--- title: The LearningCog Blog | Ellie Blakeley description: Discover the latest trends in learning and development as well as announcements relating to LearningCog with The LearningCog Blog. --- [![learning cog](https://blog.learningcog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LearningCog_January2025/images/LearningCog_January2025/Artboard-1-copy1white.png?width=300&height=66&name=Artboard-1-copy1white.png "learning cog")](http://www.learningcog.com) [![learning cog](https://blog.learningcog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LearningCog_January2025/images/LearningCog_January2025/Artboard-1-copy1white.png?width=300&height=66&name=Artboard-1-copy1white.png "learning cog")](http://www.learningcog.com) [![learning cog](https://blog.learningcog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LearningCog_January2025/images/LearningCog_January2025/Artboard-1-copy1white.png?width=300&height=66&name=Artboard-1-copy1white.png "learning cog")](http://www.learningcog.com) - [Home](https://www.learningcog.com) - [About](https://www.learningcog.com/about/) - 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Learning - [Learning Hub](https://www.learningcog.com/learning/hub/) - [Testimonials](https://www.learningcog.com/learning/testimonials/) - [The LearningCog Blog](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog) - [Year Of The Manager](https://www.learningcog.com/learning/yom/) - [Year Of The Team](https://www.learningcog.com/learning/year-of-the-team/) - [Insights Discovery](https://www.learningcog.com/insights-discovery/) - [Leadership & Management](https://www.learningcog.com/leadership-management/) - [Step Into Management (SiM) Management Development Training Programme](https://www.learningcog.com/leadership-management/sim-development-training-programme/) - [The Manager in Me Management Development Training Programme](https://www.learningcog.com/leadership-management/development-training-programme/) - [Model of Leadership Programme](https://www.learningcog.com/leadership-management/model-of-leadership-programme/) - [Emotional Intelligence Masterclass For Managers](https://www.learningcog.com/leadership-management/emotional-intelligence-masterclass/) - [Building Trust As A Leader](https://www.learningcog.com/leadership-management/building-trust/) - [Solutions](https://www.learningcog.com/solutions/) - [Training Calendar AVAILABLE DATES](https://www.learningcog.com/solutions/training-calendar/) - [Sales Training](https://www.learningcog.com/solutions/sales-training/) - [Professional Development](https://www.learningcog.com/solutions/professional-development/) - [EQ-i 2.0](https://www.learningcog.com/solutions/emotional-intelligence/) - [Bespoke Consultancy](https://www.learningcog.com/solutions/bespoke-consultancy-business-training-development/) - [Contact](https://www.learningcog.com/contact/) # THE LEARNINGCOG BLOG [Discover our Case Studies](https://www.learningcog.com/about/case-studies/) [Read our Testimonials](https://www.learningcog.com/about/#testimonials) [Catch up in our Blog](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog) ### About Ellie Blakeley This author has not yet filled in any details. So far Ellie Blakeley has created 41 blog entries. ![How Insights Discovery Can Boost Sales Skills (and Close More Deals)](https://blog.learningcog.com/hubfs/IMG_1906.jpg) [How Insights Discovery Can Boost Sales Skills (and Close More Deals)](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/how-insights-discovery-can-boost-sales-skills-and-close-more-deals) Gallery #### [How Insights Discovery Can Boost Sales Skills (and Close More Deals)](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/how-insights-discovery-can-boost-sales-skills-and-close-more-deals) ## [How Insights Discovery Can Boost Sales Skills (and Close More Deals)](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/how-insights-discovery-can-boost-sales-skills-and-close-more-deals) In today’s sales landscape, product knowledge alone isn’t enough. Buyers are more informed, more selective, and more emotionally driven than ever. The real differentiator is how well your sales team understands people — both themselves and their customers. By [Ellie Blakeley](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley) | February 6th, 2026 | Comments Off ![The Feedback Revolution: How Great Coaching is Changing the Game](https://blog.learningcog.com/hubfs/FEEDBACK-2.png) [The Feedback Revolution: How Great Coaching is Changing the Game](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/the-feedback-revolution-how-great-coaching-is-changing-the-game) Gallery #### [The Feedback Revolution: How Great Coaching is Changing the Game](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/the-feedback-revolution-how-great-coaching-is-changing-the-game) ## [The Feedback Revolution: How Great Coaching is Changing the Game](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/the-feedback-revolution-how-great-coaching-is-changing-the-game) Forget what you thought you knew about coaching. The rules have changed, and the secret to success isn’t more advice, it’s better feedback. By [Ellie Blakeley](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley) | January 7th, 2026 | Comments Off ![Empathy in Action: Practical Habits of High-Performing Managers](https://blog.learningcog.com/hubfs/Image-1.jpeg) [Empathy in Action: Practical Habits of High-Performing Managers](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/empathy-in-action-practical-habits-of-high-performing-managers) Gallery #### [Empathy in Action: Practical Habits of High-Performing Managers](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/empathy-in-action-practical-habits-of-high-performing-managers) [Organisational Happiness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-happiness), [Emotional Self Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/emotional-self-awareness), [Organisational Culture](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-culture), [Problem Solving](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/problem-solving), [Organisational Performance](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-performance), [Perception](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/perception), [Leadership](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/leadership) ## [Empathy in Action: Practical Habits of High-Performing Managers](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/empathy-in-action-practical-habits-of-high-performing-managers) Empathy has often been dismissed as something optional in leadership, but today we know the opposite is true. When managers consistently demonstrate empathy in how they listen, communicate, and support their teams, trust grows, performance improves, and psychological safety increases. In other\[...\] By [Ellie Blakeley](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley) | November 26th, 2025 | Comments Off ![Mastering Difficult Conversations: The STAR Feedback Model Explained](https://blog.learningcog.com/hubfs/R0001721-4.jpeg) [Mastering Difficult Conversations: The STAR Feedback Model Explained](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/mastering-difficult-conversations-the-star-feedback-model-explained) Gallery #### [Mastering Difficult Conversations: The STAR Feedback Model Explained](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/mastering-difficult-conversations-the-star-feedback-model-explained) [Organisational Happiness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-happiness), [Emotional Self Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/emotional-self-awareness), [Organisational Culture](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-culture), [Problem Solving](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/problem-solving), [Organisational Performance](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-performance), [Perception](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/perception), [Leadership](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/leadership) ## [Mastering Difficult Conversations: The STAR Feedback Model Explained](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/mastering-difficult-conversations-the-star-feedback-model-explained) Challenging conversations are part of working life, whether you’re giving feedback, resolving conflict, or communicating tough decisions. The difference between a productive conversation and a damaging one often comes down to preparation. One simple but powerful planning tool is the STAR feedback\[...\] By [Ellie Blakeley](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley) | November 21st, 2025 | Comments Off ![Navigating Difficult Conversations: The Role of Self-Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/hubfs/LearningCog%20Mock%20Up%20V1-2.png) [Navigating Difficult Conversations: The Role of Self-Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/navigating-difficult-conversations-the-role-of-self-awareness) Gallery #### [Navigating Difficult Conversations: The Role of Self-Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/navigating-difficult-conversations-the-role-of-self-awareness) [Organisational Happiness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-happiness), [Emotional Self Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/emotional-self-awareness), [Organisational Culture](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-culture), [Problem Solving](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/problem-solving), [Organisational Performance](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-performance), [Perception](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/perception), [Leadership](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/leadership) ## [Navigating Difficult Conversations: The Role of Self-Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/navigating-difficult-conversations-the-role-of-self-awareness) Difficult conversations and conflict at work are inevitable, yet how we handle them often determines the health of our teams and our own growth as individuals. The belief is clear: before reacting, truly understanding others and developing self-awareness are essential skills for turning challenging\[...\] By [Ellie Blakeley](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley) | October 23rd, 2025 | Comments Off ![Coaching in Colour: How VISA’s Leaders Are Powering Performance with Insights Discovery](https://blog.learningcog.com/hubfs/IMG_1648%203.heic) [Coaching in Colour: How VISA’s Leaders Are Powering Performance with Insights Discovery](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/coaching-in-colour-how-visas-leaders-are-powering-performance-with-insights-discovery) Gallery #### [Coaching in Colour: How VISA’s Leaders Are Powering Performance with Insights Discovery](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/coaching-in-colour-how-visas-leaders-are-powering-performance-with-insights-discovery) [Organisational Happiness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-happiness), [Emotional Self Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/emotional-self-awareness), [Organisational Culture](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-culture), [Problem Solving](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/problem-solving), [Organisational Performance](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-performance), [Perception](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/perception), [Leadership](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/leadership) ## [Coaching in Colour: How VISA’s Leaders Are Powering Performance with Insights Discovery](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/coaching-in-colour-how-visas-leaders-are-powering-performance-with-insights-discovery) Energising Coaching and Feedback with Insights Discovery By [Ellie Blakeley](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley) | October 17th, 2025 | Comments Off ![A Day of Coaching, Colour, and Connection: Practitioner Reflections](https://blog.learningcog.com/hubfs/IMG_1620-1.jpeg) [A Day of Coaching, Colour, and Connection: Practitioner Reflections](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/a-day-of-coaching-colour-and-connection-practitioner-reflections) Gallery #### [A Day of Coaching, Colour, and Connection: Practitioner Reflections](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/a-day-of-coaching-colour-and-connection-practitioner-reflections) [Organisational Happiness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-happiness), [Emotional Self Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/emotional-self-awareness), [Organisational Culture](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-culture), [Problem Solving](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/problem-solving), [Organisational Performance](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-performance), [Perception](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/perception), [Leadership](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/leadership) ## [A Day of Coaching, Colour, and Connection: Practitioner Reflections](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/a-day-of-coaching-colour-and-connection-practitioner-reflections) Last week, our team gathered for a memorable practitioner session dedicated to diving deep into the world of coaching and self-discovery. The energy in the room was palpable as we came together to explore our Insights Discovery profiles, a colourful journey that revealed fresh perspectives on the\[...\] By [Ellie Blakeley](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley) | October 10th, 2025 | Comments Off ![The Power of Interactive Learning: Why Engagement Changes Everything](https://blog.learningcog.com/hubfs/IMG_1560.jpeg) [The Power of Interactive Learning: Why Engagement Changes Everything](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/the-power-of-interactive-learning-why-engagement-changes-everything) Gallery #### [The Power of Interactive Learning: Why Engagement Changes Everything](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/the-power-of-interactive-learning-why-engagement-changes-everything) [Organisational Happiness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-happiness), [Emotional Self Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/emotional-self-awareness), [Organisational Culture](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-culture), [Problem Solving](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/problem-solving), [Organisational Performance](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-performance), [Perception](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/perception), [Leadership](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/leadership) ## [The Power of Interactive Learning: Why Engagement Changes Everything](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/the-power-of-interactive-learning-why-engagement-changes-everything) Training has the greatest impact when it is interactive, practical, and connected to real-world challenges. That’s when it moves beyond knowledge-sharing and becomes genuine growth. By [Ellie Blakeley](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley) | September 30th, 2025 | Comments Off ![What are the values you underestimated early on but now value most…](https://blog.learningcog.com/hubfs/R0001621.jpeg) [What are the values you underestimated early on but now value most…](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/what-are-the-values-you-underestimated-early-on-but-now-value-most-) Gallery #### [What are the values you underestimated early on but now value most…](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/what-are-the-values-you-underestimated-early-on-but-now-value-most-) [Organisational Happiness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-happiness), [Emotional Self Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/emotional-self-awareness), [Organisational Culture](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-culture), [Problem Solving](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/problem-solving), [Organisational Performance](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-performance), [Perception](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/perception), [Leadership](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/leadership) ## [What are the values you underestimated early on but now value most…](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/what-are-the-values-you-underestimated-early-on-but-now-value-most-) In today’s fast-moving organisational landscape, much attention is given to developing technical expertise, leadership capability, and customer engagement skills. These are undeniably important, but what often goes underappreciated are the foundational people skills that form the bedrock of\[...\] By [Ellie Blakeley](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley) | September 22nd, 2025 | Comments Off ![Managing Workplace Narcissism with Insights Discovery for Better Teams](https://blog.learningcog.com/hubfs/lessons%20for%20managers.jpg) [Managing Workplace Narcissism with Insights Discovery for Better Teams](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/managing-workplace-narcissism-with-insights-discovery-for-better-teams) Gallery #### [Managing Workplace Narcissism with Insights Discovery for Better Teams](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/managing-workplace-narcissism-with-insights-discovery-for-better-teams) [Organisational Happiness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-happiness), [Emotional Self Awareness](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/emotional-self-awareness), [Organisational Culture](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-culture), [Problem Solving](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/problem-solving), [Organisational Performance](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/organisational-performance), [Perception](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/perception), [Leadership](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/tag/leadership) ## [Managing Workplace Narcissism with Insights Discovery for Better Teams](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/managing-workplace-narcissism-with-insights-discovery-for-better-teams) In today’s fast-paced and interconnected work environments, narcissistic behavior can quietly undermine team productivity and employee wellbeing. Whether it’s a self-promoting leader or a challenging colleague, narcissistic traits, like an inflated sense of self, constant need for admiration, and\[...\] By [Ellie Blakeley](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley) | September 12th, 2025 | Comments Off [1](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley/page/1) [2](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley/page/2) [3](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley/page/3) [4](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley/page/4) [5](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley/page/5) [Next](https://blog.learningcog.com/blog/author/ellie-blakeley/page/2) ![Learning Cogx](https://blog.learningcog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LearningCog_January2025/images/LearningCogxfooter.png?width=200&name=LearningCogxfooter.png "Learning Cogx") Business Address: Learning Cog Ltd Sussex Innovation Hub Science Park Square Brighton BN1 9SB Office: [01273 741 499](tel:01273741499) Email:[info@learningcog.com‬](mailto:info@learningcog.com‬) [Privacy & Cookie Policy](https://www.learningcog.com/wp-content/uploads/Privacy-Cookie-Policy-July-2019.pdf) [Standards Terms & Conditions](https://www.learningcog.com/wp-content/uploads/Terms-Conditions-Aug-2020.pdf) ![Insights-Partner-Logo](https://blog.learningcog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LearningCog_January2025/images/Insights-Partner-Logo.png?width=149&name=Insights-Partner-Logo.png "Insights-Partner-Logo") LearningCog Ltd are both Licensed Practitioners and Licensed Distributers of Insights products. #### FIND US ON OUR SOCIALS ![educationAndTraining](https://blog.learningcog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LearningCog_January2025/images/educationAndTraining.png?width=882&name=educationAndTraining.png "educationAndTraining") © Copyright 2012-2024 - LearningCog Ltd 2025  |  All Rights Reserved | [Marketing & Website Powered by Catalyst Media](https://catalystcreativemarketing.co.uk)