Balancing Human and Technical Skills: A New Year Reset for Leaders

There’s no doubt that skills-based organisations are on the rise. The shift is clear – businesses are moving away from traditional roles and job titles and instead focusing on the specific skills people bring to the table. It’s an approach that promises agility, innovation, and a competitive edge. But as technical skills take centre stage, what happens to the human side of work?

The irony is that while organisations race to catalogue and quantify their technical capabilities, the skills that make work truly meaningful – empathy, collaboration, adaptability – are at risk of being left behind. And yet, it’s these very qualities that define how we connect, create, and lead.

Click here to read the full blog and discover how leading organisations are redefining success by balancing technical expertise with human connection.

2025: The Year to Get Intentional

The organisations that thrive in 2025 won’t just be those with the best tech – they’ll be the ones with the best people. And not just technically skilled people, but also emotionally intelligent, adaptable, and connected people. Ready to put people at the heart of your organisation’s success? Check out our calendar of events on Humanising Work – a series of thought-provoking roundtables, leadership discussions, and interactive sessions designed to inspire action and drive meaningful change. We'll be looking at topics such as:?

??? How to Spot and Develop Your Workplace Influencers?

???? ?Supporting Women from Middle Management into Senior Roles?

?? ?How is Psychological Safety Critical for Human Sustainability?

?? ?Humanising Communication at the Top?

??? Social Imagination Powered by AI?

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Below are a few upcoming opportunities to register for:

Join Alex and?Sukhvinder Pabial (L&D Delivery and Ops Lead at Marks and Spencer & author of ‘The Resilience Handbook’ for an interactive session where they’ll dive deeper into this topic and share practical insights to help you rethink skills development in 2025. Explore how leaders can create a culture that values both technical know-how and emotional intelligence, ensuring teams are equipped to face challenges head-on. Expect real-world examples, actionable strategies, and plenty of food for thought.

Book your place today

We’re hosting a series of roundtables over the next six months, tackling topics like psychological safety, workplace influencers, and coaching the C-Suite. These sessions are designed to spark conversation, inspire action, and connect leaders globally. It’s not just about talking – it’s about shaping practical solutions that transform workplaces.

Register your interest here

Got an idea, insight, or story to share? Join us on our iconic orange sofas for a Live Event or podcast recording. It’s your chance to shape the conversation about what’s next in the world of work. Whether you’ve developed a groundbreaking model, authored a thought-provoking book, or are driving change within your organisation, this is the platform to amplify your voice.?

Ready to Start 2025 Strong?

January is often a time for reflection and fresh starts, and what better way to kick off the year than by investing in growth and development? At Bailey & French, we believe learning never stops – especially when it comes to leadership.

If investing in your people is a priority this year, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us to find out more about how our programmes can support your teams to step up and lead with purpose.

Bailey & French

Humanising the world of work

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