In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is often discussed for its potential to cause job losses, one sector is uniquely positioned to harness this technology for good: career advice. AI is not here to replace human advisers, but rather to enhance their ability to provide more personalized, timely, and cost-effective support. By doing so, AI can help more young people and unemployed adults build fulfilling futures.
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Harnessing the Power of Hwyl in Team Development with Call of the Wild
Discover the transformative power of hwyl in team development with Call of the Wild. This uniquely Welsh concept of joy, energy, and connection is the key to aligning teams to a shared vision while creating unforgettable moments. At Call of the Wild, we specialise in fostering hwyl through immersive experiences in the stunning landscapes of the Bannau Brycheiniog, helping teams build trust, energise collaboration, and achieve their full potential.
Are Hybrid Workers Not Doing Proper Work? Here’s How to Get It Right
The debate around hybrid working has been reignited recently by comments from Lord Rose, the former boss of Marks & Spencer and Asda, who warned that remote working is creating a generation “not doing proper work.” Speaking to BBC Panorama, he suggested that home working is part of the UK economy’s “general decline” and that employee productivity is suffering.
A Reflection on Kingswood’s Closure: The Importance of Team Building in the Outdoors
We were saddened to hear about the closure of Kingswood, an organisation that has been delivering outdoor experiences across the UK for 40 years. The Kingswood outdoor team building closure is a stark reminder of the financial challenges facing organisations in this space. Rising operational costs, coupled with increasing financial pressures on businesses and individuals, have made it harder for outdoor centres to keep their activities accessible and affordable. The difficult decision to close is a testament to how challenging this market has become.
From Goals to Greatness: Why Your Team Needs a Big Vision for 2025 and Beyond
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, having a bold, long-term vision isn’t just inspiring – it’s essential. Big vision planning for 2025 helps align your team’s goals with the future needs of your organisation and the shifting demands of the market. A clear and ambitious vision energises your team, creates a sense of purpose, and positions your organisation to thrive in the years ahead.
Recharge Over the Festive Break: Get Outdoors
As the year draws to a close it’s crucial to recharge over the festive break, and there’s no better way to disconnect from work stress than by reconnecting with nature. Stepping away from the desk and into the outdoors can boost mental clarity, creativity, and overall well-being. So, over the festive break here are some simple outdoor activities that will leave you refreshed and ready for the new year.
You’ve Made a Difference – Your Growth, Their Futures
Thank You from all of us at Call of the Wild
As we come towards the end of the year and we reflect on the year we’ve had, we want to share some wonderful news with you all. At Call of the Wild, developing people is at the heart of everything we do – not just in the workplace but also in our communities. That’s why we created the Call of the Wild Development Trust, born from our passion for helping people grow.
Leaders and managers need to create ‘clear blue water’ in the workplace
A difficult relationship
During the course of collecting research data for a number of reports, I discovered some common practices amongst senior managers and leaders who were struggling with their relationships with their teams. Many of them were operating in close proximity to the middle or junior managers who were directly reporting to them. They were aware of every action, every decision and, of course, every error. Often they would step in and ‘help’ through all good intentions, and they saw themselves as hands-on and involved. These people were also under constant time demands to complete their day-to-day tasks, as they were spending a considerable time engaged in unproductive and unnecessary effort.
Balancing Wellbeing and Motivation: Hybrid Wellness Check
The Challenges of Leading Hybrid Teams Into the New Year
As the year draws to a close, leading a hybrid team comes with its own set of challenges. Ensuring your team’s wellbeing, while keeping them motivated to finish the year strong, requires careful planning. Call of the Wild’s Hybrid Wellness Check is a powerful tool that can help leaders overcome these challenges, enabling hybrid teams to thrive now and into the new year.
Leadership Lessons from a Snow Day
The first snow has graced the Brecon Beacons, turning the landscape into a breathtaking winter wonderland. As we take in this stunning transformation, we’re reminded of the valuable leadership and resilience lessons nature has to offer. Just like navigating a snow-covered trail, leadership requires adaptability, clarity, and the strength to overcome challenges—qualities that are tested and strengthened in the wild.
The power of accidental ideas – the Post-it® note
Cast your mind back pre-pandemic, and you’d regularly chat to Dave in finance at the water cooler, to Rachel from HR in the kitchen grabbing your sandwiches from the fridge, and to Shalisha from marketing while she’s smacking the printer in an effort for it to work! How many of these conversations were more than incidental chats? How many of them sparked ideas and follow-up meetings because you were relaxed and informal and asking about the person’s day, or what they were busy working on? They could be conversations of joy, or stress from things not going quite to plan.
Call of the Wild Who?
We’ve been running bespoke leadership and management development programmes to businesses and organisations across the UK since 1998 and we’re proud to call Vodafone, the BBC, Credit Suisse, Cable and Wireless and Babcock, TNT, and Barclays amongst our clients.
Our purpose is to create positive, memorable, measurable, and lasting experiences for clients by exciting, engaging, and energising people through activities and tasks! We focus on getting a return on your investment.
“Unforgettable Team Conference” by London-based Exigere
We recently had the pleasure of working with a London-based company, Exigere, for their annual team conference. We welcomed the 80-member group to the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and created an unforgettable experience for them. In the past, they used this time to visit a European city, focusing more on downtime and sundowners. This year, however, they were clear about their intention to maximise the opportunity for personal and team growth during this period of the company’s expansion.
Is hybrid working stifling your business culture?
“When managers create a safe environment to express ideas and make suggestions, employees are 31 times (!) more likely to think their workplace is a breeding ground for innovation. Workplaces that have innovative cultures inspire employee loyalty, confidence, and willingness to give extra.” Great Place To Work
11 reasons you can’t ignore your team’s happiness
Do you need to achieve at least one of these within your team?
From Big Growth to Big Impact: How Personal Development Fuels Team Success
At Call of the Wild, we understand that leadership begins with personal development for team success. In our Big Growth phase, we’ve focused on helping leaders and individuals seize development opportunities, sharpen skills, and enhance self-awareness. By maximising individual growth, leaders are better prepared to drive their teams towards collective success.
The Critical Importance of Management Training
Why Investing in Leadership Development is Key to Organisational Success
Managers are at the heart of any organisation, responsible for guiding teams, fostering growth, and driving performance. Yet, a significant gap exists between what employees expect from their managers and what they experience. Recent research highlights this disconnect and underscores the pressing need and the importance of management training.
What the Oasis Reunion Teaches Us About Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
This morning, the UK woke up to an announcement that has sent waves of excitement through the nation: Oasis, the iconic 90s band, is reuniting. After years of disputes between the Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, many fans had given up hope of seeing the band back together. Yet here they are, putting differences aside to rekindle the magic that made them one of the most influential bands of the past few decades.
The Value of Taking Time for Personal Growth: Lessons from the Olympics for the Workplace
As we find ourselves in the lull between the Olympics and the Paralympics, many of us may feel the void left by the absence of these inspiring events. However, this quiet period presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on the deeper lessons these games offer. The importance of personal growth inspired by the Olympics goes beyond the athletic arena, offering valuable insights for our own lives. By drawing inspiration from these incredible athletes, we can explore how taking time for personal development can inspire and enhance our performance in the workplace.
Transformational Leadership Training South Wales
Unleash Your Potential with Call of the Wild
Are you looking to elevate your leadership skills to new heights? Discover the power of transformational leadership training in South Wales with the expert guidance of Call of the Wild, based in the stunning Brecon Beacons.
Making the Most of the Summer Lull – Leadership Skills Training UK
Increasingly, the summer holidays are becoming harder and harder to get work done, with people choosing to take their annual leave while the kids are off school. Offices often feel emptier, and the usual hustle and bustle dies down. But rather than seeing this as a slow period, why not view it as a golden opportunity for personal development? Specifically, it’s the perfect time to focus on leadership skills training UK, setting you up for success when the busy season kicks back in.
Rethinking Emotional Intelligence Webinar for Leaders and Managers
Friday 2nd August 2024 | 9:30am – 10:30am | Online Webinar
In today’s world, where AI is rapidly transforming our everyday lives and work environments, the human element in our workplaces is more critical than ever. By honing our Emotional Intelligence (EI), we ensure that our workplaces remain empathetic, supportive, and human-centric amidst the technological advancements. Join our Emotional Intelligence webinar for leaders.
Embrace Big Growth!
As we step into the third quarter of the year, we’re thrilled to announce our new theme: Big Growth. This theme is all about harnessing opportunities for individuals to make the most of their time for development, as individual growth feeds into the overall growth of the team and the organisation. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, take on new challenges, or simply maximise your productivity, this quarter is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Embrace Big Growth for Personal and Professional Development!