As one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, the electricity networks sector is continuously looking for skilled workers. Almost all industries rely on a consistent electricity supply, so distribution must be efficient and secure. We take a look at careers in the energy networks sector and some of the routes towards employment. The industry [...]
The breadth of available roles in the hospitality industry is something that continues to appeal to new recruits, offering a whole host of challenges and opportunities. Not all career opportunities are obvious though — and there’s certainly a few hidden gems to uncover! Here's a rundown of some of the most interesting roles available in [...]
You are new to leading a team (or this team) and want to get off to a good start in your new role. Maybe the team is also new or perhaps one that has been together for a while. There are many factors to take into account including capabilities, morale, and delivery pressures. Here are [...]
Businesses, no matter the shape and size, thrive from identifying new innovations to resolve pain points, but this doesn’t mean funding will be handed to anyone with an idea. Without an intrapreneurial mind and skill set, you will struggle to convince your company's main powerhouses (board members, shareholders, directors) to support and sign-off on the [...]
As an employee, it's a horrible experience to feel discriminated against at work. Too often, people going through this don't know if they should or can do something about it. Even if they do, knowing the first steps to take can be challenging. Discrimination at work cases can have a severe impact on everyone involved. [...]
You go to a meeting and your boss humiliates you in front of your colleagues. Members of your team are talking negatively behind your back and spreading gossip. You're about to start a new management role in the organisation and you're already hearing that people would prefer their old boss. Other people are 'difficult'. Do [...]
Leading and managing a team in the innovative and complex tech sector is an exciting opportunity. However, it's not without its challenges. If you're responsible for your first technical team, what helps to be an engaging manager and leader? In fact, almost half of new managers say they feel unprepared for the role, with 87% [...]
My top 12 blog posts 2018 are a combination of the most shared ones and personal favourites. They were published either on my website or as guest blogs on other platforms. This year, I will be writing less but still publishing quality guest posts, so keep them coming. I hope you enjoy reading these posts as [...]
Thanks for reading my blog this year. Enjoy the holiday, cheers!
People in any profession and at all levels can suffer from isolation at work. Those in senior roles often carry huge amounts of responsibility and can feel like the only person with the answers. Interns may struggle to integrate and long-standing employees often feel disengaged. What can managers do about workplace loneliness and enhance team [...]
The word leader is often associated with seniority, job roles, and positions in a hierarchy. There is also the assumption by some people that leaders are born rather than made. It can suggest that the idea of leading is only for a chosen few. Yet, from my experience, we all have the potential to be an influential [...]
Trust is in short supply these days. Just ask disengaged employees or disillusioned job seekers. So, how do you encourage it as a leader or manager? As a job seeker, how do you know if a potential employer has a culture of trust? This post looks at helpful advances in neuroscience and how you can [...]
A new study from CV-Library reveals that the average Brit spends £205 a month on work-related expenses, including lunch, commuting and stationary. That’s equivalent to £2,460 a year! Do you think that's fair? How much does location make a difference? Learning to Leap explores the findings and hears from Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library. [...]
What are your perceptions of working in the automotive industry? You might think it's filled with middle-aged men in suits working at your local car dealership. Maybe, you know someone's son who works as an apprentice mechanic. Perhaps, Top Gear is your reference point. Whatever your preconceptions, how vehicles are manufactured, bought and sold is changing radically [...]
Often, business likes to identify learning from the world of sport. The emotional peaks and troughs are rich pickings. Sometimes people dismiss sport as too different from business and the world of work. The analogies don't work, they say. It seems to me that the England football manager, Gareth Southgate, is reversing the trend and [...]
The latest findings on the reasons that prevent women getting into FTSE350 boardrooms are depressingly familiar and shameful. Nevertheless, the shift towards self-employment, freelancing and independent working is having an impact on gender equality in the UK. The direction of travel is positive as the gap between the number of businessmen and businesswomen is closing. This [...]
Managers are the butt of so much dissatisfaction in the workplace today. Often, they are piggies-in-the-middle between frontline employees, the wider organisation, and senior leaders. As the pressure to meet targets and deliver results pushes down, harassed managers face the tricky balancing act of trying to satisfy everyone. Depending on the culture, some succeed more [...]
Mentoring plays a key role in career transitions and supporting apprentices. So, I've put together a free ebook on mentoring tips and modern practices. It will appeal to lifelong learners and employers interested in improving their understanding and enhancing their professionalism in mentoring. It is also for anyone keen to discover the joys of [...]
Recognition of the business benefits of mentoring is increasing. Unsurprising, given the perfect storm of disruption as the norm and demographic shifts leading to a multi-generational workplace. This post looks at debunking some myths, new approaches to mentoring, and how a new mentor can overcome common fears. The old paradigm The stereotype mentor of the last century [...]
When it comes to landing a job, Millennials are experts at reaching out to employers. They follow up on questions and ultimately sell themselves and their personal brand. Millennial applicants are put off if their potential employer does not respond with similar enthusiasm and engagement. If employers are distant and non-communicative, they may second-guess their choice [...]
