Taking minutes is a much under-rated skill. It can be challenging at the best of times. So how do you do it for virtual meetings? This trainer-led session will help. It's a very practical programme which explores the issues specific to minuting on-line meetings and gives solutions to some of the trickier problems. Full of useful tips, the session will enable participants to: Identify how to adapt their current minute-taking skills to on-line meetings Plan and prepare for a meeting Follow a line of discussion Work in partnership with a remote Chair Deal confidently with minute-taking challenges. 1 Welcome Programme objectives Personal introductions 2 Adapting minute-taking to virtual meetings How is it different? What changes in approach are needed? 3 Preparation Preparing for the meeting Technology and equipment Dress and personal presentation Liaising with the Chair Practical preparation tips 4 Minuting tips Managing the 'techie' elements, eg. poor sound/visual quality Knowing who is speaking Following a line of discussion What if I don't hear or understand? Tips for producing a set of minutes 5 Session review Summary, key learning points, feedback and close
Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) is commonly used to help establish safe minimum levels of maintenance, determine changes to operating procedures and help establish maintenance regimes and plans. Successful implementation can result in cost savings, machine uptime and improved risk management. But the devil's in the detail - how can you achieve these benefits and successfully implement RCM in your organisation? This programme will help you do just that. Note: this is a purely indicative outline. The content, duration, objectives and material used can all be adapted to match your specific requirements. To provide a better understanding of RCM, particularly: What, why, how and who? Opportunities and benefits Risks Cost effectiveness Note: this is a purely indicative outline. The content, duration, objectives and material used can all be adapted to match your specific requirements. 1 What is maintenance? Why maintain? Traditional maintenance methods Common current practices and trends 2 What is Reliability Centred Maintenance? Its history Its development Current usage Where can it be cost-effective? 3 How does it work? Basic features Key criteria Maintenance options Key outcomes 4 Making the business case and preparing the strategy Identifying and quantifying current risks Identifying and quantifying current costs Motivating decision-makers Identifying and empowering those who have to deliver the results Educating / gaining buy-in from interested parties 5 Implementation Identify business functions Prioritise functions Verify correct usage Identify failure modes Identify the consequences of failure Understand the failure process Specify the appropriate maintenance action(s) 6 Ongoing requirements Monitoring Recording Analysis Continuous re-evaluation 7 Open discussion Sharing experience and addressing specific issues of interest to participants Course review Close
It's a fact of life that costs generally increase and as a result prices must go up too. Implementing an increase without losing customers is challenging. Talking about a price increase with customers never makes for an easy conversation. Your customers will generally decide whether to accept the increase based upon value, as well as the hassle cost of switching and going elsewhere. Even the most experienced salesperson who has implemented price increases before will be fighting back the nerves when faced with the task of 'selling' the increase. In this flexible programme, we will support your internal preparations at whichever stage you and your colleagues are at. From making the decision to increase prices, right through to those on the frontline already dealing with any push-back. This programme will help participants: Understand the business case for increasing prices Take steps to research the market Consider their customers' motivations Use the six principles of influence Identify and adapt for different personality styles Assess their level of trust with customers Build rapport rapidly with their customers and prospects 1 Raising prices - keys to success Understanding the business case Researching the market Assessing the value of your offering 2 Understanding your customer base Assessing your key accounts What is your 'target' customer range? Creating consistency in pricing approach 3 Planning the increase Timing your implementation Communication strategy Elements of a good price increase letter 4 Developing influencing skills The Trust Equation The six principles of influence Discovering your customer's buying decisions 5 Emotional intelligence and price increases The part emotion plays Developing strategies for keeping calm Handling your customer's responses 6 Understanding different customer styles Discover your own style Recognising behaviour traits in others Adapting your approach to their style 7 Preparing for customer contact Preparing for specific customers Anticipating their response Dealing with challenging customers 8 Following through Maintaining a consistent approach Resisting requests for discounts Confirming the increase in writing
M&O of engineering plant and services is becoming more important to the success of the core business. To select the right M&O technique for specific plant and equipment it is necessary to know what options are available, what they deliver and how they should be implemented. This course will help you consider options and techniques that provide best value based on that thorough understanding of the business need. M&O will increasingly be required to demonstrate it is delivering the optimum of cost and value and the main purpose of the course is to show how this can be achieved. Note: this is a purely indicative list of topics that can be covered. The content, duration, objectives and material used would all be adapted to match your specific requirements. This course will help you: Determine what the business needs from the M&O service Determine the cost and value of the various M&O options Prepare and present the business case for the selected M&O strategy Introduce meaningful KPIs based on performance-based service by the M&O provider Undertake a review of current M&O and make recommendations for improvement Introduce energy and carbon management performance criteria in M&O Better deal with project risk and uncertainties Motivate others to deliver a reliable and cost effective M&O service Note: this is a purely indicative list of topics that can be covered. The content, duration, objectives and material used would all be adapted to match your specific requirements. 1 What is maintenance and what is operation? - their relative importance to the business 2 Comparison of the various maintenance options and techniques, including: Planned preventative Run to failure Condition monitoring Business focused Business critical Total productive Reliability centred maintenance 3 Forms of contracts and service, including: Comprehensive Input driven Output driven Limited replacement Performance based M&O 4 Selecting the right options and making the business case 5 Continuous commissioning as a tool for delivering best value 6 Case studies
Developing the high performing team takes time and effort. But above all, it requires an understanding of the dynamics of high performing teams. This programme helps managers and leaders understand what high performing teams do and how they do it. It focuses on enabling managers to see their teams from different perspectives, allowing them to adapt their styles to maximise team outputs. A core theme is the need for managers of teams to 'hold up the mirror' to themselves and to see themselves as a leader of people, to reflect on how others see them and to modify their style accordingly. This programme will help managers / team leaders: Analyse the constituents of a 'high performing' team Apply essential influencing techniques Use a range of communication techniques to support effective teamwork Create and articulate team vision Generate common values Assess team effectiveness and take/recommend the appropriate actions Make more efficient use of team time Understand and agree on techniques to manage conflict Define and implement team meeting protocols that will facilitate team effectiveness Use the Prime Focus model to create the environment and framework for a high performing team Draft your team strategy to take them to the next level Day 1 1 Welcome and introduction Participants are welcomed to the programme and invited to share their personal objectives and people challenges Participants are given an action plan template to complete throughout the workshop 2 Your team The concept of 'positive intention' The difference between a team and a high performing team Assess your team effectiveness What is your 'interference'? 3 The team environment Setting the scene Building rapport Active listening Team goals and role profiling 4 Your style Tuckman model of team stages - how do you manage each stage? Team standards and goals Your team vision 5 Effective team meetings Influencing in team meetings How to make them interesting and relevant The pure role of the chair Day 2 1 Effective communication techniques Giving and receiving feedback Your communication style How to adapt, pace and lead to build rapport The Mehrabian theory of communication 2 How to manage conflict What is conflict? What is your default conflict approach? Tools and tips for managing conflict Practice sessions 3 Team skills Undertake a team skills analysis Types of team member Motivating team members Reframing situations 4 Setting your strategy Seeing the bigger picture The Prime Focus Model Your strategy for success Articulating your strategy Action plans revisited
Agile project management, already widely used for software development, is increasingly recognised as having much more general application. Continuous improvement programmes, business change projects, new technology development, research and development and a variety of other scenarios characterised by rapid change and high uncertainty can all benefit from an Agile approach. This programme presents the concepts and methods of Agile project management, and shows how to apply them to a range of project and change management situations. Participants will learn: how Agile project management can help with project and change management the 4 values and 12 principles of the Agile 'manifesto' and the range of Agile methodologies how to apply Agile project management methods and techniques in a range of project scenarios alternative Agile project management methods and how they can be applied and adapted what makes Agile project teams succeed the key roles and responsibilities needed to enable Agile project teams to work effectively how to encourage an Agile mindset within their organisation and how to move toward an Agile approach to managing projects 1 Introduction to Agile project management Overview of 'classical' project management and methodologies The link between project success and management performance Limitations of classical approaches and the need for Agile methods The 4 values and 12 principles of the Agile manifesto explained Agile project management values:Individuals and interactions over processes and toolsWorking outputs over comprehensive documentationCustomer collaboration over contract negotiationResponding to change over following a plan The cultural challenges of using Agile project management Choosing when and how to adopt Agile project management 2 Initiating a project using Agile project management Some key Agile methodologies explained: SCRUM, XP, Crystal Identifying and engaging project stakeholders; defining roles and responsibilities Setting the project vision and goals; defining project scope The Agile approach to requirements capture and elicitation of needs Tools and techniques for capturing and characterising requirements The role of documentation, reporting and process management 3 The Agile approach to definition and planning Understanding Agile planning; the 'planning onion' concept Developing the culture needed for collaborative involvement and iterative planning Defining project deliverables; the 'product backlog' concept Tools and techniques for defining and prioritising requirements in Agile projects Understanding and applying Agile estimating techniques Dealing with uncertainty and managing risks 4 The Agile approach to execution and delivery The results orientated, fast adapting culture of Agile teams The monthly 'Sprint' process for project planning and review The disciplines needed for effective daily SCRUM meetings Reviewing progress, managing change and project reporting Testing, completing and handing over of work packages Managing the interface between the project team and the business 5 Leadership and teamwork in Agile project teams Why Agile teams are different: the importance of individuals and interactions The skills and attributes needed to lead an Agile project team The challenges faced and skills needed by Agile team members Recognising team development needs; adopting the right leadership style Making the transition from project manager to Agile coach Key coaching skills explored: mentoring, facilitating, managing conflict
The aim of this programme is to help attendees create better quality technical documents in an organised and efficient manner. It will give those new to the topic an appreciation of how to approach the task professionally whilst those with more experience will be able to refresh and refine their skills. The programme comprises three complementary one-day modules: The programme presents a structured methodology for creating technical documents and provides a range of practical techniques that help delegates put principles into practice. Although not essential, it is strongly advised that delegates for modules 2 and 3 have already attended module 1, or another equivalent course. Note: the content of each module as shown here is purely indicative and can be adapted to suit your particular requirements. This course will: Explain the qualities and benefits of well written technical documents Present a structured approach for producing technical documents Review the essential skills of effective technical writing Demonstrate practical methods to help create better documents Provide tools and techniques for specification and report writing Review how technical documents should be issued and controlled Note: the content of each module as shown here is purely indicative and can be adapted to suit your particular requirements. Module 1: Essential skills for technical writers 1 Introduction to the programme Aims and objectives of the module Introductions and interests of participants 2 Creating effective technical documents What is technical writing? how does it differ from other writing? Key qualities of an effective technical document Communication essentials and the challenges faced by technical writers The lessons of experience: how the best writers write The five key steps : prepare - organise - write - edit - release (POWER) 3 Preparing to write Defining the document aims and objectives; choosing the title Understanding technical readers and their needs Getting organised; planning and managing the process Integrating technical and commercial elements The role of intellectual property rights (IPR), eg, copyright 4 Organising the content The vital role of structure in technical documents Deciding what to include and how to organise the information Categorising information: introductory, key and supporting Tools and techniques for scoping and structuring the document Creating and using document templates - pro's and con's 5 Writing the document Avoiding 'blinding them with science': the qualities of clear writing Problem words and words that confuse; building and using a glossary Using sentence structure and punctuation to best effect Understanding the impact of style, format and appearance Avoiding common causes of ambiguity; being concise and ensuring clarity Using diagrams and other graphics; avoiding potential pitfalls 6 Editing and releasing the document Why editing is difficult; developing a personal editing strategy Some useful editing tools and techniques Key requirements for document issue and control Module 2: Creating better specifications 1 Introduction Aims and objectives of the day Introductions and interests of participants The 'POWER' writing process for specifications 2 Creating better specifications The role and characteristics of an effective specification Specifications and contracts; the legal role of specifications Deciding how to specify; understanding functional and design requirements Developing the specification design; applying the principles of BS 7373 Getting organised: the key stages in compiling an effective specification 3 Preparing to write a specification Defining the scope of the specification; deciding what to include and what not Scoping techniques: scope maps, check lists, structured brainstorming The why/what/how pyramid; establishing and understanding requirements Clarifying priorities; separating needs and desires: the MoSCoW method Useful quantitative techniques: cost benefit analysis, QFD, Pareto analysis Dealing with requirements that are difficult to quantify 4 Organising the content The role of structure in specifications Typical contents and layout for a specification What goes where: introductory, key and supporting sections Creating and using model forms: the sections and sub sections Detailed contents of each sub-section Exercise: applying the tools and techniques 5 Writing the specification Identifying and understanding the specification reader Key words: will, shall, must; building and using a glossary Writing performance targets that are clear and unambiguous Choosing and using graphics Exercise: writing a specification 6 Editing and releasing the document Key editing issues for specifications Issue and control of specifications Module 3: Writing better reports 1 Introduction Aims and objectives of the day Introductions and interests of participants The 'POWER' technical writing process for technical reports 2 Creating better reports What is a technical report? types and formats of report The role and characteristics of an effective technical report Understanding technical report readers and their needs The commercial role and impact of technical reports Getting organised: the key stages in compiling a technical report 3 Preparing to write reports Agreeing the terms of reference; defining aims and objectives Being clear about constraints; defining what is not to be included Legal aspects and intellectual property rights (IPR) for reports Preparing the ground; gathering information and reference documents Keeping track of information: note making, cataloguing and cross referencing Tools and techniques for developing a valid and convincing argument 4 Organising the content The role of structure reviewed; some typical report structures Who needs what: identifying the varied needs of the readership What goes where: introductory, key and supporting sections Creating and using model forms: the sections and sub sections Detailed contents of each sub-section Exercise: applying the tools and techniques 5 Writing the report Planning the storyline: the report as a journey in understanding Recognising assumptions about the reader; what they do and don't know Converting complex concepts into understandable statements Presenting technical data and its analysis; the role of graphics Presenting the case simply whilst maintaining technical integrity Exercise: writing a technical report 6 Editing and releasing the report Key editing issues for technical reports Issue and control of technical reports
This course explores Autism and the current body of thinking and knowledge around Autistic Spectrum Disorders. This enables learners to consider how to adapt their practice with useful strategies to better support an individual with autism.
Workplace Innovation Are You A Leader Who Wants To Enhance Your Team’s Accountability, Adaptability, Resilience, And Well-Being? Consider joining our newly launched Growth Leadership Programme: Workplace Innovation, subsided by Scottish Enterprise, which offers a unique approach to leadership development and workplace Innovation, emphasising Motivational Intelligence (MQ). Our programme will help you build on your leadership capabilities and confidence while creating a more innovative, productive, and fair workplace for employee development and growth. Growth Leadership: Workplace Innovation Leading with Motivational Intelligence (MQ) You’ll learn to: Develop MQ leadership skills that encourage fair and innovative workplace practices and inclusive economic growth. Increase engagement, innovation, and productivity among your team. Enhance your strategic decision-making skills. Build a resilient, agile, and change-driven team culture. Identify and integrate organisational values into your workplace culture. Create a successful business that is also a fair place to work. Session Overview Our comprehensive programme, consisting of eight engaging and insightful sessions, is meticulously crafted to provide a world-class education in Leadership, Workplace Innovation and Motivational Intelligence (MQ). We combine some of the most potent, powerful and cutting-edge research in workplace innovation, neuroscience and the most promising discoveries in cognitive and social psychology of the 20th century. 01 Self-Leadership and The Secret to Personal Success Session 1: Self-Leadership and The Secret to Personal Success This comprehensive kick-off session delves into the foundations of self-leadership and personal success. Participants will explore various aspects, from setting course expectations and creating a conducive learning environment to understanding motivational intelligence and managing negative thoughts. Through essential resources like the Leadership Reference Manual and Roadmap Workbook, multi-sensory perception, and spaced repetition learning techniques, participants will solidify their learnings and enhance personal and professional growth. Key Learning Outcomes: Understand the critical role of self-leadership in personal and professional success and the impact of external and internal factors on performance Develop strategies to optimise motivation, communication, and effectiveness within teams and organisations, leveraging diverse learning styles and adult learning techniques Utilise essential resources like the Leadership Reference Manual and Roadmap Workbook for ongoing growth and development while implementing practical tools like the Start, Stop, Continue plan for self-reflection and improvement Explore the power of adaptability, self-awareness, and resilience in navigating through challenging times and maintaining a positive mindset Discover the importance of a positive mental diet, gratitude, and consistent small decisions that compound over time, leading to personal and professional growth 02 The Role of Intelligence in Leadership and Management Session 2: The Role of Intelligence in Leadership and Management It's time to delve into Motivational Intelligence and its role in our personal and professional lives. In this comprehensive and interactive session, participants will explore the multifaceted aspects of intelligence in Leadership and management, focusing on IQ, EQ, and MQ. Participants will learn how to cultivate a growth mindset and motivational intelligence within themselves and their teams, fostering a culture of learning and resilience. The session will also cover the importance of crafting a clear vision for the team or organisation and provide practical strategies for effectively communicating the vision to internal and external stakeholders. Key Learning Outcomes: Understand the roles of IQ, EQ, and MQ in Leadership and management and their impact on individual and team performance Develop strategies to improve your levels of intelligence and foster a growth mindset within individuals and teams Discover the importance of vision in Leadership and management and learn to craft it using the WHERE (performance), HOW (perception), and WHY (purpose) perspectives Gain insights into effectively communicating the vision to stakeholders, ensuring alignment, ownership, and motivation Reflect on the role of a growth mindset and motivational intelligence in achieving the team's vision and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability 03 The Pillars of Human Performance: Unlocking Potential Session 3: The Pillars of Human Performance: Unlocking Unlimited Potential Discover the keys to unlocking your unlimited potential and becoming a more effective leader in this interactive course. Through engaging discussions and self-reflection, participants will dive deep into unlimited potential, understand its significance in Leadership, and learn to overcome challenges in their teams or businesses. Participants will gain insights into the characteristics of influential leaders, the importance of asking the right questions, and the value of embracing failure as a part of success. With a focus on personal and professional growth, this session will equip you with the tools and techniques to become a better manager and leader. Key Learning Outcomes: Understand the concept of unlimited potential and its importance in Leadership and personal growth Identify personal and team visions, challenges, and the role of asking the right questions in gaining insights Recognise the role of practice and reflection in transforming weaknesses into strengths Explore the characteristics and impact of great leaders and learn how to apply these traits in your leadership style Embrace the importance of failure as a crucial part of success and create a supportive environment for personal and team development 04 Defining Management and Vertical Alignment Session 4: Defining Management and Vertical Alignment In this engaging session, participants will delve into the essential differences between management and Leadership and discover how understanding these distinctions can significantly impact team culture and performance. We'll examine common management mistakes and their effects, uncover the best practices of excellent management, and discuss the development of management skills and the management hierarchy. This interactive session will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies that can be applied to personal and professional life, helping participants become more effective and successful managers and leaders. Key Learning Outcomes: Differentiating between management and Leadership: Gain a deeper understanding of how these concepts differ and their impact on team culture and performance Identifying common management mistakes: Learn about these pitfalls and their consequences on team culture and performance and develop strategies to avoid them Mastering the best practices of excellent management: Discover the five essential techniques to help you become a more effective manager Developing management skills and understanding the management hierarchy: Enhance your ability to grow as a leader and manager Embracing Ultimate Responsibility: Learn the importance of taking ownership and responsibility for your and your team's success and understand the role of motivational intelligence in achieving this 05 Workplace Innovation and High-Payoff Activities Session 5: Workplace Innovation and High-Payoff Activities n (Job Crafting) This session provides a comprehensive overview of the critical principles of workplace innovation, job crafting, people leadership, and coaching in the workplace. Participants will learn about job crafting, our MQ workplace innovation process, and the crucial role of Leadership in managing and monitoring performance in the workplace. By adopting a proactive and creative approach to their work, individuals can improve their job satisfaction, contribute to their organisation's success, and drive economic health for the nation. Key Learning Outcomes: Understanding of Leadership in the job crafting innovative process Skills in job crafting and workplace innovation Knowledge of the critical role of Leadership in performance management Techniques for effective coaching and positive feedback, through trust and mutual respect in the workplace Helping individuals reflect on their role in the success of the team and company and developing a written plan to achieve their goals 06 Defining and Exploring Leadership Session 6: Defining and Exploring Leadership In this session, we will define and explore the essence of Leadership, dispelling the myths and providing a definition that will guide you through the course. We will also explore the three-tier hierarchy of success and how leaders can influence MQ (motivational intelligence) by doing five things consistently. As a manager or leader, you may have found that your team's success is not guaranteed even with the best plans, processes, and strategies. This is because not all team members will adopt new ideas or changes unless they first believe they can achieve the desired outcome. Key Learning Outcomes: Understanding the essence of Leadership to provide an in-depth understanding of the essence of successful Leadership, dispelling the myths and providing a definition that will guide you through the course Psychology of your team: Leaders understand that to achieve their goals, they need to focus on the psychology of their team Power of questions in Leadership: Leaders can gain insight into the minds of their team members and unlock the key to motivating and developing them by asking the right questions Explore the three-tier hierarchy of success and the importance of each level in determining a person's likelihood of success Five things great leaders do each day to influence a culture of responsibility, consistently build esteem and confidence, and always work on coaching and mentoring employees 07 Building a Leadership Toolbox Session 7: Building a Leadership Toolbox: Trust & Inspiration Fostering Adaptability, Responsibility, Resilience, and Courage, this step focuses on leaders' tools and techniques to promote greater team accountability and ownership. It starts to delve into the critical role of self-esteem in a person's motivational intelligence and adaptability. We also explore how self-esteem is formed and influences a person's interpretation of feedback. We also look at self-esteem's critical role in a person's motivational intelligence and adaptability, examining how self-esteem is formed and influences a person's interpretation of feedback. Key Learning Outcomes: Understanding the tools and techniques leaders can use to foster greater team accountability and ownership Delving into the critical role of self-esteem in a person's motivational intelligence and adaptability Exploring how self-esteem is formed and influences a person's interpretation of feedback Examining the levels of self-esteem and associated behaviours of each group Understanding the influence of comfort zones and tools leaders can use to help people overcome the fear of change 08 Developing a Healthy Perspective and Resilient Attitude Session 8: Developing a Healthy Perspective and Resilient Attitude This step explores how developing a healthy perspective and resilient attitude is crucial for success as a leader. In this session, we will explore the critical role of self-reflection in building motivation and adaptability. We will examine how self-esteem is formed and how it influences a person's interpretation of feedback. We will also delve into the levels of self-esteem and the associated behaviours of each class. We will provide practical strategies for cultivating resilience and adaptability in facing challenges and setbacks. Through reflection and analysis of your moments of surprise, frustration, and failure, you will develop a growth mindset that fosters continuous learning and improvement. Key Learning Outcomes: The critical role of self-reflection in building motivation and adaptability How self-esteem is formed and influences a person's interpretation of feedback The levels of self-esteem and the associated behaviours of each class Strategies for cultivating resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and setbacks The influence of affirmations and tools leaders can use to help people overcome the fear of change