Afleveringen
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Gregg Brown doesn't hold back!!
We took a different approach on this episode of the podcast. Instead of the where-the-conversation-goes-nobody-knows conversation I usually have with guests, Gregg and I discussed a number of statements.
⚠️ Everyone wants to know what the future of work is.
⚠️ Disruption is necessary for work to evolve.
⚠️ Taking action requires the right mindset.
⚠️ We need to get out of our comfort zone.
⚠️ Leadership is something that we can measure.
⚠️ Psychological safety is not a business term.
What do you think?
Our responses might not be what you believe they would or should be.
This conversation is about these important topics that we must understand and consciously engage with if we want organisations to be future ready.
Those of you who know me will know that I'm a fan of taking statements like these, putting them on the table with your team and unpicking what they mean to you. It's a great place to start to increase clarity and alignment in your practice going forward.
We dive into concepts such as disruptive empathy, communities of understanding and PhDs in self-awareness!
Listen to or watch the episode and then send us a message to let us know what resonates, or where you have a different opinion. As you'll be able to tell, we love to talk in a down-to-earth way that simplifies the important stuff.
I recommend you reach out to Gregg, Change and Future of Work Strategist, Speaker, Author, and Founder of Change Ready Leadership Solutions. Take a look at his resources and subscribe to his newsletter. And connect with me if you're interested in finding out more about how to lead engaging, healthy, high-performing workplaces.
More about Gregg:Gregg Brown is an internationally sought-after consultant and speaker on building future ready organizations. Gregg was recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders change management. Starting out in a well known coffee business, over his 30-year career he has thrived in multiple leading roles in the healthcare, education, non-profit, and private sectors. With a graduate degree from the University of Leicester and as an associate member of the American Psychological Association, Gregg's keynotes and workshops have engaged thousands of people at Fortune 500 companies, governments, and humanitarian organizations worldwide to increase their impact and create positive change.
Links to contact Gregg:LinkedIn: Gregg Brown
Facebook: GreggBrownTO
Instagram: @greggbrownto
X: @GreggBrownTO
Website: www.BeChangeReady.com
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Future Ready by Experimentation - with Gemma Ellison | Beyond the Water Cooler
Talent: The Other 8 Boxes - Duncan Targett | Beyond the Water Cooler
Gregg Brown: Articles, Videos, Podcasts... oh my!
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Purpose-driven businesses have become much more the norm in terms of what people seek.
Companies know that to attract employees they need to provide opportunities that are meaningful and engaging.
However, retaining your workforce over time is a different challenge.
In this episode of the podcast, Rachel Steele of Huddle joins me to discuss how to engage a workforce so that they stay. That means getting some key factors right, including:
⭐ personal brand
⭐ promotion, progression and recognition
⭐ when bringing our whole-self to work is required
⭐ the need for versatility in an increasingly AI world
⭐ the need for employers to give permission
If you're thinking about how to recruit awesome people and how to keep them engaged, this is for you. Rachel provides some great advice about how to achieve this, starting from a different place to traditional practice.
And if YOU are someone thinking about new opportunities, check out what you should be asking potential employers to feel confident they have your best engagement interests at heart.
Imagine the difference that would make to how you show up at work?!
To find out more, give Rachel a shout....
To dive into the practicalities of creating and leading organisations fit for the future, talk with me.
More about Rachel:Rachel works in career development for people and their teams, with a person-centred approach to identifying and actioning progression in their work life.
Her own journey has taken in silversmithing and sculptural metalwork, recruitment and head-hunting in marketing and communications, running return-to-work and personal development programmes, and coaching people through many important career decisions.
With over 15 years’ experience in recruiting, head hunting and career advice, for diverse clients including Virgin Trains, Vice Media, Marks & Spencer, Heathrow, Cadbury / Mondelez International, and Magic Light Pictures, she started her own business in 2016 to offer a more holistic approach to career development and building award-winning teams. She offers 1:1 coaching, workshops and recruitment to support clients throughout their career journeys.
Rachel is a Relational Dynamics 1st certified coach (ILM 7 equivalent), and member of the Association of Coaching.
Links to contact Rachel:LinkedIn:
Rachel Steele
Huddle
Website: www.the-huddle.co.uk
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Employee Engagement Guide For Managers - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Engagement Action Plans - It's Time for Change...
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Are you looking to develop tomorrow's leaders to be able to take the business into a different place from where it is today? Or, are you looking for future leaders who most closely resemble those in leadership positions now?
That's a great question that Duncan Targett, my guest on this episode of the podcast, asks when we discuss talent.
And who can resist talking with someone whose surname lends itself so brilliantly to the name of his company, On Targett Consulting?!!
The conversation is spot on, helping listeners think about how your company sets itself apart from others.
We dive into the much maligned 9-box grid to map talent, and Duncan explains how the bedrock of company success is not found in the box that you might think!
He also asks us to consider the all important question: Do people want to develop? It sounds obvious but when did you last ask that of your people? Are opportunities in your organisation based on assumptions? Or are those opportunities even present?
If you're anything to do with talent development, business planning, strategy, L&D, management or leadership, this is for you!
More about Duncan:Duncan Targett is a Talent Development expert who has worked internationally and consulted at C-level, across multiple industries for the world’s biggest global brands (PepsiCo, Disney, Sportradar and dunnhumby) and has the rare combination of HR and commercial experience.
He works with organisations to develop Talent Development strategies that drive high-performance, enable talent & succession planning and focused L&D.
Links to contact Duncan:LinkedIn: Duncan Targett
Website: www.ontargettconsulting.com
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
To develop your people based on the specific needs identified in your organisation, find out more about our Manager and Leadership Labs: Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Brought to you Inhouse, they provide a development opportunity to unpick your specific challenges, learn practical approaches to address them, shape experiments to test changes in practice, and evaluate the impact of new ways of working, all customised to your specific context.
Our next open Lab starts in September 2024 and brings people together from different organisations to share and learn from each other, as challenges are explored and solutions shaped, based on your data.
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub
Email: [email protected]
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Martin Drake ripped up the rule book and invited the "dynamic duo" that is Gemma Ellison and myself onto his podcast, Is This Room Free?
We're not HR.
But we are all about people.
In particular, we're focused on enabling people to be and experience their best self.
And enabling them to develop in a way that provides most value to the organisation. All this whilst creating the most engaging experience that means we feel good about what we do.
So in this conversation, we unpick leadership development at its best, which is what we've created with Leadership Labs.
This is about a process for honesty, collaboration, peer support and experiential learning.
That might now sound mainstream but we push the boundaries.
We empower leaders to design experiments that drive positive change in their businesses.
Are you interested in a different way to develop the skills, confidence and ability to problem solve that is required of leaders today?
Whether you're at the top of an organisation or leading a team of people in a managerial role... Leadership Labs will help you.
Get in touch to find out more and benefit from the summer booking discount for our next Open Lab starting in September.
More about Martin:Martin Drake is founder of Higher - a recruitment agency specialising in the HR and Marketing professions. Over 20 years recruitment experience, including 6 years as a HR Business Partner, his own experience with recruiters led him back to setting up his own recruitment business to give people the level of service and support they want and expect.
Links to contact Martin:LinkedIn:
Martin Drake
Higher
HR and Marketing recruitment: www.higherwithus.com
Is This Room Free? - the HR careers podcast
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Future Ready by Experimentation – with Gemma Ellison - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Leaders Tell Us: A Unique Approach to Development - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub
Email: [email protected]
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Man up.
Does that phrase make you squirm or is it acceptable to you?
We've all been brought up with a set of beliefs and thoughts about how we should behave. But that puts pressure on people to show up in a certain way. It may no longer be considered acceptable or helpful. And it may mean we're covering up what's really going on.
So, what about permission to be authentic?
My guest, Daniel Glyde, Life Coach & Founder of Positive Masculinity, explores a different approach to mental health. We talk frankly about:
high performance and mental fitnesscamaraderie instead of safe spacesemotional intelligence and soft skillsvulnerability and mindsetFailing to meet the underlying needs for good mental health to be possible reinforces the disconnect between 'my' reality and the support that's available.
We cannot support people to improve their mental health if they don't feel it's relevant and understand the connection with their experience.
Listen to or watch this episode of the podcast for practical advice about improving your own mental wellbeing, mental health, mental fitness or what ever YOU want to call it, and that of your team.
It's time to rip off the badges of honour men can wear when attributing stress and anxiety to being male.
Success is about authenticity, vulnerability, role modelling and giving permission for others to engage in conversations that are critical. Otherwise we continue to do 'good' mental health a dis-service.
More about Daniel:Daniel Glyde is a transformational life coach and founder of Positive Masculinity. He coaches men who feel stuck and want to change by providing a supportive and empowering environment for them to explore their self-worth, navigate relationship challenges, clarify their goals, overcome obstacles, and ultimately, cultivate confidence, connection, empowerment, purpose, and clarity in their lives.
Links to contact Daniel:LinkedIn:
Daniel Glyde
Positive Masculinity
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Tackling Anxiety Collectively - A Team Discussion Framework | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Mental Health: Missing the Point | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Emotional Intelligence; Empathy vs Sympathy: Brené Brown on Empathy vs Sympathy (youtube.com)
Let Men Drive The Mental Health Bus – Nick O’Neill - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Removing the Cape: Listening. Supporting....
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Nick O'Neill of Oriel Chambers outlines a modern approach for mental health in a traditional industry that is the legal sector.
He explains that law is known for being a male dominated culture, attracting alpha characters. And that presents a challenge for addressing a very human need, particularly when you consider that many men of the generation that struggle to engage with mental health, are managers. Their perceptions and behaviours have a far-reaching impact.
Add to that Nick's view that most lawyers hate being told what to do and the challenge of billable hours, and you will understand that this is a complex issue.
Nick outlines how the Bar is addressing the layers of cultural complexity to break down barriers.
He shares advice about the need to keep women out - a controversial but informed perspective.
He explains the need to get more people on the bus by creating a commercial case.
And Nick describes the impact of the Merseyside Men's Legal Wellbeing Group, discussing topics such as professional happiness, imposter syndrome and professional goals.
We both detest tick boxes. This is about real life.
Don't let Mental Health Awareness Week in May, Global Wellness Day tomorrow, and International Men's Health Week next week become token gestures. Instead, do something that impacts long term by creating engagement and momentum.
Once you've listened to this podcast, check out what Stuart Codling had to say about the same topic in the police.
These guys have found ways to make a real difference.
How are YOU going about that?
More about Nick:After a successful career as a litigation solicitor/partner at KLS Law, Nick O'Neill recognised his real passion for people / operational management. Following the completion of his MBA at Nottingham Trent University, Nick moved into full time legal practice management in 2010. Nick has managed at 3 private sector law firms and spent 5 years as the Legal Governance and Practice Manager at Wirral Borough Council. In January 2021, Nick moved to take up the role of Chambers Director at Oriel Chambers in Liverpool. Nick struggled with his own mental health as a young solicitor and after a period of self-development and study, became a Lawcare support worker in 2010. Nick is a Lawcare Champion and regularly speaks on the legal circuit on behalf of Lawcare, communicating the services that this amazing charity provides. Nick is a qualified ILM Level 5 mental health / career coach and regularly coaches young lawyers to assist them with their career goals. In 2024 Nick became the Chair of the Merseyside Legal Men’s Wellbeing Group.
Links to contact Nick:LinkedIn:
Nick O'Neill
Oriel Chambers
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Make a real difference to your mental health by exploring topics that significantly impact at Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
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I'm talking about compassionate leadership because it is mental health awareness week.How are those linked, I hear some of you ponder?Well, as those of you who know me well, I'm not really about initiatives or individual-level intervention without thinking about the wider context. You wouldn't put a flourishing seedling in a dark room without water.And, I've been doing quite a lot of work lately working with leadership teams to create space to stop and check in with themselves, each other and where the business is heading.
When we focus on: psychological safety - by experiencing it compassion - by thinking about our own limits before looking to care for others emotional intelligence - by recognising the need to step outside our comfort zones...
We are able to:✅ align individuals within a team✅ provide clear direction for the business✅ increase high performance
And that impacts on good mental health - both for the leadership team and those they lead.Are you bolting on a quick fix or an attempting to solve mental health challenges when they're evident? Or are you taking a preventative approach and creating the right environment for people to be happy and healthy?Are you joining the dots?Resources & ReferencesLeader & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Labs Partners (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Tackling Anxiety Collectively (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Mental Health: Missing the Point - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychologyWebsite: www.itstimeforchange.co.ukSign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclubEmail: [email protected] -
➡️ Sick notes are on they way out, according to Sunak.
What does that mean for people needing support to get themselves into a place where they feel ok enough to re-engage with work?
➡️ Employees are more aware of their rights and expect more in terms of 'care', with access to services that aren't about making them 'better' but about enhancing their lifestyle.
How do companies know which specialists are credible, who work as a team, and that provide data to leaders to inform them about their work environment?
Individual and organisational wellbeing go hand-in-hand 🫱🏼🫲🏼.
That's why I invited Jamie Humphrey, CEO of ReechUs Wellbeing, to join my podcast. He brings the employee part of the solution to the table, around which I sit, with leaders looking to do something different, meaningful, and that has impact.
Are you looking at the whole solution or have you zoomed in one just one part?
Reech out to Jamie to find out more about ReechUs Wellbeing. He's got space for one more foundational member!
While you're at it, let's chat about the bigger picture in terms of your culture.
It's time to join the dots. It's time for change that reverses the decline in the health of our workforce.
More about Jamie:Jamie Humphrey is the CEO and founder of ReechUs Wellbeing, a corporate wellness program that gives employees remote access to Therapists, Nutritionists, Personal Trainers and Financial Coaches.
Links to contact Jamie:LinkedIn:
Jamie Humphrey
ReechUs Wellbeing
Website: www.reechus.com
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Wellbeing by Design - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Why are we so ill? The working-age health crisis - BBC News
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (2024) by Jonathan Haidt (amazon.co.uk)
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop:
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From dodging bullets to becoming an executive senior leader of Defence, Phil Holdcroft knows a thing or two about leadership and teamwork.
Phil is a decorated combat pilot with a 20-year military career that culminated in designing and delivering the senior leadership programme at the UK Defence Academy. Drawing on life-lessons and experience, he created the ultimate playbook for leadership, resilience and high performance. And that’s what we discuss on the podcast today.
Now officially a veteran (and he's younger than me!), Phil is continuing to pursue his life’s purpose, having founded High Performance Journey, helping others to conquer their Big Hairy Audacious Goals.
Join us to find out...
what resilience is really about how to reverse being unprepared in leadership rolesthe power of purpose (and how to find it)how the 'grandad test' can measure shared visionhow adversity allows us to growhow increasing diversity reduces blind spotsPhil shares his very moving story that proved pivotal in how he engages with others.
What has been your 'a-ha' experience that caused you to question your practice?
Or are you still sitting comfortably?
More about Phil:A twenty year first career in the Royal Air Force spanned from leading missions on the battlefield as a helicopter pilot, through to senior leadership roles, designing and delivering strategy for Defence.
Phil's journey took an unexpected turn in 2014 when his youngest daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia. Helplessly sitting on the side-lines led to an epiphany. Phil realised his passion for endurance sports could be channeled towards raising critical funds for the miracle workers who saved her life. A near-impossible series of extreme challenges followed, culminating in a 3,000-mile unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Now a military veteran, Phil has set up 'The High Performance Journey' to pursue his passion for equipping others with the knowledge, skills and mindset for high performance.
Links to contact Phil:LinkedIn: Phil Holdcroft
Website: www.thehpj.com
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
13 Skills to Build Resilience (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Future Ready by Experimentation – with Gemma Ellison - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
'Peak Performance' by Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness (amazon.co.uk)
'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan Holiday (amazon.co.uk)
Contact details for Lisa... -
Two psychotherapists in conversation...
This episode of the podcast is an interesting one. James Elliott, of the Sarena Clinic, explains what needs to be done now to shape a healthier workforce for the future. And it's simple stuff.
We need to equip employees with the knowledge and tools to empower themselves and their children to experience meaning and fulfilment, and that supports good mental wellbeing.
And we need to demonstrate empathy, based on knowing our teams well, so that we enable human needs to be met....
You know those days when your head is elsewhere because something significant is occupying your brain? Your teenager has become alien to you and you're concerned. Your finances are too tight. You're worried about a medical issue.
What do you need most?
Probably, someone who knows you, who trusts and respects you, and who will give you the time and space you need.
What happens then? You're able to focus on what is front of mind and resume work.
That's better than the common alternative which is to continue work as normal whilst holding the strain of being unable to do what feels most important. Think about the different outcomes in terms of performance, sick leave, burnout and resentment.
What gets in the way of you being human?
More about James:James Elliott is a psychotherapist, resilience coach, ex British airborne forces, multiple world record holder, father, and author, with an MSc in War + Psychiatry.
As the Head of Psychotherapy at Sarena Clinic, he leads a team of qualified and compassionate professionals who provide high-quality and personalised health care to our clients. James has over 4 years of experience as a psychotherapist, working with veterans, prison leavers, and other vulnerable groups to help them cope with their challenges and find their way in life. He is passionate about using his clinical and academic knowledge to create a supportive and respectful environment for clients, where they can explore their emotions, beliefs, and behaviours, and achieve their goals.
Links to contact James:LinkedIn: James Elliott MSc
Website: james-elliott.mykajabi.com
Instagram: @jameselliottofficial
The Sarena Clinic: Sarena Clinic
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Engagement Action Plans - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Tackling Anxiety Collectively - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
The Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
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Luckily for us, Dr Jill McGarry is "a geek!"... her words, not mine!
The good news about that is she has a real love for actionable solutions to improve sleep. 💤
And who doesn't need a bit of that in their lives? 😴
In this episode of the podcast we hear, very clearly, why we need to banish beliefs such as...
"YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE!"
And we get to grips with practical advice for individuals and employers, including:
✔️ coffee as a recommendation (yes... from a sleep expert!)
✔️ what to do when you can't sleep
✔️ equality
✔️ flexible working
✔️ 4 key factors for sleep hygiene - do YOU know what they are? Are you putting them into practice?
Check out the excellent resources that Jill shares, including those for managers, in the show notes. STOPBANG should become part of your toolkit.
More about Jill:Dr Jill McGarry is a consultant clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience in working with mental health issues in the NHS. During this time she has become skilled and experienced in supporting people with sleep issues. In October 2023 Jill decided to leave the NHS because she recognised that companies were a missing piece of the jigsaw in improving sleep for individuals. By focusing on providing support and training to companies regarding sleep we can joinlty reduce staff fatigue, improve team effectiveness and ensure that companies excel.
Links to contact Jill:LinkedIn: Dr Jill McGarry
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Leveraging ’Shuteye’ for Resilience (youtube.com) - Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce webinar
NHS choices (www.nhs.uk)
YouTube Matthew Walker TEDx Sleep talk, others and his book Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker | Waterstones
Fast Asleep by Michael Mosley | Waterstones & BBC programme in 2022
Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaires (ESS) Epworth Sleepiness Scale | Asthma + Lung UK
(asthmaandlung.org.uk)
STOP BANG questionnaire: Is it possible that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)? STOPBang Questionnaire (britishsnoring.co.uk)
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop:
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What is self-harm? Possibly not something you associate with yourself. And not a behaviour that you attribute to your colleagues, friends or family members.
But the reality could be very different and that is why this episode of the podcast and the free resource is so important. Self-harm is not uncommon and therefore you need to know about it.
Yaj Buljeean is a trainer and clinician at Harmless, the national leader in this field. She joins me to explore what we mean by self-harm, the stigma around it, and the prevalence and risk factors. Crucially, Yaj provides practical advice for companies to support their employees who are using this behaviour to cope with underlying distress.
If you're reading this thinking this topic isn't relevant. Think again.
According to the WHO, 16 million people worldwide are reported to self-harm. We know that is likely to be an underestimate. My experience alone is that clients hide their behaviour... from their partner, their friends, their employers.
Shame and embarrassment keeps mouths shut.
Convenient for companies? That's no longer okay.
No idea how to think about it or where to start? That's understandable.
And that's why the free, downloadable resource that covers a breadth of mental health disorders, as well as self-harm, has been created. It is a must for anyone looking to demonstrate care towards their workforce. You can get hold of your copy here: It's Time for Change: Resources
Stop passing the buck. National Self Harm Awareness Day is on 1st March. Be part of raising awareness around what is often a misunderstood topic. Find out more and request your media pack to help coordinate your effort here: National Self Harm Awareness Day 2024 - Harmless
Additional resources and podcast conversations about Depression & Anxiety and Addiction can be found here: It's Time for Change: Resources
More about Yaj:Yaj works for Harmless CIC, a user-led self harm prevention service based in the East Midlands. With nearly 3 years of professional experience and 20 years of personal experience, Yaj aims to normalise the conversation around both self harm and suicide to enable anyone who's struggling to be able to reach out for support. As a trainer and clinician, breaking down barriers to access support is a high priority for her.
Links to contact Yaj:LinkedIn:
Yaj Buljeean
Harmless
Website: harmless.org.uk
Facebook: The Academy at Harmless: Letstalktraining
X: @Yaj_Harmless
Email: [email protected]
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
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My LinkedIn post in January that asked the question, 'Do soft skills need a rebrand?' attracted over 40 comments.
Clearly people are interested in this topic.
So it seemed only natural to continue the conversation with someone who shared his view on that post, Andrew Bardsley, Founder of JackHR. As someone who focuses on helping tech companies stand out and keep good people, Andrew has some great insights into a world of both hard and soft skills.
💻 We unpick how soft skills sit alongside tech.
🧠 We consider how AI and human skills will feature in the future of work.
♂️♀️ We explore gender differences and the teaching of soft skills.
🚧 We tackle some of the barriers to investing in the development of these critical skills.
💥 We offer our opinion on how soft skills should be positioned in business to have greatest impact.
🌙 And we discuss getting lost on the moon!
Whether you're interested in leadership development, management development, recruitment, onboarding, learning and development, emotional intelligence, coaching, or psychological safety, there are some little nuggets of wisdom that could just shift some important parts of your practice.
Listen to or watch us talk, and let us know how you go about positioning and developing the not-so-soft-skills in your organisation.
If you want to find the right space for developing such skills in your organisation, Leadership and Manager Labs might just be your thing. Check them out here: Leader & Manager Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
More about Andrew:Employee retention is a £1Billion problem here in the UK which is why, in 2023, Andrew decided to launch JackHR - a business dedicated to helping scaling tech companies keep hold of their amazing talent.
Andrew's journey started in the North West of England, before making the 300 mile trip north to study Philosophy at The University of Stirling. When he left in 2013, the job market for ancient Greek philosophers was quiet, so he started in HR instead.
Andrew has spent the last decade working with businesses to better support their managers, provide teams with amazing growth opportunities and help individuals thrive through 1:1 coaching.
Links to contact Andrew:LinkedIn:
Andrew Bardsley
JackHR
TikTok: @jackofallhr
Website: jackhr.com
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Focus on 'soft skills' at our Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
The Most In-Demand Skills for 2023 | LinkedIn
11 Essential...
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Do you know...
🏢 What your office is for?
✅ Which elements to consider when designing workplace where people actively want to spend time?
🌍 What global research tells us about how we can help people do their best work in the many places that work happens?
😊 How to cultivate a joyful workplace environment?
💭 The link between physical workplaces and psychological wellbeing?
🙌 Strategies and frameworks for building a work environment that amplifies productivity, happiness and job satisfaction?
As part of Leicestershire's Innovation Festival session at De Montfort University on 12 February, I'll be joining Rob Day and Chloe Sproston of Blueprint Interiors, Kris Newman of Steelcase, Nicky Harding and Lis Ku from De Montfort University to discuss 'Designing Tomorrow's Workplace'.
Blueprint Interiors have a unique approach to designing workplaces, based on putting people first.
In this podcast, Rob focuses on the psychology behind design, encompassing the Human Givens.
Find out more by listening to or watching the conversation and then book your place at the event here: Event Details for Designing Tomorrow's Workplace: A Blueprint for Innovation (evolutive.co.uk)
More about Rob:Having studied at the University of Lancaster for a degree in Management Science & Marketing, Rob Day spent a 15-year career in Sales, Design & Project Management in the Commercial Office and Leisure sectors.
In 2001 he founded his business - Blueprint Interiors Limited, a specialist design & fit-out company focused on designing and redeveloping commercial interiors. The company is now recognised as the leading workplace consultancy in the Midlands and this approach has led to significant growth as the economy comes out of the pandemic crisis.
They are firmly established in Ashby de la Zouch – celebrating their 23rd birthday this year - and employ 18 staff directly with many more subcontractors indirectly dependent upon their business throughout the Midlands.
As Chairman & Founder, Rob has successfully overseen the growth of the business and the succession plan to bring the next generation of leaders into the organisation.
Links to contact Rob:LinkedIn:
Rob Day
Blueprint Interiors Limited
Facebook: @BlueprintInteriorsLtd
Instagram:
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The people who need the most development and most time are leaders, but they are precisely the people who don't invest in themselves. Are you one of them?
That's why Gemma Ellison of Heart Leadership and I created Labs.
Leanne Ledger, Senior Brand Strategist and Partner at Emperor, and Sarah Cockroft, Manager at OceanWise Ltd join Gemma and I in this podcast to share the impact that a new approach to development has had for them.
We contrast a conscious process that centres around being human, with traditional models of leadership and manager training. We hear how Labs have changed practice in terms of creating space for people to become more self-aware, to think, to plan and to perform well.
And that's hugely important when people in these roles usually focus on supporting others; turning the lens to look inwards is empowering.
Using a test and learn approach requires analysis, hypotheses and creativity. When we apply that process to our real-world challenges, we grow and innovate.
Whether the focus is about understanding your place and purpose as a leader, or feeling confident to try new things and reduce pressure on ourselves to be perfect, there is real value from engaging with these topics. Learn about what's most relevant to you. Could that be...
❓ how you show up for your team or within your peer group, and for your self in terms of mental wellbeing?
❓ how to lead aspects of your business better, from change and uncertainty, to emotional intelligence, psychological safety, or having effective conversations?
What is it that Leanne or Sarah say that appeals to you? I'd challenge anyone to listen to their experience and not feel a teeny bit inspired! 💡👏🏼
Find out more about the Labs here or drop us a line to have a chat.
If you're interested in bringing Labs in-house, 🏢 reach out to Gem or I. We're excited about the interest we've had in a company-based approach to developing people.
2024 might just be your year for trying something new!
More about Leanne:Leanne Ledger is a Senior Brand Consultant at Emperor, a corporate communications agency. She works with businesses to help define and articulate what makes them distinct, relevant and authentic to create a strategy and positioning that will elevate their reputation, inspire and motivate their people and make them more competitive and successful. With over 20 years in advertising and brand strategy, Leanne is also passionate about people development, ED&I, allyship and sustainability, so is involved in other initiatives as well as being lead singer in a ten-piece band (which has its own joys and challenges)!
Links to contact Leanne:LinkedIn:
Leanne Ledger
Emperor
Website: emperor.works
More about Sarah:Sarah has just started at
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Did you know...
Only 46% of employees trust their manager to do what is right, dropping to 32% for senior leaders?72% leaders report they feel used up at the end of the day, an increase of 12% from 2020?Fewer than half of leaders find their jobs purposeful. Yet, leaders with a strong sense of purpose are 9 times more likely to feel engaged?Only 29% companies train for the crucial skills that leaders want to develop.The world is evolving. Expectations are changing. The impact on your people is real.
Our world is becoming more experimental, pushing boundaries, stepping outside the norm. As Marshall Goldsmith says, "What got you here won't get you there."
And so your practice must shift to stay ahead of the game.
💭 We need peers with whom we can unpick challenges and explore new ways to think about them.
🧑🏼🤝🧑 We crave a human, interactive experience for development; to emotionally connect and focus on what matters most to us.
🔬 We feel excited by the ability to learn, apply, test and review.
How are you making that happen?
Regardless of size, your organisation can apply key principles adopted by the likes of Booking.com and Toyota, to increase engagement and performance.
In this podcast, Gemma Ellison and I discuss how, including the need to create a meaningful space for experimentation to happen. Given the constant battle for time and attention, that's a significant challenge.
But, it's worth it. Your people know what is most meaningful and what's most likely to enable greater success. Finding a way to nurture that is key.
Access the webinar that dives into this in greater depth here: Leadership and Manager Labs
Don't:
❌ leave the development of your people and processes to chance
❌ use existing processes simply because 'that's the way we do things'
❌ grab a quick fix or be persuaded by marketing that promotes a blanket approach
Instead:
✔️ identify what your people observe, need and are inspired to try
✔️ urge them to plan new ways of working, test and evaluate with intention
✔️ create a healthy, thriving, high-performing and empowered workforce
Join the likes of Amazon, Facebook, Google and Microsoft who have found experimentation to be a game changer.
How are you 💡empowering💡 your employees to shape the future of work?
Contact us for an experiment design template to support you on your journey.
More about Gemma:Gemma Ellison, Leadership and Culture Director and founder of Heart Leadership, knows that employee engagement is at an all time low (it’s estimated that only 15% of employees are engaged globally). That’s where Heart Leadership comes in; they evolve organisational culture to create environments where people feel genuinely valued, inspired and empowered. The result? Increased happiness, productivity, innovation and profit.
Gemma's journey started as a lawyer. Someone once described her as having a ‘sensitivity for the human condition’. That sensitivity and curiosity about human behaviour led her to pivot, turning her attention to workplace culture.
As Director of Culture, she's seen first hand the remarkable impact of nurturing a purpose driven work environment. This happens by design - not by accident. The world is changing rapidly, and the way most organisations currently work isn’t fit for purpose, both for now and moving into the future. She believes in experimenting within organisations to find unique, bespoke ways to enhance...
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Is your organisation fuelling addiction?
Do you understand the causes and triggers that can lead to someone engaging with addictive behaviour?
Do you know the behaviours that might constitute addiction, or that could manifest into addiction?
Richie Paxton of the EPIC Restart Foundation has lived experience. He joins Amantha King and I to share a heap of insight about how to be more aware and support people living with addiction, including those impacted by someone else using this behaviour.
If you think this topic is not relevant for you, watch this short film produced for #AddictionAwarenessWeek2023: Everybody Knows Somebody... it's 17 minutes that could change so much.
Everybody knows someone.
The downloadable Addiction resource is part of a series that so far also features a resource for Depression & Anxiety. It is full of advice about making addiction relevant to YOU and your organisation, including what to look for and how to help.
Get your free copy here: It's Time for Change: Resources
Harmful behaviours can quickly snowball when we experience a significant life event, unmet emotional needs, or we don't have appropriate coping strategies to deal with life's challenges.
Richie shares his story. It reminded me of the incredible novel I read recently, Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver. Addiction is a reality.
Our conversation also reminded me that we often have NO idea about what's going on for people behind their mask. We make assumptions about people's lives, particularly when they appear to have all they need to be happy. But perception is a very unique thing.
You don't need to fix the problems.
But you do need to hold space for people.
Space is a recurring theme, whether I'm focusing on mental wellbeing, workplace culture or leadership and management. Get this right and you'll get a lot right in terms of looking after your people.
Find out more in the resource.
Get in touch for help to develop your workforce to have compassionate conversations and to gain confidence supporting and empowering employees to live their best selves.
Back to my first question. Are you fuelling addiction or are you part of the solution?
Resources & ReferencesLeadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Watch this episode on YouTube
Download the Resources and listen to/watch the episodes: It's Time for Change: Resources
Everybody Knows Somebody - feature edit (17mins) - Addiction Awareness Week 2023. - YouTube
Signs of Addiction - Spot the Danger - Blueprints for Recovery
Managing drug and alcohol misuse at work
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A Chief Inspector is not necessarily the first person who springs to mind as the driving force for self-care, better mental health and launching a podcast!
But Stewart Codling of Thames Valley Police is modelling exactly how leaders can embrace the challenge of changing expectations by doing things differently.
Stewart joins me on my podcast to explain how he is going about improving mental health, particularly for men in a traditional industry.
Police are people who wear a metaphorical cape each day to protect others. It's entirely different asking them to look inwards to protect themselves. That requires removing the cape and being vulnerable.
Stewart is an 'ordinary' guy. Actually, he's quite incredible. But that's because he's chosen to be - he's not an expert in mental health. His expertise is in being a human, and specifically male.
He has made his intention clear to improve mental health for men at work, and he is actively finding ways to show people how policing can be different.
That's important. It blows the excuses about 💥 our organisation being too big 💥our industry being too traditional/ male, out of the water.
Stewart is clear that being an advocate for mental health does not displace who he really is. It does not affect his status or detract from his ability to be 'tough' when that's called for.
But it does improve empathy, compassion and the ability to have conversations that really make a difference. It empowers people. Stewart shares the evidence.
We discuss so much, including individual responsibility, prostate screening, and webinar topics such as 'male behaviour at Christmas.'
Being clumsy during conversations is fine, as long as you're listening, and sometimes talking. Stewart's words as we discussed humility said it all...
"If I make a fool of myself I don't care. I'm going to do it anyway."
How able are you to get beyond your status and do something different, because you know it's right for someone else⁉️
Does your mask of expectation, hierarchy and control hold you back⁉️
P.S. Listen to find out why Stewart says he's a fig roll!!!
More about Stewart:Stewart has been with his wife for 22 years and they have 3 children who continually amaze and inspire them; he adores his family. Stewart has been in policing 4 years longer, serving with two police forces, West Yorkshire and Thames Valley Police. He has been lucky to have been a detective, in firearms roles and latterly to have held the role of Chair of their Men's Forum, TVP's staff support network for men facing challenges. He is proud to lead on work to reform the paternity pay provision within the force, as well as talking about and promoting suicide prevention. He loves policing.
Links to contact Stewart:LinkedIn: Stewart Codling
Thames Valley Police
Resources & ReferencesLeadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Watch this episode on YouTube
Home | Thames Valley Police
Police Federation of England & Wales (polfed.org)
Home - The Curtis Palmer...
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Bad managers are causing one in three staff to walk*.
Luckily for OceanWise, Sarah Cockcroft isn't one of these managers. She is only two weeks into her role there, but she is going in with her eyes wide open to what is needed of her.
Sarah has the benefit of hindsight. She is not new to management and that is why I invited her to join me to discuss the very real problems that are existing in many organisations today.
Instead of starting with clear ideas about what she wants, she has armed herself with questions to find out what her team needs of her. Sarah knows that this will help her identify how to be, and where to spend her time.
Are you that confident in your role?
Probably not when you consider data from the CMI that found as many as 82% of new managers in the UK are “accidental managers” – embarking on the role with no formal training in management or leadership.
Sarah explains key ideas that managers and leaders need to explore and consciously develop:
the timing of training for managers new into their role essential skills; what manager development should focus onvulnerability and authenticity when you're under pressurethe importance of knowing someone has your backkey factors for shaping a successful teamhow to have good one-to-onesthe different roles of managers and leaders; can they be the same person?THE NEED FOR TIME AND SPACE!If you're still not convinced that you need to do anything after listening to Sarah, find out how much money your company spends on recruitment vs retention.
And look at your wider data. How many of YOUR employees are walking?
🫵 If you would like help understanding what good support and development looks like for managers, get in touch. Whether it's workshops, coaching or the Labs that were discussed in the podcast, we can shape practice together that enables both your managers and their teams to thrive.
Reach out to Sarah too - she is an awesome manager with a wealth of experience.
* New study: Bad managers and toxic work culture causing one in three staff to walk - CMI
More about Sarah:Sarah has just started at OceanWise as Monitoring Manager for the oceanographic monitoring team. She is very excited to start something new and to join a growing team supporting ports, harbours, marine operations teams around the world.
Sarah has been an oceanographer her whole career, gradually shifting from a practical on-a-boat oceanographer to a team leader. She has always been a people-person and firmly believe that people will be more invested in the cause if they are engaged, challenged, trusted, and respected. She loves mentoring people, especially those early in their careers, and think it is so important to give people time and encouragement in their development.
Links to contact Sarah:LinkedIn:
Sarah Cockroft
OceanWise
Resources & ReferencesLeadership and...
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What are you growing? 🪴
Is the PH level in your environment producing what you want?
And what have you grown into?
Are you in the right soil?
Have you become what you WANT to be? What you NEED to be?
I was inspired when I heard Courtney Hobbs share his experience during a session where we both presented for macmillan cancer earlier this year.
Today he joins me to expand on his story that includes a need to fit in and how quickly things can get out of control. His earlier life meant his eyes were opened to how easily we can become what we don't want to be, if we don't choose how to live life.
That's about intention.
And for Courtney, it was about the art of reinvention.
Courtney has THE best laugh, energy and sense of humour.
He is an ❤️🔥 AWESOME ❤️🔥 story-teller.
His take on resilience is completely grounded and relatable. I love his underlying theme of change.
As Courtney says, most things in life aren't permanent. We could do ourselves a favour by reducing self-inflicted pressure to get things right, from the start. As he so brilliantly says, don't build a house where you should pitch a tent 🏕️ - recognise the need to pause and take stock, or try something new, without it having to be the place to stay long term.
"Love your family, work hard, stay humble, and be kind!" That advice is spot on Courtney. You don't need to be an intellectual to know what's important. And in fact, the simplicity of these messages is what makes them so powerful.
How do you keep your sense of perspective and ability to adapt as your self awareness grows on your journey?
More about Courtney:Courtney is an all round creative thinker and is passionate about photography and video content. Starting out as a freelance photographer and having success with working with brands such as OK Magazine, Chang Beer, Mecca Bingo, Team GB, Dulux and many more he, alongside his business partner Jack, have built an innovative content creation business called Collective which enables brands all across the UK and beyond to have access to high quality content usually only reserved for big brands with big budgets. Courtney is passionate about and dedicated to his work and family and has a unique outlook on how to tackle life's problems and how to chase your dreams, largely due to his experiences growing up.
Links to contact Courtney:LinkedIn:
Courtney Hobbs
Collective Digital Uk
Instagram: @court.hobbs
Website: collectivedigital.uk
Resources & ReferencesLeadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Watch this episode on YouTube
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