Elizabeth Houghton 🐨

As some of you will be aware, I am writing a business book to help leaders, managers, HR & OD professionals create the conditions for proactive behaviour at work to flourish. I am looking for exemplars in business to cite as case studies, if you lead or work in an organisation that encourages self-directed behaviours I'd love to hear from you. As a gesture of gratitude for your support, I will provide all the 'case study' organisations featured in my book with a complimentary webinar aimed at enhancing workplace proactivity. I'm particularly interested to hear about specific initiatives where: 1. Employees are encouraged to dedicate time to thinking, planning and broadening their knowledge to help them be more proactive 2. Employees are encouraged to be aware of their energy levels and have developed restorative strategies 3. Communities of Practice are prevalent and/or employees are encouraged to engage in learning beyond their technical job role But I am also open to hearing about other initiatives that you've adopted even if they don't fall into the categories above. I would ideally need to conduct a 1-hour interview in the next 2 months with a key stakeholder and will seek full approval of my write-up before publication. If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more, please DM me! #Beproactive #casestudies #proactivityatwork

36

13 Comments

City & Guilds has long pointed out how crucial it is to support younger learners to get on that all important ladder to lifelong learning. The announcement today is welcomed as a boost to help kickstart careers and give learners and employers greater flexibility over the training they need to plug the growing skills gap that is hampering industry and growth. We look forward to supporting the successful delivery of apprenticeships as part of a broader offer that supports learners for life. Its only by doing this that we can unleash the hidden talent of so many who could have a rewarding career but currently may find themselves as one of the many who are not in education, employment or training or are economically inactive. This needs a whole system approach and we welcome too the first report from Skills England highlighting how urgent the situation is. Our #MakingSkillsWork report sets out how we can get things right from the get go. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eSivxN7u

99

I had a lovely time talking AI in L&D with The CIPD branch in North East of England today. Thanks to Dáire Fitzgerald for inviting me and the wonderful group for choosing to spend their time with this tech geek. Always ask - is this the right task to use for AI? It's not a saviour! [P.S. If you'd like me to stop by and chat to your team about the fundamentals of Gen AI at work and how to be intelligent with it, send me a DM 📩] #learninganddevelopment #education #artificialintelligence

5

5 Comments

🚀 I'm absolutely buzzing! 🚀 We’ve been short-listed for the Best Technology-Based Onboarding Programme by Learning Technologies, and I couldn’t be more excited! I don’t need to remind anyone how crucial the onboarding process is—not just for the success of the individual, but for the success of the business as a whole. It’s amazing how often companies invest so much time and money into hiring top talent, only to neglect setting them up for success once they walk through the door. Now, I’m not saying our onboarding has always been perfect—those who’ve been with us from the early days know the classic start-up ‘sink or swim’ environment all too well! 😅 But this project has been a game-changer, and although it’s been facilitated by my team, this achievement is the result of a whole-company effort. 🎯 I’m over the moon that we’ve been recognised, and let’s not forget… having an amazing platform to host this journey definitely helps (We Walk the Talk!) 😉 Thank you Team HowNow—this is just the beginning! #OnboardingSuccess #LearningTechnologies #TeamEffort #Growth #BestOnboarding #TechDriven #EmployeeSuccess

49

10 Comments

Trying to get consistency from your managers? Wanting to build their confidence in their new or existing roles leading people? Take a look at the below...

2

What are you doing on May 15th at 9:30am? Fancy joining me and Donald H Taylor to cut through the AI in L&D noise? Of course you do. I'll be speaking at the next Learning & Development Institute (L&DI) speaker series to chat about that sexy piece of tech you can't go 5 minutes without hearing about it. Here's a flavour of what I'll cover: 1. How to cut through AI overwhelm by understanding the fundamentals 2. Why focus and experimentation are key to finding what’s right for you 3. The four stages of generative AI skills readiness 4. The power of AI agents, assistants and conversational bots for learning 5. Why AI won’t change L&D as much as people say Grab a spot: https://lnkd.in/egDmjuGf See you soon! [I'm aware my last name is spelt wrong, btw. I assure you it is not an impostor nor an AI version of me!] #learninganddevelopment #education #artificialintelligence

51

1 Comment

If these allegations are true, then this is horrifying. The BBC report that one of the UK's largest Employee Assistance Programme providers allowed employers to 'listen in' on confidential calls to the helpline, both as part of quality assurance and to 'smooth over' issues with the employer. EAP should always be confidential, within the limits of ethical practice. That means only breaching confidentiality because the caller or someone they mention is at immediate risk of harm or for the purposes of supervision and internal quality assurance. Quite aside from why this happened (and honestly, you want quality control of an EAP there's a really simple answer - use mystery shoppers to call and then disclose their details to track outcomes. It's not hard. I literally used to be a mystery shopper in similar circumstances) there are bigger issues with EAP. 👉 In the UK, only around 5% of people with access to an EAP service will ever use it 👉 70% of people accessing the service are calling about workplace stress - which puts the BBC article in a whole other light! 👉 80% of people who call an EAP helpline are either given self help resources or are signposted to charities (so, solutions with no cost to the company). The 20% that remain are often required to contact a counsellor themselves, rather than being assisted in the process. EAP is often a blunt tool presented for a precision job, similarly to the work allocation and resource managers reported on in today's Law Gazette. Responsibility for wellbeing doesn't solely lie with individuals and offering sticking plaster solutions for broken leg problems can often cause more harm than good. Particularly when we discover that the sticking plaster was mouldy to begin with...

26

7 Comments

I cannot stop telling people about this 👇 So much so that I've encouraged about 10 people just this week to complete this training with Kelly Swingler in the coming months, and I'll encourage many more. Do you know why they're all interested? Because every single person I have mentioned this programme to has some form of personal story associated with Burnout. I cannot stress the importance of information, education, and transformation in this space. Burnout awareness has the potential to quite literally save lives, and a profound impact on families, friends, colleagues and productivity. It's real, and it impacts people in their thousands. I am so privileged to be part of the world's first cohort of Burnout Coaches. Here's to doing the work that matters 💜 #burnout #burnoutawareness #coaching #coach

11

4 Comments

Unlock Your Team’s Potential with the Apprenticeship Levy!  Are you making the most of the Apprenticeship Levy? It’s a powerful tool for upskilling your team and driving business growth, yet many organisations aren’t fully leveraging it. Here’s why you should: Why Use the Apprenticeship Levy? Cost-Effective Training: Use your levy funds to cover the cost of apprenticeship programs, reducing training expenses. Tailored Skill Development: Customise training to meet your specific business needs and industry standards. Boost Employee Loyalty: Invest in your employees’ development to boost morale and reduce turnover. Staying Competitive: Equip your team with the latest skills in areas like project management, DevOps, data analysis, and more. How to Get Started: Identify Skill Gaps: Assess your team’s current skills and identify areas for improvement. Choose the Right Programs: Select apprenticeship programs that align with your business goals. Engage with Experts: Partner with The Coders Guild to design and deliver effective training solutions. Monitor Progress: Regularly review the impact of training on your team’s performance and make adjustments as needed. By leveraging the Apprenticeship Levy, you can turn training into a strategic advantage for your business. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your team’s capabilities and drive innovation. Ready to take the next step? Book a call: https://lnkd.in/ex5nDmez #ApprenticeshipLevy #UpskillYourTeam #EmployeeDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #TheCodersGuild #Training #WorkforceDevelopment

9

Successful project delivery relies on effective change management. Our upcoming webinar explores navigating the human side of change for optimal outcomes. 🗓️ Date: 26 September 2024 ⏰ 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM BST 💡 Featuring Cristina Iniguez’s spotlight on: QA Apprenticeships & 💡 Luke Radford’s spotlight on: QA Consulting Key Takeaways: - Understand the critical role of change management in leadership - Learn strategies to address resistance and foster stakeholder engagement - Ensure smoother project rollouts and achieve success - Discover how QA can deliver transformational change for your organisation Register now and master the art of change: https://ow.ly/uUFZ30sGEV3 #ChangeManagement #ProjectManagement #StakeholderEngagement #Webinar #ThoughtLeadership

4

🎬📚 Ever wondered how UK apprenticeships compare to Will Ferrell’s Anchorman? Let’s dive into the parallels! Diverse Opportunities & Unique Characters: Just like Ron Burgundy's eclectic news team, UK apprenticeships offer a wide range of roles to fit everyone's unique skills and interests. 📝💼 Stepping into the Spotlight: Starting an apprenticeship can feel like entering the chaotic world of a newsroom. With time and experience, apprentices step into the spotlight, becoming indispensable in their roles. 🌟 Overcoming Challenges: From rival news teams to personal conflicts, Anchorman is all about overcoming obstacles. Apprenticeships also present challenges, but with determination and support, apprentices emerge stronger. 💪 Mentorship & Growth: Ron’s journey is supported by his colleagues and mentors. Similarly, UK apprenticeships provide robust support through mentorship, ensuring professional and personal growth. 🌱 Humour & Culture: The vibrant culture in Anchorman makes the journey fun. Apprenticeships in the UK also foster a dynamic and engaging environment, making the learning experience enjoyable. 😂 Achievement & Recognition: Just as Ron celebrates his newsroom triumphs, apprentices celebrate significant career milestones upon completion. 🎉 Whether you're anchoring the evening news or starting an apprenticeship, the journey is filled with opportunities for success and personal growth. Ready to start your adventure? #Apprenticeships #CareerGrowth #Anchorman #SuccessStories #UKApprenticeships #WorkAndLearn #FutureSkills #Mentorship #ProfessionalDevelopment

13

2 Comments

HELP WANTED ❗️ Does anyone know any powerful local authors / book clubs / writing support? 😅 (for self-publishing) I LOVE writing! But there are so many other elements I can improve and I want to improve. I need to improve. I REALLY struggle with the structure of a book at times! - I sometimes lose sight of the overall message and I could end up writing a bible 😂 It also takes up SO MUCH TIME. Where the writing is the best bit…. I genuinely believe some real support on the basics would make everything else better and easier. It’s a skill that’s going to serve me so much for the future. Please tag anyone you know who offers book clubs, writing spaces, apps, or anything of the sort 🙏 Here’s some of my positive feedback so far from draft 1 👇 “It’s absolutely brilliant. Love how it covers so many aspects but in relatable ways rather than just the shit influencer jargon and buzz words, it’s actually words the everyday person that just wants to better themselves could relate with.“ ✅ “Very down-to-earth language and relatable to a lot of people. Your honesty is superb throughout” “I think there is a nice balance between your voice and the theory, Your voice is so easy to relate to and I can totally relate to your partner! I’ve loved it” ✅ But it’s Draft 1, and it’s also flagged some of the above as improvement’s ☝️ I know getting the above right will make the final version SO much easier Otherwise I’m going to end up sat in an empty room staring at four walls 😂

15

27 Comments

NEW Government Funded RECRUITER Development Programme now available to ALL recruitment businesses in England...... The perfect way to upskill your Recruitment team in 2025: - Cost-effective way to upskill - Available to new & existing staff - Pathways for Agency Recruiters and In-House Recruiters - New up-to-date recruitment topics and content LIKE this post and we will send you further details, or see the link in comments. #recruitmenttraining #upskillin2025 #recruitment

9

1 Comment

Why Are UK Employers Still Reluctant to Invest in Apprenticeships? It's 2024, and it's shocking that many UK employers still shy away from apprenticeships. Let's be blunt: it's time to face the facts and challenge the excuses. 🔴 "It's Too Expensive." Really? With government funding and incentives, plus the Apprenticeship Levy, the financial argument doesn't hold water. If small businesses can make it work, so can you. 🔴 "It's a Long-Term Commitment." Yes, it is. And that's precisely the point. Investing in the future workforce should be a priority, not an inconvenience. Are you really too busy to invest in the long-term success of your own industry? 🔴 "It's Too Bureaucratic." Stop hiding behind red tape. The administrative hurdles are manageable, and plenty of support is available. If you can manage your regular business operations, you can handle an apprenticeship scheme. 🔴 "What If They Leave After Training?" Ask yourself: Why would they want to leave? If you provide a supportive environment and opportunities for growth, loyalty shouldn't be an issue. If they do leave, perhaps it’s a reflection of your company culture rather than the concept of apprenticeships. 🔴 "We Need Immediate Productivity." Short-sighted thinking! Investing in apprenticeships means nurturing future leaders and innovators who will drive your business forward. Are you really that averse to planning for the future? The Reality Check: 💡Skill Shortages: You complain about the lack of skilled workers, yet refuse to train them yourselves. Hypocrisy much? 💡Financial Incentives: You're leaving money on the table by not taking advantage of available funds and levies. 💡Employee Loyalty: Investing in apprentices creates a loyal, skilled workforce familiar with your company culture. 💡Innovation and Fresh Perspectives: Apprentices bring new ideas that can revolutionize your business practices. 💡Positive Corporate Image: Supporting apprenticeships shows you care about more than just profits – it shows you care about people and community. So, What’s Your Excuse Now? If you're an employer not embracing apprenticeships, you're part of the problem. It's time to step up, take responsibility, and invest in the future. The benefits are clear, and the excuses are tired. Let’s do better. For our businesses. For our industry. For our future. #Apprenticeships #FutureWorkforce #InvestInPeople #BusinessGrowth #CorporateResponsibility

7

1 Comment

The new Offbeat issue is on 🎉 https://lnkd.in/dyPvRMKX 🔦 The spotlight is on the red flags you should be looking for when a stakeholder makes a training request 🛎️ We also found some awesome resources － New Rules for Teamwork by Angus Dawson and Katy George － Your Learners Don’t Always Know Learning by Will Thalheimer － Lessons learned from a squiggly L&D career with Bin Sou － Behaviours that Foster Psychological Safety by Tom Geraghty － 5 ways to increase your learning throughput by Scott H Young － The capabilities for life framework from The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce) 💜 This week's issue was sponsored by our awesome friends from Sana. ______________ We send the newsletter every Sunday to over 5900 L&D professionals and you can become one of them right here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dZnsynQt #careerdevelopment #learninganddevelopment #offbeat #newsletter

63

2 Comments

Lisa Young 🚀 I loved reading this.... and I hate being labelled as scary just because of my job title. I am not sure who and how took us to the position that if HR are there it must be bad... the fact that we are visible when bad things happen doesn't help but usually that is to try to lessen the pain for all parties.. Do we create this ourselves by allowing us to be seen as the company police? Do we not get out enough as humans and just talk to people? Do we show we have vulnerability too? We are often (to quote a famous song) "stuck in the middle" ( I won't do the next line about jokers and clowns) trying to navigate several concurrent minefields to try to get to the best outcome. At every point in my career and most weeks I don't have the answer ... I have thankfully, for the most part, got over worrying about that and accepting that is ok - what I do have as a super power is a team that singly or collectively have the answer. I still test out my thinking and I think its really healthy to do that but I also still get sweaty palms in some situations (as above - we are only human!). My only words of wisdom ( and they are not really wise) is be authentic, be human and don't be swayed from the right route.... and always use your colleagues and network to be your superpower #hr #humaninhr #stuckinthemiddle #hrwisdom

13

Have you ever done a leadership course and not implemented the ideas? That is not the case on the apprenticeship leadership programmes. 😊 You might learn about coaching 😊 You would then put the coaching into practice 😊 And you would then report back on what you have done and share the outcomes in an assignment As a result you get to implement everything. Some examples: Chris MacQueen, Associate Director Strategy and Planning at Stroke Association, “I have acquired a lot of knowledge about progressive leadership practices but, more importantly, I have gained knowledge, skills and experience in critiquing, adapting and applying them into the messy world of an established organization.” “This course is inspiring and has revolutionised how I lead,” says Hannah Briers, Head of Little Gate Farm. “My organisation has expanded rapidly. I genuinely believe I wouldn't have had the confidence or skills to lead my team without this apprenticeship. It's given me a drive, a power and braveness I didn't have before.” We do not do academic theory. Everything you do on the programme can be implemented straight away. If you are based in England and you have the Apprenticeship Levy (ie, you have more than £3 million in payroll) then it can be paid out of that. If not, it is paid 95% from the government. So the Level 3 (new managers) is only £225 for a 14 month programme, the Level 5 (experienced managers) is £350 for a 20 month programme and the Level 7 (senior leaders) is £700 for a full two year programme. We have a taster for the Level 7 programme on 22nd July from 3pm to 4pm. Check Yes in comments if you want to know more.

14