Many organisations find that project teams struggle to create and maintain effective plans. Estimates are often overly optimistic and risks go unmanaged until the inevitable happens. Resource managers also find it hard to forecast the likely loading on their departments and requests for support are not provided in a consistent format. This programme has been developed to address these needs in a very practical, hands-on format. Case study work can be based on simulations or on the organisation's current projects for maximum benefit to participants. The aim of this training is to develop and enhance participants' planning and risk management skills in order to maximise the success of project work undertaken by the organisation. The principal training objectives for this programme are to: Provide a structured, integrated approach to planning and risk management Demonstrate practical tools and techniques for each stage of planning Show how to organise and involve relevant people in the planning process Explain how to use the plan for forecasting and pro-active project control Identify ways to improve planning, both individually and corporately The course will emphasise the importance of participative planning techniques that improve the quality of plans whilst reducing overall time and cost of planning. The course will encourage discussion of internal procedures and practices and may be customised to include them if required. DAY ONE 1 Introduction (Course sponsor) Why this programme has been developed Review of participants' needs and objectives 2 Projects and planning Why plan? The benefits of good planning / penalties of poor planning Planning in the project lifecycle; the need for a 'living' plan The interaction between target setting and the planning process Team exercise: planning the project 3 Planning the plan Defining the application and structure of the plan Impact of planning decisions during the project lifecycle Using available time to create an effective plan 4 Defining deliverables Assessing the context; reviewing the goals and stakeholders Developing the scope and defining deliverables; scope mapping Understanding customer priorities; delivering value for money Case study: defining the project deliverables 5 Creating the work breakdown Building the work breakdown structure Detailing the tasks and sub-tasks; structured brainstorming Defining task ownership; the task responsibility matrix 6 Creating and using a logical network Developing the logical network; task boarding Determining the critical path and calculating float Accelerating the plan; concurrent programming and risk Individual and group exercises DAY TWO 7 Developing resource schedules Deriving the Gantt chart from the network Developing the detailed resource schedules Calculating the expenditure profile ('S' curve) 8 Estimating task durations and costs Understanding estimates: effort, availability and duration Estimating tools and techniques Application of estimating techniques during the project lifecycle 9 Case study Developing the project plan Refining the project plan Team presentations and discussion 10 Managing risks and refining the plan Awareness of contractual issues associated with risk Identifying and evaluating risks; deciding ownership Managing risks: determining levels of provision and contingency Controlling risks: maintaining an up-to date risk register 11 Planning for pro-active control The earned value analysis (EVA) concept and its predictive value Deriving the measures needed for cost and delivery performance Practical issues associated with implementing EVA 12 Using and maintaining the plan Tracking progress and updating the plan Publishing and controlling the plan 13 Course review and transfer planning (Course sponsor present) Identify ways of implementing the techniques learnt Sponsor-led review and discussion of proposals Conclusion
This very practical workshop is designed to enable participants to improve the impact, clarity and accuracy of their business documents - both internal and external.: This workshop will help participants: Identify the purpose of writing their documents - to themselves and to their readers Recognise and meet the needs of their readers Plan documents systematically and improve the layout, flow and structure Express the content more clearly, concisely and correctly Adapt the tone and style of writing to the circumstances Proof-read and edit work effectively, using formal marks and techniques Improve visual layout, format and appearance 1 Course objectives Welcome and Introductions The problems now - group discussion 2 Writing better business documents What points to highlight / exclude Starting off Introductions Conclusions Executive summaries 3 Rules and standards George Orwell's famous maxim Why write? - clarifying your aims and objectives A seven-step method for better preparation The three-stage process for writing well Grouping information for your reader 4 Proof-reading and editing The difference between proof-reading and editing Proof-reading methods and strategies Proof-reading marks and techniques Training your eye for detail Knowing what to look for 5 Effective editing Grammar and English standards Words - usage and spelling Sentences - units of thought Paragraphs - themes Punctuation - spotting and correcting common errors Say what you mean - active v passive language 6 How's your English? Grammar quizzes and punctuation test Spotting spelling errors Rephrasing jargons and clicheÌs Common error's and mistakes 7 Document layout House style Use of white space Fonts and effects 8 One-to-one workshops These are practical sessions with one-to-one consultation with colleagues and the trainer They are held at key points to consolidate the learning from different sessions 9 Course summary Summary of key points Action plans
Basic Life Support (BLS) Course
Learn mosaic crochet in Surrey - this is an immersive 4 x 2 hour course running on Tuesday evenings in Walton-on-Thames.
Additional specialist online training for anyone working with couples or helping with relationship issues… Accredited CPD: 4 hours Length: 8.45am–1.00pm (GMT) Live training delivered online – Join Jennifer Broadley on Tuesday 9th July 24 for another jam-packed session live online via Zoom. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Simply book your place and we will send you email confirmation – your Zoom link will be sent the day before the event. BONUS RECORDING – the training is recorded, in case anyone experiences technical difficulties, so you will also get a recording for 2 weeks afterwards to maximise your learning. Can’t make this date, then please register your interest and we’ll let you know as soon as another date is available. This additional online training session gives us time to look in more depth at narcissism and what a relationship with a narcissist might look like In most cases, applying the skills and techniques learned in the Couples Therapy Online Masterclass is all that’s needed to help a couple move forward in their relationship. But sometimes additional knowledge is needed, as in the case of relationships where narcissism is a suspected factor, to help a therapist assess more quickly and meaningfully the relationship dynamic and specific challenges involved, thus allowing them to help the couple more effectively to find a constructive and compassionate way forward and out of their current difficulties. Why take this course The term ‘narcissist’ is often bandied about and narcissism is frequently covered in the media – but is this language over-used or misused? It’s great that awareness is being raised generally about narcissism and the impacts it can have on a relationship, but it’s important to be well informed. As a result of this increased awareness, more people are seeking information and answers to their own experiences, as well as about the causes of their own relationship difficulties and what they can do about them. As part of that process they may well seek some counselling or therapy so it’s important that, as therapists, our knowledge, skillset and stories are as up-to-date and relevant as possible to best serve our clients. If you already work with couples, in your private practice or employed role, and you want some more detailed insight into narcissism and how to spot it, as well as some of the additional relationship challenges it brings, this live online training is for you.. Jennifer gave a very informative response to my specific request for information relating to narcissismPAULINE, THERAPIST ATTENDING JENNIFER'S 'COUPLES THERAPY' COURSE What will you learn What is a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) – and what are the criteria for clinical diagnosis What specific unkind or manipulative behaviours in relationships can be classed as narcissism – and when should we really not use that term Why the reports of narcissistic emotional abuse in relationships are significantly on the increase – and how (or whether) this parallels family, relationship and societal changes If it’s not narcissism, what else could be causing the dysfunctional relationship pattern? The truths and myths of the nature vs nurture debate in relation to NPD How to spot narcissism when both partners are in your therapy room How to spot NPD when only one partner is in your therapy room Why it’s usually the co-dependant partner, rather than the one with narcissistic personality traits, that instigates therapy How to support an abused partner to exit a narcissistic relationship – OR to remain in it if he/she won’t or can’t leave How to identify which needs are not being met for one or both partners of a couple – and strategies to quickly change that Tools and checklists to keep your clients emotionally and physically safe as you support a rise in their self-esteem, self-compassion and emotional needs being met more healthily The common language (media and social media) for NPD-related behaviours How to raise children (separately or together) when one parent has NPD – the critical Do’s and Don’ts Additional resources to steer your clients towards – plus recommended reading for you as a therapist And more… You will also have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and benefit from those asked by other people. Who is this course suitable for? Anyone who has previously attended our Couples masterclass 1-day workshop (live or in person). Anyone working with couples, perhaps as a relationship counsellor or through couples therapy, who would like a better understanding of narcissism and NPD, and ideas for helping couples deal with the challenges these bring. Please Note This course is not a substitute for therapy.
Basic Life Support (BLS) and Safe use of AED training
This time for our network meeting we are taking it back old school style! Back to our roots in Choice Support's meeting room where it all began back in 2017. The programme is still in production but I wanted to make sure we all got the date saved in the diary - you can expect interesting and inspiring work going across all 2000 (!!) of you. A fun and engaging mixture of presentations, practical stuff and discussion. Also we thought lets go truly original and go back to a shared lunch- please do bring something to share (homemade cakes are always welcome).
Successfully closing a sale and negotiating the best outcome for the business is a key skill for all salespeople, and often an area that is overlooked. Investing in this skill will have a positive impact on interactions with customers, both new and existing, and lead to improved sales performance. Whilst understanding how to reach a conclusion with a customer faster means increased efficiency and more time to invest in sourcing new business. We have developed this programme to be practical, fun and interactive. Participants will learn proven techniques for influencing, persuading and negotiating with clients, gain increased confidence and clarity when reviewing contract terms and prices, and understand how to structure and manage sales negotiation and contract review meetings. This course will help participants: Learn a structured and proven approach to the negotiation of contract terms Apply the key principles of negotiation, playing the person and the problem Create a contract negotiation strategy - from opening to close Recognize and put to use proven negotiation tactics and techniques Learn how to embrace conflict positively - to 'say no, then negotiate' Plan and prepare for any commercial negotiation conversations Understand the stages of negotiation and how to move through them 1 Closing and negotiating from a position of personal power The eight steps of a sales or commercial negotiation Ten ways to resist price pressure How to draw on sources of power when you have less authority The six principles of influence and persuasion and how to use them 2 Effective negotiation - planning and theory How to plan and structure your negotiation for a successful and quick conclusion Influence: knowing how to 'push or pull' to win an argument Achieving a BATNA - a range of practical skills and techniques Case study: planning for a client negotiation around contract or price issues 3 Effective closing and negotiation - practice and reality Higher-level questioning techniques to investigate and solve problems Listening to lead - active listening and structuring your conversation The most common 'unforced' negotiation mistakes and errors Case study: setting objectives, sources of value, trading concessions 4 Sales negotiation tactics and playing the game How high - how hard - how soon; why now How to identify hidden or perceived currencies and values How to use these to establish a higher base price Negotiation best-practice checklist and summary
Successful account management requires time and investment to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction and develop new business opportunities. Ensuring you are equipped with the right tools to approach every customer interaction in a structured way will help you have productive relationships with your clients. Whether you're new to account management or experienced in business development and looking to expand your skillset, understanding how you can maximise customer relationships will be key to your success. We have developed this programme to be practical, fun and interactive. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice a number of key skills that will see successful results, and are encouraged to bring real life examples to the course so that learning can be translated to real world scenarios. This course will help participants: Learn how to plan growth and increase revenue from existing accounts Develop skills to build and develop essential relationships to increase value and visibility Learn how best to create loyalty and customer satisfaction Identify how to set account targets and development plan for building contacts and cross-selling Develop persuasion and influencing skills to better define needs and develop opportunities Learn how to add value at all stages; plus gaining competitive advantage Develop an up-selling, cross-selling strategy 1 Performance metrics for account management Introduction to the PROFIT account management model Using practical tools to measure account performance and success Planning your account strategy - red flags and green lights 2 Relationships for account management How to build and manage key relationships Producing a 'relationship matrix' Developing a coach or advocate 3 Setting objectives for your account Developing an upselling cross-selling strategy Setting jointly agreed goals, objectives and business plans Planning session 4 Feedback and Retention - building loyal and satisfied customers How to monitor and track your customer's satisfaction Building a personalised satisfaction matrix Customer service review meetings 5 Influence Getting your message and strategy across to C-level contacts Being able to better develop a business partnership within an accountes 6 Teamwork and time management Working with others to achieve your account goals Managing and working with a virtual team Managing your time and accounts effectively 7 Gaining commitment and closing the sale Knowing when to close for commitment How to ask for commitment professionally and effectively Key negotiation skills around the closing process - getting to 'yes' Checklist of closing and negotiation skills Practice session