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Latest news and views from the Academy, ILM, CMI and the Institute for Leadership

Talent Development: A Strategic Priority for Leaders
Attracting, developing, and retaining talented people is one of the most powerful ways leaders can drive long-term success for their team and the business. So what is Talent Development? According to the CIPD, talent management is about identifying, engaging, and deploying individuals who are particularly valuable to an organisation. For managers, the challenge is to

Thrilled to Share Our Ofsted Achievement
We’re proud to share that The Academy of Leadership & Management has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted. The ‘Good’ rating has been achieved across the board including: education, behaviour, personal development, leadership, and apprenticeships. The Ofsted inspectors praised our motivated learners, respectful learning culture, and high-quality work. The report highlighted that many

Master Active Listening
Are you really listening, or just waiting to speak? If you’re in coaching or leadership then mastering ‘Active Listening’ is non-negotiable. It’s more than just hearing words and the occasional nod. It’s about tuning into tone, expression, and unspoken cues. It’s a 2 way process too. So put away distractions, show you are listening and

6 Career Questions Future Leaders Ask
Ever leave a 1:1 feeling like you could’ve got more out of it? Check out our 6 impactful questions future leaders can ask in 1:1s. Plus we explain how each question shows your boss that you’re thinking ahead, open to growth, and ready for more responsibility. These questions aren’t just conversation starters, they’re career builders.

Why Knowing Your Sphere of Influence Helps You Grow as a Leader
Leadership isn’t just about your job title. It’s about how you show up, who you impact, who you connect with and how you shape the workplace around you. That’s why identifying your personal sphere of influence is such a powerful tool for anyone looking to grow as a leader. Let’s break down what your ‘Sphere

Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI
As AI continues to reshape the workplace, one thing remains true: what sets us apart as leaders isn’t how fast we process data instead it’s how we learn through experience, connect with others, and adapt in real time. Emotional intelligence is at the heart of our leadership skills. Unlike AI, we don’t just analyse situations,

Dependable, Respected and Overlooked: The Mid-Manager’s Trap
The career path from mid-manager to executive leader can be tricky and you may often wonder why your hard work and diligence hasn’t been rewarded with promotion. Take a beat and consider why you’re stuck. This may surprise you but being known as the dependable finisher completer could be exactly why you are overlooked for

Active Listening: The Skill Every Coach and Leader Needs
Organisations talk a lot, leaders talk a lot but who is actually listening? Active listening is a skill often overlooked as a sign of a good leader. People may even think they are good listeners but are they really actively listening and in turn understanding and connecting? If you want to build stronger connections and

Bridging the Communication Gap Across 5 Generations in the Workplace
In today’s diverse workplace, up to as many as five generations can work together as we live longer and work longer. Question is – can they coexist? We understand that each generation brings unique perspectives, communication styles, and preferences, creating both opportunities and challenges. The challenge for managers is how can you bridge the analogue

The Ultimate Showdown: Groups vs Teams.
Do you understand the difference between groups and teams? Have you ever wondered whether a group and a team are the same thing? At first glance, they might seem interchangeable, but when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that they are actually quite different. Let’s break it down and see what sets them apart.

Leadership’s Secret Sauce
Modeling Psychological Safety for Team Success You may not have heard of the term Psychological Safety for teams. To give you some background it was developed by Oxford Social Scientist Dr. Timothy R. Clark who explained the 4 Stages of Psychological Safety™ and how to turn ineffective teams into inclusive and innovative psychological safety practitioners.

Self-Care Bingo for Stress Awareness
Looking for a fun way to boost your well-being and destress? Try Self-Care Bingo! It’s a simple and interactive tool designed to help manage stress and encourage daily wellness habits. Why Self-Care Bingo? Increase Awareness: Understand how self-care reduces stress. Encourage Daily Self-Care: Easy, bite-sized activities for mental, emotional, and physical health. Promote Engagement: Make

The Role of Middle Managers in a Sustainable Future
These days, businesses are under growing pressure to operate responsibly—from reducing waste to supporting their communities. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about doing the right thing while staying competitive. So, how do companies make meaningful changes? A big part of the answer lies with middle managers. Indeed, middle managers play a pivotal role

Why Is Coaching and Mentoring Important for Businesses?
Coaching and mentoring are powerful tools that help bridge the gap between employees and leadership. They highlight individual growth areas, improve communication, and boost engagement and motivation. In fact, highly engaged employees are 75% less likely to leave—a huge win for both employee retention and your bottom line. What Makes a Great Coach or Mentor?

Impostor Syndrome: Recognising It, Managing It, and Moving Forward
Impostor syndrome is a master of disguise. It convinces high-achievers that their success is luck, not skill. It turns self-doubt into a habit, making it easier to believe criticism than compliments. No matter how much you accomplish, it whispers, “You’re not good enough.” Why Does Impostor Syndrome Thrive? At its core, impostor syndrome feeds on