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Read our thoughts on the hottest topics in the industry right now.

A group of people sat round a board table working on laptops with pens and paper.

Think fast.

Lately, Tony has noticed a recurring theme in conversations with leaders: everyone wants more strategic thinking. Way more than usual. And yet, the irony is that, in many organisations, the very foundation for strategic thought seems to be quietly slipping away.

So in this blog he explores three ways we can start rebuilding strategic thinking.

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sunflower and leaves sprouting out of some rocks.

What Gen Z is teaching us about work.

In today’s fast-paced workplace, one size no longer fits all.
With up to five generations working side by side, each bringing unique values, communication styles and expectations, understanding generational differences has never been more critical. We need to nurture the older generations whilst welcoming the new.

Generational diversity isn’t a challenge to be managed, it’s an opportunity to be embraced.

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hand holding a clear lightbulb against a warm, cloudy sunset sky.

What I’ve learned about learning.

After 8 years in secondary education, my experience was shaped by routines, structured curriculum and examinations. Fast forward to now, in the corporate world of learning and development, things feel different!

At the heart of it teachers and L&D facilitators all have the same desire, to help people grow and succeed, but the “how” can be worlds apart.

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Close-up of agenda organised with colour-coding sticky notes for time management. Productive schedule for appointments and reminders. Hand holding a yellow highlighter marker.

What flexible working really means.

Life doesn’t always fit neatly into 9 to 5. Especially when you’re juggling multiple roles, studying for a new qualification and preparing for the arrival of a lively puppy

People often assume flexible working just means working from home. But for me, it’s about far more than that. At PeopleUnboxed, it’s about being trusted to work in a way that suits me, my energy and the realities of my day-to-day life.

Click here to read more »
A butterfly with it's wings out, on a leaf with greenery behind it

Diary of my work experience.

We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming a work experience student to the PeopleUnboxed team, and what a fantastic addition they were

One of their final projects was to write a blog reflecting on their time with us – and we think it perfectly captures the energy and insight they brought to the team. Read the diary in Kloe’s own words…

Click here to read more »
Person walking down a road, pictured from behind with their arms out. Path is dusty with mountains in distance, greenery either side.

Permission to grow.

Arlene discusses how a coaching qualification has helped her grow, both professionally and personally

Exploring what she’s learnt, how she was supported by PeopleUnboxed through her journey and her love for coaching.

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Brown and white deer near grass, head only. It has huge ears that are peaked up and a puzzled look on its face.

Tell them what they want to hear?

Tony discusses if learning suppliers should tell you what you want to hear, or what you need to know?

Fresh from the Learning Technologies Exhibition where AI was (not surprisingly) a big theme of the show, he’s questioning the promises some vendors made about it’s capabilities for designing and writing training content.

Click here to read more »
Butterfly on a hand, held up against a green background (leaves and plants). A camera lens is pointed at the butterfly to take a photo.

Feedback focus

Jo explores why feedback, something we all need to grow, can feel so tricky to give and receive.

She shares personal experiences, the role of psychological safety and the steps we’re taking at PeopleUnboxed to build a stronger feedback culture.

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The 4Ps of Candid Conversations

eLearning

The “Four Ps” model can help us to plan for a difficult or candid conversation so that both parties find it beneficial.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn how to plan for a difficult or candid conversation so that both parties find it beneficial
  • Understand how to use the 4Ps to deliver a difficult message
  • Consider how this can help manage under-performance in a structured manner

Assertive Disagreement

eLearning

When you disagree with someone, it is often best to be direct and clear, as it avoids an unfortunate misunderstanding. People can shy away from disagreement as it can sometimes feel confrontational. The assertive approach introduced in this module helps you to express your disagreement in a professional, constructive manner.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn what assertiveness is
  • Learn a process to put your case across without getting emotional
  • Provide context for how to use the model in a real-world environment

Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument

eLearning

Because no two individuals have exactly the same expectations and desires, conflict is a natural part of our interactions with others. This self-test assessment will tell you more about your predominant style of handling conflict and what this means.

Learning Outcomes

  • Provide a starting point for your development
  • Identify your conflict handling style
  • Learn about the five conflict handling modes

AID Feedback Model

eLearning

Providing feedback that encourages open dialogue and communication enhances your credibility as both a teammate and as a leader. AID is a simple feedback model that can be used for positive moments and those that need corrective action.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn a simple model for providing feedback
  • Identify your own role in each of the stages
  • Discover the benefits of creating a feedback culture

Action-Centred Leadership

eLearning

Good managers and leaders should have full command of the three main areas of the Action-Centred Leadership model and should use each of the elements according to the situation.

Learning Outcomes

  • Discover John Adair’s action-centred leadership model
  • Learn how to adapt the model for your own work situation
  • Investigate the danger of becoming out of balance

Question Types

eLearning

Asking the right question is at the heart of effective communication and information exchange. Using the right questions can improve a whole range of communication skills; the information we receive back (the answer) will depend very much on the type of question we ask.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn why asking the right question is at the heart of effective communication and information exchange
  • Discover why the right questions in a particular situation can improve a whole range of communication skills

Dr. Mehrabian’s Communication Model

eLearning

We are always communicating, even when we are not speaking. Other factors communicate what we really think and feel, which can be explained by looking at Albert Mehrabian’s communication model.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn the impact of mixed messages when communicating
  • Understand that communication is a blend of words, body language and tone

Situational Leadership

This course will explore situational leadership as an adaptive leadership style. It’s about choosing the leadership style that best fits the individuals goals and circumstances.

Learning objectives

  • Understand Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership model
  • Recognise directive and supportive behaviours
  • Understand the four leadership styles, based on directiveness and support
  • Understand the development levels of team members, based on competence and commitment
  • Become confident with flexing your leadership style to the individual and the situation