Some months a theme connects the articles in our research summary, but other months the line-up is a little more eclectic. Our aim is the same though: to cut through the noise and the gazillion research notes and articles out there to bring you fresh leadership ideas in a clear and simple way. If you want to get this straight into your inbox, sign up here.
This month we set Andy (our head of design & research) and Juliet (our research & data analytics lead) a challenge: pick three articles from the shortlist below and dissect them. The result is a 20-minute canter through Gucci vs Prada and the brilliant idea that is shadow boards before asking if this really is the end of teams and finishing off with Wordle.
Click below to listen now
Companies around the world are setting up shadow boards – a group of non-executive employees who work with the board on strategic initiatives. Gucci were able to bring in valuable insights into digital platforms, channels and influencers and dramatically increased revenues
Two researchers recommend a response to increasing complexity and hybrid work is for the end of teams – this is the opposite of what is required. Teams are where work gets done, where inclusion and creativity is born, but good teamwork is essential and this takes effort
The global phenomenon wordle has lessons for learning design: its bitesize, has a consistent format and clear feedback to direct you to a solution. There are many routes to the answer, much like most problems we encounter, and its social and little bit competitive
Dan Rockwell, Leadership Freak urges us to ask for help in order to leverage all our strengths. Its tempting to feel you can do it alone – or worse you should do it alone, but collaboration is the most powerful key to learning and progress. Its time to learn to learn!
Research from Ken Blanchard suggests diverse teams are better at problem solving, decision making, creativity and can outperform other teams, but they also risk becoming derailed. For diversity to deliver, teams need to have great communication and a clear purpose
HBR gives hope to compassionate leaders in a heartless organisation – all is not lost! The difference between empathy and compassion is action. Through compassion you can role model good behaviours, coach others to succeed and set realistic expectations for change
New CIPD research finds an increasing number of employers report increased productivity as they embrace home and hybrid working. They also observe that two thirds of employees who can work in a hybrid way still haven’t been asked about their future preferences
Leaders need to prepare for a crisis so that they can add value. It’s essential to focus on those worst affected, admit fault, demonstrate care and recognise how and when to show up – in person if possible. Firefighters, paramedics practice and it pays off – so should you!
