HR Coffee Time

If you need to create an HR or People strategy but are feeling completely stuck, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host Fay Wallis, a career and leadership coach for HR and People professionals, shares practical advice on how to feel more confident about creating the strategy, where to start and resources to help spark your ideas.

[00:00] Episode introduction

[00:32] There is a podcast playlist of strategy episodes for you

[02:46] You already are strategic (even if you think you aren’t)

[04:31] Insight from the book, ‘Good Strategy/Bad Strategy’

[05:29] The importance of aligning HR strategy with the overarching organisational strategy

[07:28] Resources from The Essential HR Planner to help

[13:41] Recap and final thoughts

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching

Operate Strategically or Create a Powerful HR/People Strategy Playlist

• The Strategy Book: How to think and act strategically to deliver outstanding results, by Max Mckeown
• Good Strategy, Bad Strategy: The difference and why it matters, by Richard Rumelt

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

If 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: [email protected].

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:

3R Strategy's Free Resources & Fay's HR Planning Day

Become a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: bit.ly/3Racademy

Want to know the secret to delivering presentations that truly captivate your audience? In this episode of HR Coffee Time, we explore how to craft and deliver presentations that resonate deeply and win over both hearts and minds.

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Emma Serlin, founder of London Speech Workshop, who shares her unique "Meal Plan" framework for creating impactful presentations. Whether you're aiming to boost your influence, establish credibility, or simply gain more confidence when presenting, this episode is packed with practical insights to elevate your presentation skills.

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[01:11] Meet the expert: Emma Serlin

[04:26] The Meal Plan framework: Protein, Vegetables, and Spice

[05:38] Deep dive into the protein component

[09:07] Crafting impactful presentations: The importance of three key takeaways

[11:31] Exploring the ‘vegetables’ component

[16:57] Adding ‘spice’ to make your presentation memorable

[19:46] The Dinner Party Planner

[23:50] Book recommendation

[25:48] How to contact Emma and London Speech Workshop

[27:23] Conclusion

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Emma Serlin on LinkedIn
• Emma’s website: London Speech Workshop
• London Speech Workshop on Instagram
• London Speech Workshop on YouTube

• Episode 36: Four simple but powerful techniques to banish imposter syndrome, with Joanna Lott
• Episode 73: 5 ways to feel more confident in your next interview, meeting, or presentation
• Episode 74: How to get better at presenting and feel more confident about it

• The Connection Book: 50 Ways to Communicate More Effectively, by Emma Serlin
• The Communication Equation: A How to Guide for Outstanding Communication, by Emma Serlin
• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, by Marshall B. Rosenberg

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

If 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: [email protected]. 

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:

3R Strategy's Free Resources & Fay's HR Planning Day

Become a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: bit.ly/3Racademy

Whether you’d like to learn more about how to use Strategic Workforce Planning in your current role or considering whether specialising in Strategic Workforce Planning could be the perfect career option for you, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help.

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Jen Allen Jardine, a Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) expert, who explains what SWP is, why it’s important, how it fits into HR, the partnership between SWP and HR, and the misconceptions about it. She also provides valuable advice for anyone looking to specialise in SWP, including practical tips and book recommendations.

Chapters from This Episode

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[02:17] Meet the expert: Jen Allen Jardine

[03:09] Defining Strategic Workforce Planning

[04:13] Strategic Workforce Planning in large vs small organisations

[04:55] The role of HR in Strategic Workforce Planning

[11:03] Developing skills for Strategic Workforce Planning

[17:18] Misconceptions about Strategic Workforce Planning

[23:02] Book recommendations

[34:29] How to contact Jen

[35:50] Conclusion

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Jen Allen Jardine on LinkedIn

• HR Coffee Time podcast playlist: Clarify Your Career Goals & Explore HR Career Options
• Episode 58: How to feel more confident using data & analytics in your HR role
• Episode 119: How using Agile can drive positive change & prove HR’s value, with Kate Maddison-Geenwell

• Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About The World – And Why Things Are Better Than You Think, by Hans Rosling , Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling
• Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
• Radical Uncertainty: Decision-making for an unknowable future, by John Kay and Mervyn King

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

If 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. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: [email protected].

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:

3R Strategy's Free Resources & Fay's HR Planning Day

Become a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: bit.ly/3Racademy

Thinking about booking a coaching session but not sure what to expect? Or maybe you've already arranged some coaching sessions and want to make sure you get the most out of them. This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host Fay Wallis, a career and leadership coach for HR and People professionals, shares practical advice on how to prepare for your coaching sessions and make them as effective as possible.

[00:00] Episode introduction

[00:23] The value of coaching

[01:38] You’re in the driving seat when it comes to coaching

[02:21] Examples of common coaching topics

[04:29] Questions to help you choose a focus, area or topic for your session

[05:51] Coaching is usually about asking questions, rather than giving advice

[06:39] Advice is given for practical career topics e.g. CV, LinkedIn and interviews

[09:17] Practical tips to get the most out of your session

[09:13] Choose a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed

[10:09] Minimise distractions

[10:21] Have some buffer time before the start of your session

[10:40] Techniques to help you transition from your previous task into your session

[11:32] Buffer time at the end of your session is helpful

[12:12] Have a notebook and pen ready for your session

[14:06] Let your coach know if you’d like the session recorded

[14:26] Have a drink with you in case you get thirsty

[14:51] If you’ll be discussing an emotional topic, have some tissues to hand

[15:09] Be open-minded and provide feedback

[16:46] Jot down your reflections in between sessions

[17:21] Questions to help you reflect before starting your next session

[17:56] Always ask your coach questions if you have any

[18:19] Episode conclusion

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Headspace’s one-minute meditation YouTube video

• Episode 130: Build managers’ confidence and skills with ‘The Coaching Two-Step’, with Jude Sclater
• Episode 53: Why coaching skills can help your career (& how to develop them), with Charlie Warshawski
• Episode 125: Create your perfect professional development plan in 8 simple steps

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

If 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. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You reach her at: [email protected].

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:

3R Strategy's Free Resources & Fay's HR Planning Day

Become a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: bit.ly/3Racademy

You may have heard that coaching skills can be incredibly helpful for managers to have in their toolbox, boosting their confidence and effectiveness in their roles. But why are these skills so useful, and how can you help managers start using them? This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to answer those questions.

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Jude Sclater, an experienced coach and author of "Think Like a Coach - Empower Your Team Through Everyday Conversations."

Jude explains that coaching skills empower teams to think for themselves, foster independence, reduce reliance on the manager, and enhance overall team motivation and development. She shares her innovative Coaching Two Step model, which provides a practical and accessible way for managers to integrate coaching into their everyday interactions.

• The Coaching Two Step involves two main components: asking "Tell me more?" and summarizing what you've heard
• The model is designed to be simple and accessible for managers who may not have extensive coaching training
• Jude emphasizes the importance of giving full attention during conversations
• The episode includes a practical demonstration of the Coaching Two Step with Fay as the coaches

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Jude Sclater on LinkedIn
• Jude’s website: Think With Jude

• Episode 129: 5 essential techniques to become a great manager, with James Rose
• Episode 127: What to do if your boss is a micromanager
• Episode 53: Why coaching skills can help your HR career (and how to develop them), with Charlie Warshawski

(Disclosure: the book links are affiliate links which means Fay will earn a small commission from Amazon if you make a purchase through them)

• Think Like A Coach: Empower your team through everyday conversations, by Jude Sclater
• The Chimp Paradox: The Acclaimed Mind Management Programme to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence and Happiness, by Professor Steve Peters
• Full list of all book recommendations given on HR Coffee Time

If 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: [email protected].

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 signingup to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

Mentioned in this episode:

3R Strategy's Free Resources & Fay's HR Planning Day

Become a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: bit.ly/3Racademy

How do you develop the people within your workforce to become great managers? Poor management negatively impacts everyone, often resulting in the HR/People team having to help with performance issues, manage grievances, or recruitment challenges due to high turnover. It can feel hard to know what to do or where to start. So, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help.  

Host Fay Wallis is joined by James Rose, a management skills trainer, speaker and coach, who generously shares his Rose model, which consists of five essential techniques to become a great manager.  

[00:00] Introduction and overview 

[02:10] Introducing James Rose 

[03:41] How James developed his Rose model 

[07:05] The difference between absent and present managers 

[06:24] The first layer of the Rose model: regular check-ins 

[13:48] The second layer of the Rose model: weekly team meetings 

[20:44] The third layer of the Rose model: monthly catch ups 

[30:25] The fourth & fifth layers of the Rose model: mid-year or quarterly reviews and end of year reviews 

[33:29] James’s confidence-building tip: encourage team members to keep track of their achievements and development. 

[36:25] How to contact James and learn more about his work 

[37:32] Other relevant HR Coffee Time episodes to listen to next 

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn 
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching 
• Connect with James Rose on LinkedIn 
• James’ website 

• Episode 127: What to do if your boss is a micromanager 
• Episode 117: How to create a performance management process that drives success, with Lucina Carney 
• Episode 119: How using Agile can drive positive change & prove HR’s value, with Kate Maddison-Geenwell 

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.  

If 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: [email protected]. 

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:

3R Strategy's Free Resources & Fay's HR Planning Day

Become a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: bit.ly/3Racademy

Dyslexia, often misunderstood and underappreciated, holds a wealth of untapped potential for the workplace. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, we explore how to appreciate and unlock the unique strengths it can bring to our workplaces.

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Kirsty Heap, a neurodivergent specialist coach with a rich background in HR, who shares her personal journey with dyslexia and her transition to becoming a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Kirsty provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of dyslexia, its challenges, and most importantly, the remarkable advantages it offers to organizations.

Whether you're an HR professional seeking to create a more inclusive workplace, someone questioning if they might be dyslexic, or simply curious about neurodiversity, this episode provides practical strategies and eye-opening perspectives. Discover how understanding and supporting dyslexic colleagues can drive innovation, problem-solving, and creativity in your team, ultimately leading to a more successful organisation.

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[01:48] Introducing Kirsty Heap

[03:47] What is dyslexia? A detailed explanation

[04:59] Dyslexia as a ‘magic potion’

[06:24] Kirsty shares her journey to diagnosis and early challenges

[10:57] Disclosing that she had dyslexia to her colleagues

[12:22] The strengths dyslexia brings including creativity, problem-solving and emotional intelligence

[18:05] Practical advice for anyone who thinks they might be dyslexic

[22:04] Tips for fostering an inclusive work environment for dyslexic individuals

[26:54] Kirsty’s confidence-building tip: borrow confidence from your future self

[28:46] How to contact Kirsty and learn more about her work

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Kirsty Heap on LinkedIn
• Kirsty’s website: Kirstyheap.com

(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 Bigger Picture Book of Amazing Dyslexics and the Jobs They Do, by Kate Power & Kathy Iwanczak Forsyth

• HR Coffee Time podcast playlist: Create an equitable, diverse & inclusive workplace
• Episode 70: Supporting yourself, or your colleagues at work with Tourette Syndrome, with Devon Lovell
• Episode 68: Real life insights into understanding and supporting autism in the workplace, with Cybill Watkins
• Episode 59: ADHD – a personal story of the strengths, struggles & strategies that help, with Julie White

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

If 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: [email protected].

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:

3R Strategy's Free Resources & Fay's HR Planning Day

Become a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: bit.ly/3Racademy

Have you ever felt stifled by a micromanager? Whether you're currently dealing with one or want to help someone else navigate their micromanager boss, this episode of HR Coffee Time is packed with practical advice to improve the situation.

[00:00] Examples of micromanagement

[01:38] Welcome to HR Coffee Time

[03:00] Micromanagement defined

[03:16] Dealing with micromanagement can feel difficult

[04:24] Advice: start from a place of empathy rather than anger

[05:00] Seek first to understand, then to be understood

[05:14] An example of when Fay micromanaged

[05:51] Causes of micromanagement: lack of management training

[06:15] Causes of micromanagement: stress

[07:17] Causes of micromanagement: lack of trust

[07:45] Examples of calling out micromanaging behaviour

[09:08] Causes of micromanagement: lack of trust, clarity, or process

[09:31] Micromanagement negatively impacts both you and the manager

[10:02] Taking a coaching approach by asking questions can be powerful

[11:45] Pointing out the behaviour is negatively affecting the manager

[12:16] Brené Brown’s idea of ‘paint it done’ from her book, ‘Dare to Lead’

[14:16] Using the 5Ws and 1H questions to help your manager ‘paint it done’

[16:12] Examples of using ‘what’ questions

[17:56] Examples of using ‘where’ questions

[18:46] Examples of ‘how’ questions

[18:58] Examples of ‘why’ questions

[19:13] Examples of ‘who’ questions

[19:28] Examples of ‘when’ questions

[20:44] Other relevant HR Coffee Time episodes to listen to

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching

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)

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, by Brené Brown

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 03: Building relationships with difficult people at work
• Episode 35: Helping teams thrive with personal user manuals
• Episode 41: 3 tips to build a better relationship with a difficult person at work

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

If 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: [email protected].

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:

3R Strategy's Free Resources & Fay's HR Planning Day

Become a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: bit.ly/3Racademy

Navigating the workplace as a deaf individual comes with unique challenges that can often go unnoticed. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, we delve into practical strategies to foster an inclusive and empowering environment for deaf colleagues.

Host Fay Wallis is joined by Victoria Williams, founder and CEO of terptree, an organisation dedicated to transforming the experiences of deaf employees and customers.

[00:00] Introduction and overview

[00:59] Introducing Victoria Williams

[02:50] The story behind terptree

[07:04] The power of 1% changes

[07:41] Make sure website content is written in plain English and is well laid out

[07:55] Ensure you provide an email address not just a phone number in your website’s contact details

[10:09] Deafness is a hidden disability

[10:36] Hearing loss can be acquired over time

[10:51] People don’t always realise they are experiencing hearing loss

[11:28] Misconceptions about hearing aids

[12:27] Deaf employees may miss out on incidental learning

[15:31] Practical tips for inclusivity – environment, communication, team integration

[16:18] Involving the deaf person in making adjustments

[16:53] Larger organisations can engage with internal employee focus groups

[17:02] The Access to Work scheme

[18:43] Health and safety – ensuring the fire alarm system is effective

[19:41] Disability disclose is a moving thing

[20:11] The importance of being open and building trust and empathy

[20:38] The social side of work is important

[21:09] Using an interpreter for British Sign Language users

[21:25] Deaf awareness training ‘is a must’

[22:35] Attracting Deaf Talent

[22:59] The Disability Confident Employer scheme

[28:11] How to contact Victoria and learn more about her work

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn
• Victoria’s website: terptree
• Access to Work Scheme
• Disability Confident employer scheme
• Deaf UK Jobs

(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)

Don’t Silence Your Talent: Unleash the value of your deaf employees, by Victoria Williams

Spotify playlist: HR Coffee Time – create an equitable, diverse & inclusive workplace

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

If 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: [email protected].

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:

3R Strategy's Free Resources & Fay's HR Planning Day

Become a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: bit.ly/3Racademy

Creating your professional development plan is a great way of ensuring you don't stagnate at work and get bored in your role. It can help you thrive at work and feel fulfilled no matter what stage you're at in your HR/People career.

In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host, Fay Wallis talks you through how to create your perfect professional development plan in 8 simple steps.

[04:14] Step one: Identify what you’re aiming for

[11:52] Step two: Record ideas you already have

[12:00] Step three: Look Back to Look Forward

[16:36] Step four: Capture your values

[20:13] Step five: Seek feedback

[21:26] Step six: Consider key HR areas of influence

[23:35] Step seven: Identify career-enhancing skills

[25:23] Step eight: Set your goals

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• The HR Planner

• Episode 5: How to progress your HR career (using the 3E model)
• Episode 17: How to set your career goals for 2022
• Episode 47: Discovering your values to help your HR career, with Zoe Hawkins
• Episode 66: Reflecting on 2022 – look back to look forward
• Episode 116: Look back to look forward – how reflecting on 2023 can help you set goals for 2024

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

If 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: [email protected].

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:

3R Strategy's Free Resources & Fay's HR Planning Day

Become a member of 3R Strategy's free Pay & Reward Academy, or access their free resources by visiting: bit.ly/3Racademy