Steering Point Articles
Craft Your Team Like an Artisan: Purposeful Foundation, Evolving Structure
When engineers design a high-rise building, they don’t bolt every beam tightly into place. Instead, they build in flexibility – joints that slide, materials that give – so the structure can sway slightly with wind, absorb shocks, and remain stable through movement. Rigidity breaks; adaptive structure endures. The same is true for genuinely effective teams.
What do Trump’s Tariffs Mean for Ireland?
One of the most striking aspects of Ireland’s economic landscape is its reliance on what are known as “phantom exports” –– goods produced abroad under contract by Irish-registered firms but booked as Irish exports despite never physically entering the country… In 2023, phantom exports accounted for a staggering €92 billion, representing more than a quarter of Ireland’s total merchandise exports of €329 billion.
Why Some Companies Handle Trade Wars Better Than Others
The 2018 US-China trade war provided a particularly illuminating case study because of its scale and the availability of detailed transaction data. According to Fan et al.’s research, which analysed more than 300 pairs of US and Chinese companies engaged in business both before and after the trade war began, the impacts varied dramatically based on several key corporate characteristics.
Staying Ahead: The Power of Upskilling
The workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by automation, and digital transformation. What was cutting-edge yesterday may be outdated tomorrow. As industries shift and job roles transform, traditional skills alone are no longer enough. Organisations that fail to adapt risk losing their competitive edge, while those that embrace continuous learning will thrive. Upskilling and reskilling are no longer optional, they are essential for staying ahead, ensuring employees are equipped not just for today’s demands, but for the opportunities of the future.
Covid’s Impact On The Workplace Five Years On
Globally, about 90% of organisations have embraced hybrid work models that allow employees to work remotely from off-site locations for some or much of the time. Companies that previously resisted remote work have had to adjust to new employee demands. Tech giants like Google and Meta, both of which have significant operations in Dublin, initially pushed for a full return to the office but eventually adopted hybrid models in response to employee pushback. Irish firms, too, have had to navigate this changing landscape. Financial services, legal sectors, and even traditionally office-based industries like advertising have all restructured their approaches to accommodate remote work preferences.
What to do When a Colleague is Laid Off
Layoffs are a workplace reality that few people feel comfortable talking about. They happen, we acknowledge them briefly and quietly, if at all, then move on without a word. But the effects linger. A colleague’s departure is not just a logistical shift –– it disrupts the social and emotional fabric of the workplace.
How to Earn Respect as a New Manager
Stepping into a managerial role for the first time is both an exciting and challenging experience. The transition from being an employee to leading a team can be daunting, especially when your authority is questioned. New managers often struggle with balancing likability and respect, setting the right tone for leadership, and dealing with employees who may not take them seriously. As McKinsey senior partner Lareina Yee aptly puts it: “Respect and likability are not the same thing” –– but many new managers end up confusing the two [1]. So, how do you earn respect as a new manager?
What Trump’s DEI Cuts Mean for Ireland
The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has been gaining momentum in the United States, with President Trump spearheading efforts to dismantle such policies through a series of executive orders. These cuts have had an immediate impact on corporate America, with major companies like Meta, McDonald’s and Target rolling back their DEI commitments. But the implications extend far beyond the US, raising the question: what does this shift mean for businesses worldwide, particularly in Ireland?
Why We Can’t Only Focus on White-collar Workers
The world of work is often discussed through a narrow lens, one that privileges white-collar professionals — those in offices, technology firms, and knowledge-based industries. Whether in media narratives or policy discussions, their experiences take centre stage, shaping public perceptions of employment trends and workplace issues. This disproportionate focus, however, comes at a cost. It sidelines millions of workers in blue-collar and service industries, whose labour is no less vital to society. By failing to consider their realities, we construct an incomplete and exclusionary narrative about work itself.
The Role of Foreign Direct Investment in Ireland
Over the decades, Ireland’s FDI strategy has evolved, adapting to global economic trends and leveraging its unique advantages. The country’s membership in the European Union has been a significant factor, providing foreign investors with access to a market of over 450 million consumers. Additionally, Ireland’s English-speaking population, strong legal system, and commitment to innovation have further enhanced its appeal as a destination for foreign investment.
AI in Ireland and Europe: the Taoiseach’s Perspective
In a recent article in the Business Post, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for both Ireland and the EU [1]. Written in the wake of his attending the AI Action Summit in Paris earlier that week, Martin compared AI’s impact to that of the Industrial Revolution and the printing press, arguing that Europe must embrace AI’s opportunities while ensuring appropriate regulation.
The Next Step: Elevating Teams to Their Peak
Not all teams are created equal. Some are highly productive, cohesive, and innovative, while others seem to face continuous obstacles that limit their potential. Why is this the case? While many factors play a role, the real difference often comes down to certain elements of peak performance and execution that determine whether a team will succeed or ultimately fall short. When these elements are nurtured, teams can unlock their true potential. Without them, even the most talented teams can struggle to succeed.