SME Training Blog: Real-World Learning, Onboarding and Performance That Actually Works
You have questions and I love to write- goes with the job. But even more, I love to share. So welcome to a source of articles, where you’ll discover answers to your questions, insightful articles and tips on getting the most out of learning in business.
Standard disclaimer here: These articles are my own work and my own opinions. I don’t represent any official position of my clients, former employers, or any other company.
When You Go From Founder to Employer, And Suddenly You’re the Manager
Hiring your first employee changes more than your workload, it changes your role.
This blog explores why first-time line managers often struggle (even when they’re trying hard) and how structured skills build confidence without corporate complexity.
Durable skills aren’t the future. They’re the missing piece right now.
Durable skills aren’t a future trend, they’re the missing piece behind everyday performance problems.
When managers keep firefighting and decisions keep escalating, it’s rarely a motivation issue.
This article explores why durable skills matter more than ever in SMEs and what managers actually need to build.
The performance problems that don’t show up in reports
It’s a new year, but the same interruptions, Teams calls and “can we grab 10 minutes?” requests are still filling your diary.
When everything looks fine on paper but feels heavy in practice, you’re probably dealing with performance problems that never show up in reports.
Managers, trying hard but still struggling?
Your managers aren’t underperforming they’re compensating.
When capability is left to chance, effort rises but performance stalls. Here’s why support beats pressure every time.
New Year, New Quarter, New Financial Year
Q1 is the best time for SMEs to fix skills and clarity before performance suffers. Here’s how to strengthen capability without adding more training.
Why I Don’t Use Video in SkillSmart Courses
Most online courses rely on video. I don’t. Here’s why SkillSmart courses focus on action, thinking, and behaviour change, not passive watching.
When Skills Don’t Match the Job: Stop Losing Performance to Bad Training.
Businesses lose performance when training teaches tasks instead of capability.
Discover how to fix confusion, friction and information overload to build real skills.
The Green Skills Gap Is Coming for SMEs, Ready or Not
One in five UK workers will see their roles change due to the green transition.
Discover what this means for SMEs, which skills will be in demand, and how to prepare your team.
T’was the Night Before Christmas…
Before we log off for Christmas and New Year, we wanted to pause, properly pause. The inbox is quieter, the to-do list has finally stopped growing, and the learning platforms are (mostly) behaving themselves. So, in the spirit of the season, here’s a slightly tongue-in-cheek Learning & Development take on ’Twas the Night Before Christmas …

