1857 Professional Development courses

Our Team Building Programmes are 'simply excellent' (quote from Unilever). They always deliver much greater energy' motivation and efficiently accelerates to a galvanised, integrated team for their Manager/Team Leader. They're great fun and very commercially orientated - the best of both key elements to a successful and long-lasting high performance team. A successful company is always made up of successful teams. Teams that can work autonomously with a clearly defined set of goals, roles, vision, responsibility and culture will always reach for and achieve far greater success than a team that works just as a group of individuals. Our team building solutions are individually built and geared towards teams at any level within an organisation, providing an independent and objective perspective to promote a common purpose such as the creation of a 'high performance team'. Out With The Old Traditionally, team building events have been restricted to certain levels of management where they head off site for a bit of archery, quad biking and paintballing or something along those lines. Then over some coffee and cocktails, business plans and more efficient ways to work are casually discussed. Whilst being out having fun instead of being at work may improve an individual person's mood, the effect will only be short-term, and will not go far in creating permanent and cohesive teams who are able to overcome challenges together and drive the business forward when back in the workplace. In With The New Today's business thinking is more strategic and certainly has to look for returns on the investment. That is why Dickson Training Ltd's team building programmes are bespoke and built to your requirements through research, understanding your business and, most importantly, what results and achievements you are looking to get out of the programme. Once "what success looks like" has been established, we create tasks and activities that will test your leadership, problem solving, communication and team work skills. When the tasks have been completed, the learning - both practical and theory - is debriefed to the group as well as how it will translate back in your business. Not only are our events great fun, but they provide participants with learning points they can act upon to improve or enhance the working practices/environment. Team Building That Gets Results We have a highly innovative team who design team builds to suit all budgets and time or space restrictions. Large or small, we will develop the perfect event to meet your commercial objectives, keeping in line with your values and company culture. More recently we have combined team galvanising events with ways to engage the participants with and support their local communities. This solution has proved extremely popular with our clients and we are continuing to develop more and more programmes doing exactly this. " Phil did everything in a very professional and focused manner, without losing sight of the overall aims or having 'fun'. When I moved to Airbus UK and subsequently European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), I had no hesitation in recommending Phil and the team to deliver the required training and team events.  Without doubt Phil and his team are excellent providers of training, to suit even bespoke requirements, and I would not hesitate in recommending the team to any business in the future. " Glenn Brown, Systems & Expertise Manager, Airbus Personnel Service Augmented Skills – an Essay by Phil Dickson All of you, who are reading this, and all the people you meet and work with will have – ‘Augmented Skills’. So – if you are an IT Engineer or a Pharmacist; perhaps you are, or know, a Departmental Leader and you work with a Logistics Project Manager; these roles will demand core skills, whether they be technical know-how or qualifications in the discipline. But to be that bit better; more reliable; more effective & productive and therefore more valuable and, frankly, marketable – capitalizing on ‘Augment Skills’ comes into play. The I T Engineer who was a Chess Champion at Uni, which would indicate that they possess some key ‘Augmented skills’ including how they plan 3 steps ahead and are always prepared for the unexpected. The Pharmacist, who is a keen sportsperson in their private life, will likely be tenacious, team-orientated and disciplined – again these are superb qualities to have in this – or any – role. Your colleagues, as well as yourself, will have ‘Augmented Skills’ that will be an asset if only they are explored and applied to their role and indeed, career. Everyone has their own 'Super-power' If they love gardening, they are probably strategic, patient and inclined to research; if they cook or bake, they are usually well organized and comfortable with multi-tasking. A big reader will tend to be considered and possess good critical thinking faculties, and an amateur mechanic or keen DIY person will often be practical, resourceful and very determined. I have observed that many new Parents discover they have ‘Augmented Skills’ they didn’t know they had... such as getting order out of chaos and displaying industrial amounts of patience and good grace when they really do not feel like it. They very often become far more compassionate and empathetic. Most people have their very own ‘Superpower’. Invite your team members to offer their ‘Augmented Skills’ to your work-place – and just watch as it elevates the motivation levels and improves results. It’ll be very rewarding for all concerned – and for meeting the Team’s objectives, to encourage the person who is a talented artist to be a sounding board on some of the marketing imagery and layouts; for the team member who is great at Maths or resolving crosswords to be asked for their input to solving a problem that is causing logistical or operational headaches. Never exploit a Team member’s unique special skills at their expense I would like to stress, however, that it must never be an area where a team member gets exploited by harvesting their unique special skills to coerce them into taking on greater responsibilities and tasks without providing them with the commensurate salary and status. To do so would be immoral and, ultimately, counter-productive as it would lead to resentment and disenfranchisement. This is about encouraging people’s capability and inviting their input to boost confidence and enhance the team’s capability. Often, we need to be more than what our Job Description says It is also important to highlight that whatever a person’s role or function is – they will definitely need to have additional capabilities to be effective. The best example of this is when we designed and delivered a range of ‘Advanced Customer Care skills’ training sessions for the Met Office a few years ago…we met so many remarkably super-bright Meteorologists, many of whom were having to make significant adjustments to answering questions from Customers that seemed to be illogical and often, obtuse. It wasn’t enough for these Meteorologists to be highly skilled at interpreting data and identifying patterns – they needed ‘Augmented skills’ to make that information accessible to members of the public (and Council workers and Air Traffic controllers and Shipping agents) and many other people, as to what that particular weather system was going to be like in their area and at what time. They have to know how to ‘de-jargonise’ the material and provide succinct, clear, and yet temperate, descriptions without ever appearing exasperated, impatient or judgmental in response to sometimes quite silly questions. For a highly trained scientist – that can be counter-intuitive. Being Philosophical... and a wee bit pretentious At the risk of being a little Philosophical (and probably a wee bit pretentious) – in my own role of Trainer – my core skills have to include – being a very good communicator, an active listener and have innovative and engaging ways to convert an idea, or a model, into practical application that my Delegates and Clients gain tangible benefits from. This is how it applies to me... I really enjoy composing short, light classical-style piano pieces. Now, to do this well, you need to be able to find a transition from one chord or melody to a different theme or key. It has to be worked out very carefully to have incremental transitions and pleasant-sounding developments as the piece unfolds. I think I have become better at this as I have honed my skills as a composer. But I have realized that these very same skills have ‘Augmented’ my ability to help a Manager, or a Team, move from a state of conflict; tension; disfunction; disenfranchisement; lack of confidence to a place that is more harmonious with far greater productivity. The very same process of careful listening, considering options, taking well-considered steps, having a creative, sometimes brave, move towards a resolution are at play in both Training and Piano Compositions! 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.

Refresh and revitalise your sales teams with a bespoke sales training programme that’s designed to lift their skills and motivation. Our sales experts use learner-centred and coaching methodologies to provide top tips to make a difference to success rates and relationships straight away. Stripped-back sales skills with sensational results, a bespoke course may include: Applying the steps of any sales cycle to your market Communication and relationship building Qualifying and questioning skills Prospecting and pre-call planning Making a pitch Emotional intelligence in sales Objection handling Closing the deal

We share the secrets of how to make one of the most challenging areas of managing people into one of the simplest and most rewarding. Build motivated and effective teams through managers who are skilled in setting challenging but achievable goals, measuring performance and giving great feedback.

Firefighting or solving the same problems week after week? Create a problem-solving culture in your business with this proven methodology.

Course Duration: 2 days (or modular format over 3–4 half-day sessions) Target Audience: New or aspiring trainers, facilitators, team leads, or subject-matter experts who deliver training or knowledge-sharing sessions. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the principles of adult learning and training design. Confidently plan and structure engaging training sessions. Deliver content clearly using effective facilitation techniques. Manage group dynamics and encourage learner participation. Evaluate training effectiveness and improve performance. Course Outline Day 1: Designing Training for Adult Learners Module 1: Understanding the Trainer’s Role Role and responsibilities of an effective trainer Differences between training, presenting, and facilitating Characteristics of great trainers Module 2: Adult Learning Principles How adults learn: motivation, barriers, and learning preferences Learning styles and engagement strategies Applying adult learning theory to real training contexts Module 3: Training Needs Analysis Identifying learning needs and performance gaps Defining clear learning objectives Aligning training outcomes with organisational goals Module 4: Structuring a Training Session Designing training using ADDIE or the 4MAT model Creating session plans and timelines Balancing content delivery with interaction Day 2: Delivering and Evaluating Engaging Training Module 5: Facilitation Skills and Training Delivery Verbal and non-verbal communication Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment Encouraging participation and managing learner resistance Techniques for in-person and online delivery Module 6: Using Training Tools and Technology Using visuals and presentation aids effectively Incorporating activities, case studies, and role plays Facilitating discussions, group work, and Q&A Tips for hybrid and online delivery (Zoom, Teams, etc.) Module 7: Handling Group Dynamics and Challenges Managing difficult participants or situations Reading the room and adjusting on the fly Building confidence as a trainer Module 8: Evaluating Training Effectiveness Gathering and using learner feedback (Kirkpatrick Model) Self-reflection and peer observation Continual improvement of training materials and delivery Delivery Style Practical, hands-on workshops with active participation Peer feedback, group work, and presentation practice Real-time coaching and confidence building Assessment and Certification (Optional) Mini training delivery by each participant with peer and trainer feedback Completion of a training session plan Certificate of completion (customisable to organisation) Course Materials Provided Participant workbook and templates Sample training session plans and evaluation forms Trainer’s checklist and facilitation guide Resource list for further development

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day (can also be delivered as a 3-part virtual workshop series) Target Audience: Professionals in non-technical roles (e.g. executive assistants, HR, marketing, project managers, operations staff, trainers, and admin support) who want to use generative AI to enhance their work—without needing coding skills. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what generative AI is and how it works in plain language. Identify use cases relevant to their role or industry. Use popular generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot) confidently. Write effective prompts to get better, more relevant results. Apply AI ethically and responsibly in the workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Demystifying Generative AI What is generative AI? (Plain language explanation) How AI models like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini work Examples of what generative AI can (and can’t) do Myths, risks, and benefits of AI in non-tech roles Module 2: Everyday Use Cases for Professionals Time-saving applications: Drafting emails, reports, meeting summaries Creating checklists, plans, or SOPs Enhancing creativity: Brainstorming ideas for events, campaigns, or training Writing social media posts, newsletters, or job ads Organising information: Summarising documents Structuring spreadsheets or creating templates Supporting communication: Improving tone and clarity Translating or simplifying content Module 3: Prompting Essentials What is a “prompt” and why does it matter? How to write clear, specific, and effective prompts Prompting frameworks (e.g., “Role–Task–Goal” method) Live practice: transforming a vague prompt into a powerful one Troubleshooting: when AI gives poor answers and how to improve them Module 4: Hands-On Exploration Try-it-yourself exercises using ChatGPT or Gemini (guided) Real workplace examples and team challenges Create an AI-generated email, checklist, or idea list Optional: use industry-specific examples (e.g., HR, admin, events, comms) Module 5: Responsible AI Use at Work Understanding AI limitations and biases Protecting privacy and sensitive data When not to use AI Workplace policies and guidelines (customisable for your organisation) Ethical use: attribution, transparency, and human review Module 6: Getting Started in Your Role Tools overview: free vs paid options (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini) Building your own AI toolkit Tips for staying up to date as tools evolve 30-day challenge: how to build AI into your daily workflow Delivery Style Highly interactive, practical, and low-jargon No coding or tech background required Hands-on demos, guided practice, and scenario-based activities Group discussion and peer learning Course Materials Provided Quick-start guide: Top 10 prompts for non-tech roles AI Prompt Library for your job type Do’s and Don’ts for ethical use of AI at work “AI in Action” workbook with examples and checklists Personal AI Action Plan Optional Add-ons Team-based AI hackathon (mini workplace challenge) Tailored follow-up webinar for Q&A and deeper use cases Co-branded playbook for organisational AI use Integration with digital transformation or innovation initiatives

Course Duration: Full-day program (or two half-day modules), with options for virtual delivery or leadership retreats Target Audience: Mid to senior-level leaders, team managers, project leads, or high-potential employees who are responsible for leading through disruption, complexity, or organisational transformation. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the principles of adaptive leadership and why it's essential in unpredictable environments. Recognise the difference between technical and adaptive challenges. Build the mindset and behaviours needed to lead with resilience and flexibility. Engage and empower teams in the face of uncertainty and resistance. Apply practical tools to lead through change, conflict, and complexity. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Adaptive Leadership What is adaptive leadership? Origins (Harvard Kennedy School, Ronald Heifetz model) How adaptive leadership differs from traditional leadership The link between complexity, uncertainty, and the need for adaptability Module 2: The Nature of Change and Challenge Technical vs adaptive challenges Why some problems can’t be solved with expertise alone Common leadership traps during crisis or disruption Adaptive work: reframing problems and shifting mindsets Module 3: The Core Principles of Adaptive Leadership Get on the balcony – seeing the bigger picture Regulate distress – maintaining productive tension Maintain disciplined attention – keeping teams focused Give the work back – empowering others to lead Protect voices of leadership from below – enabling diverse input Module 4: Leading Yourself Through Uncertainty Developing personal resilience and emotional agility Navigating ambiguity, setbacks, and pressure Identifying your leadership default style under stress Reflection: What kind of leader does your team need now? Module 5: Engaging Others in Times of Uncertainty Building trust and psychological safety during turbulence Managing resistance to change with curiosity and empathy Tools for courageous conversations and adaptive dialogue Creating shared purpose and distributed leadership in teams Module 6: Adaptive Tools and Techniques Scenario planning and sensemaking Stakeholder mapping in dynamic environments Using inquiry over advocacy Holding space for experimentation and learning Leading with both confidence and humility Module 7: Action Planning and Application Identify one adaptive challenge in your role/team Map your adaptive leadership response Peer coaching conversations Build a 30-day Adaptive Leadership Plan Delivery Style Workshop-style, highly interactive Case studies, breakout discussions, and guided self-reflection Scenario-based practice and small group exercises Option to include pre-work, post-session coaching or check-ins Course Materials Provided Adaptive Leadership workbook Reflection tools and leader self-assessment Conversation guide for adaptive challenges Change resistance diagnostic Personal Leadership Development Plan template Optional Add-ons Executive coaching package 360 feedback or team diagnostic on adaptive capacity Integration with change management or innovation programs Customisation for specific industries (e.g., public sector, healthcare, education, finance)

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day session (with options for virtual delivery or multi-part series) Target Audience: People leaders, team members, HR professionals, and employees at all levels who want to foster a mindset of continuous improvement, learning, and innovation within their team or organisation. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what a growth mindset is and how it contrasts with a fixed mindset. Recognise the impact of mindset on learning, collaboration, leadership, and performance. Identify individual and team mindset behaviours. Apply strategies to shift thinking and encourage a culture of experimentation, feedback, and perseverance. Create an action plan to promote growth mindset behaviours in their workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Growth Mindset What is a growth mindset? (Based on Carol Dweck’s research) Growth vs fixed mindset: beliefs, language, and behaviours How mindsets impact learning, feedback, risk-taking, and innovation Common myths and misconceptions about growth mindset Module 2: The Neuroscience of Change and Learning How the brain learns and rewires through effort and repetition The science behind resilience, motivation, and behaviour change Reframing failure as feedback Why psychological safety is critical for learning cultures Module 3: Identifying Mindsets at Work Recognising fixed mindset triggers (e.g., fear of failure, comparison, perfectionism) Team culture audit: are we reinforcing learning or performance-only behaviours? Case studies: organisations that built growth cultures Self-reflection: where do I show fixed vs growth mindset? Module 4: Cultivating Growth Mindset Behaviours Shifting language: praise effort, strategy, and persistence—not just results Giving and receiving feedback to promote learning Normalising experimentation and learning from setbacks Encouraging reflective practice and continuous improvement Module 5: Leadership and Culture Shaping The leader’s role in modelling a growth mindset Embedding growth mindset into performance conversations, goal setting, and team rituals Aligning rewards, recognition, and development frameworks Avoiding the "false growth mindset" trap Module 6: Building a Growth Mindset Action Plan Identify 3 key mindset-shifting strategies for your team or organisation Personal mindset goal: what will you shift in your daily language or habits? Commit to culture practices: team experiments, learning debriefs, celebration of effort Optional: accountability partner and 30-day mindset challenge Delivery Style Interactive workshop format Storytelling, real-world examples, and reflection Pair and group discussions, case scenarios, and mindset mapping Tools and templates to apply immediately in the workplace Course Materials Provided Growth Mindset Field Guide Growth vs Fixed Mindset Behaviour Grid Conversation prompts and feedback scripts Personal Mindset Reflection and Tracker 30-Day Growth Culture Challenge Template Optional Add-ons Pre-course mindset diagnostic or self-assessment Leader/Manager booster session on modelling growth mindset Follow-up team challenge or learning sprint Integration with performance management or onboarding programs

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day program (with virtual delivery options) Target Audience: Mid-to-senior level leaders, executives, managers, HR professionals, and leadership development coaches looking to enhance their leadership capabilities and create high-performing teams. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the role of coaching in leadership development and high-impact performance. Learn effective coaching strategies to inspire and elevate team performance. Develop skills in active listening, providing feedback, and fostering accountability. Enhance their ability to set clear goals, motivate teams, and create a culture of continuous improvement. Build an action plan for coaching their teams towards high-impact performance. Course Outline Module 1: The Role of Leadership in High-Impact Performance What defines high-impact leadership and performance? The difference between managing and coaching: leadership approaches that drive results The impact of leadership on organisational culture, productivity, and morale Essential leadership competencies for driving high performance Module 2: The Coaching Mindset Understanding the coaching mindset: shifting from directive leadership to empowering leadership Coaching as a tool for leadership development and team performance The benefits of a growth mindset in leadership and performance Key attributes of an effective coach: empathy, active listening, emotional intelligence Module 3: Key Coaching Skills for Leaders Active listening: asking the right questions, listening beyond the words Giving and receiving feedback: providing constructive feedback to motivate and improve performance Building rapport and trust with team members Coaching for growth: helping individuals unlock their potential and build confidence Challenging and supporting: knowing when to push for growth and when to provide support Module 4: Setting Clear, Achievable Goals The importance of goal-setting in coaching for high-performance Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Aligning team goals with organisational objectives and strategy Techniques for holding team members accountable to their goals Creating a culture of continuous feedback and improvement Module 5: Motivating and Inspiring Teams The psychology of motivation: intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation Leveraging strengths: identifying and utilising team members’ core strengths for high impact Building team ownership: fostering a sense of responsibility and autonomy Using recognition and reward systems to motivate performance Building resilience: coaching through setbacks and challenges Module 6: Coaching for Performance and Development Balancing short-term performance goals with long-term development needs Identifying potential and growth opportunities in your team Conducting effective one-on-one coaching sessions: structure and frameworks Using assessments and data to drive coaching decisions (e.g., 360-degree feedback, performance metrics) Encouraging self-reflection and self-coaching in team members Module 7: Leading through Change and Uncertainty Coaching leaders to navigate change: resilience in times of uncertainty The role of leadership in creating clarity and stability during change Helping teams embrace change and uncertainty with a growth mindset Leading with emotional intelligence during periods of transition Module 8: Action Planning for High-Impact Leadership Coaching Reflecting on your coaching style and leadership strengths Developing an action plan for coaching individual team members and leading high-performing teams Defining key coaching strategies and techniques for ongoing leadership development Creating a culture of feedback and continuous growth within your team Setting up regular check-ins and performance reviews to monitor progress Delivery Style Highly interactive with coaching demonstrations, role-playing, and peer-to-peer coaching exercises Real-world case studies and leadership scenarios to apply key concepts Practical tools, templates, and frameworks for implementing coaching in the workplace Personal action planning for leadership development and team performance Group discussions and reflection activities Course Materials Provided Leadership Coaching Framework and Templates SMART Goals Worksheet and Coaching Conversation Guide Feedback and Accountability Tools Leadership Development Action Plan Resource list: Books, podcasts, and articles on leadership coaching Optional Add-ons One-on-one leadership coaching sessions for personalised development Post-course check-ins and follow-up coaching to track progress Group coaching sessions for team leaders to share best practices and support one another Tailored modules focused on specific leadership challenges (e.g., change management, team dynamics)

Course Duration: 1–2 days (or modular format across 3–4 sessions) Target Audience: Managers, team leaders, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for leading or being part of a high-performance team. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the key characteristics of high-performing teams. Apply strategies to build trust, collaboration, and accountability. Leverage diversity and strengths within the team. Align team goals with organisational objectives. Overcome challenges and navigate through conflict. Measure and sustain high performance over time. Course Outline Module 1: The Foundations of High-Performing Teams What defines a high-performing team? The stages of team development (Tuckman Model: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning) Key traits of successful teams (trust, collaboration, accountability) The importance of team culture and values Module 2: Team Roles and Dynamics Understanding team roles (e.g., Belbin’s Team Roles, Gallup’s StrengthsFinder) Building diverse teams with complementary skills Encouraging collaboration over competition Strategies for integrating different personalities and work styles Module 3: Leadership for High Performance The role of a leader in high-performing teams Transformational leadership vs transactional leadership Delegation and empowering team members Creating a vision and setting clear expectations Module 4: Building Trust and Effective Communication The role of trust in team performance Building rapport and psychological safety Developing active listening and feedback skills Encouraging open, honest, and transparent communication Module 5: Goal Setting and Alignment The SMART goal framework for teams Aligning team goals with organisational strategy Prioritising and tracking team performance Creating individual and team accountability Module 6: Conflict Management and Problem Solving Understanding and addressing team conflict Strategies for resolving disagreements and promoting collaboration Facilitating difficult conversations Problem-solving techniques and decision-making processes Module 7: Motivation, Recognition, and Sustaining Performance Motivating team members and recognising achievements Building a culture of continuous improvement Measuring team performance (KPIs, feedback loops, 360-degree reviews) Keeping momentum in long-term projects Module 8: Measuring Success and Continuously Improving Tools for measuring team effectiveness (e.g., surveys, team assessments) Adjusting processes and practices to ensure continuous high performance Developing a personal and team action plan for ongoing growth Creating a feedback loop for long-term success Delivery Style Interactive discussions and team exercises Group activities, role-playing, and case studies Practical tools and frameworks for immediate application Peer feedback and group coaching Course Materials Provided Participant workbook with key concepts, templates, and worksheets Team development toolkits (e.g., team assessment forms, feedback templates) Leadership and team-building resources for further learning Personal action plan template for team growth Optional Add-ons Personalised team assessment and tailored development plan Ongoing coaching sessions for team leaders Facilitated team-building activities for real-world application Post-course team performance follow-up and support