http://www.hsj.co.uk http://www.hsj.co.uk http://www.hsj.co.uk/magazine/graphics/logo.png http://www.hsj.co.uk http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/big-data-should-inform-commissioning-decisions/5058985.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/big-data-should-inform-commissioning-decisions/5058985.blog More data is available to the NHS than ever, so we should use it when making commissioning decisions. 22 May, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-power-of-an-hsj-blog/5058806.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-power-of-an-hsj-blog/5058806.blog A trip to the health centre suggests local general practice staff have been reading my blog. 17 May, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/challenge-the-myth-of-integrated-care/5058664.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/challenge-the-myth-of-integrated-care/5058664.blog Integrated care is not immune from the problems that affect the existing health and social care system. 14 May, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-problem-with-superficial-inspections/5058368.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-problem-with-superficial-inspections/5058368.blog Some inspections of health and care providers are note much deepe than someone inspecting a second-hand car by going around and kicking the tyres. 8 May, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/cut-the-newspeak-out-of-redundancy-announcements/5058012.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/cut-the-newspeak-out-of-redundancy-announcements/5058012.blog Managers and politicians should be upfront and clear when announcing bad news, not hiding behind jargon. 29 April, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/could-the-rooney-rule-work-in-the-public-sector/5057760.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/could-the-rooney-rule-work-in-the-public-sector/5057760.blog A look at how attitudes to race have changed in public sector recrutiment. 22 April, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/a-commercial-catch-22/5057465.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/a-commercial-catch-22/5057465.blog Behind every good business deal is a catch. 16 April, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/mid-staffs-shows-a-foundation-trust-can-go-bust/5057482.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/mid-staffs-shows-a-foundation-trust-can-go-bust/5057482.blog Is it possible for trusts provide excellent care while staying within budget? 16 April, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/not-sleeping-your-way-to-the-top/5057460.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/not-sleeping-your-way-to-the-top/5057460.blog Separating fact from fiction about senior managers and their lives away from work 16 April, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/senior-management-was-incompetent-and-reckless/5057242.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/senior-management-was-incompetent-and-reckless/5057242.blog Blair McPherson on how we should judge managers 10 April, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/a-rising-management-star-crashes-and-burns/5056953.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/a-rising-management-star-crashes-and-burns/5056953.blog Are managers being given too much credit for success and too much blame for failure? 3 April, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/high-level-anger-management/5056667.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/high-level-anger-management/5056667.blog There’s nothing wrong with managers being angry about poor care, but they still need to be in control. 25 March, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-power-of-the-political-placebo/5056664.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-power-of-the-political-placebo/5056664.blog Are GPs prescribing placebos any more unethical than when politicians and managers talk about service closures? 25 March, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/if-the-shark-doesnt-get-you-hr-will/5056280.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/if-the-shark-doesnt-get-you-hr-will/5056280.blog Managing an employee’s sick leave and return to work is never straightforward once you look into their individual circumstances. 18 March, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/patients-vs-the-business-case/5056031.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/patients-vs-the-business-case/5056031.blog The NHS is not subject to local democratic accountability. If you want to have more say in what happens to your local hospital maybe you should advocate a transfer to local government 11 March, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/a-shakespearian-story-at-the-top-of-the-nhs/5055788.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/a-shakespearian-story-at-the-top-of-the-nhs/5055788.blog Sir David Nicholson will no doubt be wondering who his friends are and who he can trust as the press clamours for his resignation. 5 March, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/interim-nhs-managers-can-relate-to-rafael-benitez/5055786.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/interim-nhs-managers-can-relate-to-rafael-benitez/5055786.blog Senior NHS managers are now considered like football coaches, no one expects them to be around for very long. 5 March, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/passion-runneth-over-in-the-job-search/5055634.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/passion-runneth-over-in-the-job-search/5055634.blog Employers have devalued passion as a word for describing how we feel about work. 28 February, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-nhs-should-aim-higher-than-dont-be-evil/5055234.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-nhs-should-aim-higher-than-dont-be-evil/5055234.blog “Do no evil” seems a very modest ambition, but it’s one banks and multinationals have struggled to live up to. Surely the NHS can be better than this? 20 February, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/an-nhs-love-story/5054864.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/an-nhs-love-story/5054864.blog In which the NHS is the woman, a man with the trousers on his head is the private sector and government policy is the magic spell designed to open up the NHS. 11 February, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/clearing-up-confusion-on-commissioning/5054843.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/clearing-up-confusion-on-commissioning/5054843.blog Clearing up some confusion about commissioning, and a cautionary tale about public sector cooperation with the private sector. 11 February, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/francis-will-likely-say-parts-of-the-nhs-arent-good-with-people/5054507.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/francis-will-likely-say-parts-of-the-nhs-arent-good-with-people/5054507.blog One of the messages from the Francis report on Wednesday will be that the NHS needs to focus more on people. 4 February, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/money-cant-buy-an-all-star-team/5054248.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/money-cant-buy-an-all-star-team/5054248.blog High-performing teams are rarely created but they evolve when all memebrs share responsibility, support their colleagyes and take it in turns to lead 29 January, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/is-it-harder-to-be-an-honest-senior-manager-in-todays-nhs/5053858.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/is-it-harder-to-be-an-honest-senior-manager-in-todays-nhs/5053858.blog League tables, naming and shaming and austerity have put more pressure on managers in the public sector, making if difficult for some to remain honest and open. 21 January, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/leadership-lessons-from-the-thin-white-duke/5053613.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/leadership-lessons-from-the-thin-white-duke/5053613.blog The NHS is seeking to revive a familiar refrain with a return to “heroic leadership”. 14 January, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/military-style-leadership-doesnt-suit-the-public-sector/5053334.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/military-style-leadership-doesnt-suit-the-public-sector/5053334.blog Why the armed forces’ show of force leadership style is the wrong type for the NHS and local government. 7 January, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/a-new-look-for-nhs-leaders-in-2013/5053193.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/a-new-look-for-nhs-leaders-in-2013/5053193.blog Will the appearance of NHS managers follow trends from the Middle East in the coming year? 2 January, 2013 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/-why-the-public-sector-shouldnt-use-head-hunters/5052913.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/-why-the-public-sector-shouldnt-use-head-hunters/5052913.blog Recruitment consultants will identify the right person for the post but this is not necessarily the best person, which is why the publci sector should not use them. 13 December, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-drama-of-being-a-whistleblower/5052659.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-drama-of-being-a-whistleblower/5052659.blog The potentially traumatic experience of being a public sector whistleblower, plus the dangers of NHS hospitals being “all most full” 6 December, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/concern-that-black-staff-are-more-likely-to-be-disciplined/5052558.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/concern-that-black-staff-are-more-likely-to-be-disciplined/5052558.blog In the NHS and other public sector organisations, black staff are involved in a disproportionate number of disciplinary cases 4 December, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/whats-so-hard-about-saying-sorry/5052062.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/whats-so-hard-about-saying-sorry/5052062.blog Most people who complain just want an apology or explanation. They are not looking for compensation or staff to be disciplined. 21 November, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/protecting-the-nhs-brand-or-devaluing-it/5051865.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/protecting-the-nhs-brand-or-devaluing-it/5051865.blog Sir David Nicholson has had to defend the role of the NHS’s new “head of brand” 15 November, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/stairlifts-on-cell-block-h-who-cares-for-older-prisoners/5051560.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/stairlifts-on-cell-block-h-who-cares-for-older-prisoners/5051560.blog The photograph was of a frail man in a wheelchair handcuffed to a prison officer. The article and accompanying photograph appeared in The Guardian highlighting the problem of caring for the increasing numbers of elderly and disabled prisoners. 7 November, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/better-to-seek-forgiveness-than-ask-permission/5051522.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/better-to-seek-forgiveness-than-ask-permission/5051522.blog Have you a management philosophy? Mine is if its not explicitly against the rules then I can probably get away with it. 6 November, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/winterbourne-view-was-shocking-but-hardly-surprising/5051305.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/winterbourne-view-was-shocking-but-hardly-surprising/5051305.blog Some people will be genuinely shocked at the prison sentences handed out to staff who worked at the Winterbourne View home for people with learning disabilities. 31 October, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/harassment-has-not-gone-away/5050867.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/harassment-has-not-gone-away/5050867.blog The whole Jimmy Savile scandal has made people think about sexual harassment at work. 19 October, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-shocking-truth-about-anonymous-comments/5049903.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-shocking-truth-about-anonymous-comments/5049903.blog You will often find on HSJ, and other professional publications, people responding to articles anonymously. Those who don’t put their names to their comments are invariably being rude, offensive or cynical. 26 September, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/culture-is-as-intangible-as-the-air-we-breathe/5049902.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/culture-is-as-intangible-as-the-air-we-breathe/5049902.blog Senior managers are fond of saying we need to change the culture of the organisation. 26 September, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/equal-opportunities-under-the-new-ccgs/5050137.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/equal-opportunities-under-the-new-ccgs/5050137.blog The first week in October is a landmark for the NHS. 2 October, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/stampede-for-the-exit/5049901.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/stampede-for-the-exit/5049901.blog I am one of those people who says “I told you so”. The NHS Commissioning board has identified that it is struggling to find suitable people to fill its senior vacancies and there is a risk of posts remaining vacant. 26 September, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/did-she-jump-or-was-she-pushed/5049594.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/did-she-jump-or-was-she-pushed/5049594.blog There have been a number of women resign from the Civil Service recently. 19 September, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/how-to-be-successful-at-interview/5049233.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/how-to-be-successful-at-interview/5049233.blog We were in a hotel bar the night before the interview, me, the three other shortlisted candidates and the recruitment consultant. 11 September, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/un-learning-leadership-in-the-nhs/5048940.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/un-learning-leadership-in-the-nhs/5048940.blog The traditional view of leadership is a charismatic individual who - by sheer force of personality and will - drives through change and makes things happen; a heroic figure. 4 September, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/no-u-in-team/5048729.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/no-u-in-team/5048729.blog You don’t have to be a cricket fan to recognise the situation: your best player - who thinks he can do a better job of running the team - is bad mouthing you and his team mates to the opposition. Clearly this is not good for team spirit. However it is not unusual in sport - or in the office. 28 August, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/do-extroverts-perform-better-at-interview-or-do-they-just-think-they-do/5048104.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/do-extroverts-perform-better-at-interview-or-do-they-just-think-they-do/5048104.blog The interview process seems designed to favour the extrovert 9 August, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/50-shades-of-management/5048103.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/50-shades-of-management/5048103.blog What is a management restructuring but a way of gently but firmly forcing you to adopt a new position, testing your flexibility and willingness to please? 9 August, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-trust-really-the-be-all-and-end-all-of-leading/5047364.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-trust-really-the-be-all-and-end-all-of-leading/5047364.blog You can’t be an effective leader if you don’t have the trust of your peers and the public. 20 July, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/a-death-in-a-hostel/5046906.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/a-death-in-a-hostel/5046906.blog A personal account of managing a home for “difficult” elderly male patients. 9 July, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/who-cares-what-they-think/5046905.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/who-cares-what-they-think/5046905.blog Leaders pushing through decisions without consulting patients or even staff suggest a disregard for what people think. Is engagement just a pipedream for the NHS? 9 July, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/lessons-for-the-care-industry-from-the-car-industry/5046085.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/lessons-for-the-care-industry-from-the-car-industry/5046085.blog The car industry and the health care industry have much in common. Both deal in body parts, and what are surgeons but mechanics, hospitals mere repair shops and people “soft” machines? 18 June, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/hiring-and-firing-at-will/5045661.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/hiring-and-firing-at-will/5045661.blog I would have sacked a lot more people if I could have got away with it. 6 June, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/change-management-and-changing-definitions/5045462.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/change-management-and-changing-definitions/5045462.blog What does being a manager mean nowadays? 29 May, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/playing-to-the-whistle/5045465.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/playing-to-the-whistle/5045465.blog Are whistleblowers good people trying to do the right thing or are they persuing their own agenda, just trying to get someone else into trouble because they don’t like them or want their job? 29 May, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-fall-of-the-roman-empire/5045068.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-fall-of-the-roman-empire/5045068.blog Following a humiliating defeat, those in charge blame the rank and file. 18 May, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/holding-a-mirror-up-to-the-managers/5044831.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/holding-a-mirror-up-to-the-managers/5044831.blog “Mirror mirror on the wall, am I a good manager after all?” 14 May, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/devaluing-social-work-with-adults-will-cause-huge-problems/5044380.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/devaluing-social-work-with-adults-will-cause-huge-problems/5044380.blog The NHS stands to lose big if local authorities begin cutting the number of social workers helping older patients and people with disabilities. 30 April, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/inspections-can-only-hope-to-inspire-managers-into-stopping-abuse/5044278.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/inspections-can-only-hope-to-inspire-managers-into-stopping-abuse/5044278.blog Inspectors can’t realistically hope to “catch out” staff who abuse care home residents; it’s up to the managers to ensure their employees are all delivering good care. 27 April, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/how-will-doctors-see-fit-to-spend-their-budgets/5044008.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/how-will-doctors-see-fit-to-spend-their-budgets/5044008.blog Doctors may have a few things on their wishlists now they are supposed to be in charge of commissioning services. 19 April, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/yes-we-do-talk-about-you/5042743.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/yes-we-do-talk-about-you/5042743.blog My colleague on the senior management team seemed surprised - shocked, even: “Do you mean to say you talk about me and members of my team during your meetings?” as if this was slightly improper, unprofessional and indiscrete. 14 March, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/collaboration-with-the-private-sector-a-necessary-evil/5042745.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/collaboration-with-the-private-sector-a-necessary-evil/5042745.blog These days, being the chief executive of a public sector organisation means collaborating with the private sector. 14 March, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/the-appeal-of-diversity-in-theory/5042252.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/the-appeal-of-diversity-in-theory/5042252.blog Embracing diversity in the workplace is now a common goal for every organisation. Achieving it is much trickier than the cosy theory behind it, however. 5 March, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/in-nhs-board-games-no-one-is-safe/5041899.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/in-nhs-board-games-no-one-is-safe/5041899.blog Cynthia Bower’s resignation yesterday reminds us that the casualties of NHS boardroom powerplays go all the way to the top. 24 February, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-there-an-i-in-success-busting-the-team-building-myth/5041656.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-there-an-i-in-success-busting-the-team-building-myth/5041656.blog A successful team of staff doesn’t mean that all of them have to be “team players”. In fact if they don’t get on with each other, they may get on better with the job in hand. 17 February, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-fiddling-the-figures-all-part-of-the-game-now/5042750.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-fiddling-the-figures-all-part-of-the-game-now/5042750.blog Mark was angry, and the more he read, the angrier he got. 14 March, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/are-managers-too-busy-to-manage/5041512.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/are-managers-too-busy-to-manage/5041512.blog NHS managers are too busy to address staff health at work, according to this headline in HSJ. The report on the launch of the Healthcare Management unit code of conduct provided the opportunity for Dame Carol Black to express her disappointment and frustration at the lack of buy by the NHS. Of the 370 organisations signed up to date only eight are from the NHS.  14 February, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/are-leaders-a-product-of-their-environment-or-is-it-the-other-way-round/5040754.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/are-leaders-a-product-of-their-environment-or-is-it-the-other-way-round/5040754.blog The People Manager compares a recent report on NHS Top Leaders being “over confident” with an interview given by a chief executive this week. 26 January, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-issue-of-heterosexual-discrimination/5041174.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-issue-of-heterosexual-discrimination/5041174.blog Issues of discrimination around employees’ sexuality can be common - but can organisation leaders make heterosexual employees feel uncomfortable? 7 February, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/profit-and-loss-in-the-new-public-sector/5040338.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/profit-and-loss-in-the-new-public-sector/5040338.blog It is very clear now that the new public sector is going to look very different to the old public sector. 17 January, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/dont-presume-that-racism-is-no-longer-a-problem/5040020.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/dont-presume-that-racism-is-no-longer-a-problem/5040020.blog Racism has been top of the news agenda again in recent days thanks to the conviction of Stephen Lawrence’s murderers, but how far have things really moved on? 10 January, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/abuse-and-negelect-what-2011-will-be-remembered-for/5040143.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/abuse-and-negelect-what-2011-will-be-remembered-for/5040143.blog The year started badly with ombudsman Ann Abraham’s damning report into elderly person’s care; then the Winterbourne View abuse case made things a lot worse. 2011 never really recovered as the image of neglect in the NHS sharpened. Will 2012 be any better? 12 January, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/pointing-the-finger/5039726.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/pointing-the-finger/5039726.blog Pointing the finger of blame at one individual is often convenient for a lot or people, but 3 January, 2012 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-community-care-as-we-know-it-dead/5039105.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-community-care-as-we-know-it-dead/5039105.blog Reports of the death of community care have not been exaggerated. 9 December, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/when-is-whistleblowing-not-whistleblowing/5039487.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/when-is-whistleblowing-not-whistleblowing/5039487.blog I was recently surprised to hear an NHS board member described as a whistleblower, given their position and power. 19 December, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-strikes-dont-mean-staff-dont-like-doing-their-job/5039485.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-strikes-dont-mean-staff-dont-like-doing-their-job/5039485.blog Generally across the public sector, staff remain committed to providing a high standard of service to the client or end user. Keeping morale high should be a line manager’s priority in a time of organisational cuts and structure changes. 19 December, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/when-customer-care-alone-is-not-enough/5038294.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/when-customer-care-alone-is-not-enough/5038294.blog Apparantly the saviour of public sector finances is better customer care. Is that really enough? Please hold while I connect you to an advisor. 23 November, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/macho-macho-management/5038139.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/macho-macho-management/5038139.blog Three quarters of the NHS workforce is female, half of GPs are women but commissioning is man’s work, according to workforce figures. Is this consciously unfair, or a simple by-product of the current climate? 18 November, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/dancing-with-the-devil-exorcism-in-the-nhs/5038132.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/dancing-with-the-devil-exorcism-in-the-nhs/5038132.blog A blog about the revelation that the NHS uses exorcism as an alternative form of treatment for some mental health patients. 18 November, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/a-shocking-indictment-of-corporate-management-culture/5038131.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/a-shocking-indictment-of-corporate-management-culture/5038131.blog A documentary on Gatwick Airport produced an eyebrow-raising insight into private secotor management culture. 18 November, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/why-cant-health-and-social-care-services-get-it-together/5037324.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/why-cant-health-and-social-care-services-get-it-together/5037324.blog Everyone is talking about integration, but why haven’t we got it together yet? 31 October, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/in-the-drive-for-equality-culture-eats-strategy-for-breakfast/5036864.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/in-the-drive-for-equality-culture-eats-strategy-for-breakfast/5036864.blog Even the best laid strategies sometimes fall short of achieving their goals. With an issue like equality, cultural changes are just as important as putting official plans in place. 21 October, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/its-time-to-talk-about-values/5036485.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/its-time-to-talk-about-values/5036485.blog The public sector’s values have become aligned in recent times to those of the private sector. It’s time to get back to what the public sector should stand for: doing the right thing. 13 October, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-the-public-sector-running-out-of-ideas/5036137.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-the-public-sector-running-out-of-ideas/5036137.blog The changing role of chief executive’s requires a change in approach. But do the demands on management team leave them no room to manoeuvre? 6 October, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/say-no-to-yes-men-and-women/5035418.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/say-no-to-yes-men-and-women/5035418.blog As the Liberal Democrat conference draws to a close, opposition ministers have again targeted Nick Clegg for reneging on party policies and ‘selling out’ in forming the Tory-Lib Dem coalition. Can he ever be more than a “yes man”? 22 September, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/leaders-lack-confidence-in-the-changes-theyve-been-asked-to-make/5034829.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/leaders-lack-confidence-in-the-changes-theyve-been-asked-to-make/5034829.blog Transforming the public sector on the scale the government requires was always going to be difficult. The success looks more difficult still as the majority of leaders in the public sector have no confidence in the changes they’ve been asked to make. 12 September, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/apple-of-the-eye-why-leaders-should-never-be-seen-as-indispensible/5034787.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/apple-of-the-eye-why-leaders-should-never-be-seen-as-indispensible/5034787.blog The announcement last month that Steve Jobs was stepping down as chief executive of Apple prompted discussion about whether it is good for a company to be so identified with one individual. 9 September, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/dont-make-me-think/5034455.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/dont-make-me-think/5034455.blog Telling people what to think and making people think are very different, and often bring different outcomes. But how do the approaches compare when it comes to disability? 1 September, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/leadership-not-as-dangerous-as-some-might-make-out/5034069.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/leadership-not-as-dangerous-as-some-might-make-out/5034069.blog The claim that “leadership is dangerous” needs some context, as the public sector doesn’t necessarily lend itself to all-guns-blazing macho men and women. 23 August, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/if-bullying-doesnt-bother-staff-why-are-so-many-absent/5033931.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/if-bullying-doesnt-bother-staff-why-are-so-many-absent/5033931.blog Two articles published on HSJ.co.uk: one on bullying, the other on absenteeism. Surely I can’t be the only one putting two and two together… 18 August, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/trying-to-force-equality-in-leadership-is-an-unbalanced-approach/5033682.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/trying-to-force-equality-in-leadership-is-an-unbalanced-approach/5033682.blog The NHS breakthrough programme of putting a small number - around 60 - of black and minority ethnic managers through a leadership programme and hoping this will result in more BME senior managers isn’t working. It was a little naive to think it would. 11 August, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/what-happens-when-pleasing-the-boss-goes-too-far/5033424.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/what-happens-when-pleasing-the-boss-goes-too-far/5033424.blog Managers who surround themselves with “Yes Men” are even harder to please when the answer should be “no”… 4 August, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/changing-behaviour-needs-more-than-a-nudge/5033014.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/changing-behaviour-needs-more-than-a-nudge/5033014.blog Politicians and leadership like “nudge theory” - the idea that a “nudge” in the right direction can inspire behaviour change at a large level. But does it work? 25 July, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-your-organisation-accepting-the-unacceptable-challenging-ethical-fading/5032871.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-your-organisation-accepting-the-unacceptable-challenging-ethical-fading/5032871.blog They call it “ethical fading”. You and I call it going along with something you know is wrong. 21 July, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/your-flight-has-been-cancelled-by-your-employer/5032876.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/your-flight-has-been-cancelled-by-your-employer/5032876.blog When staff shortages mean organisations cancel their employees’ holidays, there are bound to be issues with people management. 21 July, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/beyond-samosas-and-reggae-or-developing-services-with-equal-opportunities/5032271.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/beyond-samosas-and-reggae-or-developing-services-with-equal-opportunities/5032271.blog A short note recognising the equality campaigning by Nasa Begum. 7 July, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-difference-between-what-is-said-and-what-is-meant/5032270.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-difference-between-what-is-said-and-what-is-meant/5032270.blog Language is important to get right - there is often a difference between words said, and meaning implied. Between the lines is where the truth lies… 7 July, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-great-care-divide/5033059.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-great-care-divide/5033059.blog Funding for care, particularly older person’s care, is high on the agenda, and new proposals have divided opinion. 26 July, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/why-you-should-keep-the-smiling-assassins-in-hr-on-your-side/5031972.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/why-you-should-keep-the-smiling-assassins-in-hr-on-your-side/5031972.blog HR get a lot of criticism from staff and managers alike. But they function in the best interests of the organisation, not individuals or groups of employees, so it may be wiser to keep them onside than wage war. 30 June, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-enthusiasm-the-key-skill-to-look-for-in-public-sector-recruitment/5031025.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/is-enthusiasm-the-key-skill-to-look-for-in-public-sector-recruitment/5031025.blog Surely departing from tradition and qualifications and embracing enthusiasm will make for a more successful public sector. 10 June, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/what-happens-when-chief-executives-are-slow-to-pick-up-on-patient-complaints/5030959.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/what-happens-when-chief-executives-are-slow-to-pick-up-on-patient-complaints/5030959.blog The answer: patients are left believing they have cancer purely because consulting rooms are busy, as I was unfortunate enough to discover. 9 June, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/can-local-authorities-step-up-as-good-providers-of-care/5030952.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/can-local-authorities-step-up-as-good-providers-of-care/5030952.blog Change must come as the public sector’s dominance and budget cuts in local authorities mean there is no way for the majority of the population to get, or afford, quality care. 9 June, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/senior-managers-need-to-get-hands-on-with-customers/5030689.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/senior-managers-need-to-get-hands-on-with-customers/5030689.blog Organisations need to return to the days without layers of middlemen when dealing with customers if they are to ensure their services are running properly. 3 June, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/life-after-senior-management-its-not-over-for-the-over-50s/5030672.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/life-after-senior-management-its-not-over-for-the-over-50s/5030672.blog The task of applying for a new job as a former manager may seem daunting, but the benefit of experience channelled the right way makes it very achievable. 3 June, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-end-of-the-start-for-personalisation-in-adult-social-care/5030670.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-end-of-the-start-for-personalisation-in-adult-social-care/5030670.blog With social workers critical of the idea, it looks like the government is quietly moving away from the idea of personalisation in social care before it has even been implemented. 3 June, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-never-asked-question-what-if-i-am-wrong/5030338.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-never-asked-question-what-if-i-am-wrong/5030338.blog If managers are so sure they are right, does that mean everyone else is wrong? 26 May, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/collective-failures-can-hinder-social-care/5030331.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/collective-failures-can-hinder-social-care/5030331.blog Hate crimes need to be treated more seriously by public sector services if tragedies like the one back in the spotlight this week are to be avoided. 26 May, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/undermanaged-nhs-needs-step-change-in-appointment-process/5030197.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/undermanaged-nhs-needs-step-change-in-appointment-process/5030197.blog The King’s Fund report is right to suggest the “undermanaged” NHS is needs a new style of leadership - but the way managers are appointed needs to change first if the balance is to be successfully redressed. 24 May, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-culture-shift-required-to-achieve-equality-in-the-workplace/5030034.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-culture-shift-required-to-achieve-equality-in-the-workplace/5030034.blog How can you champion equal opportunities in the workplace if your staff aren’t comfortable enough to share the information? 19 May, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-powers-of-the-dynamic-duo/5030031.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-powers-of-the-dynamic-duo/5030031.blog The role of the deputy is often underplayed, undervalued and sometimes, in the case of Nick Clegg, mocked. But this is to miss the vital part they play in partnerships, and without deputies, many leaders wouldn’t be where they are. 19 May, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/fast-cheap-and-intimidating-the-future-of-nhs-services/5029580.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/fast-cheap-and-intimidating-the-future-of-nhs-services/5029580.blog Why the future of our public services is like a New York breakfast. 9 May, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/making-time-for-successful-management-development/5029312.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/making-time-for-successful-management-development/5029312.blog Management development programmes have a vital part to play in achieving powerful organisational change - but only if they can be delivered properly, to the right people. 3 May, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-casualties-of-workplace-conflict-arent-just-the-staff/5029022.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-casualties-of-workplace-conflict-arent-just-the-staff/5029022.blog Anxiety over the reforms is heightening conflict in the workplace, and that conflict is threatening to spill over into the quality of care. 21 April, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/graduates-need-more-than-a-degree-from-the-university-of-life/5028805.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/graduates-need-more-than-a-degree-from-the-university-of-life/5028805.blog Why linking up practices and surgeries with local schools could help produce the next generation of medical graduates. 18 April, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/getting-the-message-across/5028800.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/getting-the-message-across/5028800.blog With the reforms attempting to introduce competition into almost all facets of the NHS, it’s time for marketing in the health service to get with the times. 18 April, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/stuck-in-the-middle/5028798.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/stuck-in-the-middle/5028798.blog Being in middle management often requires evasive action to avoid friendly fire from both directions. 18 April, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/learning-the-management-lingo/5028332.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/learning-the-management-lingo/5028332.blog Ambitious managers need to learn a certain type of language to get ahead - the rest of us just need to try and work out what they’re saying. 7 April, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/when-looking-the-part-goes-too-far/5028076.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/when-looking-the-part-goes-too-far/5028076.blog It’s always said that appearances can be decieving - but surely looking your best for your employer should never be frowned upon? 1 April, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/sometimes-the-best-thing-to-happen-to-a-candidate-is-not-getting-the-job/5027789.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/sometimes-the-best-thing-to-happen-to-a-candidate-is-not-getting-the-job/5027789.blog “A few questions from the panel wouldn’t pose a problem to a candidate of this calibre,” I thought. But I was wrong. 28 March, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/charm-might-not-be-on-the-job-description-but-you-wont-get-far-without-it/5027199.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/charm-might-not-be-on-the-job-description-but-you-wont-get-far-without-it/5027199.blog An unspoken requirement for an increasingly familiar style of management in the public sector is being able to relate to and charm the colleagues below, above and alongside you. 15 March, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/how-to-win-praise-and-influence-people/5027197.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/how-to-win-praise-and-influence-people/5027197.blog In busy, competitive environments, praise is often in short supply for anyone who thinks simply turning up deserves a shower of superlatives. But how do hardworking staff who feel undervalued get into a managers’ good books? 15 March, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/replacing-the-irreplaceable/5027194.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/replacing-the-irreplaceable/5027194.blog If no one is indispensable, it is still vital an individual’s unique qualities are fully recognised to continue developing a strong staff, and an improving work ethic. 15 March, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/headhunters-beauty-parades-and-trial-by-sherry/5026784.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/headhunters-beauty-parades-and-trial-by-sherry/5026784.blog For all the artificial glamour of senior management recruitment processes for local government, the gritty basics are usually most important things to remember. 4 March, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/taking-the-fight-to-bullies-in-the-workplace/5026780.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/taking-the-fight-to-bullies-in-the-workplace/5026780.blog If you need to exist in a culture of bullying until you’re able to move on elsewhere, The People Manager has some survival tips. 4 March, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/poor-elderly-care-is-more-than-circumstantial/5026778.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/poor-elderly-care-is-more-than-circumstantial/5026778.blog Addressing problems in care standards starts with changing the group mentality. 4 March, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/living-on-pizza-saved-my-life/5026235.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/living-on-pizza-saved-my-life/5026235.blog Only in America would a three-year long pizza-a-day habit put someone in hospital - for the right reasons. 24 February, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/are-there-any-leaders-who-dont-do-u-turns/5026226.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/are-there-any-leaders-who-dont-do-u-turns/5026226.blog Leaders clearly need a steady hand to take the wheel - but that doesn’t mean the road is always a straight one. 24 February, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-blame-game-wont-halt-elderly-care-failings/5026145.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-blame-game-wont-halt-elderly-care-failings/5026145.blog I don’t blame the nurses. I don’t blame the hospital managers. I don’t even blame the budget cuts for the pain and suffering inflicted on elderly patients. 23 February, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/hospital-food-is-a-recipe-of-contrary-ingredients/5025715.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/hospital-food-is-a-recipe-of-contrary-ingredients/5025715.blog When heart attack patients can tuck into a fry up the morning after a bypass, the health service needs to re-examine its position on hospital food. 14 February, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/taking-action-on-workplace-discrimination/5025700.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/taking-action-on-workplace-discrimination/5025700.blog Two prominent sports commentators persistently make sexist comments to colleagues and guests off air. Why didn’t someone do something? 14 February, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/youre-going-home-improving-the-interview-process/5025246.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/youre-going-home-improving-the-interview-process/5025246.blog Interview days are usually so boring, something should be done to shake up the process. 7 February, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/plan-b-or-not-plan-b/5025289.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/plan-b-or-not-plan-b/5025289.blog What happens if your department doesn’t make the savings? 7 February, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/theres-something-fishy-about-all-this-change/5025258.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/theres-something-fishy-about-all-this-change/5025258.blog Ambitious managers are like sharks. They need to keep moving or they die. 7 February, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/we-will-let-you-know-by-the-weekend/5024775.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/we-will-let-you-know-by-the-weekend/5024775.blog How do you prolong the torture that is ‘the interview process’? 28 January, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/equipping-managers-for-an-uncertain-future/5024783.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/equipping-managers-for-an-uncertain-future/5024783.blog After savage budget cuts public sector organisations will look very different.They will require a very different type of manager. 28 January, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/she-looked-like-she-was-on-a-big-ride-at-alton-towers/5024780.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/she-looked-like-she-was-on-a-big-ride-at-alton-towers/5024780.blog The hospital porter was pulling the wheelchair at speed from the x-ray department to the ward. The elderly patient was tipped back in the chair, gripping the arms tightly, her face frozen in fear all she could see was the ceiling lights flashing past. 28 January, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/pensioner-crime-wave-challenges-public-sector-leaders/5024762.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/pensioner-crime-wave-challenges-public-sector-leaders/5024762.blog Where life means life, in the USA, the problem of elderly prisoners has been around for a long time but it is a relatively new feature of British prisons. 28 January, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/any-sudden-death/5024763.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/any-sudden-death/5024763.blog Public sector agencies are being encouraged to work closer together. 28 January, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/low-morale-does-it-really-matter/5024769.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/low-morale-does-it-really-matter/5024769.blog He had noticed the atmosphere in the office and knew that staff were unhappy. 28 January, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/can-we-still-afford-equality-for-women/5024782.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/can-we-still-afford-equality-for-women/5024782.blog The CBI wants all companies to disclose their targets for promoting women and then report on their progress. 28 January, 2011 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-book-of-the-dead/5022925.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-book-of-the-dead/5022925.blog The Book of the Dead is the name of the current Egyptian exhibition at the British museum. It would have made a good alternative title for Dr Foster’s hospital guide. 8 December, 2010 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/gypsies-and-travellers-are-the-most-disadvantaged-minority-within-our-society/5020116.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/gypsies-and-travellers-are-the-most-disadvantaged-minority-within-our-society/5020116.blog There is a unpleasant smell of hypocrisy as the French government is condemned by other European governments for its mass expulsion of Romany Gypsies. 4 October, 2010 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/it-wont-be-lack-of-money-that-does-for-the-public-sector/5020118.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/it-wont-be-lack-of-money-that-does-for-the-public-sector/5020118.blog In the end it won’t be lack of money that does for the public sector. It won’t be the loss of skills or the lack of experience due to early retirements and redundancies. 4 October, 2010 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/so-whats-wrong-with-wearing-a-dress-to-work/5020113.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/so-whats-wrong-with-wearing-a-dress-to-work/5020113.blog Ben had since adolescence felt uncomfortable in a man’s body, so after much careful thought and counselling had decided to have a sex change. 4 October, 2010 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/how-to-fail-without-really-trying/5020115.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/how-to-fail-without-really-trying/5020115.blog You need three ingredients to be really unsuccessful. 4 October, 2010 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/managers-need-more-than-a-short-course-to-lead-a-diverse-workforce/5020093.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/managers-need-more-than-a-short-course-to-lead-a-diverse-workforce/5020093.blog Managers in the public sector seldom have the confidence and skills to manage an increasingly diverse workforce. 4 October, 2010 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/how-can-managers-keep-staff-happy-amid-pay-freezes-and-layoffs/5018627.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/how-can-managers-keep-staff-happy-amid-pay-freezes-and-layoffs/5018627.blog Happy staff work harder and achieve more. This is probably not a big surprise to most managers, nor I suspect is the view that if staff are unhappy it affects their work. 25 August, 2010 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/meeting-big-challenges-means-radically-changing-how-people-behave/5018623.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/meeting-big-challenges-means-radically-changing-how-people-behave/5018623.blog We need to promote fairness in how we recruit people, fairness in how we select people for promotion, fairness in how we treat people at work, fairness in how we allocate scarce resources. 25 August, 2010 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-nhs-needs-to-recognise-it-is-wasting-talent/5018638.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/the-nhs-needs-to-recognise-it-is-wasting-talent/5018638.blog Apparently the NHS isn’t sexist. The fact that fewer than 30 per cent of consultants are women when they make up two thirds of doctors doesn’t indicate prejudice or discrimination. 25 August, 2010 http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/many-managers-will-be-sweating-on-the-beach-over-their-future/5018617.blog http://www.hsj.co.uk/opinion/blogs/the-people-manager/many-managers-will-be-sweating-on-the-beach-over-their-future/5018617.blog ‘Some managers think decisions will be made in their absence about their department and their future if they go on holiday’ 25 August, 2010