Working virtually – tough testing ground for leaders and managers
I learned from my HR network today about some reality that’s emerging – and it’s reassuring because we already know it. It feels like a firm place to stand amidst all the uncertainty. The truth is, working virtually is a massive testing ground for leaders and managers. Those who’d already built a strong foundation are […]
‘A watershed moment for the future of work’
HR have a new remit to drive major cultural change as well as working practices. Employment contracts told us our hours and place of work, and we accepted them, turned up as expected. We didn’t feel we had a choice, and we didn’t question the wisdom behind our commute and the costs and time involved. […]
Being our best selves on Zoom
How much of our authentic selves do we share on Zoom? If we’re not feeling safe enough to do that, neuroscience tells us our brains can’t work at their best. How can we create a safe environment when we’re communicating through a screen? We always make time to build a safe space in our face-to-face […]
Trust and Transparency – challenging issues right now
Many organisations are having to decide who to involve in making the tough decisions. We can feel we’re shielding people when we exclude them from harsh realities. But who does this really serve? Trust and transparency are challenging issues right now. ‘As a leader, whose comfort are we concerned about?’ Veronica Hope-Hailey of Bath University Business School […]
‘Purpose is the new strategy’ Korn Ferry
How has this crisis affected our sense of purpose at work? Has it strengthened our commitment to what we do, or left us feeling less connected? I’d say the jury’s out. HR leaders understand – and can leverage – all the drivers of engagement, and now’s a great time to prove it. ‘Purpose is the […]
Returning to Work – Ethics and Emotions
The practicalities of getting people back to work are emerging. While much of HR’s work is still wrestling with furlough, claims for hazard payments and performance issues, they’re now faced with the challenges of the next phase – getting people, as appropriate, back behind their desks. The complexities involved are immense, and HR are leading […]
‘Don’t let a good crisis go to waste’ Winston Churchill
#CIPDFestivalofwork launched today with ‘big picture’ keynote speakers from the worlds of economics, public health and global politics. My brain hurt afterwards, frankly, because there’s still so little to grab hold of to help us plan – but, some real wisdom. Thank you Peter Cheese, CIPD CEO, for reminding us of Churchill’s words ‘Don’t let a good […]
From Loom to Zoom – what questions do we need to ask?
I’m still searching for answers, like everyone else – particularly about the world of work and how that will change. In order to get to a new people agenda – what does all this mean for the questions we need to ask? Also, we can’t begin to ask the questions from where we are now. […]
Is your CEO walking the talk?
We’ve seen some worthy posts from CEO’s about their commitment to employees’ wellbeing during this crisis. I have 2 questions: 1) Is their commitment real and genuine rather than political – ie. are they walking the talk with other decisions too? 2) How can HR leverage this – use this commitment to build this critical […]
Build HR’s Reputation – despite operational pressures
How is the reputation of your HR function being impacted by Covid-19? What do business leaders say about you when you’re not in the room? Do you know? There’s been a maelstrom of pressures on HR – and here are two that, despite their vital importance, threaten to be a real drag on HR’s reputation […]