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The Compass Journal: Navigating Careers & Leadership

Fresh thinking for forward-focused organisations

Explore practical insights, thought leadership, and real-world stories on career development, leadership, and the evolving world of work. Each article is designed to spark ideas and support you in creating a culture where people and performance thrive.

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Career Conversations

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Role of a Mentor: How to Give Advice

A common question we get asked in our masterclasses is “How do I provide insight without direction? I want to help.  I know they’re coming to me for advice.  But I don’t want to tell them what to do?” And quite right too. This Huffington Post article says it well.  “While mentors can offer valuable

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Two people stand indoors, facing each other and having a conversation. One is a woman in a light blue blouse, the other a man in a light blue shirt and tie. They appear engaged in discussing career development questions to ask employees.

Practical Career Development Questions to Ask Employees

Are you looking for career development questions to ask employees and develop your best people?  If so, you’re not alone.  The most frequently asked questions in our Confident Career Conversations Workshops relate to tools.  Questions like: “What effective tools could I use in my career conversations?” “Are there any particular tools you use that lead

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A woman wearing a yellow jacket sits at a desk, holding her glasses in one hand and rubbing her eyes with the other, appearing tired—perhaps reflecting on talent development mistakes in an office setting.

My Biggest Talent Development Mistake

Talent Development Mistakes  – Have you ever made them? I have a confession to make. Even with decades of talent development experience, I have, in the past, let my own employees down. Talent Development Mistakes | How Career Conversations can Help I’ll never forget the time one of my best employees, Roby, asked to see me. 

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How to Remove Fear from Career Conversations With Employees

It’s no wonder managers can find it hard to have career conversations with employees. Time pressures, office politics and egos can all get in the way. We all know it’s good to talk. But, let’s face it.  Opening up a conversation about a sensitive issue like career progression can weigh heavily on even the most

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