In this podcast we look at the nature and the nurture of leadership, how they are changing and their importance for HR, particularly in these economically uncertain times.

A panel of senior HR professionals from round the world talk to Philippa Lamb. The starting point for the discussion is the Boston Consulting Group’s new global survey on the issues likely to affect HR in the coming decade. The four panellists are: Rainer Strack, Mr R Nanda, Andreas Gollan and Susan Meisinger.

In this podcast we discuss how learning and coaching add value and contribute to business performance, especially in the current economic climate. We also look at the latest annual CIPD Learning and Development survey.

Just what is employer brand? And how does HR go about building it? We visited one major DIY retailer to hear about their approach, and got an overview of the CIPD’s research on this burning issue.

We speak to Deborah Fernon, CIPD organisation and resourcing adviser, who’s led the CIPD’s research on employer branding. We also hear from Nathan Clements and some of his colleagues at B&Q about how the project has been introduced into their company.

In this podcast we are focusing on reward; hearing from specialists in different sectors and organisations. We will also be getting an insight into the latest CIPD Reward survey.

Philippa Lamb asks Tom the contentious question: why is the US better than us?

Tom gives three possible reasons why this might be the case. He also refers to an HBR study by Nohria, Joyce and Roberson of 160 companies looking at what management and leadership practices really work. Tom explains the four conclusions and how they are relevant to HR departments. He touches on what HR departments are not doing and has an amusing anecdote.

Philippa wants to hear how Tom might use this information in a practical way to encourage team building. Tom illustrates his answer by referring to an article by Lynda Gratton and Tamara Erickson in November 2007, on project teams. Diverse, large teams need skilled management and Tom explains how this is done. You may find his ideas controversial.

‘How do you measure team performance?’ Philippa asks. Tom is honest enough to say he has no pat answer, but he does have some good tips.

Lastly, Philippa wonders what HR could do better. Tom explains, using two headings: hygiene and equity. Listen to find out more.

In this episode we follow up on a CIPD research report which focuses on the way HR departments set about delivering organisational objectives and the changes they introduced to make this possible.

In this episode we look at research from the Boston Consulting Group in association with the European Association of Personnel Management and CIPD, 'The Future of HR in Europe: Key Challenges Through 2015'.

This podcast focuses on the highlights of the Conference and challenges for the profession and the professional, both for today and into the future.

In this episode speakers consider the effectiveness of learning activities and how to assess its value to the organisation.