Category: How we work
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.
The Untapped Power Within
Humans are extraordinary beings—capable of deep insight, creative problem-solving, and resilience in the face of challenges. Yet, most individuals and teams never fully tap into their true potential. Not because they lack ability but because they unknowingly limit themselves through ingrained beliefs, habitual behaviours, and a failure to recognise their capacity for growth.
Six Negotiation Myths That Might Be Costing You
Negotiation is often perceived as an art mastered only by a select few, but in reality success in negotiations is determined less by natural talent and more by learned skills. The problem is that many of these skills are misunderstood, mainly thanks to persistent myths that lead people to adopt counterproductive strategies. Whether you’re negotiating a salary, a contract, or a business deal, falling for these myths can cost you money, opportunities, and valuable relationships.
Beyond Experience: How Mastery Changes the Way We Think
Experience is something that evolves throughout a person’s lifespan. From entry-level professionals to seasoned experts, the accumulation of knowledge and refinement of skills play a vital role in shaping cognitive abilities and perceptual skills. Experience is not just about time spent in a profession, it’s about the transformation of skills, perception, and cognition. At Steering Point, we help people and teams to excel.
What is the impact of DeepSeek, China’s new AI model?
The impact of DeepSeek’s flagship model, DeepSeek-R1, is difficult to ignore. Trained with an investment of approximately $5.6 million — compared to the estimated $100 million to $1 billion spent by American competitors — its success challenges the prevailing notion that AI progress is reserved for companies with vast financial and computational resources.
Avoiding Toxic Positivity
Amidst the cultural shifts away from the more traditional brand of toxicity noted above, the trend towards a kinder, more positive outlook has been championed and adopted in the workforce and beyond. That, of course, is a good thing –– mostly. But over the past few years there’s been a growing sense that that positive approach can occasionally go too far in what has been termed “toxic positivity”.
How To Work On The Move
In an increasingly connected world, the boundaries of the traditional workplace are dissolving. Airports, train carriages, and even cramped-for-legroom economy seats are becoming extensions of the modern office. With global work rhythms operating 24/7, professionals are often left navigating a fine line between productivity and burnout.
Why Inclusive Leadership Matters: Building Better Workplaces
In today’s fast-evolving work environments, the concepts of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are no longer just ideals—they are essential to organisational success. Inclusive leadership is at the heart of these efforts, fostering workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. But what does it really mean to lead inclusively, and why should organisations invest in it?