THE Place to Work
The Power of Investing in People: A Lesson from Christmas Conversations
One of the joys of the Christmas break is the space it creates, often over a glass of something bubbly, to have real conversations with family and friends working across very different fields. You learn a lot when people relax.
One such conversation really stayed with me.
I was talking to a switched-on, ambitious, high-energy professional in his mid-30s. He was genuinely loving his new role. He now works for a large, privately owned business, a brand you would instantly recognise. What stood out wasn’t just the brand, but the way the business invests in its people. Leadership and team development are taken seriously. Properly seriously.
He contrasted this with the two previous organisations he’d worked for, again, both household names. Both had gone through periods of venture capital ownership. In those environments, the pressure for rapid results meant long-term people development sometimes took a back seat, not out of neglect, but because the operating model rewards speed and efficiency. One even had an inspirational sounding brand, yet by his account was a tough place to work during that phase of its lifecycle.
That contrast got me thinking.
The Importance of Leadership and Team Development
Recently, I’ve spoken with several organisations about supporting the development of their future leaders. Too often, the response has been the same:
- “Our investors aren’t focused on that right now.”
- “It’s all about the bottom line.”
- “L&D is frozen.”
I understand the reality. Many business leaders today have limited flexibility over budgets. Investor expectations, whether from private owners, venture capital, or public markets, can be intense, and learning and development is often the first thing paused.
The Impact of Freezing L&D Budgets
But here’s the uncomfortable truth.
Businesses that don’t invest in their people don’t avoid cost; they simply defer it. It shows up later in attrition, disengagement, poor decision-making, weak succession, and stalled growth.
When L&D Gets Paused: The Hidden Costs of Neglecting Talent
The reality is that when you put off investing in leadership development and team cohesion, the problems don’t go away. They just show up later in different forms. If you delay long-term investment in your workforce, you’re setting your business up for problems down the line—whether it’s high turnover, lack of innovation, or poor performance when it matters most.
The Uncomfortable Truth: Why Businesses Can’t Afford to Skip People Development
So, this message is for businesses, privately owned or investor-backed, that genuinely believe their people are one of their greatest assets.
If developing leaders, building strong teams, and creating a workplace people are proud to be part of are truly among your values, then we should talk.
The Business Case for Investing in Leadership and Growth
At Tiger Teams, we work alongside businesses that want to build not just performance, but belonging, energy, and leadership capability. The return on investment consistently surprises even the most financially focused leaders, because an engaged, loyal workforce with strong cross-business collaboration always pays dividends.
Creating Belonging and Energy: The ROI of Investing in People
When businesses invest in their teams, the results aren’t just financial. Employees feel connected to something bigger than themselves. There’s an increased sense of belonging, which naturally leads to better collaboration, productivity, and overall satisfaction. This kind of culture is contagious and boosts long-term growth.
A Call to Action for 2026: Make It the Year of Learning and Development
So why not make 2026 a learning and development year to be proud of?
Instead of waiting for the pressures of the marketplace to dictate your next move, take the initiative. Build a future-proof workforce that’s agile, capable, and ready to lead.
Can You Afford Not to Invest in Your People?
The question isn’t whether you can afford to invest in your people.
It’s whether you can afford not to.
Let’s Start the Conversation
If you’re ready to take the next step in developing your leaders, building stronger teams, and creating a culture that people want to be a part of, we’d love to help. Schedule a consultation and discover how we can work together to create lasting change for your business in 2026 and beyond.
Contact us now to learn more about our leadership development programs and how we can partner to drive growth, engagement, and performance.