Overview This one day course covers the basics of brainstorming and then goes on to look at a number of different yet highly effective techniques that can be employed. Description Brainstorming is probably the most well known and most widely used method for bringing groups of people together to generate ideas about an issue or problem. This is because it’s a good way to gather a lot of ideas very quickly. It is also a great way of bringing people together and helping to build them as a team. Just imagine the effect on the team and its morale if ideas that they generate are actually used. There is no doubt that people are more likely to buy into the ideas that they came up with themselves. Although brainstorming is widely used for decision-making, it is not always handled very well. If that is the case, it can have the opposite effect to the one that is intended. Rather than creating ideas it can stifle them and rather than motivating people it demotivates them. This highly interactive course will help learners to make the most of brainstorming sessions and also provides alternative techniques to enliven any session that is beginning to flag. Topics covered: What is Brainstorming? – A discussion to help participants understand what brainstorming is, and what it involves. Brainstorming rules – A quick look at the very limited rules suggested by Alex Osborn who is generally credited with being the inventor of brainstorming. Preparation – Although many brainstorming sessions take place on the spur of the moment they all require some preparation. We look at the importance of defining the purpose of the session, selecting the right participants, and then briefing them properly. Storm and Floods – This is an activity that we re-visit on several occasions to take participants through the whole brainstorming process and to give them plenty of practice. The Three R’s of Facilitation – The three R’s take you through the essential elements of facilitating an effective brainstorming session. Closing the Session – Effective closing of the brainstorm may be just as important as the session itself. We look at the essential elements that the facilitator needs to cover. Clarify and Nurture – Learners discover the importance of ensuring that all ideas that are unclear are clarified and that ideas are nurtured. They also learn what this involves practically. Alternative Techniques – There are many ways to enliven a flagging brainstorming session, provide a fresh approach or simply build on initial ideas. The learners are introduced to some of the most important of these. Brainstorming Scenarios – Learners work through up to 6 scenarios so that they can practice the alternative techniques covered during the programme. Who should attend Anyone who facilitates or takes part in brainstorming sessions, or wants to work with organisational teams to develop their problem-solving abilities. Requirements for Attendees None.
Overview This course has been created to help safely navigate attendees through the minefield of absence management, paying attention to issues of systems, procedures and organisational culture along the way. Using a selection of exercises, activities and sample documents, the course examines some traditional methods of management as well as some more contemporary and innovative ways of keeping a lid on casual absence. Attendees will take away a number of practical tools and ideas to enable them to target performance improvement when back at their desks. Description It’s estimated that absence from work costs the UK economy over £13 billion per year, with the ‘average’ employee taking around seven days off sick annually. The need for managers, HR people and leaders to control absenteeism is critical if a company is to survive and prosper. But just what is ‘absence’? And how do we go about managing it and reducing it wherever we can, without falling foul of employment law? As well as the usual training material, attendees on this course also receive several useful handouts and exercises relating to absence management. Topics covered: An Absence Management Model – this section identifies a simple model for managers to apply when dealing with absenteeism Defining Absence – the text book definition will help learners clearly understand what is meant by absence Types of Absence – unravelling the different types of absence and distinguishing between absence and leave Classifying Absence – by classifying types of absence, the learner can begin to get a steer on how to manage it Statistics – identifying the real cost of absence and looking at regional and sector differences Reasons for Absence – considering the high-level issues that have an impact on absence, like culture and job design Causes of Sickness – here the national league tables of sickness causes are discussed, giving the learner the chance to reflect on their own team or company Absence Management – Stage 1 – contracts, policies, procedures and legal entitlements are all examined here, to allow learners to get a grasp of what they have to know to Absence Management – Stage 2 – record keeping, costing absence and benchmarking provide the chance for analysis and understanding in the context of the learner’s own organisation Absence Management – Stage 3 – setting out the skills and interventions that managers need to apply in the effective management of absence, including: communication, professional advice, workplace issues and return to work interviews Traditional Approaches – an examination of performance management, sick pay, discipline, recruitment and selection and how these can lend themselves to effective absence management Reducing Absenteeism – through less traditional approaches, looking at ‘carrots and sticks’, targets, employee assistance, unusual initiatives and organisational culture. Recent Developments – considering the impact of ‘fit notes’ and potential pandemics. Who should attend This course has been designed for anyone that deals with absence or needs to have an awareness of the absence management process. This could include; Team leaders, supervisors, managers, HR professionals and anyone else involved in the management of people or organisations. Requirements for Attendance None.
Private soap making class run by The Scottish Soapworks at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh City Centre
Private sketching tours and classes with ink and watercolour artist Mark Kirkham, known locally as The Edinburgh Sketcher hosted by The Arienas Collective, or at an agreed location of your choice.
Business Relationship Management Fundamentals: In-House Training Business Relationship Management (BRM) Fundamentals introduces BRM as a capability, role, and discipline. What you will Learn Participants can expect an interactive and lively one-day session, with a high-level introduction to successfully navigate the complexity of BRM. Topics include: Defining BRM as a capability, role, and discipline Understanding what a BRM does and does not do Providing the language needed to change perceptions and perspectives Learn how the BRM discipline interacts with other disciplines (project management, architecture, Business Analysts, Business functions, strategy, etc.) inside an organization Basic introduction to the different frameworks, processes, and models to bring structure and guidance to BRM Introductions Why BRM? BRM defined BRM in action BRM value Reflection and next steps Resources