The OECD’s 2026 Employment Outlook reveals that noncompete clauses impact employee mobility and wage growth in multiple countries. Australia proposes a ban for lower-income workers, while the U.S. lacks a national ban. Employers should reassess these clauses and focus on creating a workplace that encourages talent retention through engagement, rather than legal restrictions.
Keeping Talent Without Locking the Door Read More »
On October 20, 2026, the European Parliament approved a common digital system for companies to declare workers posted in another EU country, aimed at reducing paperwork. However, member states’ participation is voluntary, meaning the system isn’t yet live, and existing filing processes must continue until implementation.
A Worker Crosses the Border. The Paperwork Follows. Read More »
BT Group’s acquisition of TalkTalk on October 5, 2026, aimed to stabilize a distressed telecommunications business serving 2.5 million customers. The transaction has significant financial implications, with an estimated £400 million impact in the coming year. Leadership must focus on three areas: continuity, truth, and gradual integration to ensure success and mitigate risks.
The Morning After the Rescue Deal Read More »
BT’s acquisition of TalkTalk and PlatformX, announced on October 5, 2026, underscores the challenges of distressed acquisitions. Effective leadership must prioritize continuity, truth, and integration, each operating on different timelines. Success hinges on maintaining service stability, revealing operational realities, and carefully managing integration without destabilizing critical functions.
You Bought the Crisis: Leadership After a Distressed Acquisition Read More »
On October 8, 2026, the U.S. suspended eight major tech firms from the PERM labor-certification process, disrupting pathways for permanent residency. This decision raises concerns about employee retention and organizational knowledge continuity. Companies must adapt their workforce strategies to address legal uncertainty and potential attrition while maintaining effective talent management practices.
Green-Card Freeze Lands on the Org Chart Read More »
BT’s rescue of TalkTalk shows why distressed acquisitions must be led on three clocks: continuity, truth and integration.
The Morning After the Rescue Deal Read More »
Leadership requires knowing when to abandon failing strategies to preserve resources and stakeholder trust. Companies often struggle with strategic exits due to commitment biases. The “Strategic Exit Test” aids leaders in assessing when to stop, reevaluate, or pivot, ensuring that valuable assets and knowledge are retained for future opportunities.
A Strategy Can Expire Before the Company Does Read More »
The article discusses the growing prevalence of algorithmic management in workplaces, where automated systems make decisions affecting employees. It emphasizes the importance of meaningful human oversight, defining conditions for effective governance and accountability. Real management requires the authority and ability to challenge automated decisions, ensuring just and fair outcomes for workers.
A Human in the Loop Is Not Enough Read More »
The article argues for the importance of strategic slack—reserves of capacity, time, options, and authority—within organizations. It emphasizes that efficiency shouldn’t compromise resilience against disruptions, illustrated through case studies of Toyota, TSB, Maersk, and Netflix. Leaders must carefully manage slack to sustain operations during crises.
The Last Five Percent Is Not Waste: The Leadership Case for Strategic Slack Read More »
A diverse workforce relies not just on hiring policies but also on maintaining respect among employees. Disrespect can lead to severe consequences, such as high turnover, legal issues, and even suicidal ideation. Organizations must actively manage respect to prevent individual harm and reputational damage, ensuring shared responsibility in fostering a respectful work environment.
The Cost of Looking Away: Why Respect for Difference Is Everyone’s Job Read More »