HR Coffee Time

Do you have an annual project coming up? A project you only need to do once a year that can feel a bit daunting because it can feel hard to remember everything involved, what you need to do and what order to do it all in? Maybe the end-of-year performance management process is looming, or you’re working towards launching the annual employee engagement survey, or you run a graduate recruitment scheme that starts up in January. In a busy HR/People role, the possibilities for projects you might be working on are endless.This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help you succeed with annual projects and not get overwhelmed. Fay talks through the Simple Process Plan template she uses to help her stay on track with projects that roll around once a year. (Although she does use it for everyday processes too).She explains what it is, how it’s laid out, how to use it and the 4 reasons it’s so effective.  Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingVimeo RecordLoomLooking For the Transcript?You can find transcripts for all episodes on the HR Coffee Time section of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website. Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts (because it isn’t very intuitive). If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk. Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.Mentioned in this episode:The HR Planning DayLearn more about The HR Planning Day and book your ticket: https://essentialhrplanner.co.uk/hr-planning-day/Check out HR Coffee Time's sponsor!Ready to unlock the power of your people? Join over 15,000 businesses at personio.com today.Personio

Strategy is a topic we’ve explored before on HR Coffee Time (and we’ll look at again in the future) because it’s an important aspect of HR leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist, or you feel uncomfortable and worried when it comes to strategy, this episode is here to help you build your skills and confidence.  Strategy expert and author of the award-winning book, “The Strategy Book: How to think and act strategically to deliver outstanding results”, Dr Max Mckeown shares: What strategy is & what it isn’t How you’re already a strategist (even if you don’t realise it) Why people doubt themselves when it comes to being strategic The three parts of being strategic – timescale, scope, & sequence An example of strategy done badly An example of a good strategy (McDonalds) Strategy is simple but simple is complex Max’s strategy tool, Speed Strategy – where are we now, where do we want to go, what do we need to do to get there, how do we need to do it, what do we need to measure along the route, what is pushing us, what might stop us?  Useful Links Connect with Fay on LinkedIn Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching Free Speed Strategy template Max’s website Connect with Max on LinkedIn Buy the Book Recommendation (Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them) The Pocket Oracle and Art of Prudence, by Baltasar Gracián The Strategy Book: How to think and act strategically to deliver outstanding results, by Max Mckeown The Innovation Book: How to manage ideas and execution for outstanding results, by Max Mckeown Adaptability: The art of winning in an age of uncertainty, by Max Mckeown  Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes Episode 102: Boosting your strategic knowledge to step up in your HR role Episode 98: HR insider insights: how to create a powerful People Strategy for an SME, with Kelly Vincent Episode 93: Creating a more inclusive work culture: how to make an impact, with Toby Mildon Episode 77: How to create an effective DEI strategy, with Metra Rowe Episode 61: The 4 pillars that will help you be strategic in your HR role Episode 26: How to be strategic in your new HR leadership role  Looking For the Transcript? You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.  Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.  Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One! Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email. Mentioned in this episode:The HR Planning DayLearn more about The HR Planning Day and book your ticket: https://essentialhrplanner.co.uk/hr-planning-day/Check out HR Coffee Time's sponsor!Ready to unlock the power of your people? Join over 15,000 businesses at personio.com today.Personio

Have you ever felt like a fraud at work and worried you were about to be found out at any moment? Do you ever hold yourself back from asking for what you want for fear of hearing the word, “no”? Do you ever procrastinate because you’re worried about getting things ‘perfect’ enough? Do you work incredibly hard – perhaps harder than your colleagues and peers because you want to make sure you’re achieving good results at work?If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you are not alone. You may be experiencing imposter syndrome; something that affects many of us at certain points throughout our career.In this episode of HR Coffee Time, guest Aoife O’Brien explains what imposter syndrome is, the impact it has at work and how to tackle it head-on.Listen to the episode to learn:What imposter syndrome is (and what it isn’t)Where her interest in imposter syndrome comes fromResults from Aoife’s research into imposter syndromeHow imposter syndrome impacts performance (including procrastination and burnout)What Aoife thinks about claims that imposter syndrome doesn’t exist or that it’s an unhelpful labelPractical strategies to tackle imposter syndrome throughout your organisationTips to help you overcome imposter syndrome for yourself, including ABC (A = acknowledge, B = belief, C = courageous action)How knowing your strengths and asking for feedback can helpUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingAoife’s Imposter Syndrome Survey ReportAoife’s Happier at Work websiteAoife’s Imposter Syndrome websiteGallup Clifton Strengths AssessmentThe Essential HR Planner  Aoife’s social media profilesConnect with Aoife on LinkedInFollow Aoife on InstagramFollow Aoife on Twitter / XSubscribe to Aoife’s YouTube channel Buy the Book Recommendation(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way, by Brendon Burchard Other HR Coffee Times Mentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 1: How to feel more confident at workEpisode 36: Four simple but powerful techniques to banish imposter syndrome, with Joanna LottEpisode 57: Using the Johari Window to develop & grow in your HR career (the Johari Window is a feedback tool)Episode 75: What psychometrics are, how you can use them & why they’re so helpful, with Sue Colton (psychometrics can be a helpful way of learning about your strengths)Episode 78: 5 tips to get useful feedback at work to help your HR/People careerLooking For the Transcript?You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk. Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.Mentioned in this episode:Check out HR Coffee Time's sponsor!Ready to unlock the power of your people? Join over 15,000 businesses at personio.com today.PersonioThe HR Planning DayLearn more about The HR Planning Day and book your ticket: https://essentialhrplanner.co.uk/hr-planning-day/

Discover how to unlock your HR career potential on LinkedIn. Learn the importance of crafting a strong professional presence and building your HR leadership brand. Explore seven different post types that can boost your visibility and engagement on the platform. Get inspired by creative examples, like an eye-catching post linking an awareness day with insider insights. Whether you're seeking connections or showcasing achievements, these strategies will elevate your LinkedIn game!

Although pensions can feel like a boring or complicated topic (especially if you’re not a Reward specialist), HR Coffee Time guest Pete Hykin shows this doesn’t have to be the case. In this episode he helps strip away any worries you might have about choosing a pension provider or talking about pensions at work. He also shares some great tips on how to get everyone engaged with their pensions and focused on their financial wellbeing.Listen to the episode to learn:Why it’s important to prioritise getting pensions right, even though you have other projects and issues competing for your time and attention.You can draw a direct line from employee productivity to employee wellbeing and financial wellbeing.Aside from their house, their pension is the largest financial asset your employees will have in their lives.Pensions are a major part of financial wellbeing.The importance of educating people about pensions.Help bring the amount of money in peoples’ pensions to life.You can use tools like salary sacrifice to put more money in your employees’ pockets.Create a culture and environment where people can talk about money and their financial wellbeing.Inclusion and pensions.Tips on choosing a new pension provider – consult with your employees to find out what’s important to them.Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingBook a virtual chat with PenfoldBuy the Book Recommendation(Disclosure: the book link is an affiliate link which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through it)Becoming, by Michelle Obama Other HR Coffee Times Mentioned in This EpisodeEpisode 48: How to support your colleagues with bereavement at work, with Michelle SmithLooking For the Transcript?You can find transcripts for all episodes on the HR Coffee Time section of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website. Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.Mentioned in this episode:The HR Planning DayLearn more about The HR Planning Day and book your ticket: https://essentialhrplanner.co.uk/hr-planning-day/Check out HR Coffee Time's sponsor!Ready to unlock the power of your people? Join over 15,000 businesses at personio.com today.Personio

Gravitas can help you make an impact throughout your HR career, but it can feel hard to define, and even harder to work out how to develop it. Antoinette Dale Henderson is on hand to help. Having made it her life’s work to decode the elements that contribute to gravitas and teach us how to improve our own personal gravitas, she shares some of her key insights and tips in this episode of HR Coffee Time, including:Antoinette’s definition of gravitas, “The ability to command respect, get taken seriously, and get your voice heard. All while retaining your own authentic self.”How gender impacts perception of gravitas.The six components of Antoinette’s model, The Gravitas Wheel.Internal components: self-awareness, expertise, authenticityExternal components: presence, connection, projectionSitting in the centre of the wheel: purposeHow to plan using OPRAHS to make sure you have maximum presence in a situation:O: objective – what’s your objective?P: people – which people will be there & what’s their objective?R: role – what role am I playing?A: attitude – what attitude do I need to have?H: hear – what am I going to hear?S: say – what am I going to say?Increasing or decreasing your presence using body language, voice, eye contact and clothingUseful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingConnect with Antoinette on LinkedInFollow Antoinette on InstagramAntoinette’s websiteBuy the Book Recommendations(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)Leading With Gravitas: Unlock the six keys to impact and influence, by Antoinette Dale HendersonPower Up: The Smart Woman’s Guide to Unleashing Her Potential, by Antoinette Dale HendersonLook Like The Leader You Are: A 7 step strategy for ambitious women, by Lizzie EdwardsCompelling People: The Hidden Qualities That Make Us Influential, by John Neffinger & Matthew Kohut Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 91: How to be more assertive at work – a fresh approach, with Trisha LewisEpisode 73: 5 ways to feel more confident in your next interview, meeting, or presentationLooking For the Transcript?You can find transcripts for all episodes on the HR Coffee Time section of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website. Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email. Mentioned in this episode:The HR Planning DayLearn more about The HR Planning Day and book your ticket: https://essentialhrplanner.co.uk/hr-planning-day/Check out HR Coffee Time's sponsor!Ready to unlock the power of your people? Join over 15,000 businesses at personio.com today.Personio

Contracting (taking on a role that isn’t a permanent position) can be a great option for your HR career. But how do you know whether it’s the right fit for you?This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help you answer that question. Experienced HR contractor – Eleanor Minshall, shares her insights and explains:How she made the switch from permanent employment to contracting.The benefits of contractingThe downsides of contracting to be aware ofUseful skills to have as a contractorHow to get a contract roleHow to set yourself up for success in a contract role Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching Buy the Book Recommendations(Disclosure: book links are affiliate links which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)‘Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?: Olympic-winning Strategies for Everyday Success’ by Harriet Beveridge & Ben Hunt-Davis‘Legacy: 15 Lessons in Leadership’ by James Kerr Other HR Coffee Time Episodes MentionedEpisode 04: Finding your next HR job – key tips from an HR Recruiter, with Tansel OmerEpisode 13: How to get a senior-level role, with Craig ElvinEpisode 101: How to build confidence with networking for HR career success, with Yvonne WalshLooking For the Transcript?You can find transcripts for all episodes on the HR Coffee Time section of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website. Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk. Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.Mentioned in this episode:The HR Planning DayLearn more about The HR Planning Day and book your ticket: https://essentialhrplanner.co.uk/hr-planning-day/Check out HR Coffee Time's sponsor!Ready to unlock the power of your people? Join over 15,000 businesses at personio.com today.Personio

Build your confidence and knowledge about strategy with this episode of HR Coffee Time. Fay talks you through the key takeaways from Richard Rumelt’s modern business classic, “Good Strategy, Bad Strategy: The difference and why it matters.”Not only will this help you create more powerful People and HR strategies, but it will also help you understand how to craft and contribute to the overarching strategy for the whole organisation you work in.This episode will be helpful for you, no matter which role you’re ultimately aiming for, but it will be especially useful if you’d like to move into a Board-level role (or are already in one).Ideas shared in the episode, include:The kernel of good strategy is made up of:A diagnosis that defines or explains the nature of the challengeA guiding policy for dealing with the challengeA set of coherent actions designed to carry out the guiding policy9 sources of power:LeverageProximate objectivesChain-link systemsUsing designFocusGrowthUsing advantageUsing dynamicsInertia and entropy Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching Buy the Book Recommendation(Disclosure: the book link is an affiliate link which means that Fay will receive a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through it)Good Strategy, Bad Strategy: The difference and why it matters, by Richard Rumelt Other Relevant HR Coffee Time EpisodesEpisode 26: How to be strategic in your new HR leadership roleEpisode 61: The 4 pillars that will help you be strategic in your HR roleEpisode 77: How to create an effective DEI strategy, with Metra RoweEpisode 98: HR insider insights: how to create a powerful people strategy for an SME, with Kelly VincentLooking For the Transcript?You can find transcripts for all episodes on the HR Coffee Time section of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website. Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk. Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email. Mentioned in this episode:The HR Planning DayLearn more about The HR Planning Day and book your ticket: https://essentialhrplanner.co.uk/hr-planning-day/Check out HR Coffee Time's sponsor!Ready to unlock the power of your people? Join over 15,000 businesses at personio.com today.Personio

Yvonne Walsh, a seasoned HR professional and chartered fellow of the CIPD, shares her 35-year career journey and the pivotal role networking played in her success. She discusses how to overcome nerves about networking, particularly for those who are naturally introverted. Practical tips on engaging in both physical and virtual environments are offered, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections, following up, and utilizing platforms like LinkedIn. Yvonne also reflects on personal growth, drawing inspiration from Michelle Obama's insights.

For this special milestone episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay shares three of the lessons she has learnt from creating 100 episodes of the podcast. They’re lessons that can apply to everyone, no matter what point they are at in their career and no matter what job they do:You can make time for what matters, even if you think you can’t.Aim for progress over perfection.People are wonderful and happy to help.Useful LinksConnect with Fay on LinkedInFay’s website: Bright Sky Career CoachingThe Essential HR Planner Other HR Coffee Time Episodes MentionedEpisode 90: How a ‘Personal Board’ can help solve your challenges at work  Episode 29: Making a success of your promotion to a leadership role, with Jacqui JaggerEpisode 89: How to reach your HR career goals by understanding your tendencyEpisode 92: Time Management tips to stay on top of your busy day, with Louisa van VessemEpisode 67: How to get on top of email overwhelm when you’re in a busy HR roleEpisode 45: 6 ways to stop procrastinating & find time for important projects at workEpisode 07: What to do when there aren’t enough hours in the dayEpisode 80: How quarterly reviews can help you thrive in your HR careerEpisode 85: 6 questions to prioritise what matters for your HR/People careerEpisode 43: The one thing that will boost your resilience throughout your HR career, with Tom ClearyEpisode 32: How to write work emails that get results, with Kim ArnoldEpisode 37: The ‘first 100 days’ plan to succeed in your new HR leadership role, with Niamh O’KeeffeEpisode 11: Networking – the 3 most important networks for your careerEpisode 15: How networking can help your careerEpisode 16: How to become more confident about networkingLooking For the Transcript?You can find transcripts for all episodes from episodes 66 onwards on the HR Coffee Time section of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website. Rate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.Enjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One!Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.Mentioned in this episode:The HR Planning DayLearn more about The HR Planning Day and book your ticket: https://essentialhrplanner.co.uk/hr-planning-day/Check out HR Coffee Time's sponsor!Ready to unlock the power of your people? Join over 15,000 businesses at personio.com today.Personio