Cube Learning and Development – Blog – Bespoke learning and development solutions

November 12, 2024

Mindful leadership: Boost team wellbeing & performance

Now more than ever, leaders face unprecedented challenges in supporting team wellbeing. Recent studies paint a stark picture: work-related stress, anxiety, and depression account for 49% of all new or long-standing health conditions in UK workplaces, with an estimated 17.9 million working days lost annually due to these issues. As leaders, we must ask ourselves: how can we better support our teams while maintaining organisational performance? Understanding mindful leadership At its core, mindfulness is about living in the present moment and focusing on what we can control rather than what […]

October 10, 2024

Navigating leadership in a multi-generational workforce

Managing a multi-generational workforce is more than balancing experience and fresh perspectives; it requires a deep understanding of communication, diversity, and conflict resolution. Leaders today must navigate generational differences while cultivating an inclusive and collaborative environment. Clear communication, regular education on diversity, and training on inclusion are essential for building cohesive teams. Equally important is the ability to handle conflicts that arise from differing perspectives on key concepts like psychological safety and work-life blend. The role of communication in a multi-generational workforce Effective communication is crucial in teams with diverse […]

September 12, 2024

Building trust and psychological safety in the workplace

Building trust and psychological safety in the workplace is no longer optional; it is essential for any organisation aiming to succeed. As leaders, creating an environment where employees feel safe to voice ideas, take risks, and express concerns without fear of judgment is critical to unlocking their potential. Why trust matters The data speaks for itself. High-trust workplaces consistently outperform low-trust counterparts in virtually every measure of success: 96% of engaged employees trust their management, compared to just 46% of disengaged employees Companies with high trust experience 50% higher productivity, 74% less […]

August 12, 2024

Understanding responsibilities in hybrid working

Hybrid working has revolutionised not only where employees work but also how they collaborate across physical and virtual spaces. The responsibility for making hybrid work successful lies jointly with managers and team members. Both need to actively work together to create a productive and supportive work environment. Establishing clear guidelines and communication To enable effective hybrid working, it is key to establish clear guidelines from the outset. This includes defining expectations for remote and in-office presence, communication protocols, and collaboration tools. Creating a contract/agreement means everyone is aligned on the […]

July 10, 2024

The pros and cons of hybrid working: A guide for modern leaders

Since 2020, the workplace landscape has experienced a seismic shift, with hybrid and remote work models becoming the new standard. This transition challenges leaders to innovate and adapt, ensuring their teams remain productive, engaged, and satisfied. According to a Microsoft report, 82% of company leaders believe their teams are just as productive, if not more, since the shift to hybrid work. But what are the downsides? This blog explores the benefits and challenges of hybrid work environments. Understanding hybrid work Hybrid working is a flexible model where employees split their […]

June 12, 2024

What is situational leadership and how best to use it?

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to leadership. It requires adaptability and a keen understanding of the individuals being led. One approach to this complexity is situational leadership, a model designed by Blanchard and Hersey to help leaders tailor their approach based on the developmental level of their team members. And this approach really does work. A study examined the impact of situational leadership on job satisfaction and employee performance within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The findings revealed that this leadership style has a significant positive effect, […]

May 13, 2024

What is the difference between training, coaching and mentoring?

When it comes to personal and professional growth, you’ll often hear the terms training, coaching, and mentoring banded around. While they all aim to help people develop and improve, it’s essential to grasp their differences to use them effectively. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart and when to use each one. Training: The foundation of upskilling Training typically involves imparting knowledge or teaching specific skills. It’s like providing a roadmap for navigating an unfamiliar environment. During training sessions, instructors take a directive approach, offering instructions, advice, […]

April 12, 2024

How to get the managerial balance right

Navigating the complexities of effective management is a constant balancing act. Whether you’ve recently stepped into a managerial role, are adjusting to new dynamics with peers, or dealing with challenging team members, diplomacy is key. If you’ve ever wondered how to tackle a friend’s underperformance at work or questioned the role of personal likability in professional success, you’re not alone. These are common challenges faced by managers. In this blog, we’ll explore the balance leaders must maintain – the sweet spot between keeping professional distance and building meaningful connections with […]

March 12, 2024

What is the role of emotional intelligence in leadership?

In the modern workplace, emotional intelligence has emerged as a highly sought-after interpersonal skill for leaders, surpassing the conventional intelligence quotient (IQ). According to a study conducted by the Center for Creative Leadership, 75% of career setbacks are due to emotional competencies, such as challenges in managing interpersonal issues, ineffective team leadership during periods of adversity or conflict, and difficulties in adapting to change or building trust. In this blog, we’ll look at how you can lead and manage your team by applying Daniel Goleman’s psychological theory of emotional intelligence. […]