FROM THE EDITOR | Welcome
W
TURN AND FACE THE CHANGES
S
ince I have been back “at work” after a year’s maternity leave, one of the most
powerful things I have read is this: “Instead of asking someone what they forgot
while on maternity leave, ask them what they learned.” Simon Fanshawe’s words
struck a real chord with me (on page 56).
What a brilliant way to reframe what can be, for many, a daunting and stressful
transition. Returning to work after a significant period away is hard. Yet I learned
more in my year away than I have in the last decade. Without wishing to sound trite,
becoming a mother has been a truly transformative experience.
It is perhaps quite apt, then, that this issue we are looking at learning and transformation.
Through the lens of purpose, meaning and culture (to mirror the subjects covered at this
year’s Future Talent Conference), we are exploring what it takes to connect the motivation
of the individual with your organisation’s reason for being — alongside creating space for
individuals to grow and develop the skills they need for the future.
By identifying (and articulating) an authentic purpose and aligning this with organisational
strategy, allowing it to influence leadership behaviours and infuse decision making, business
can speak to the personal drivers of talent and subsequently maximise the power of the
collective. With clear meaning at work, employees are motivated, collaboration intensifies,
learning accelerates, and performance increases: the true mark of transformation.
You will find that spirit of transformation on the cover and within our collection of
illustrations — diverse portraiture of iconic musical heroes — who are celebrated for their
fearlessness in breaking moulds, boldness in reinventing genres and in some cases,
their trailblazing sounds and lyrics. In their own way, each has influenced our popular culture,
and each is recognised as a [tour de] force for change (see page 102).
You’ll also find a collection of inspiring reads from an assortment of magnificent minds
— each with their own take on what the new era of work requires from leaders and how
you can equip yourself, and your workforce, for tomorrow’s challenges (see pages 39-64).
And in our own step towards purposeful leadership, you’ll notice a new section within
the magazine, to support our new transformational leadership programme. This issue,
we’re focusing on feedback (p80) and agility (p70) and how these all-too familiar managerial
constructs can be viewed a little differently to spark the kind of behaviours that drive
real change.
More than anything, this issue is about the power of learning. Despite reading hundreds
of books, theories and techniques, nothing prepared me more for motherhood than simply
doing it. And in the same way, experimenting to find what works, acknowledging the power
of the collective and leaning into change rather than fearing it could bring a whole new
meaning to what we call “work”.
Learning is a metaphor for life, as well as for this issue. Let’s be braver. Let’s experiment.
Let’s learn. Let’s change. In the words of our infamous cover star, David Bowie:
“Turn and face the strange, ch... ch… changes”.
I hope you enjoy the issue.
Mary Appleton
Editor in chief | [email protected]
February – May 2020 // 11