Management/Team Leader/Supervisor

Presentation Skills – 1 or 2 days

2012-05-24T12:12:23+00:00

1 or 2 Day Course

OVERALL AIM:

To develop presenters in basic skills and ability to make a confident and persuasive presentation.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

Anyone, especially leaders or business people, who have to present with impact to groups of people in both internal and external situations

COURSE CONTENT:

Introduction/Objectives
The power of a good presentation
Successfully identify and meet the needs of the audience
Structuring the presentation
Create and prepare appropriate visual aids
Presenting the visual experience
Developing your notes
Dealing with audience feedback and questions
Learn to present confidently through practice

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this session delegates will be able to:

Meet the audience’s needs through prior research
Know how to structure a presentation that carries impact
Be able to generate and use appropriate visual aids that capture attention
Know how to present effectively and convincingly
Develop notes and handouts that suit the audience’s needs
Recognise techniques in dealing with questions

Delegates will be given the opportunity to practise their skills in a risk free environment.

Effective Delegation

2012-05-24T12:12:14+00:00

1 Day Course

OVERALL AIM:

To give participants an understanding of the principles of effective delegation and how delegation may be used to greatly enhance the team leader or manager’s performance and the performance of the team.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

This course is aimed at anyone in a leadership role who wishes to make more effective use of their time at work and significantly improve their own and their team’s performance.

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction and Objectives
Definitions: ‘Power’, ‘Authority’, ‘Responsibility’, ‘Empowerment’ and ‘Delegation’
Benefits of Delegating
Barriers to Delegating/Should these act as barriers?
The Process of Delegating: How to delegate
Support mechanisms
What to/What not to Delegate
Monitoring: How to monitor
Feedback techniques: Handling poor performance issues

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this session delegates will be able to:

Have a greater understanding of delegation and its role in empowering people
Identify the benefits of and barriers to delegating
Know how to delegate
Appreciate a range of support mechanisms for the individual
Recognise what to and what not to delegate
Appreciate a range of techniques in monitoring and will know how to monitor
Be able to deal with poor performance issues

Time Management

2012-05-24T12:12:05+00:00

1 Day Course

OVERALL AIM:

To give delegates an understanding of the principles of good time management to enable them to make more effective use of their time at work.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

This course is aimed at anyone who wishes to make more effective use of their time at work especially managers and team leaders who could play havoc with others’ time if they themselves are not organised.

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction/objectives
Time logs
Are you in control of your time?
Time management method
- Set objectives, prioritise (SMART objectives, Pareto)
- Identify and eliminate abuses of time
- Plan and schedule time as appropriate
- Delegate effectively
Energy cycle

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this session delegates will be able to:

Set ‘SMART’ objectives
Prioritise our tasks/objectives by using Pareto
Recognise urgent vs. important tasks
Analyse the abuses of time in the workplace and rectify
Recognise the importance of planning on at least a daily/weekly basis
Delegate tasks as appropriate
Plot our own personal energy cycle

PRE-WORK Participants will be sent a time log to be completed prior to the programme. This will record how people actually spend their time and will provide useful information to be utilised during the training workshop.

Solving Problems and Making Decisions – 1 day

2012-05-24T12:11:57+00:00

1 Day Course

OVERALL AIM:

To develop, hone and improve problem solving and decision making in the workplace. This is an informal, practical and participative course with active discussion, exercises, exchange of ideas and syndicate work (with some fun thrown in!).

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

This course is aimed at anyone involved in dealing with problems and having to make decisions in the workplace. The course is also useful for those wishing to update/refresh their skills.

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction and Objectives
Work based problems:
- We identify typical problems encountered by the delegates in their job roles and use these as examples during the day
The brain:
- Brief anatomy lesson – right and left brain activity
Ways of creative thinking:
- Mindset/our attitude to problem solving and decision making
- Importance of asking questions/open questions/5 ‘whys’
- The dangers of assumptions/blinkered thinking
- Brainstorming: Stages of/rules of/we brainstorm 1 of the problems identified earlier
Systematic approach to problem solving: A 6-stage approach outlined by the tutor and then we use it to solve a problem and make a decision
Team based approach to problem solving: Outlined by the tutor and then we use it to solve a problem and make a decision
Decision making techniques: We look at 3 models
Consensus exercise: Fun exercise where delegates make decisions individually, then as a team and afterwards we compare the individuals’ scores to the team’s score

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this session delegates will be able to:

Recognise and use ways to tap into the creativity around us
Run a brainstorm session to identify root causes and possible solutions to problems
Use a 6-step systematic approach in solving problems and making decisions
Use a team based approach to solve problems, recognising and using the various techniques
Make decisions using appropriate decision making models thereby ensuring a logical, as opposed to, an ad hoc approach
Use discussion and consensus in achieving decisions. Recognise and use the rules in achieving consensus.

Enhancing Communication Skills – 1 or 2 days

2012-05-24T12:11:50+00:00

1 or 2 Day Course

OVERALL AIM:

To gain an understanding of the essentials of communication skills in the workplace, so vital for the efficient functioning of any organisation. This is an informal, practical, and participative course with active discussion, exercises, exchange of ideas and syndicate work (with some fun thrown in!).

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

This course is aimed at all staff in the workplace whose role is to communicate effectively with others. It is particularly useful for those who communicate regularly with customers and for those in a leadership role.

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction and Objectives
Definitions of Communication
Effects of poor communication in the workplace
Chinese Whispers Exercise
- Fun exercise but makes some important points
Barriers to Effective Communication
- Barriers we encounter in the above exercise and in the workplace
- Overcoming barriers
The Cycle of Communication
- Sender, encoding, transmission, decoding, receiver and feedback
The importance of and how to gain feedback
Handling customer complaints
‘Capture’ personal organisation systems to ensure we follow through on commitments
Methods of Communication
- Verbal, written and the advantages and disadvantages of each
- Email etiquette
Communication Exercise
- Exercise requiring 2 groups to work together to complete an exercise – communication is key for successful completion
External Behaviour
- Body language, tone and words (Mehrabian %)
- Exercise in body language: aggressive, passive and assertive behaviour
The 3 Skills of Effective Communicators
Listening Skills
- What is ‘active listening’?
- Fun listening skills tests
Review

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this session delegates will be able to:

Define ‘communication’ and recognise its importance in the workplace
Identify the barriers to effective communication and devise strategies to remove and/or overcome them
State the main elements of the communication cycle and the importance of feedback in this process
Recognise good technique in handling complaining/hostile customers
Organise ourselves to maintain efficiency in communicating with others
State the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of methods of communication; recognise professional email etiquette
Appreciate the importance of body language in our communications with others and be able to identify aggressive/assertive/passive states
State the 3 skills of effective communicators
State the requirements of active listening and identify ways to improve our listening skills

Finance for Non Financial Managers

2012-05-24T12:11:42+00:00

1-Day Course (May be 1 or 2 days if delivered in-house)

OVERALL AIM:

The overall aim is to enable participants to become familiar with the financial processes within a business.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

Anyone, especially directors, managers and others who need to add financial awareness to their own skill base and be able to interpret financial information.

CONTENT:

Interpreting accounts, profit and loss statements and balance sheets
Using financial ratios
Understanding accounts, accounting standards and rules
Management accounting
Controlling working capital, stock, creditors, debtors and cash
Budget forecasting and control
Cost accounting and control
The need to financially appraise capital expenditure projects
Company taxation and strategies
The economy, the City and financial control

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Appreciate the importance of finance and of controlling costs
Recognise how budgets are constructed and utilised
Interpret financial jargon related to published business accounts and management accounting reports
Demonstrate their understanding of cost management, the budgeting process and the need for effective budgetary forecasts and control
Demonstrate their understanding of financial techniques associated with capital expenditure and the concept of risk management

Appraisal Skills

2012-05-24T12:11:34+00:00

1 or 2 Day Course
For Team Leaders, Supervisors, Managers

Purpose and Objectives of the Workshop

The workshop is designed to enable delegates to make full and effective use of the appraisal process and documentation by: -

Identifying the benefits of performance appraisal for the business, appraisee and appraiser
Exploring the potential barriers and how to overcome them in order for the process to be effectively used
Agreeing the supervisor's role and responsibilities for the successful use of the appraisal process
Identifying the behaviours that are needed to enable a constructive review of an individual’s performance and to plan for future performance, training and development together with them
Planning to implement their learning in the workplace

The behavioural element of the workshop will be designed to help delegates recognise how to have quality conversations that are motivational, help raise the appraisee’s self awareness and enable each appraisee to take responsibility for his/her own performance.

Style of the Workshop

Delegates will be encouraged to participate fully in the day, which will be designed to be interactive and stimulating. The activities will concentrate on how to make appraisal a valued part of the management process and will seek to address the real issues and concerns identified by the delegates.

Delegates will be encouraged to practise the behaviours that are essential for good quality performance discussions. However, this will be done in a way that enables the delegates to concentrate on learning without worrying about the stresses of role-play or being videoed.

PROGRAMME

Welcome and Introductions.

Delegates' expectations hopes and fears for the workshop.
Agreement of the objectives and the style of the workshop.

Placing Appraisal In Context - Discussion Activity

If your Company were your business – what would you want this appraisal process to achieve for the participants and the business? What would you want your Supervisors to do to make the process successful?

What presently happens in your working environment that might help/hinder the appraisal process?
What things are within your area of influence?
What might you need to do?
Input on the most common causes of appraisal failure and how they are typically resolved.

Mapping the Appraisal Process

This activity will be revisited during the workshop so that delegates can update it as their learning progresses. The map will identify what happens and when, from the launch and throughout the appraisal cycle, and clarify the appraiser’s responsibilities.

Supervisory Styles

This session will comprise input and discussion around the different approaches to conducting appraisals and identify the influencing style that has the most potential for success.

Listening and Questioning Skills

Exercises

How well do you listen and question to understand?
The dangers of assumptions
When to state opinions and when to suspend them?

Giving and Receiving Feedback

Input/Exercises

The principles for handling feedback well
How to make praise genuine and helpful
Activity to explore the practical use of feedback skills
Discussion to build confidence in the use of these skills

Challenging and Confronting Problems Constructively

Exercises

What would you do?
How would you do it?

Setting Performance and Development Targets

Exercise - Producing worked examples of good performance and development targets that are relevant to shop floor roles

Interviewing Exercise

Delegates are formed into pairs or teams of three to apply the skills and behaviours covered by the workshop to a real situation of their choosing

Action Planning

Delegates are helped to prepare a practical plan to apply their learning back at work.

Managing Change – 1 or 2 days

2012-05-24T12:11:27+00:00

1 or 2 Day Course

OVERALL AIM:

The workshop has been designed to enable managers responsible for change to develop and deploy strategies that will help employees understand, accept and work with the changes. The purpose of such strategies is to minimise disruption and help performance objectives to be achieved.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

Senior and middle managers responsible for planning and deploying change in organisations.

COURSE CONTENT

The workshop concentrates on winning the support of employees by:

Exploring the impact of imposed change upon the workforce
Identifying how to overcome barriers to change
Developing techniques and approaches to support people through the change process
Identifying communication strategies
Dealing effectively with anger, frustration and resistance to change within the workforce
Enabling better dialogue with employees
Monitoring the progress of change against clear success criteria

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course delegates will be able to:

Explore some of the classic traps and methods of avoiding them
Use the knowledge of managers and consultants who are experienced in the practice of deploying change initiatives in different types of organisation.

Building the Team

2012-05-24T12:11:19+00:00

1 or 2 Day Course

OVERALL AIM:

To give Team Leaders/Managers the skills to create and develop a committed and cohesive Team and to be able to maintain and improve that Team’s effectiveness.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

Team Leaders/Managers who are responsible for getting the best from their Teams

COURSE CONTENT:

Introduction
Objectives for the day
What is a Team? Is yours a Team or a co-operative group?
How a Team develops
What kind of Team player am I?
Individual strengths
Team culture: The ‘right’ values
Ingredients for an effective Team
Valuing people

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Appreciate what makes an effective Team
Recognise when teamwork is important and where an individual fits in the Team framework
Appreciate the individual’s particular strengths as a part of a Team and how these can be developed further
State and appreciate the benefits of teamwork to the individual and the organisation
Develop a greater understanding of Team dynamics and the role of the leader in developing teamwork
Recognise how to work together more effectively

Effective Business Planning – 2 days

2012-05-24T12:11:11+00:00

2 Day Course

OVERALL AIM:

To identify and explore the use of business planning as part of an effective management process.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

Directors, senior managers and employees who are responsible for preparing or making a significant contribution to a business plan.

COURSE CONTENT:

The seminar will be tailored to meet the specific needs of the participants. The following information will provide the framework:

Vision and mission statements – why used and how to create them
How market leaders keep their edge
Why planning and performance management are fundamental business requirements
Tried and tested principles for a working business plan (and why organisations unintentionally plan to fail)
Testing a step by step business planning process
Using a values based approach to strategic planning (the pro’s and con’s)
Aligning commercial practices & leadership behaviour with proclaimed values
Developing goals and strategies
How to complete a detailed gap analysis
How to ensure objective setting & action planning are thorough and effective
Implementing a business plan and engaging the organisation’s people
Monitoring performance, managing variances and providing support

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify the benefits of business planning and the common barriers that, if not addressed effectively, can cause the process to become superficial
Identify how to combine ideas from sources such as business excellence models, Balanced Scorecard, and Investors in People, etc
Recognise the importance of aligning business planning and management processes
Identify how to use supporting tools and techniques
Derive objectives from the overall strategy and ensure all people, initiatives and improvements are working towards the same goals
Consider the management and leadership practices that are essential to deploying and delivering a business plan
Make informed decisions about how to use business planning as a blueprint for translating goals into the objectives, initiatives and actions that will drive performance