How to build a business case for investment in L&D

Knowing how to build a solid business case for learning and development is vital for securing investment. Here are key considerations when looking to gain senior-level support for L&D initiatives.
Line managers: You shouldn’t have gone to Specsavers

Danny Wilkinson, Co-founder of Traction Coaching explores why it’s time for line managers to stop looking elsewhere and to take a good look at themselves.
Trojan Horse or training request? How to tell what’s really going on

Not every training need is what it seems. Dani Bacon and Garin Rouch of Distinction Business Consulting reveal how to spot when a training request is actually a Trojan Horse – and what to do next.
Rewilding leadership: How to learn from nature’s resilience

Spring has sprung and nature is teeming. But what’s that got to do with leadership development? Thom Dennis, CEO of Serenity in Leadership, believes we can take inspiration from natural ecosystems to help organisations develop resilient structures. Here, he shares practical techniques for applying this progressive approach coined ‘Rewilding leadership’.
Rip the band aid off: Have that difficult conversation

Nobody enjoys awkward conversations, but burying your head in the sand could be harming your workplace and your relationships. Here are some ways to navigate those difficult discussions.
Mastering meetings: The key to effective leadership

Meetings. Whether you love them, loathe them or sit somewhere in the middle, there’s no denying they are crucial for both teams and organisations. But ineffective meetings cost time and money. Here, Dani Bacon and Garin Rouch of Distinction Business Consulting explore strategies for better executed and more meaningful meetings.
Four practical tools for leaders who coach

To build a high-performing team, leaders who coach must pack their toolbox with varying techniques and approaches. Here, Coaching expert Matt Somers outlines four essential tools and when to deploy them to drive team success.
Applying Tuckman’s team development model

Learn actionable strategies for supporting each stage of Tuckman’s team development life cycle – forming, storming, norming, and performing.
Stop saying that! The dark side of leadership soundbites

The reality of leadership is complex, and quick-fix slogans rarely account for the nuance of leading effectively. Here, Dani Bacon and Garin Rouch of Distinction Business Consulting, reveal five common yet harmful leadership soundbites – and what to say instead.
Feedback receptiveness: Why your constructive criticism isn’t landing

Even the most skilfully delivered feedback can fall flat if the recipient isn’t open to it. Here, Dani Bacon and Garin Rouch share guidance on how to cultivate feedback receptiveness – at both the individual and organisational level.
Four critical gaps in performance review training for managers

Leadership consultant Nik Kinley outlines four ways to make performance review training more effective for managers and their teams.
What managers need to STOP doing to become effective coaches

The biggest challenge for coaches in the making is not grasping new techniques, it’s letting go of bad habits. Coaching expert Matt Somers explores…
Onboarding: How Hertfordshire County Council sets new hires up for success

Did you know that up to 20% of new hires leave their job within the first 45 days? This costly turnover is often preventable – and one of the most powerful solutions is effective onboarding. Here, Aglaia Economou shares best practices from Hertfordshire County Council’s structured onboarding approach.
Can AI resolve employee conflict?

With the rapid expansion of AI technology, Anna Shields of Consensio considers whether it can help build conflict management skills.
Five dysfunctions of a team – and how coaching can help

What are the five dysfunctions of a team? And how can coaching overcome each of these? Coaching expert Matt Somers breaks this down – dysfunction by dysfunction.
Management development or expensive sheep dip?

Philippa Spratt asks organisations whether they give effective management development or simply ineffective sheep-dip training.
Leadership at every level: The three-tier open entry leadership programme

Hannah Gore explores how a three-tier open entry leadership programme could be the solution to all leadership levels.
How good are your listening skills?

Listening to your team can transform communication, build trust and improve leadership effectiveness. But only if you’re doing it well. Dani Bacon and Garin Rouch of Distinction Business Consulting share common barriers to good listening and how to remove them.
Resistance to change is your ally, not your enemy

Those who are resistant to your change programme are not the villains. Dani Bacon and Garin Rouch of Distinction Business Consulting share five reasons why resistors are, in fact, your friends.
Engaged managers: The secret ingredient to a happy workforce

New research shows manager engagement is critical to wider employee engagement. Cultural architect Chris Hardy offers five ways to equip managers with effective strategies to nurture high-performing, engaged teams.