GE spends "about $1 billion a year" on leadership development, and largely "takes it on faith" that the expense is justified, says the company's head of executive development, Susan P. Peters.
Classroom-based learning is fine for teaching leadership theory, but when it comes to identifying and changing problem behaviours, "unfamiliar and disruptive environments" are far more effective, says Lee Hecht Harrison leadership and talent director Dr Travis Kemp.
Age-related stereotypes can have a negative impact on employee health, wellbeing and productivity, according to conflict-management expert Catherine Davidson, who says that teaching employees to question stereotypes can improve their ability to engage, collaborate and innovate at work.
The productivity and collaboration benefits of mobile working are clear, but HR will need to work with other workplace departments to ensure they aren't inhibited by "bring your own device" issues, a briefing heard yesterday.
HR professionals can reduce costs, waste and friction in their organisations by fostering "alliance" relationships between departments, according to HR consultant and author Graham Winter.
Comparing diversity at the top of an organisation with the bottom can highlight that an employer's culture is not an inclusive one, says the head of Deloitte's national diversity and inclusion practice.
Offering leadership programs that suit diverse learning styles and preferences doesn't have to be expensive, says a regional lead of learning and development at Google.
To encourage a culture of innovation, employers should think twice before characterising setbacks as mistakes, and use disappointing results to encourage learning, development and growth, says Hay Group Pacific head of leadership and talent, Wendy Montague.
An incredible amount of information about talent is available to help HR professionals improve their influence in an organisation - if they leverage it, says LinkedIn VP of talent, Steve Cadigan.
Effective collaboration depends on a mutual willingness to share ideas and opinions, but many managers discourage their staff from speaking up, according to Institute of Executive Coaching director Chip McFarlane, who says true collaboration takes courage.
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