Professional Development

Business Team Meeting Working Talking Concept

Facilitate and flourish: The role of communities for professional growth

Fiona McBride

Explore how shared learning, nurturing connections, and active contribution in communities can boost professional growth with Fiona McBride In my last post, I shared how the changing season can serve as a metaphor for growth within our facilitation practice. I reflected on the importance of seeking continuous improvement, trying new approaches as a professional.   In our professional lives, those around us play a crucial role in our personal development and contribute to the collective success of our clients and customers.  …

World of Learning 2024 conference attendees

Adapting to Change: Leadership, Neuroscience, and AI in Workplace Learning

Jo Cook

Explore key points from the World of Learning conference, including AI, neuroscience, leadership and inclusivity – all summarised by Editor Jo Cook At the World of Learning conference, industry leaders shared innovative ideas and practical approaches for transforming workplace learning. Below are the key takeaways from sessions that addressed managerial buy-in, leadership in changing environments, neuroscience in learning, AI-driven skill measurement, and workforce planning – all of which took place in Birmingham, UK, in October 2024. We don’t just train…

Business race handover: passing the baton in relay

Empowering emerging leaders: Tips for a successful transition

Sarah Henson

With the right mix of L&D support, you can help new managers become effective leaders, writes Sarah Henson  Stepping into a managerial role for the first time is a significant career achievement, but it comes with its own unique set of challenges. Without the right support, managers may struggle with the pressures of their new roles, which can lead to decreased team performance, high stress levels, and even burnout. Enrol new managers in a development programme that covers the basics –…

Young strong sporty fitness employee business woman corporate lawyer 30s in classic formal orange suit glasses work in office showing biceps muscles on hand isolated on plain beige background studio

Strengthening the backbone: Manager training is crucial for organisational health

René Janssen

Helping managers thrive is essential for team engagement and organisational success. René Janssen explains how comprehensive training provides the tools to address today’s challenges When you’re a manager, the pressure comes from all sides. Including balancing organisational goals, team dynamics and individual performance amid the complexities of modern work environments. These challenges tend to accumulate quickly and, if left unaddressed, can significantly increase the risk of burnout.    Investing in a manager is investing in the entire organisation’s wellbeing  Managers are…

Creative people working on new ideas

Ignite L&D momentum: Focus on three key areas 

Steve Macaulay

To drive truly impactful L&D, focus on customised learning, cutting-edge technology, and full organisational involvement – Steve Macaulay has your three-step guide  Are your L&D initiatives fresh and impactful? To cultivate a dynamic and skilled workforce, it’s essential to stimulate and maintain L&D momentum. Target specific areas to drive engagement, adaptability and resilience within your organisation.   Home in on the top areas for your organisation which will deliver the biggest impact   This article highlights three key strategic areas…

Lifelong learning gives career advancement. A cause and effect relationship.,3d illustration

Skills England – what to expect from the expected

Mandy Gill

Lifelong learning, apprenticeships and partnerships between businesses, education establishments and government – can it all work? Mandy Gill explores the shifting skills landscape Just over a month in and the new Labour government has not delayed in progressing one of its key manifesto commitments – the creation of Skills England. Skills England aims to bridge the current skills gap and support UK competitiveness on the global stage The bill was announced in the King’s Speech and by 22 July, the…

Inspiration strikes - A light bulb moment amidst the chaos of ideas

From chaos to clarity: Mastering documentation for work processes

Jo Cook

Discover key insights and techniques for effective, process documentation, with clear guidance from Jo Cook I saw a Facebook meme recently that went a bit like this: Me as a youth: Don’t tell me what to do! Me as an adult: Would someone please tell me, in intricate detail, with timings, exactly what I’m supposed to do. Good quality work often has a good quality process to guide it, so that there’s consistency, quality and clear outcomes. On a contract…

Post-it speech bubbles : feedback

Make learning count: Leveraging feedback loops for business success 

Houra Amin

Feedback loops help L&D leaders refine strategies, align learning with business goals and drive success, writes Houra Amin  In the rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to adapt and continuously improve is critical for success. Central to this adaptability are feedback loops – a concept that involves producing something, measuring the outcomes, and making improvements based on the data.   A strong partnership between L&D and business leadership is crucial for ensuring alignment between the people-capability agenda and the overall business…

Colorful paint cans with paintbrush

Learning from life: What I learnt from living with disruption

Michelle Parry-Slater

Noise, mess, things left behind. Coping with decorating and how that applies to job changes – as explored by Michelle Parry-Slater Despite having lived in the house for four years, we had not ‘made it our own’. I often end up doing that ridiculous thing of not decorating until we decide to move, thus preparing the house to sell for someone else to enjoy the spoils of our labour. Am I alone in this? Do you put up with a…

Exploring Psyche's Depths of Shadow and Transformation

Facilitate and flourish: Embracing a new season 

Fiona McBride

Explore the art of great facilitation, interspersed with connection, curiosity and creativity with Fiona McBride As we see seasons transition it prompts me to consider the potential for change and transformation within our learning and facilitation work. This could be the perfect opportunity to seek out opportunities to evolve our approach, try new tools and techniques, or explore new trends in learning and development.  It’s useful to look at the areas you work in and explore strategies for continual improvement…