Horton International

23% → 21%. Only the second time in 12 years that global engagement has dropped. The first time? COVID. The second time? Right now. But this crisis isn't being driven by external forces - it's coming from within our organisations. Manager burnout is creating a pandemic-level impact on workplace engagement. Discover more in our latest article: https://lnkd.in/e69yB85W Source: Gallup's State of the Global Workplace report.

Great succession planning isn't just about replacing the CEO. The most critical roles in your organization might not be the ones with the fanciest titles. Consider: → Business impact, not job level → Difficulty of replacement → Future strategic importance Real succession planning requires identifying ALL critical roles - from senior leaders to key individual contributors who drive results. It's about creating a future-proofed workforce that can adapt to geopolitical uncertainty, labor shortages, and market disruption. The organizations winning tomorrow are those preparing their entire leadership ecosystem today. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eyR_4yxa #SuccessionPlanning #TalentStrategy #Leadership #BusinessResilience

In our latest newsletter, we explore the evolving forces transforming leadership today, and what executives can do to stay ahead. - Gen Z’s values are redefining what effective leadership looks like. Authenticity and purpose aren’t optional, they’re expected. - AI-powered reasoning is challenging traditional decision-making models. Leaders must now become orchestrators of human-AI teams. - Geopolitical turbulence is no longer background noise. It’s a strategic threat demanding faster, smarter responses. - And many leaders are caught in the tension trap - pulled between performance and purpose, innovation and control. Each article offers practical, actionable insights - from reverse mentoring and AI governance to scenario planning and reframing trade-offs. Read the full edition for strategies to stay resilient, relevant and ready for whatever comes next. #Leadership #FutureOfWork #AILeadership #GenZ #Geopolitics #ExecutiveStrategy #HortonInternational #CLevelInsights #OrganisationalResilience

When 49% of new workplace health conditions are caused by work-related stress, mental health has clearly become a leadership imperative that can't be ignored. Yet many leaders still struggle with where to begin when it comes to creating mentally healthy workplaces. The 5 Cs of Mental Health provide a holistic framework for approaching mental health, placing the emphasis on personal development and interpersonal relationships: Competence → Provide clear expectations and development opportunities Confidence → Foster open dialogue and celebrate achievements  Connection → Build inclusive teams and work-life balance  Character → Lead with integrity and accountability  Caring → Offer mental health resources and train empathetic managers The business case is compelling: poor mental health costs UK employers £56 billion annually, while every £1 invested in mental health interventions returns £5 in reduced absenteeism. But the real impact goes beyond the numbers. Organizations that master the 5 Cs don't just reduce sick days - they create environments where people genuinely want to work, innovate, and grow. Read the full framework: https://lnkd.in/eJq4MMTE #MentalHealth #Leadership #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceCulture #BusinessStrategy

AI is transforming the way we work, but are you ready for the rules that come with it? The EU AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation, is setting a precedent for responsible innovation. With a risk-based framework that divides AI systems into four categories, from Unacceptable to Minimal Risk, leaders must understand their obligations now, not later. In our latest guide, we break down: - What each risk level means for your business - Real-world examples of how AI applications are categorised - Why C-suite leaders and boards must act now to ensure compliance - The global ripple effect this regulation could have beyond the EU Download the full article here: https://lnkd.in/egE8iSVt

Most programs focus on teaching trust-building, communication skills, and creating workplace stability. But research reveals employees want something entirely different from their leaders. 56% of employees seek hope from leadership above all else, outpacing trust by 23 percentage points. When leaders provide hope, they're showing teams a future worth working toward. They're communicating that challenges are temporary and that growth is possible. The organizations that understand this are building cultures where people don't just stay - they thrive. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eYSRsVdH #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #Hope #Management #WorkplaceCulture #HRStrategy Source: Gallup's Global Leadership Report

New C-suite role? Your first 90 days set the tone for everything that follows. Executive presence isn't about putting on a performance. It’s about leading with clarity, building trust, and showing up with purpose - consistently. So how do you make those early days count? - Build authentic relationships - Create visibility that feels natural - Deliver early wins that matter - Lay the foundation for long-term influence Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e6Rwi4Hf #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipOnboarding #CSuiteSuccess #ExecutiveTransition #LeadershipStrategy #HortonInternational

As Gen Z reshapes the workforce, organizations face a critical choice: evolve or fall behind. This generation, shaped by the pandemic and digital-native experiences, brings six non-negotiable workplace expectations: ✅ Mental health support as a baseline requirement ✅ Flexible work arrangements ✅ Genuine work-life balance (not just lip service) ✅ Inclusive, ethical company culture ✅ Transparent communication and regular feedback ✅ Purpose-driven work that creates meaningful impact The numbers tell a powerful story: 46% of Gen Z feels stressed "most of the time" 81% would leave a job for better mental health support Every $1 invested in mental health returns $4 in productivity gains Companies that ignore this shift risk higher turnover, damaged reputation, and lost competitive advantage. But those who embrace it? They're building healthier, more resilient workforces and stronger bottom lines. Read the full insights on preparing for the future of work: https://lnkd.in/epEW2t4A #MentalHealthAtWork #FutureOfWork #GenZ #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership

The traditional "leadership factory" model, where leaders were moulded into identical roles, is no longer sufficient. In a world marked by constant change and unpredictability, organisations must prioritise variety, adaptability, and versatility in their leadership development strategies. Instead of creating standardised leaders, it’s about developing unique individuals who blend essential leadership qualities in diverse ways. In our article, we explore the shift from factory-style leadership development to a more personalised, workshop-based approach and share three key strategies organisations should consider. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eA5X-wig #Leadership #TalentRetention #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessStrategy #OrganizationalGrowth

In today’s competitive landscape, attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just competitive compensation. A Gallup report reveals that over half (55%) of employees receive either poor quality recognition or none at all. When leaders prioritise meaningful acknowledgment, they foster an engaged, committed workforce that drives productivity and strengthens retention. Discover how social recognition can transform your organisational culture and leadership effectiveness. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eqj-s-25 #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #ExecutiveLeadership #TalentRetention #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeRecognition