Don’t we need new thinking to support talent? EP to launch new service line that brings together expertise from the worlds of sport, industry, psychotherapy and AI

Posted on May 2019

EP to launch new service line that brings together expertise from the worlds of sport, industry, psychotherapy and AI

Over the past year, it has become clear that many of the traditional approaches towards talent have been struggling. All the statistics that are emerging show a need for change and for a new, more team and individualistic, approach that really does start to counter some of the more concerning trends that have been emerging.

• Forbes Magazine noted that 63% of all employees (globally) do not trust their leadership teams
• A recent Deloittes report noted that the majority of millennials believe that business is not ethical
• 91% of millennials expect to leave their jobs in the next two years and do not believe that their employers are committed to their development.
• Only 13% of employees are enthused about their work compared to 70% in the World’s leading organisations.
• Upwards social mobility has never been more difficult in the last fifty years and was a greater reality in the 1960s than today
• Millennials and Gen Z are seeking a more generous approach to business: one which is truly shows leadership in communities Productivity loss in the UK has been worsening over time, with employees losing, on average, 23.0 days of productive time in 2014, compared to 35.6 days in 2018.
• Productivity loss is higher amongst lower income workers, and younger workers.
• 5% of employees showed low work engagement, while only 12.7% showed high work engagement.

Such a backdrop makes it very difficult to build higher productivity, stronger cultures and teams as well as nurture new leaders to break through.

Many of the problems noted in the above can be improved through stronger communications, and a more personalised approach to employee development. 

We, therefore, are bringing together a group of diverse skills and expertise from the worlds of sport, AI, psychotherapy and Industry leadership to work with, mentor and coach teams.  We do believe that there are many lessons that can be taken from the world of sport where athletes do spend time training both their minds as well as their bodies – and possess a real understanding of their responsibilities.

Psychotherapy can play a key and natural role alongside – especially with those that may be struggling and we are also lucky to have a group of former MDs and CEOs that want to give back and support the development of younger talent. They can prove to be a very effective group of mentors.

It is our belief that, by bringing together, a team made from these three disciplines to work alongside teams that a real difference can be made.

Younger talent do want to see a personalised approach being made to support their growth.

The Framework Broken Down

AI and Technology

AI and technology can really support the overall argument through greater methods for communication and for understanding corporate wellness.

It is our argument that companies are simply not effective enough in creating a strong internal communications framework that gives front line employees and voice and a belief that there is a strong internal process.  There is a need for many employers to listen, understand and change their approach towards employees.

The Psychotherapist/Mind Coach

There are two key elements to this role:

• Working alongside teams to coach/help develop strategies for understanding and spotting mental health issues. For many managers, there is still much to learn and be aware of and there is an educational role to be played.
• Working alongside both individuals and teams that may be struggling. Perhaps the most prominent example is often a brigade of chefs, where stress has become a well-known issue but also alongside management teams as well as graduates/younger talent. In the late 1990s, many sports teams brought in psychotherapists to work with their leading players and the same will now happen within business. Most senior managers today will carry a stress illness and having perspective is of real importance.

The Sports Coach

Sporting players today are highly disciplined and understand both pressure and accountability. Sports has invested much in developing the mental side of the sporting player and this has to be coupled with a strong work ethic and genuine accountability for oneself.  Many sports players – especially team players – understand the importance of trust, communication, honesty and care for others. These are all traits that are important for developing leaders.

The Industry expert

As much as the mental side of work/life can be supported, so there is also a need for coaching/mentoring in business decision making and understanding.  The business environment is fast paced and intense – so having a clarity of thought and understanding can be very important. We are fortunate to have over 20 senior industry experts open to mentor and coach teams

E-learning

E-learning is a key part of any approach today as it allows people to learn in a moment that works for the individual. We are delighted to be partnered by www.upskillpeople.com who have 100 courses for emerging managers to learn from.

Social Impact and Community

We also possess a team that wants to work with companies to evolve strategies for working in a wider social context as this then in turn builds pride from the employee in their employer. There are case studies and evidence that show case that social impact strategies will often lead to stronger company reputations, higher valuations and a greater level of talent retention.

The Summary

The aim of the above framework is to create an argument for change that does support talent. We believe there is a need for a new approach and new energy that can make a real difference. We believe there is great talent within the industry and the goal is to support this talent become the leaders of tomorrow. One can disagree with this approach but one thing we do know and that is that the existing process is simply not working.