26 Active Listening courses in Sheffield

This highly practical one-day workshop has been designed specifically to help maximise sales where customers make contact by telephone. When customers contact us direct they have clearly already considered the possibility that they might buy from us, but we're still only half-way to making a sale. Unless we fully understand their needs and make it easy for them to buy, we may not secure the business. This workshop concentrates on the telephone skills and techniques needed to achieve the most positive outcome in any inbound customer call. A combination of excellent customer service skills and savvy sales awareness techniques will increase our chances of a successful outcome for both parties. The programme features the unique INBOUND model, to help remember the key principles for effective inbound telephone sales: Initial impressions Needs of the customer Bring them with you Open up the conversation Understand the triggers Narrow down the solutions Decision time! The programme also covers how to deal with difficult calls and challenging people - after all, every complaint is a sales opportunity! This programme will help participants: Create the perfect interaction with any customer making contact by telephone Make every call count Build rapport quickly in any situation Handle difficult calls and challenging people Create sustainable and profitable relationships Increase your sales conversions 1 The inbound sales process Each customer who contacts us will be at a different stage of the sales process. Some might be making general enquiries whilst others will be ready to commit, having made most of their decisions already. Sales and customer service people need to be ready to find out the stage the customer has reached before helping them to make the right decision for them 2 Engaging with the customer Having clarified where the customer is on their journey to making a purchasing decision, our next responsibility is to create and build a trusting relationship on both sides. This involves establishing rapport quickly to ease the communication process, thus enabling smooth transactions, both now and in the future 3 Questioning and listening skills for gathering information Developing these skills requires practice so that the communication becomes natural for the customer. This helps the customer to feel comfortable with us and work with us towards an effective solution. We discuss different types of question and how to use high-gain questions to uncover key information. Active listening will ensure that we can really help customers get what they need 4 Overcoming objections and excuses If we have followed the process properly and really understood the customer, then there should no further objections or barriers to completing the transaction. The reality is that there will still be the occasional issue that needs clarifying, so we need to prepare for possible objections and questions that customers might have. This includes probing objections so that we fully understand the customer's perspective before constructing suitable responses or solutions 5 Gaining commitment and ending the call Customers want to gain a solution to the issue they are facing and the sooner we can help them achieve that the better. Guiding the customer and helping them to believe in their own decision is part of our role. This section is dedicated to getting commitment all the way along the process, not just at the close 6 Dealing with difficult and challenging situations The realisation that everybody is different, with different personality types, different ways of looking at the world and different goals, is key to understanding sales. With this is mind we discuss these differences and how we adapt our approach to ease communication and maintain trust and understanding 7 Action plans Course summary and presentation of action plans

In order to be an effective manager, it is extremely important to have good communication skills so that you can get your instructions across clearly and in a manner which will get you the results you desire from your employees. Our 2-day Effective Communication and Influencing course aims to provide attendees with a range of skills and behaviours which will allow them to communication clearly and effectively. Course syllabus modules include explaining the communication process, the different styles of influencing, the importance of body language and tone of voice, non-verbal communication and more. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the Effective Communication and Influencing course is comprised of seven modules, covering the following: Module One The Communication Process Identifying, what is effective communication? Recognising the different ways in which we communicate The barriers to effective communication Looking at Johari's™ Window, to better understand how communication flows Module Two Effective Communication Skills Demonstrating a positive mental attitude Establishing active listening Developing your questioning skills Using positive language Module Three Different Types of Influencing Looking at influencing versus manipulation Developing your own preferred influencing style Understanding the different influencing styles and their uses adopting a flexible style for the desired outcome Module Four Behaviour Breeds Bahaviour (Transactional Analysis) Looking at the history of hidden transactions in communications The hidden meaning in what we say and what we receive How to recognise if what you're saying is calm, rational, logical and professional Module Five Body Language Understanding the impact of body language in effective communication Noticing how your own body language influences others positively and negatively Analysing and practicing the techniques of successful body language Module Six It's All in the Voice Learning the importance of tone of voice in effective communication Realising how your tone of voice influences others Module Seven Written Communication Understanding the pitfalls of opening a discussion Identifying the different types of written communication Recognising the importance of preparation and planning Looking at different structures and layouts of written communication Using the correct words and phrases Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.

Key Objectives for the Training provision Effective listening to a client's needs and requirements during various stages of the sales process. Engage in meaningful communication with clients, learn to identify challenges and opportunities that relate to the prospects. Overcome the identified challenge. Build long term rapport and establish trust with the prospect throughout the sales process, Ensure continued customer satisfaction that can turn into repeat business. Be able to build rapport with customers or clients. Know the right questions to ask to fully understand the customer or client’s needs without putting on any pressure. Be able to check you have the right information from the customer or client. Be able to match products and services to the customer or client using the information you have gathered. Be able to influence effectively. Know how to stand out from your competitors. Stage 1 – Research the Company’s ‘Value Propositions’ and USP Analysis  Conducting 30 min confidential interviews with a cross-section of the eligible Attendees & the Stakeholders, in order to gain an objective understanding of the various scenarios and clients that the Participants work with. the Company’s ‘Value Propositions’ Unique Selling Points The Customers’ journey(s) The Competition’s offers for analysis and comparisons. From these findings, a carefully calibrated bespoke Programme will be designed and delivered.  Stage 2 - Design the Bespoke 2 x day Course  nd Stage 3 - Delivery of the Course Programme This Programme can be delivered in 2 x consecutive days, or split between 2 – 3 weeks, to make it more ‘work-friendly’ – if required. It is very practical and commercially focussed in approach, with lots of interactive exercises designed to draw out the learning applications via the debriefings. The ‘Real Play’ scenarios on day 2 will be based on specific case studies drawn from the Research findings so that they are authentic to optimise the learning. Individual Action Plans will be captured at the end of each day to be debriefed by the Participants’ respective Line Managers.  Template Programme Day One – Foundation – Strategic Approach Section One – The Principles of Consultative Selling Defining ‘Consultative Selling’ The Company’s ‘Unique Selling Points’ & Value Proposition The Consultative Selling model – the five stages Avoiding appearing ‘pushy’, ‘pressurising’ or ‘talking through the sale’ Section Two –Strategy & Preparation  ‘Buy-Class’ Matrix Strategic plan Template – matching services/products to identified needs & opportunities. Preparing a range of objectives Constants and variables – USP’s Researching key Client/Decision Makers’ priorities, profile & background (LinkedIn etc.) Preparing for potential & likely Objections Section Three – Email etiquette & ‘influencing’ email correspondence.  Email etiquette A.B.S.U.R.D model Clarity and tone – discovery of clients’ needs & motivational factors. Techniques to influence and ‘nudge’. Ensuring the data and content have a ‘gentle’ motivational & appealing message. Top Tips Day Two – Practical Application Section Four – Rapport Building & Effective Communication skills ‘Behaviour Labelling’ techniques – setting a positive tone. Asking Open Questions – gaining a full understanding of the clients’ priorities & expectations. EQ - Inviting opinions; perspectives; experiences – winning confidence. Active Listening – focus and commitment to understand. ‘Reading the room’ – adapting to responses and reactions. Maintaining focus on relevant topics that the Client cares about; carefully consider the opportunities to influence. But NO PRESSURE! Building a ‘bond of trust’ with commitments and authentic, shared values. Section Five – Explaining the Benefits – aligned to the Customers’ Priorities Understanding ‘Why do People Buy?’ Research data analysis. Open questions that lead to understanding the key issues and Clients’ priorities. Avoiding the danger of ‘pressurising’ the Client. Responding to objections effectively, with confidence and sensitivity. Explaining the benefits that are aligned to the Clients’ stated requirements. Making the Data ‘sing’ – memorable takeaways for the Client. Augmented benefits – Brand confidence; Case studies; Warranty; Service; Range; Flexibility etc. in alignment with their stated preferences/requirements Differentials compared to Competitors Section Six – Winning Commitment Inviting commitment – with confidence Consultative Selling Closing techniques (e.g. Alternative Close/Assumptive Close et al) Avoiding ‘talking through the sale’ – knowing when to ‘Shut UP!’ Confirming agreement – ensuring Clients’ motivation for repeat business Section Seven – Practical Application ‘Real Play’ From the Research findings, carefully devised scenarios can be generated to provide the most valuable learning opportunities to underpin all the skills & techniques covered in the Programme.  Potential Real Play scenarios: A well-established customer has indicated that they are soon to be opening up additional new offices – this presents an opportunity to arrange for the Company to support them with their upcoming needs. After some very positive feedback and with the upcoming contract renewal imminent – how can the Company give the Customer more high-quality support in other areas of their business? A Competitor has been to see the client and they have prompted some concerns about ‘value for money’ & ‘quality of service’. How Real Play works… The group is split the group into 2 sub-groups, one with our Professional Actor (option available); the other with the Trainer or a willing Participant. Each group has a brief and has to instruct their Trainer/Actor/Participant on how to approach the scenario supplied. The Actor and Trainer (or willing Participant) perform the role play(s) as instructed by their respective teams; however, during the action they can be paused for further recommendations or direction. The outcome is the responsibility of the team(s) – not the performers. Debrief the full Programme Individual Action Plans - to be followed through. ‘Best Practices’ for application into the business Options for Exercises within the Programme  Sample Exercise – Red & White  There is a specific time managed agenda and itinerary, which puts the group under pressure.  The key challenge is for the sub-groups to maximise the commercial value from the task, however there is always a great danger that the individuals attempt to gain financial progress at the expense of the other group! Debriefing points: Persuasive communication and influence across barriers Gaining buy-in when others are sceptical Strategic planning accounting for others’ behaviours Sample Exercise – Communication Challenge Each Participant has different pieces of information, but are not allowed to share it visually. They are only allowed to communicate to work out the solution hidden among the large amount of data. Debrief: Structured approach Maintaining focus through distractions/interference Active Listening Controlled communication Sample Exercise – Persuasive emails Sample emails are shared to be critiqued and improved upon to be debriefed: Tone & impact Making the Data ‘sing’ Influential & motivational language Customer centric message. Sample Exercise –Juggling   Each Participant has to pass the ‘Customers’ (Juggling balls) carefully through the system with all the other Participants to reach a profitable conclusion  Debrief: EQ to read the room and effectively communicate, when the pressure is on Customer focus and adapting to challenges Devising a plan that wins buy-in Overcoming competing ideas to get to ‘best practice’ Consistent commitment, communication and motivational drivers that influenced performance. Sample Exercise –Critical Path  The group are provided with 30 x discs and some ‘post-it’ notes. (no pens or pencils are allowed) Their brief is to create a grid shape with the 30 x discs, which will act as ‘stepping stones’ for the ‘Critical Path’ But they have to follow the correct order through the grid from the start to finish, which they will have to work out through ‘trial & error’ All of the team must pass through the ‘Critical Path’ worked out on the grid, observing the constraints, within the time limit. No talking is permitted once they start using the materials Debrief: - Clear communication focussing on the ‘client’s journey’ Planning for challenges Identifying risks and mitigating them Role allocations & support Quality control and disciplines  Sample Exercise –Back to Back  Each Participant is positioned back-to-back with a partner. They have to work out precisely what the ‘statement’ given to the other person is without looking around. Each person has a different brief. Debrief: - Asking Open Questions Active Listening Accuracy in identifying the objective.

Workplace Mediation

Any team member with Customer interaction (including internal) are the 'Ambassadors' of the company/organisation. If they project positive professionalism - they win others' confidence. If they appear or sound like they are in any way indifferent or unprofessional - they will cost sales and lose clients/customers. With this 2 day Training course, that will be tailored to your company/organisation, each person attending will upgrade their professional standards in people skills, telephone manner and email etiquette. No training in this area may well be a false economy as there is a much greater risk of disenfranchised customers and team members - and probably increases your competitors to win business at your expense. Professional customer care is all too frequently regarded as a token issue in most induction sessions for employees. Surprisingly it is very rarely considered as a key priority, despite being essential for ensuring customer commitment is secure and supplier/partnerships are robust. Excellent customer care is paramount in our ever increasingly competitive market and making customers feel valued and looked after is often a differentiator. This 2-day course will help you understand your customers and the vital importance of customer care in any organisation. You will gain the tools and techniques to apply your learning directly back into the workplace and deliver excellent customer care. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the Professional Customer Care course is comprised of four modules, covering the following: Module One What is Excellent Customer Care? Internal versus external customers Why customer care is important Meeting customer expectations Module Two Making a Personal Difference How do you measure customer care? Making a difference Taking ownership Positive mental attitude Displaying professionalism both face-to-face and over the telephone Using positive language Module Three Gathering Information and Offering Solutions Asking the right questions Active listening skills Summarising and clarifying skills Module Four Dealing with Difficult Situations How to give a 'service' no Demonstrating empathy Assertiveness techniques Handling a complaint Problem solving Saying 'sorry' Making realistic promises and keeping them Real Play Scenarios with a Professional Actor (Optional Extra) This programme benefits significantly from our innovative training feature: Real Play. Using a professional actor who performs role plays as different customer characters in carefully devised situations, the delegates have the opportunity to 'pause' the role play to coach and control their character to improve their skill sets and practice the theory delivered. These scenarios can deal with difficult situations and enacting options to ensure good customer relations are intact. The outcome of the scenario is the responsibility of the delegates, not the trainer and actor. The actor will remain in character throughout the de-brief in order to bring to life the impact and possible next steps. Objectives By the end of the course participants will be able to Adopt a professional telephone manner Communicate assertively by taking control and directing the conversation Deliver information positively by offering options and alternatives Develop a range of versatile behaviours to use when dealing with difficult situations by: Listening actively Using empathy Gathering relevant information through effective questioning Finding solutions to concerns/problems quickly and efficiently Speaking positively and assertively What Is The Benefit? For individuals this course will increase confidence and ability to deal with customers in all situations, which will in turn create customer loyalty and raise their profile. For an employer, ensuring that all customer facing employees are demonstrating excellent customer care instils confidence in the customers and promotes a positive image of the company. In-House Courses Every single team member or employee that has a role which involves engaging with a customer, client and/or a key partner/supplier has a responsibility for projecting a positive image of the organisation which they represent. That may sound obvious, but how many hundreds of experiences have you had as a customer where you were treated with indifference and a distinct lack of professionalism by the receptionist, the retail assistant, the tele-agent, the delivery person, the credit controller or the departmental manager of the operation that you were dealing with? Far too many to count? This is because professional customer care is regarded as a token issue in most induction sessions for employees - and it is very rarely considered as a key priority to ensure customer commitment is secure and supplier/partnerships are robust. Yet the hugely expensive churn in customer/client commitments and staff is enormously expensive and immensely disruptive to any organisation. The Importance of Customers and Clients Every client/customer engaging person needs to recognise that it is ultimately the client or customer that pays their wages. If they gain a basic understanding of the clients' motivations and behaviours, coupled with some core skills in how to care for them, they will attain the status of 'professional'. This will very quickly translate into increased revenues, retained loyalty, high commitment and far greater security for all parties. The foundation has to be based on the authentic commitment to both the customer and also to the organisation they work for. Disenfranchisement readily curdles into sloppy behaviours cloaked in unprofessional attitudes and demeanours; plenty there to repel the most loyal of customers. If your company or organisation relies on repeat business and retaining the confidence and commitment of your clients, then all of your team members - perhaps including managers who set the example and have the biggest influence on the where the needle points to in relation to professionalism - need to be trained on the core basics of professional customer care. Customer Care Programmes from Dickson Training Ltd We are delighted to boast about the many successes we have had in providing effective and long lasting improvements for many clients, where awards have been won and, more importantly, talent has been retained because their clients and customers keep on coming back. Professional customer care extends to suppliers and partners that you value and need to get the best service and rates from, as well as any 'internal clients' such as other departments where you need to rely on their support and collaboration in order to achieve your goals. It is amazing what effective professional customer care training can do for any organisation. Without it your organisation may be vulnerable, with it you are much more likely to see increased performances and much greater security and growth. Scheduled Courses Unfortunately this course is not one that is currently scheduled as an open course, and is only available on an in-house basis. Please contact us for more information.

Supporting Women in Leadership Throughout The UK Our women in leadership course is specifically designed to target challenges and support women in developing their leadership and management careers. AWARD WINNING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Discover Our Women in Construction Management Course The Power Within is dedicated to helping women in construction across England and Scotland achieve business success through our Motivational Intelligence framework. Motivational Intelligence is the third level of intelligence, and the science behind it has won a Nobel Prize. Our women leadership in construction course supports women by improving their motivation, self-belief, decision-making, and leadership skills. This programme is designed to help female business leaders adapt more quickly to their environment, handle adversity more effectively, take productive action, and thrive during times of change. Each is a vital skill needed in today’s ever-changing business environment. When completed, you’ll have the skills needed to make decisions more effectively that help your business grow, become more resilient, and take opportunities when others are stuck. "This course has completely changed my outlook on my responsibilities as a manager/leader. In 26 years with Pfizer, I have never participated in a programme that has as profoundly changed my perspective on my role, my responsibilities and my ability to positively impact my team." FEMALE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SERVICES, PFIZER LEADING WITH MOTIVATIONAL INTELLIGENCE What is our Women in Construction Course? In the past five years, we’ve supported thousands of business leaders and managers in nurturing the skills and mindset needed to achieve and exceed their business goals. The Power Within knows women are incredibly effective and consistent at applying our Motivational Intelligence techniques to their lives and business. Our women in construction management course is designed to give you the skills you need to take charge of your business and ensure constant growth while future-proofing your business. The training is perfect for women in construction who are managers or leaders looking to: Quickly Adapt Their Team to Change Effectively Mentor Every Team Member Improve Communication and Collaboration Gain More Buy-In to New Goals or Strategies Transform Their Team Culture Increase Initiative and Self-Motivation Across Their Team How We Help Women in the Construction Industry Our course focuses on imparting fundamental skills, tactical best practices, and powerful insights into the human side of the business. You’ll be provided with valuable knowledge needed to be successful leaders and managers of all levels. We’ll focus on addressing the challenges new businesses around the world face, like leading teams and developing businesses in turbulent and transitional times as well as overcoming the challenges of being women in the construction industry. Throughout the course, particular emphasis is given to helping leaders raise motivational intelligence and foster a growth mindset within their team. LEADING WITH MOTIVATIONAL INTELLIGENCE Our Leading with Motivational Intelligence (MQ) Executive Diploma Programme is specifically designed to help participants create the “complete game” of leadership and management. Leveraged by more than 40% of the largest Fortune 500 companies and implemented around the world, the Leading with Motivational Intelligence (MQ) consistently receives a participant buy-in rate in excess of 97%. However, the most important statistic is: 12 months after completing the course more than 93% of participants continue to use the skills and techniques taught on a daily basis. SQA APPROVED EXECUTIVE DIPLOMA What Skills Do We Help Women in Construction Develop? The skills we teach through our women in construction management courses are delivered through seven modularised sessions, each between three and three-and-a-half hours per session, with all sessions starting at 9:30 am via Zoom. An additional two hours per week is spent working on the online training assignments and leadership development plan. Each session will provide the education and information needed to establish yourself in your business. Here is more information regarding each session and the skills taught: SESSION 1: SELF-LEADERSHIP & THE SECRET TO PERSONAL SUCCESS Our first module is focused on setting course expectations and creating the right environment for learning. We’ll introduce the format and logistics, then discuss leading through turbulent times and how we can take control of ourselves, our thoughts, and our actions to lead growth. There is also a discussion on adult learning techniques and how leaders can leverage them to improve the effectiveness of their teams. We’ll also explore how turbulence and transition have changed how we manage and lead our teams. SESSION 2: THE ROLE OF INTELLIGENCE WHEN LEADING In this session, we’ll discuss the three levels of human intelligence and show how they each play in an individual’s performance and behaviors. Through two distinct mindsets, you’ll be shown how an individual’s motivational intelligence ultimately influences their emotional intelligence and intelligence quotient (IQ). Depending on which mindset a person operates under ultimately dictates their view of themselves, opportunities, and the work at which they will allow themselves to succeed. Finally, we’ll discuss switching your team to a growth mindset. SESSION 3: THE PILLARS OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE Completing this session will allow you to deconstruct the components that create a motivational intelligence growth mindset. Through discussion, you’ll see how most organizational challenges can be directly tied back to lapses in these components. We’ll review the leaders who’ve had the most significant influence on the meeting participants and shows the commonalities that make these leaders stand out. Lastly, we’ll introduce terminology, tools, and techniques that leaders can leverage to better coach and mentor their team. SESSION 4: MANAGEMENT VERSUS LEADERSHIP: THE TWO CRITICAL AND CO-DEPENDENT SKILLSETS FOR CREATING TEAM SUCCESS We’ll discuss the difference between a manager’s and a leader’s focus. The discussion focuses on the two most common management mistakes and how they undermine team culture and individual performance. The final debate focuses on the five critical best practices of excellent management, including clearly defining and communicating goals, creating alignment and buy-in, setting proper expectations, monitoring performance, and recognizing and rewarding performance. Our final portion will work to define what management is. Session 5: Exploring and Defining Leadership: Dispelling the Myths that Surround It Session 5 strives to define leadership. Building on this definition is a follow-up discussion regarding how people develop their leadership abilities. We’ll explore the underpinnings of what creates a successful leader. It also includes the importance of asking questions and active listening. We’ll review the five behavioral characteristics associated with motivational intelligence and how leaders can assess the relative strengths or weaknesses of the characteristics within their team. Lastly, we’ll explore great leaders’ five critical best practices, including communicating a compelling vision, modeling the correct behaviors, establishing a team culture anchored in responsibility, consistently building team confidence and self-esteem, and proactively coaching and mentoring. SESSION 6: BUILDING A LEADERSHIP TOOLBOX FOSTERING ADAPTABILITY, RESILIENCE, AND COURAGE We’ll provide information regarding tools and techniques that leaders can utilize to foster greater accountability and ownership win their teams. The Power Within will explore self-esteem’s critical role in the relative strength or weakness of a person’s motivational intelligence and adaptability in life. We’ll discuss how self-esteem has formed and how it will influence how a person interprets feedback in life. Lastly, we’ll explore levels of self-esteem and the associated behaviors of each. SESSION 7: HELPING EMPLOYEES DEVELOP A HEALTHY PERSPECTIVE AND RESILIENT ATTITUDE During the final session, we’ll explore self-esteem’s critical role in the relative strength or weakness of a person’s motivational intelligence and adaptability in life. We’ll talk about how self-esteem is formed and how it influences how a person interprets feedback. Finally, we’ll explore levels of self-esteem and the behaviors of each and the influence of comfort zones, and the tools that leaders can use to help people escape the fear of change. Our Course Leaders The Power Within was founded by husband and wife team James and Enas Fleming, to inspire people worldwide to think bigger, be better, and achieve more. They both work on a personal level with individuals, businesses, and organisations to help them create leaders and build environments where they can thrive. James and Enas challenge the limits with the Motivational Intelligence formula to help you broaden your perspective and create a future on your terms. Here is more about your course instructors: James Fleming James Fleming – James Fleming, the co-creator of The Power Within. He wanted to inspire people around the world to think better, be better, and achieve more. James believes everyone can do whatever they set their minds to. Founding The Power Within allowed James to turn that deep knowledge into a business that helps others think bigger, better, and achieve more daily. He strives to give leaders the tools and knowledge to achieve their full potential while increasing their self-confidence and self-belief through the Motivational Intelligence Revolution. James wants to support today’s businesses to become tomorrow’s leaders. Mari Steyn Mari is the go-to person for building self-esteem, offering new perspectives and stepping up in Life. With an endless abundance of excitement and love for all people, combined with degrees in Psychology, Knowledge and Information Management and is a Master NLP and Transformation Coach and International NLP and Coaching Trainer and Executive Coach, Mari offers an attractive, fresh, expert approach to Emotional Freedom, Motivational Intelligence, Leadership Development and ReWriting your Story. We undoubtedly have the power within to alchemize ourselves and any situation! Seeing the light go on in someone’s eyes is my ultimate joy. Take Charge with Our Women in Construction Course The Power Within is a Motivational Intelligence company dedicated to helping businesses and leaders become more accountable, resilient, adaptable, and capable of handling all challenges, regardless of the complexity. Our women in construction management course build upon best practices, strategic insights, and lessons learned over three decades of building leadership universities for Fortune 500 companies. Throughout the course, emphasis is given to helping leaders raise their motivational intelligence and foster a growth mindset within their team. You’ll gain the skills you need to successfully lead your team and overcome adversity while ensuring your company is profitable. To learn more about our course or to register, reach out today.