. Learn how to rebuild trust, restore confidence and transform even the toughest performance conversations into catalysts for learning, resilience and growth. Performance appraisals are meant to provide clarity, motivation, and a roadmap for growth. But for many employees, they bring frustration, disappointment, and even self-doubt. This is aptly indicated by a…
The myth of leadership versus management: Why the best managers do both
Too often, leadership and management are treated as opposing forces. But what if the real value lies in knowing how and when to switch between them? Paul Matthews explores how modern managers can blend both to get results without the drama, and why clinging to old distinctions just doesn’t work We often hear that leadership is somehow superior to management – as if one is purely about vision and inspiration, while the other is only about checklists and control. But…
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