As the end of the year gets ever nearer, many a Learning & Development professional finds themselves trying to establish the value of their efforts. Yes, they got feedback at the time (before anyone left the actual / virtual room if they were smart) but they know that was just the initial reaction. How to… Read more
1. Good delegation develops people who can then step up, making the whole team stronger and more effective. 2. The more frequently you delegate, the more you’ll be developing a key management skill. 3. Delegation demonstrates trust in people to take on a task and get it done. Being entrusted is motivating, as people can… Read more
Good for you – and here’s hoping it’s good for your mentee too. Here are some reasons why people step up to the role of mentor in their organisation, professional body or community. Good mentors want to: Help and support others’ development Develop their soft skills Share their experience Broaden their perspective Be a better… Read more
The days are longer, sunsets are later – the holidays are ahead. How can you make the most of this time? Reflect on the past five months: what’s gone well? What have you learned? What’s missing? Make notes about your knowledge and skills, mind and body, personal and professional. What do you need to learn?… Read more
Q: Is it…that funny video? Your pointer that lights up? Maybe it’s slide #1? Or your last slide? The ‘killer infographic’? Could it be the amazing way you’ve got the room all set up? Or the whizzy interactive app? A: None of the above. It’s YOU, [your name goes here]. Yes, great visuals can help…. Read more
Just because you wrote your presentation – (OK, most of it. Or your bit if it’s a team effort) – don’t think you needn’t rehearse. Creating your content and delivering your presentation are two very different things. Ask anyone who’s ever overlooked that point – like the social media bigwig who flew in to… Read more
It’s not unusual for teams to experience conflict: in team sports it can get physical, in rock bands it can end in smashed guitars and in the workplace, conflict can lead to poor performance. Ultimately, conflict within teams can see some members shown the exit. Not all conflict is A Bad Thing – it… Read more
Most of us are always learning in some way: to build our knowledge, master a new tech tool, or to boost our presentation skills for example. Beyond the workplace, we might be learning a new language or trying to improve our technique in our preferred sport. As adults, we learn differently to young children, who… Read more
How are you doing? Good? And how well are you progressing towards your goals right now? Not this quarter, or even this month, but right now, here, today. If we’re not careful, all that planning (or daydreaming, or wishful thinking) we did way back when the year seemed all shiny and new will come… Read more
It’s time for my quarterly round-up of psychology-based articles and resources that help us make sense of what’s going on – in the wider world around us, or in our own thoughts and feelings. Are we stuck with our Big Five personality traits – or can we change? We can use the ‘introvert’, ‘extrovert’ dimensions… Read more