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A Practical Framework to Support First-Time Managers

In our last blog, we explored why so many first-time managers struggle and why that matters. If you missed it, you can read it here.  In this blog we dig deeper into what to do about it. How do we help new managers succeed in the role, and avoid the uncertainty and confusion that often comes with it? At Willow & Puddifoot, we’ve worked with hundreds of emerging leaders and newly promoted managers. We’ve heard first-hand what they find tough, what makes them doubt themselves, and what helps them grow. And the same… Read More »A Practical Framework to Support First-Time Managers

How to Help First-Time Managers Succeed

One of the things we see again and again is people being promoted to manager because they’re good at their job but then struggling to make the shift to people management. Being a people manager requires a completely different skill set from the technical skills that made them great in the first place, but that’s rarely considered. They’re smart, talented and full of potential, but we rarely give them the support to succeed as managers. So, they’re left to figure it out on their own, often without any guidance, support,… Read More »How to Help First-Time Managers Succeed

The Five Leadership Skills Your Organisation Needs in 2025

If you’re responsible for learning and development in an evolving organisation, you’re probably juggling a lot right now. One of the biggest challenges may be keeping leadership development relevant and future focused. In this post, we’re sharing the five leadership skills your organisation needs in 2025, and how they need to evolve at different leadership levels. Many organisations are adapting to new technologies like AI, dealing with constant change, and looking for ways to drive innovation and strengthen their culture. Through all of this, leaders need to inspire their teams and… Read More »The Five Leadership Skills Your Organisation Needs in 2025

How to Build a Business Case for Learning and Development

Why You Need a Business Case for Learning. Learning and Development (L&D) plays a vital role in helping people perform at their best and supporting the organisation to achieve its goals. But even when its value is clear to you, it’s not always obvious to others – especially when budgets are tight and L&D is viewed as a cost rather than an investment. That’s why building a clear, compelling business case matters. It’s your opportunity to show how learning connects to real business problems and supports strategic priorities – even… Read More »How to Build a Business Case for Learning and Development

How to Set Your L&D Strategy

A Learning and Development (L&D) strategy is a plan that outlines how employee learning aligns with the broader goals of the business. It maps out the training and development that will give employees the skills, knowledge, and behaviours they need to perform effectively. A strong L&D strategy helps businesses stay competitive by ensuring employees have the right skills, behaviours, and support to perform at their best. But to get this right, it has to start with understanding what’s happening in the organisation – where the business is heading, what the… Read More »How to Set Your L&D Strategy

The People Side of Change and Transformation

Change is everywhere. It shapes the way we work, live, and connect. For some, it’s an exciting opportunity, for others, it’s a source of stress and uncertainty. Change can be hard, whether it arrives as a sudden disruption or a subtle, continuous shift. As change becomes more frequent and less predictable, businesses must focus on the human side of transformation to navigate its complexities and embrace its potential. As we head into 2025, the question isn’t whether change will happen but how we can help people thrive through it. Big… Read More »The People Side of Change and Transformation

Navigating the Transition to the Senior Leadership Team

Navigating the transition to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is one of the most challenging steps in a leader’s career. It involves a shift in mindset, responsibilities, and influence. Leaders who excelled in their previous roles can find themselves struggling with this leadership transition. In fact, research shows that nearly 60% of new leaders fail within their first 18 months in senior roles (Corporate Executive Board/Gartner), largely due to the rapid learning and adaptation needed. So, what makes this transition so challenging? And what can organisations do to support leaders… Read More »Navigating the Transition to the Senior Leadership Team

How to Tackle the Biggest People Challenges in Your Organisation

As Willow & Puddifoot launches our new website, we’re excited to offer a range of services designed to help you navigate the complex people challenges that come with managing teams. People challenges can make or break the success of your organisation. Whether its leading teams, keeping employees engaged, or dealing with stress and uncertainty, these issues can slow down progress and cause frustration. But with the right approach, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and high performance.  Here are some of the most common people challenges businesses… Read More »How to Tackle the Biggest People Challenges in Your Organisation

Managers Make or Break Wellbeing

In today’s work environment, where stress levels are high and uncertainty is the norm, the role of managers in supporting employee wellbeing is critical. It’s no longer enough to have a few token wellbeing initiatives in place – what really matters is the day-to-day impact that managers have on their teams. Whether it’s managing workloads, creating a positive work environment, or being a supportive presence, managers make or break employee wellbeing. Why Managers Matter We often hear that people leave managers, not companies. This is backed up by research showing… Read More »Managers Make or Break Wellbeing

Team Building: Eight Ways to Build Exceptional Teams

There’s a lot of buzz about teamwork and endless models on how to achieve it. However, this blog is all about eight simple, practical things you can do to build exceptional teams in your workplace. These ideas are easy to implement and make a significant difference. What is Team Building and Why Does it Matter? Team building refers to various activities, exercises, and practices that aim to enhance relationships between team members and improve performance. The benefits are numerous: improved communication, increased trust, better problem-solving, and a stronger sense of… Read More »Team Building: Eight Ways to Build Exceptional Teams