Why effective leadership starts with looking inwards

silhouette of person standing on rock surrounded by body of water symbolising self reflection as a leader and in leadership

How exactly can a ‘good’ or ‘effective’ leader be defined? How we act, manage, engage with others is how we create the conditions which allow others to thrive. This is why, in leadership, we must devote time to self reflection.

Is your workplace culture one of blame?

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Unfortunately, it seems that a workplace culture of blame is not uncommon among organisations but it doesn’t have to be that way. By taking steps towards a culture of accountability we can stop playing the blame game and welcome a productive shift in thinking and behaviour.

Sainsbury’s employee dismissed for ‘stealing’ a shopping bag

woman holding her face in dark room representing a stressful situation after dismissal after employee followed correct procedures and policies

Many are ‘baffled’ that a Sainsbury’s employee of 20 years was sacked for gross misconduct after accidentally stealing carrier bags. However, the employer was within its rights to take this action. This case underlines the importance of having clear policies and procedures in place.

Why it’s time to rebrand HR

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The changing nature of work and business models has applied pressure to HR to truly partner and enable the transformation. But with growing misconceptions of what HR is there to do, is now the time for a rebrand?

Three cornerstones for influencing peers outside HR 

cherry blossoms representing a blossoming workplace culture in which employees exert beneficial influence

HR teams face a perennial challenge: how to gain support for investments in people when the minds of peers are elsewhere. A crucial and often overlooked first step is to secure the personal cornerstones of influence.

Self-management part one: How to recruit without managers

person standing on rock platform representing self management

In the first instalment of a three-part series on self management, ‘Powered by people’, Perry Timms and Kirsten Buck delve into recruitment and selection, looking at two unorthodox approaches to hiring in unorthodox organisations. What can we learn from these managerless, self-managed organisations?

The transformative power of trust

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Trust begins at the leadership level with executives and senior managers delivering a trusted, safe and secure environment for all staff. Let’s look at the importance of trust and how it can be nurtured.

Human resources: Whose return on whose investment?

white and brown analog wall clock at 10 00 representing that time is precious and limited

Senior teams expect a return on their investments in ‘people’. But this demand fails to account for the personal capital that employees hand over every single day. To thrive, organisations should ask not what they might take, but how they can give.

New legal rights for carers: What HR professionals need to know

brown duck near ducklings

At a time when more workers than ever before have caring responsibilities let’s break down the Carer’s Leave Regulations 2024 and consider how and why employers should go above and beyond in providing more than the minimum that’s required by law.

Barclays discrimination claims: From lip service to lawsuits

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Recent allegations of racial and gender discrimination in a hiring decision at Barclays highlights the damage caused by broken talent management approaches. Deborah Hartung explores five ways to fix this frustratingly common business problem.