Karen McDonagh : Creating a people management team that ‘gets it’
Karen McDonagh, Head of People at Centrepoint, delivered a compelling talk at our OP Academy event on Thursday the 25th of July, offering her profound insights on creating a people management team that truly ‘gets it’. With over 30 years of diverse professional experience, Karen’s career spans roles in operations, sales, and the non-profit sector, making her uniquely qualified to speak on the intricacies of people management.
Karen’s journey is anything but typical. Beginning her career as a children’s nanny, she transitioned through various roles, including serving as People Development Director for an international business that specialised in appliance repairs. Her career path eventually led her to Centrepoint in 2022, where she now leads their people function, driving initiatives that support both internal colleagues and the young people they help. In her talk, Karen emphasised the crucial difference between managing a function or department and leading a team with focus and enthusiasm. She highlighted that excelling in sales or operational efficiency does not necessarily equip someone for a people management role. Effective people management requires a distinct set of skills and a deep understanding of human behaviour.
One of the key themes Karen explored was the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment. This involves fostering a culture where every team member feels safe to express their views without fear of judgement. Such an environment not only encourages open communication but also empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully and innovate. Another critical aspect of Karen’s approach is the concept of agency within teams. She believes in creating colleague-led frameworks where employees are recognised for their contributions and given the opportunity to voice their opinions. This approach is underpinned by empathy and humility, ensuring that every team member feels valued and heard. Karen’s talk also highlighted the importance of feedback and career opportunities. She posed reflective questions such as, “Did I receive feedback from my manager in the last week?” and “Do I have a career opportunity here?” These questions underline the need for regular, constructive feedback and clear career pathways to keep employees engaged and motivated.
For Karen, the journey to creating a people management team that ‘gets it’ involves starting at the local level. Small-scale changes, when effectively implemented, can build the foundation for broader organisational transformation. She emphasised the necessity of buy-in from both employees and senior executives, noting that successful change can only occur when everyone is on board. In conclusion, Karen McDonagh’s insights provided brilliant insights into what makes a great people management team. Her emphasis on psychological safety, cultural fit, and employee agency highlights the critical elements needed to foster a motivated, engaged, and high-performing team. As businesses navigate the complexities of modern workplaces, Karen’s experience and strategies offer a guiding light towards building teams that truly ‘get it’.
A massive thank you to Karen for this brilliant talk! If you would be interested in hearing more information about future OP Academy events, please do reach out to myself or a member of the team.