leadership management training course
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
Course Duration: 1 day (or 2 half-day sessions) Target Audience: Anyone who delivers presentations in a professional setting – including team members, managers, project leads, or executives – who want to improve confidence, clarity, and impact when speaking. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Prepare and structure engaging presentations for different audiences. Deliver content with confidence, clarity, and professionalism. Use body language, voice, and visual aids effectively. Manage nerves and build a strong connection with the audience. Handle questions and unexpected situations with poise. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Effective Presentations What makes a presentation effective? Common mistakes and how to avoid them Aligning your message with the audience’s needs Module 2: Planning and Structuring Your Message Setting clear objectives The “power of three” and other storytelling structures Openings and closings that stick Making content memorable and persuasive Module 3: Delivering with Confidence Managing nerves and performance anxiety Using your voice: tone, pace, and projection Body language and posture Eye contact and engagement strategies Module 4: Visual Aids and Presentation Tools Designing slides that support (not distract) Tips for using PowerPoint or Canva effectively Alternatives to slides (e.g. props, whiteboards, storytelling) Module 5: Engaging Your Audience Reading the room and adjusting your delivery Encouraging interaction and participation Handling difficult questions or interruptions Time management and staying on message Module 6: Practice and Feedback Participants deliver a short presentation (2–5 minutes) Peer and facilitator feedback Self-reflection and improvement planning Delivery Style Interactive, supportive environment Role-playing, practical exercises, and real-time coaching Optional video recordings for feedback Course Materials Provided Participant workbook and slide templates Presentation preparation checklist Self-assessment and feedback forms Tips for virtual presentations (Zoom, Teams) Optional Add-ons (for 2-day version) Extended practice time with filming and playback Advanced storytelling and persuasive techniques Coaching for high-stakes presentations (e.g. board meetings, conferences)
leadership management training course mentoring coaching
Course Duration: Half-day or full-day program (with virtual delivery options) Target Audience: HR professionals, leaders, managers, and wellbeing champions who are responsible for creating and maintaining mental health support systems and promoting work-life balance within their organisations. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Learn strategies for creating a workplace culture that supports mental health and resilience. Develop practical tools to prevent burnout and promote work-life balance. Identify systems and resources to help employees maintain mental health and manage stress. Design and implement a workplace wellbeing plan that fosters employee engagement and productivity. Course Outline Module 1: The Importance of Workplace Wellbeing What is workplace wellbeing? Understanding mental health, emotional wellbeing, and work-life balance The link between employee wellbeing and organisational performance Statistics and trends: The rising importance of mental health in the workplace The business case for prioritising mental health: reducing absenteeism, turnover, and improving productivity Legal and ethical considerations in workplace mental health Module 2: Mental Health in the Workplace Recognising the signs of mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress) The impact of workplace culture on employee mental health Stress and burnout: Causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies The role of leadership in promoting mental health and supporting employees Confidentiality and stigma: Overcoming barriers to mental health support Module 3: Creating a Culture of Wellbeing Building a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that prioritises mental health Encouraging open dialogue: How to talk about mental health and reduce stigma The role of leadership in modelling and promoting wellbeing practices Policies and practices to promote work-life balance (e.g., flexible working, remote work options) The importance of employee engagement in fostering a culture of wellbeing Module 4: Systems and Resources for Mental Health Support Developing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other mental health resources Peer support networks and mental health champions within the workplace Mental health first aid training: How to support colleagues in need Creating accessible resources for employees to manage their mental health (e.g., online tools, workshops, apps) Integrating wellbeing initiatives into existing HR systems: policies, performance management, and professional development Module 5: Strategies for Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout Stress management techniques for individuals and teams Time management, task prioritisation, and setting boundaries to reduce stress Mindfulness and relaxation exercises to combat workplace stress Encouraging regular breaks, physical activity, and healthy work habits Building resilience: Developing coping strategies for challenging situations Preventing burnout: Identifying early warning signs and taking proactive measures Module 6: Promoting Work-Life Balance Defining work-life balance in today’s connected world Strategies for setting boundaries between work and personal life Managing expectations: How to avoid overworking and reduce the pressure to be "always on" The importance of taking breaks, vacations, and "disconnecting" from work Flexible working arrangements and how they contribute to balance Supporting parents, carers, and individuals with other life commitments Module 7: Implementing a Workplace Wellbeing Plan Conducting a wellbeing audit: Understanding current practices and identifying gaps Designing a comprehensive wellbeing program: Key components and best practices Measuring the success of wellbeing initiatives: Metrics, feedback, and employee engagement Aligning wellbeing efforts with organisational goals and values Action planning: Creating a roadmap for rolling out workplace wellbeing initiatives Communicating wellbeing resources and encouraging employee participation Module 8: Sustaining Wellbeing in the Workplace Embedding mental health and wellbeing into the organisation’s long-term strategy Continuous improvement: Monitoring and refining wellbeing programs Engaging employees in ongoing wellbeing activities (e.g., wellness challenges, workshops, wellness days) Training leaders and managers to foster ongoing mental health support Celebrating successes and recognising the importance of mental health in organisational culture Delivery Style Interactive, with a blend of group discussions, case studies, and role-playing activities Practical exercises for creating wellbeing strategies and action plans Relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises incorporated into the sessions Tools and templates for creating mental health initiatives in the workplace Employee engagement surveys and feedback collection techniques to measure program effectiveness Course Materials Provided Workplace Wellbeing Framework and Best Practice Guidelines Wellbeing Plan Template and Action Plan for Implementation Stress Management and Resilience Toolkit Resources for Managers: Creating Mental Health-Supportive Teams Mental Health First Aid Checklist and Employee Assistance Program Resources Resource list: Apps, books, and online resources for mental health in the workplace Optional Add-ons Follow-up sessions for managers and leaders on maintaining a mental health-friendly work environment E-learning modules on specific aspects of wellbeing (e.g., stress management, mental health first aid) One-on-one wellbeing consultations or coaching for employees Employee wellbeing workshops (e.g., mindfulness, physical wellness, nutrition)
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.
This dynamic programme empowers attendees to enhance their emotional intelligence, forge meaningful connections in every interaction, engage in impactful coaching conversations, and cultivate resilience and psychological safety. Through interactive workshops, compelling discussions, and practical exercises, participants will acquire skills and insights necessary to foster a space for collaboration helping shape an environment of trust and openness in their professional and personal spaces
This course presents the role of the care worker using demonstrations of good and bad practices. It includes information on Core Values, Code of Conduct, and Continual Professional Development. This subject forms Standard 1 of the Care Certificate.
This awareness course is suitable for everyone. It provides learners with the knowledge to recognise a suspected mental health condition, the skills to start a conversation, and be able to signpost a person towards professional help.