1198 Courses

We often find ourselves working in fast-paced matrix environments, working in/with virtual teams or simply trying to get something done by someone in another part of the business. This common aspect of our working lives has a common challenge: how to influence other people to help us or do something for us, when they don't report to us. Pulling rank or strong nudging might work once, but we need to build a supportive and collaborative relationship over the long term. What Does This Course Offer? Fortunately, there are really effective tips for influencing, and our program offers an influencing model in detail. Through activity and discussion we explore how you can apply these principles and use it when you need help from other people. Even when we are not in a leadership position it can sometimes be extremely difficult to get people's help, especially when we have no authority over them. This is where an approach and an influencing model can help us identify what we and other people value in a given influencing situation. We can then explore that information so that everyone can view and pursue a common purpose. This course will enhance and promote the skill set necessary for any leader or manager, allowing our in-depth influencing knowledge to be applied into your working environment. From an employer's perspective this award can be a significant long-term return on investment by developing your leaders and managers. Our learning experiences are successful because the outcomes are quickly embedded and demonstrate an immediate visible impact on the day-to-day working environment. Our engaging learning inspires employees to want to personally add value to the companies they work for. We also offer our Paradigm Trait-Map™ online assessment and report as a frame of reference for your own influencing styles and that of others. This assessment should be completed before attending the program, and will be expanded upon during the program delivery. Course Content The Influencing for Leadership and Management course covers the following topics: Two key influencing models that you can apply back in your daily work Different types of influencing How to create the right environment for influencing Barriers you may face and how to overcome these barriers Accreditation Activity Our accredited tutors deliver training that encourages delegates to confidently and practically apply all they have learnt as soon as they get back into the business. To achieve this award, delegates need to prepare and deliver a 3 minute presentation* on the highlights of their learning and immediate application avenues when back in their working environment. *Participants will be given 30 minutes during the program to prepare for their 3 min presentation at the end of the program. Scheduled Course Dates Unfortunately this course is not currently scheduled as an open course as it is primarily run as an in-house programme. For more information, please contact us. In-House Courses This is our own management training course which has been developed and refined over the many years we have been providing it to delegates from organisations in virtually every industry. This means that the course syllabus is extremely flexible and can be tailored to your specific requirements. If you would like to discuss how we can tailor this management training course for you and/or run it at your premises, please contact us.

Understand what diversity and inclusion is and how to manage it affectively in the workplace. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace will help you develop an understanding of why diversity and inclusion is important to a business, what it is and how individuals and teams can work effectively together and harness the power that comes from valuing diversity and promoting inclusion. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Describe why diversity and inclusion is important in teams and organisations Explain and overcome unconscious bias and other beliefs that cause exclusion and impact the workplace Recognise your own diversity and understand the value of diversity and inclusion in teams Develop an Action Plan to create an inclusive work climate Content Understand Diversity and Inclusion What the Equality Act 2010 says about diversity Understanding protected characteristics Learn how to create an optimum climate to unlock the power of a diverse teams Understanding Yourself and Unconscious Bias Identify your own unique characteristics and how these could impact your performance Examine self-limiting beliefs and how these can impact personal performance Experience how unconscious bias impacts our information gathering, problem solving, judgement and decision making Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Team Climate Understand the importance of respect, the role of trust and what valuing diversity really means Apply the ABC Model to the creation of a diverse climate:Awareness – be alert, self-aware and aware of othersBoundaries – understand how things can go wrong when working with others: boundaries, banter and bullyingCoaching – learn listening and coaching skills to promote inclusion Create an achievable, personal action plan that can be applied immediately in the workplace to improve diversity, promote teaming and create an inclusive work climate

Did you know 1 in 4 people in the UK are likely to experience mental health problems each year? Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet whilst we know how to take care of our own physical health, many people do not know how to support relatives, friends and even colleagues who are experiencing poor mental health. By developing a greater understanding of common mental health issues, as well as how best to support and guide someone to professional help, you can help further reduce the stigma associated with mental health in the UK. The QA Level 3 Award in Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace (RQF) is a regulated and nationally recognised qualification that has been specifically designed for those who would like to raise their awareness of mental health, develop an understanding on how best to support, reassure and signpost colleagues to professional support. What’s more, candidates will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to actively promote positive mental health within their workplace, making it an ideal qualification for mental health champions/first aiders, human resources, managers, supervisors and team leaders. What’s Covered? Understanding mental health and its importance The roles and responsibilities for mental health in the workplace Importance of own wellbeing as a mental health first aider Common mental health conditions, including: Characteristics and features Work-related stress Anxiety Eating disorders Depression Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Phobias Bipolar Self-harm Psychosis Suicide Promoting positive mental health first aid in the workplace Best practice for employers Mental health first aid at work action plan Appropriate coping strategies How employers can provide support to employees in the workplace Assisting those off work or returning to work Procedures to support employees who are off work whilst experiencing poor mental health Types of support available both locally and nationally

Changing seasons impact our hair in unique ways, from winter dryness to summer humidity. By adjusting your hair care routine with each season, you can keep your hair healthy, strong, and vibrant. Here’s a look at practical tips for maintaining beautiful hair all year round. Winter hair care tips In winter, cold air and indoor heating can strip moisture from hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Protecting your hair from these harsh conditions is essential. Moisturize regularly Dry winter air can make hair feel rough and brittle. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair hydrated, and consider using a leave-in conditioner for extra protection. This helps seal in moisture, making hair less prone to frizz and breakage. Limit heat styling Winter weather already dries out hair, so limit heat styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners, which can further strip moisture. If you need to use them, apply a heat protectant spray to help reduce damage. Cover your hair Cold weather can make hair more vulnerable to damage. When outside, consider wearing a hat or scarf to shield your hair from the cold, dry air. Opt for a silk or satin-lined hat to avoid friction that can lead to frizz. Spring hair care tips Spring is a time of renewal, and as humidity levels increase, you may notice changes in your hair’s texture and manageability. Here’s how to keep your hair looking fresh. Exfoliate your scalp Over winter, dead skin and product buildup can accumulate on the scalp. Use a gentle scalp scrub or exfoliating shampoo to refresh your scalp. This helps improve hair growth and keeps your scalp healthy. Adjust your conditioner As temperatures rise, you may not need as heavy a conditioner. Switching to a lighter conditioner can prevent hair from feeling weighed down, giving you more volume and bounce. Embrace natural styles Spring’s humidity can make it difficult to keep styles smooth and sleek. Embrace natural textures and styles that work with the humidity instead of fighting it. This helps reduce the need for heat styling, keeping your hair healthier. Summer hair care tips In summer, sun exposure and chlorine from swimming pools can damage hair, making it dry and prone to breakage. Protecting your hair from these elements is key to maintaining its health. Use UV protection The sun’s UV rays can weaken hair, making it more likely to break. Look for hair products that offer UV protection to shield your strands from sun damage. Wearing a hat also provides good protection and keeps your scalp safe from sunburn. Rinse after swimming If you swim in pools or the ocean, chlorine and salt can leave hair feeling dry and brittle. Rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to remove these drying elements, and consider applying a leave-in conditioner afterward for extra moisture. Deep conditioning Summer heat can strip moisture from hair, making it look dull and feel rough. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to restore moisture and keep your hair soft and shiny. Consider a Mulberry silk pillowcase Summer heat can make hair more prone to frizz, especially when sleeping on traditional pillowcases. Switching to a Mulberry silk pillowcase can help reduce friction, prevent hair breakage, and keep hair smoother, especially in humid conditions. Silk pillowcases are gentle on hair and help keep it manageable throughout the summer months. Fall hair care tips Fall brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making hair feel dry. Preparing your hair for the cooler season helps prevent issues like split ends and dryness. Trim split ends After summer, hair may be damaged from sun exposure, chlorine, and saltwater. Trimming split ends at the start of fall helps keep your hair looking healthy and prevents further breakage as the air gets drier. Rehydrate your hair With cooler air, your hair may start to lose moisture again. Switch back to a more hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and consider using a hair mask once a week to lock in moisture. Avoid over-washing In fall, as temperatures drop, hair does not get as oily. Avoid over-washing your hair, as it can strip away natural oils that help protect it. Washing your hair two to three times a week is usually enough to keep it clean without causing dryness. Protect from static Cooler weather often brings static electricity, which can make hair frizzy and hard to manage. Using a leave-in conditioner or a few drops of hair oil can help reduce static, leaving hair smooth and manageable. Final thoughts Taking care of your hair throughout the year requires small adjustments to your routine to match the season. Following these tips, and using silk products, you can protect your hair from the elements, maintain its health, and enjoy beautiful hair every season. Incorporating products like a Mulberry silk pillowcase can also add extra benefits by reducing frizz and protecting your hair while you sleep. With these simple steps, you’ll keep your hair looking its best, no matter the time of year.

There is so much more to this free tool than just creating PDFs. Learn what else you can do for free. Duration: 2 hours This Adobe Acrobat Reader course looks at the features of the Acrobat Reader tool. Learn how to create PDF and what options you have, complete and sign and mark up PDFs. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Create PDFs from other tools Complete and sign documents Mark up PDF documents Content Creating PDFs Building PDF documents from Word, Excel and PowerPoint Working in Acrobat Home, Tools and Document Views Using the Navigation Panel and Pane Floating toolbar and Contextual menus Completing and signing documents Using fill and sign to complete forms Adding signatures Marking up documents Marking up changes Using sticky notes Using the highlighter pen Adding stamps Attaching documents and audio

Investigate and recognise the role of project sponsor and the importance of the relationship between sponsor and project manager and how this can be improved. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This workshop is designed to investigate, understand and develop the role of the project sponsor. By taking elements of effective governance from the guidance published by the APM (Association for Project Management) and Axelos Managing Successful Programmes, an improved project sponsor capability can be developed. The workshop will also explore the importance of the relationship between sponsor and project manager and how this can be improved. Whilst predominately designed for the project sponsor role, there is provision for a discussion with project manager representatives to agree an action plan to improve the delivery of projects within an organisation. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Describe and commit to the role of the Project Sponsor Identify the key principles of governance that can contribute to success Describe the environment in which the projects are delivered Explain the financial and resource constraints within the project environment Define the criteria used for project selection Identify the expectations of key stakeholders and develop a clear communication plan to engage with them Identify and resolve areas of conflict Describe the relationship with the Project Manager Create an effective environment and relationship for project success Content Introduction The Project Environment The Principles of Governance The background to the training Roles The Project Sponsor The Project Manager The Project Board Sponsor responsibilities Defining Project Selection Criteria and Prioritisation Business Case and Justification Finance and Funding Resourcing the projects Stakeholder Engagement Project Governance Resolving conflict between stakeholders Benefits Realisation Capitalising the lessons learned during project reviews Delivering success The relationship with the Project Manager and team Action Plan for the future The workshop will use case studies drawn from previous client projects, both successful and less successful.

Learn effective strategies and leadership skills to thrive in today's remote work landscape. Elevate your team's performance, no matter where they are located. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Remote teams present a specific set of challenges to their managers. Such challenges include communication, task allocation and performance management. This workshop is designed for managers who run teams that spread over more than one location, nationally or internationally, and who wish to find ways to enhance teamworking in these conditions. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Identify key actions to take to manage team performance remotely Implement a communications plan for use within the team Allocate tasks to team members to build a culture of teamworking across the different locations Involve your team members in planning team activities Use visits to each location to maximum effect Content Communication to ensure inclusivity How do team members find out the latest news? Identifying what needs to be known by all A team communication plan Effective virtual meetings Manage performance from a distance Principles of Smart Working Involving the team in planning activities Allocating tasks and objectives across the team Identifying areas of expertise Deciding key areas of responsibility per location Identifying, and dealing with, the different levels of performance Maximising time in each location Setting the tone of a visit – from ‘inspection’ to ‘social call’ Considering what team members expect and need from your presence Identifying what needs to be prepared by the team for your visit Making contact with your team members while you are there Action planning Identifying and planning next steps

Encourage people to think about how they can improve their performance through asking questions and coaching effectively. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This workshop is suitable for anyone who is in a first line manager position looking to develop their coaching skills. The focus of the workshop is on understanding how coaching supports other management techniques, how it develops people and their performance, and how best to use coaching with your team. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Define what coaching is and how it differs from and complements other management techniques State the benefits that coaching has for team members, managers and the business Use the key skills of coaching Implement strategies to deal with resistance to coaching Give feedback effectively while coaching Practice your coaching skills with real-life situations ContentWhat is Coaching How does coaching differ from mentoring, training, counselling? Giving advice vs coaching – The Power of 3 How does coaching support performance? Coaching as a leadership style Benefits of Coaching What are the benefits of taking a coaching approach for Team membersManagersThe wider organisation Key Skills How to build rapport for a positive coaching relationship Effective listening – understanding and practising the different levels involved in active listening Smart questioning The power of observation – reflecting back what isn’t being said Practical application throughout The GROW model for Coaching Understanding how to use the GROW model Types of questions to use at each stage Demonstration and practice Resistance for Coaching and Strategies Why might people be resistant to coaching? The role of “experts”, self-talk and self-concept in our thinking Expanding comfort zones Contracting and ethics Feedback/Directive Coaching Directive vs Non-Directive Coaching How and when to give feedback when coaching A feedback model Practice Action Planning

Why cultural differences exist, what you can do to understand and respect these differences and then implement strategies to build effective intercultural relationships.Learn the skills, knowledge and have the confidence to tackle difficult conversations in a productive way. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This workshop is designed for those who deal on a regular basis with fellow employees, suppliers or customers from different cultural backgrounds. The workshop will focus on understanding why cultural differences exist, what you can do to understand and respect these differences and then implement strategies to build effective intercultural relationships. The one day session will use professional actors in the afternoon so that you can practice real-life situations involving intercultural challenges. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Understand what makes us different from people from other cultures Appreciate why we form impressions of other cultures Use strategies to communicate effectively with those from different cultural backgrounds Build trust with those we work with from a different cultural background Content Intercultural Challenges What challenges do you face with dealing with people from different cultures? Why do these challenges exist? Understanding Culture What is culture? Trompenaars’ Model of Culture – what determines our understanding of different cultures Cultural theories Hall and Hall:Three Systems of TimeThe Importance of Context – Data vs Dialogue Hofstede – 6 Cultural Dimensions Trompenaars – 7 Cultural Dimensions Chart your intercultural business relationships against these dimensions Strategies and Intercultural Management Trompenaar’s 3 step approach – Recognise, Respect, Reconcile How to foster and maintain trust Effective intercultural communication strategies Practical Activities Professional actors will work with you in small groups in the afternoon to practice real-life challenging conversations.

Gain the insights, tools, and frameworks to make impactful decisions that steer your organisation towards success. Elevate your strategic thinking and drive results Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Strategic decision making is messy, complex and full of uncertainty. These are factors which work against the human mind when it comes to making effective decisions. This course provides delegates with insights into the factors influencing strategic decision making. Using psychometric profiles delegates will learn about their own preferences when making decisions, how to influence others and how to create the ideal conditions for successful strategic decision making. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Explain the challenges of VUCA – Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity & Ambiguous Use models of Strategic Thinking Understand the impact of perception, bias and judgement in decision making Understand personal preferences and approaches to decision making Speed read other people’s approach to decision making Use decision making models for strategic thinking Apply Mindsets, Skillsets and Toolsets for decision making Content The decision lifestyle - personal preferences Understand the human facts that influence decision making Understanding personal preferences and approaches to decision making Understand the impact of Perception, Bias and judgement in decision making Speed reading others’ approach to decision making Frameworks to provide context for decision making Understand the business factors that influence decision making – VUCA The Cynefin Framework – decision making in complex situations Understanding which business context you operate in – simple, complicated, complex or chaotic Models to improve strategic thinking How to understand yourself better How to improve your decision making How to understand others better How to improve other’s decision making Human centred decision making How to put humans at the centre of your decision making The art of Creative Problem Solving Using Design Thinking to reduce human complexity in decision making