106 Essential Skills courses in Liverpool delivered Live Online

Many managers question the value of appraisal programmes and many line managers believe appraisals are unduly time-consuming and bureaucratic. Yet the appraisal is a vital starting point when it comes to managing performance effectively and it is vital that managers appreciate this. Handled well, the benefits of formal appraisals are enormous. This thoroughly practical workshop has been designed to give line managers the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver a well-structured appraisal - even in the most challenging circumstances. This course will help participants: Appreciate the benefits of the appraisal process Assess standards of performance objectively Plan and prepare for appraisals effectively Conduct a well-structured appraisal meeting Acquire the essential skills required for effective appraisals Improve their ability to discuss difficult issues more confidently Identify training and development requirements Agree clear and measurable development objectives Complete essential paperwork Understand the need to facilitate continual informal dialogue between appraisals 1 Introduction and course objectives 2 The appraisal process The aim of the appraisal process Understanding the bigger picture - the appraisal process as part of the employee development process The benefits of the appraisal process Common pitfalls Five steps to an effective performance appraisal 3 Step 1 - Assessment Using job standards as the basis for objective assessment Assessment of previous objectives 4 Step 2 - Preparation Documentation required Data on each appraisee Planning the meeting 5 Step 3 - The meeting The skills of appraisal interviewing The structure of the appraisal interview Dealing with poor performance and difficult situations Taking notes and completing documentation 6 Step 4 - Planning ahead and objective setting Identifying action to improve performance and enhance skills Establishing relevant training needs Agreeing SMART performance objectives Formulating a personal development plan 7 Step 5 - Action after the interview Essential paperwork Follow-up and action required between appraisal interviews Continuing informal dialogue 8 Video case study Bullets 9 Conclusion Course review / discussion Preparation of action plans for building on the skills learnt Close

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

Duration 3 Days 18 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is intended for: C|ASE-certified professionals Application security professionals DevOps engineers IT security professionals Cybersecurity engineers and analysts Software engineers and testers Anyone with prior knowledge of application security who wants to build a career in DevSecOps Overview This course empowers you with the knowledge and skills to: Understand DevOps security bottlenecks and remediation Understand the DevSecOps toolchain and implement tools Integrate Eclipse and GitHub with Jenkins to build applications Align security practices Integrate threat modeling tools Understand and implement continuous security testing Integrate runtime application self-protection tools Integrate automated security testing Perform continuous vulnerability scans Use AWS and Azure tools to secure applications. Integrate compliance-as-code tools EC-Council Certified DevSecOps Engineer (E|CDE) is a hands-on, instructor-led comprehensive DevSecOps certification program that helps professionals build the essential skills to design, develop, and maintain secure applications and infrastructure. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding DevOps Culture Module 2: Introduction to DevSecOps Module 3: DevSecOps Pipeline?Plan Stage Module 4: DevSecOps Pipeline?Code Stage Module 5: DevSecOps Pipeline?Build and Test Stage Module 6: DevSecOps Pipeline?Release and Deploy Stage Module 7: DevSecOps Pipeline?Operate and Monitor Stage Additional course details: Nexus Humans EC-Council Certified DevSecOps Engineer (E|CDE) training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the EC-Council Certified DevSecOps Engineer (E|CDE) course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.

Duration 3 Days 18 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is designed for integration developers who configure service policies on IBM© DataPower Gateways. Overview After completing this course, you should be able to: Describe how DataPower gateways are configured Create and configure cryptographic objects Configure Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to and from DataPower gateways Configure a multi-protocol gateway (MPGW) to handle multiple protocols from a single service Configure a service level monitoring (SLM) policy to control message traffic Use logs and probes to troubleshoot services Use patterns to define and deploy new services Configure message transformation and routing by using style sheets (XSL) and GatewayScripts Handle errors in service policies This course teaches you the essential skills that are required to configure, implement, and troubleshoot services that are developed on the IBM© DataPower Gateways (IDG) with firmware version 7.5.0, regardless of use case. The DataPower Gateways allow an enterprise to simplify, accelerate, and enhance the security capabilities of its XML and web services deployments, and extend the capabilities of its service-oriented architecture (SOA) infrastructure. The gateways also extend these capabilities into the JSON, REST, and Mobile application areas. Through a combination of instructor-led lectures and hands-on lab exercises, you learn how to develop and debug services that are implemented on the DataPower gateways. These skills include WebGUI and Blueprint Console navigation, service type selection, basic multi-protocol gateway configuration, creating and using cryptographic objects, and configuring SSL connections. You also learn how to use various problem determination tools such as logs, monitors, and probes, and techniques for testing DataPower services and handling errors. Hands-on exercises give you experience working directly with a DataPower Gateway. The exercises focus on skills such as creating multi-protocol gateways, working with cryptographic and SSL objects, configuring service level monitoring, troubleshooting services, handling errors in a service policy, and deploying a service from a pattern. Course introductionQuick introduction to developing on DataPowerExercise: First exposure to the DataPower developer environmentServices overviewStructure of a serviceExercise: Creating a BookingService gatewayMulti-protocol gateway serviceProblem determination toolsExercise: Enhancing the BookingService gatewayHandling errors in a service policyExercise: Adding error handling to a service policyDataPower cryptographic tools and SSL setupExercise: Creating cryptographic objects and configuring SSLService level monitoringExercise: Implementing a service level monitor in a multi-protocol gatewayPatterns for service configurationExercise: Using a DataPower pattern to deploy a serviceCourse summary

– in yourself and others Research shows that exercising self-compassion creates more resilience against stress, greater ability to focus, increases happiness and optimism, improves relationships and more. This live online course explains why and gives you a range of effective techniques you can use straight away…  Accredited CPD Certificate: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.15am - 4.00pm BST) Absolutely brilliant live workshop from beginning to end!CARMEL AUSTIN Many people struggle with showing themselves compassion – they may be highly critical of themselves, or wracked with feelings of shame, self-doubt or self-worth – but with the right approach it is possible to help them develop this key component of recovery and wellbeing. This new online self-compassion course provides you with all you need to know to bring self-compassion into your practice, your personal life and the lives of others – with plenty of time to try out the techniques for yourself. Join our expert tutor Julie Johnson live online on Tuesday 4th June 2024 for this helpful CPD training delivered via Zoom. When you book, we’ll email your booking confirmation – your link for joining the Zoom workshop will be sent the day before the event – numbers are limited so book soon to ensure your place. BONUS RECORDING – the training is recorded, in case anyone experiences technical difficulties, so you’ll also get a recording afterwards for a limited time to maximise your learning. Why take this course Being compassionate towards ourselves when things go wrong, or we are struggling to cope, is not self-pity – it is an essential skill that can be learnt and developed, giving people the strength to move forward. When things don’t go our way or we feel we can’t cope – or something bad has happened to us – we may feel ashamed or blame ourselves for not being good enough, capable enough, strong enough and so on. This negative self-criticism can be highly damaging and hold us back. It is far more empowering to turn towards ourselves with compassion (which is what self-compassion literally means). Helping people to find the best ways to draw out their self-compassion is a skill that needs to be learned. Different from empathy (the ability to appreciate what another person is experiencing) and from self-pity (which is self-focused, exaggerates personal suffering and is disempowering and draining), self-compassion enhances resilience, allowing us to recognise our personal failings while appreciating that we are all human and make mistakes – thus helping us to move on past them. Learning how to use self-compassion from a human givens perspective makes it an extra-valuable tool for supporting our clients in getting their innate needs met and making best use of their innate resources. It may also help you in your own life. This indepth 1-day live online self-compassion experiential training day shows you how. A wonderful online learning experience, jam-packed full of useful teaching and loads of references to resources for further self study and development...KARSTEN ALVA-JORGENSEN, EXECUTIVE COACH What will you learn What self-compassion is and isn’t Research findings that demonstrate the positive effects on the body and mind of exercising self-compassion Why some people find self-compassion difficult The roots of self-compassion A new empowering perspective on making mistakes How practising self-compassion helps our ability to problem solve An important adjunctive tool for working with harsh self-criticism, trauma, emotional pain; bereavement, loss, change, and chronic-conditions Why self-compassion increases resilience Simple techniques for self-soothing and self-care How to apply these new understandings in therapy The especial value of using these techniques with parents and children How to bring these technique seamlessly into everyday life Ways that self-compassion helps with meeting emotional needs The impact of self-compassionate practice on organisations How self-compassion can help children become happier and kinder Why compassion for oneself enhances sense of status Ways that exercising self-compassion lowers emotional arousal and unhelpful thinking How self-compassion differs from both compassion and empathy The dangers of too much self-compassion How self-compassion helps focus the imagination positively Creative applications of self-compassion How self-compassion maps onto every human need and innate emotional resource, making it an essential tool in every HG practitioner’s toolbox Practical examples and case histories to learn from Who is this course suitable for? Anyone interested for personal or professional reasons Including anyone working as a practitioner helping those in mental distress or with chronic physical conditions Anyone interested in skills to help promote their own wellbeing and that of others Anyone working or living with children, or young and older people Anyone working with parents Anyone working within a caring context, such as carers, teachers, NHS workers, foster carers, social workers etc Therapists, counsellors and mental health professionals Course Programme The ‘Developing Self-Compassion’ live online training day starts at 9.15am and runs until 4.00pm. (BST). 9.15am Join the Zoom meeting 9.00am Introduction to self-compassion 11.00am Comfort break and discussion 11.30am Unpacking self-compassion 1.00pm Lunch break 1.45pm Self-compassion skills 2.45pm Comfort break and discussion 3.00pm Pulling it all together 4.00pm End days This course has been independently accredited by the internationally recognised CPD Standards Office for 6 hours of CPD training. On completion of this training you’ll receive CPD certificates from the College and the CPD Standards Office.

Duration 3 Days 18 CPD hours This course is intended for Cluster administrators (Junior systems administrators, junior cloud administrators) interested in deploying additional clusters to meet increasing demands from their organizations. Cluster engineers (Senior systems administrators, senior cloud administrators, cloud engineers) interested in the planning and design of OpenShift clusters to meet performance and reliability of different workloads and in creating work books for these installations. Site reliability engineers (SREs) interested in deploying test bed clusters to validate new settings, updates, customizations, operational procedures, and responses to incidents. Overview Validate infrastructure prerequisites for an OpenShift cluster. Run the OpenShift installer with custom settings. Describe and monitor each stage of the OpenShift installation process. Collect troubleshooting information during an ongoing installation, or after a failed installation. Complete the configuration of cluster services in a newly installed cluster. Installing OpenShift on a cloud, virtual, or physical infrastructure. Red Hat OpenShift Installation Lab (DO322) teaches essential skills for installing an OpenShift cluster in a range of environments, from proof of concept to production, and how to identify customizations that may be required because of the underlying cloud, virtual, or physical infrastructure. This course is based on Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.6. 1 - Introduction to container technology Describe how software can run in containers orchestrated by Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform. 2 - Create containerized services Provision a server using container technology. 3 - Manage containers Manipulate prebuilt container images to create and manage containerized services. 4 - Manage container images Manage the life cycle of a container image from creation to deletion. 5 - Create custom container images Design and code a Dockerfile to build a custom container image. 6 - Deploy containerized applications on OpenShift Deploy single container applications on OpenShift Container Platform. 7 - Troubleshoot containerized applications Troubleshoot a containerized application deployed on OpenShift. 8 - Deploy and manage applications on an OpenShift cluster Use various application packaging methods to deploy applications to an OpenShift cluster, then manage their resources. 9 - Design containerized applications for OpenShift Select a containerization method for an application and create a container to run on an OpenShift cluster. 10 - Publish enterprise container images Create an enterprise registry and publish container images to it. 11 - Build applications Describe the OpenShift build process, then trigger and manage builds. 12 - Customize source-to-image (S2I) builds Customize an existing S2I base image and create a new one. 13 - Create applications from OpenShift templates Describe the elements of a template and create a multicontainer application template. 14 - Manage application deployments Monitor application health and implement various deployment methods for cloud-native applications. 15 - Perform comprehensive review Create and deploy cloudinative applications on OpenShift.

Duration 3 Days 18 CPD hours This course is intended for This is an introductory-level course, designed for anyone wanting to learn Linux. Attendees should be comfortable working with computers and the command line, but no other specific skills are required to attend. Overview This skills-focused course is about 50% lab to lecture ratio, combining expert instructor-led discussions with practical hands-on labs that emphasize current techniques, best practices and standards. Working in a hands-on lab environment, guided by our expert practitioner, attendees will explore The Design of Linux Basic Operations File System Basics Wildcards File and Directory Permissions Working with files Executing Programs Using find Filters and other useful commands The vi editor Customizing the user environment Networking/Communications Backups and archiving This hands-on course provides you with an essentials-level foundation in core skills for using any version of Linux. This course focuses on essential skills that ordinary users might use daily when working with Linux. The Design of Linux A brief history of Linux The Linux design philosophy Linux architecture Basic Operations Logging in and out The general form of a Linux command Common commands Using man pages Essential commands File System Basics The Linux directory structure Standard directories Relative and absolute pathnames Legal file names Navigating the filesystem Wildcards Matching one character Matching many characters Shortcuts Wildcard gotchas Wildcards and ls File and Directory Permissions Viewing permissions File permissions Directory permissions Setting defaults Changing permissions Keeping data secure Working with files Viewing contents Identifying file contents Copying and moving Deleting Using symbolic links Executing Programs Redirecting STDOUT Redirecting STDERR Redirecting STDIN Creating pipelines Processes attributes Listing processes Killing processes Foreground & background processes Using find Syntax Finding by name, type, or size Combining tests Finding by size, owner, or timestamps Using xargs with find Other find options Filters and other useful commands What is a filter? cat: a generic filter head and tail grep sort wc other interesting filters The vi editor Why vi? Basic vi operations: navigating, adding, deleting Advanced operations: buffer management, search and replace, configuration options Customizing the user environment About shells Shell startup files Shell variables Search path Aliases Simple shell scripts Networking/Communications Reading and sending mail Remote login Remote file transfer Other network utilities (ping, finger, etc) Backups and archiving Checking space used or available Creating tar archives Viewing and extracting files from archives Compression utilities Working with windows

Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is designed for individuals in a variety of job roles whose primary responsibility is not project management, but who manage projects on an informal basis; who contribute as members of a project team; or who wish to incorporate project management practices into their personal work. It is also beneficial for anyone who is considering a career path in project management and desiring a complete overview of the field and its generally accepted practices. Overview In this course, you will identify the elements of sound project management and apply the generally recognized project management practices to successfully manage or participate in projects. You will: Identify the key processes and requirements of project management. Initiate a project. Use a Predictive approach to plan for time and cost. Use an Adaptive approach to plan a project. Plan for project risks, communication, and change control. Manage the execution of a project. Close a project. This course teaches the fundamentals of project management and its underlying structure and elements, including project phases, project life cycles, stakeholders, and areas of expertise. These, coupled with the ability to identify the project management processes that are recognized industry wide as good practice, will help you to apply effective project management techniques to improve the efficiency of your projects and ensure their success. This course is designed to cover various project management approaches and is not intended to focus on a single methodology or framework. Lesson 1: Getting Started with Project Management Topic A: Identify the Characteristics of a Project Topic B: Identify the Project Approach Topic C: Identify the Leadership Roles in a Project Lesson 2: Initiating a Project Topic A: Create a Project Scope/Vision Statement Topic B: Identify the Essential Skills for a Project Team Topic C: Identify the Risks to a Project Lesson 3: Planning for Time and Cost in Predictive Projects Topic A: Create a WBS Topic B: Create a Project Schedule Topic C: Determine Project Costs Lesson 4: Planning for Adaptive Projects Topic A: Create Epics and User Stories Topic B: Build a Product Backlog Topic C: Create an Initial Release Plan Topic D: Conduct a Sprint Planning Meeting Topic E: Replan the Project Lesson 5: Planning for Project Risks, Communication, and Change Control Topic A: Analyze the Risks to a Project Topic B: Create a Communication Plan Topic C: Develop a Change Control Plan Lesson 6: Managing a Project Topic A: Begin Project Work Topic B: Execute the Project Plan Topic C: Track the Progress of an Adaptive Project Topic D: Report Project Performance Topic E: Implement Change Control Lesson 7: Closing a Project Topic A: Close a Sprint, a Release, or an Adaptive Project Topic B: Close a Predictive Project Topic C: Create a Final Report

The often-used phrase, 'just the receptionist', completely misrepresents the role. An excellent receptionist is a most valuable resource for any organisation. This programme has been designed specifically to deal with the essential skills necessary to represent the organisation to the best possible effect. It will also help you get the most out of your working day. There are six key reasons to take part in this workshop. It will help you: See your role in a new light Develop your communication skills Deal with different types of customer and situation Boost your confidence Cope in a pressurised environment Get more satisfaction from your working day 1 Introduction Workshop objectives and personal objectives The challenges of 21st century communication What makes an excellent point of Reception? And why is it so important? Who and where are our customers? As a customer, how do you like to be treated? What makes people feel valued? Objective and subjective aspects of customer service 'Micro moments' that shape the relationship 2 Communication on reception Definition of communication Barriers to good communication The 'recipe' of verbal, vocal and visual aspects of communication Differences between communicating face-to-face and on the telephone Communication 'leaks' The primitive human response The impact of visual communication - body language, gesture and facial expression Voice - tone, speed, volume, pitch, clarity, inflection, pacing Words - positive words and phrases compared with negative terminology Professional greetings face-to-face Steering the conversation with effective questioning 3 Telephone excellence How we use the telephone Qualities of the telephone Non-verbal communication on the telephone - what aspects can be 'seen' by the other person? Professional telephone etiquette Taking and leaving messages - key points that can help customers, colleagues and the organisation Clarifying information 4 Listening skills for accuracy and relationship building How accurate are your listening skills? What are the challenges for accurate listening? Active / empathetic listening 5 Creating a rapport by 'style flexing' Understanding how different people communicate Shaping our message to the other person so that they feel understood How changing situations can alter communication needs 6 Confidence and assertiveness Recognising different styles of behaviour - aggressive, passive and assertive Qualities of assertive communication - verbal, vocal and visual Assertive techniques - basic, persistence, negotiation / empathetic Demonstrating confidence 7 Coping in a pressurised environment Words - the most useful ones to use with stressed people and identifying the 'red rag' words Challenging situations - what do you find difficult and how do you respond? Dealing with outbursts of anger Bringing non-stop talkers back from their tangent Constructive ways to say 'no' 8 Pulling it all together Action plans Summary of key learning points

The work of a technical team is invariably challenging and often unpredictable. Definition of the work can be problematic, timescales can be hard to estimate and the right technical approach difficult to select. Staff involved in this type of work usually have very high levels of specialist knowledge in their field and have high expectations of those who lead them. In addition to the challenges of the work, the team leader often has to balance the need for professional excellence with financial and commercial considerations and to ensure that team goals are realistic by being an effective negotiator with other project and senior managers. These characteristics make technical team leadership a demanding and complex activity. This programme aims to help participants develop the skills needed to become an effective technical team leader. The objectives of this programme are to help participants: understand the significance of leadership skills and their impact on team performance review the key skills needed to be an effective, 'multi-dimensional' team leader and learn how to develop, adapt and apply them in practice learn how to identify the preferred leadership style for the context and organisational culture and how to develop personal style versatility understand the role of the project leader in building an effective team and the skills required to promote and sustain team performance gain a better understanding of the interpersonal skills needed to motivate individual team members and harness the full potential of the team DAY ONE 1 Technical teams and leadership What is a leader? How much can leadership be learned? The team environment and the impact of leadership skills The characteristics of high performance teams and their leaders Some useful models and theories of leadership explored Types of leadership; choosing how to use leadership power Evaluating personal leadership style; how to develop style flexibility 2 Essential skills for team leaders 3 key dimensions of effective leadership: inwards, outwards and upwards Developing and promoting a 'team vision': strategic thinking skills The vital role of communication skills and how to develop them Understanding others; emotional intelligence skills Being a visible leader; behavioural and influencing skills Building effective relationships; the importance of trust and respect DAY TWO 3 Leading inwards to build the team The role of leadership in developing team performance Understanding individuals in the team; recognising team role preferences Managing conflict and promoting positive team dynamics Setting standards, maintaining discipline and rewarding performance Harnessing team potential: building motivation within the team Promoting team learning; the team leader as coach / mentor 4 Leading outwards and upwards to support the team Negotiating realistic team goals; effective influencing skills Gaining empowerment and support from the key stakeholders Leading upwards: knowing when and how to take the initiative Building team credibility within the organisation; helping the team deliver Becoming an effective team player in leadership teams Building and maintaining rapport with influential stakeholders