126 Courses in London

Who is this course for? This course is ideal for individuals interested in learning landscape architecture, emphasizing the planning, design, and management of various outdoor spaces, such as private gardens, public parks, and commercial landscapes. Click here for more info: Website 1-on-1 training, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., or call to book. Tailor your 40-hour course  Option A: AutoCAD, Sketchup, Vray, and Photoshop.  Option B: Rhino, Sketchup, Vray, and Photoshop. Both covering specializes in Planting Plans and Maps. Course Outline - Option A: AutoCAD, Sketchup, Vray, Photoshop (Total: 40 hours) AutoCAD (10 hours): Module 1: Introduction to AutoCAD (2 hours) - Overview of AutoCAD interface and tools - Creating, opening, and saving drawings - Basic drawing and editing commands Module 2: Drawing and Editing (3 hours) - Working with lines, circles, and arcs - Utilizing polylines and polygons - Modifying objects: Move, Copy, Rotate, and Scale Module 3: Precision Drawing (3 hours) - Using coordinate systems for precision - Dimensioning and text incorporation - Hatching and gradients for added detail Module 4: Advanced Tools (2 hours) - Leveraging blocks and attributes - Managing layers and object properties - Creating layouts and preparing for plotting Sketchup (16 hours): (Specializing in Planting Plans, Vegetation Plans, and Maps) Module 1: Introduction to Sketchup (2 hours) - Navigating the Sketchup interface - Grasping basic 2D and 3D modeling concepts - Creating and manipulating objects Module 2: Advanced Modeling (6 hours) - Model intricate garden elements with curves and surfaces - Expertly edit and transform geometry - Specialized focus on Planting Plans, Vegetation Plans, and Maps Module 3: Visualization with Vray (4 hours) - Understanding the Vray rendering engine - Applying materials and textures for realism - Setting up lighting and cameras for realistic rendering Module 4: Image Enhancement with Photoshop (10 hours): - Introduction to Photoshop for design purposes - Editing and enhancing Sketchup and Vray outputs - Creating visually striking presentations Additional Resources: Access free online portfolio design assistance, career growth guidance, and mock interviews to ensure your readiness for the competitive job market. Course Outline - Option B: AutoCAD, Rhino, Vray, Photoshop (Total: 40 hours) AutoCAD (12 hours): Module 1: Introduction to AutoCAD (2 hours) - Overview of AutoCAD interface and tools - Creating, opening, and saving drawings - Basic drawing and editing commands Module 2: Drawing and Editing (3 hours) - Working with lines, circles, and arcs - Utilizing polylines and polygons - Modifying objects: Move, Copy, Rotate, and Scale Module 3: Precision Drawing (3 hours) - Using coordinate systems for precision - Dimensioning and text incorporation - Hatching and gradients for added detail Module 4: Advanced Tools (4 hours) - Leveraging blocks and attributes - Managing layers and object properties - Creating layouts and preparing for plotting Rhino (14 hours): Module 1: Introduction to Rhino (2 hours) - Navigating the Rhino interface - Grasping basic 2D and 3D modeling concepts - Creating and manipulating objects Module 2: Advanced Modeling (6 hours) - Model intricate garden structures with curves and surfaces - Proficiently edit and transform geometry - Build complex 3D structures Module 3: Visualization with Vray (6 hours) - Setting up lights and cameras for garden renders - Exploring rendering settings and options - Post-production and compositing techniques Image Enhancement with Photoshop (8 hours): - Introduction to Photoshop for design purposes - Editing and enhancing Rhino and Vray outputs - Creating visually striking presentations Both Option A and Option B provide comprehensive training in essential design software, with the choice between specialization in Sketchup (Option A) or a broader skill set with Rhino (Option B). Additionally, both options offer access to valuable resources for career preparation. When Can I Book this Training Course? Personalized 1-on-1 training sessions available, allowing for a tailored learning experience. Pre-book your preferred time slot from Monday to Saturday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Alternatively, call 02077202581 to book over the phone. Training Duration 40-hour training program, with the flexibility to split hours based on your ideal learning schedule. Training Method Choose between in-person Face to Face or Live Online 1-on-1 training. Expect personalized attention, flexible learning pace, and individualized support throughout your training. Live Online sessions available over Zoom for added convenience. Enroll in our 1-on-1 Course Today! Comprehensive Training Program Overview Option A: AutoCAD (10 hours) Sketchup (16 hours) (Specializing in Planting Plans, Vegetation Plans, and Maps) Vray (4 hours) Photoshop (10 hours) Option B: AutoCAD (12 hours) Rhino (14 hours) Vray (6 hours) Photoshop (8 hours) Benefits of Option A: Diverse Skillset: Gain expertise in AutoCAD, Sketchup, Vray, and Photoshop for various design fields. Specialization: Focus on Planting Plans, Vegetation Plans, and Maps within Sketchup. Realistic Renderings: Learn Vray for compelling 3D renderings. Image Editing: Enhance images effectively with Photoshop. Career Readiness: Access resources like portfolio design assistance and mock interviews for job market readiness. Benefits of Option B: Versatile Expertise: Master AutoCAD, Rhino, Vray, and Photoshop for various design disciplines. Advanced 3D Modeling: Excel in complex designs with Rhino and 3ds Max. Quality Renderings: Create impressive 3D renderings with Vray. Image Editing Mastery: Perfect design concepts with Photoshop. Additional Training Course Benefits: Compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. Price Assurance for exceptional value. Flexible scheduling from Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 8 pm. Lifetime Email and Phone Support. Assistance in configuring your computer for seamless software installation. Referral Benefits, including special discounts for friend referrals and savings on group training courses.

About this Training Course Within the energy industry, it is a requirement, both contractual and in some areas legislative, to ensure effective internal systems are in place which support employee development and provide evidence of their competence. A Competence Management and Assurance process - if correctly developed and applied - provides employees and organisations with the tools to demonstrate competence and contributes to career development of the individual. The 3 full-day course focuses on Competence Management Systems (CMS) which are typically in use within the Energy Industry, their structure and process development requirements. In addition, the course details the assessment process, the role of the competency assessors within the organisation and the relationship between competence management and training provision. For impactful learning, the course instructor uses a variety of instructional methodologies such as lectures, discussions, individual reflection, games, mystery puzzles, video, case studies, team syndication, group presentations, sharing and feedback. Training Objectives This course will provide attendees with an understanding of: The role of competencies in the Energy industry The benefits of Competency Management System to the organisation The components of a Competency of Competency Management System The know how to implement the Competency Management System The roles and responsibilities within a Competency Management System The know how to develop Competency Models The relationship between Competency Management and Capability Development The know how to conduct Organisational Analysis The know how to conduct Job Analysis and Task Analysis The know how to develop Competency Standards and Development Guides using the 70:20:10 principle The competency assessment process, tools and methodologies The know how to package and communicate the Competency Assessment Reports to Management Competency Management Case Studies in the Energy Industry Target Audience This course will benefit professionals from Human Resource and Capability Development as well as Line Managers. Course Level Basic or Foundation Trainer Your expert course leader is an independent consultant trainer with more than 30 years of experience in People & Organizational Development. She has retired from her full-time job and is currently serving as an Associate Consultant / Trainer with several Learning & Development organizations operating in Malaysia and Singapore. A chemist by training, her interest in People & Organizational Development was so intense that she decided to switch profession during her earlier years of employment, and she has never looked back since. She has gathered extensive hands-on experience, leading key projects and delivering learning programs in her field of expertise with numerous leading organizations in South East Asia, the Middle East and Europe. A project that she is particularly proud in completing was the transformation of PETRONAS Management Training Institute into a regional Leadership Centre. While leading this project, she was given the opportunity to be seconded to General Electric (GE), a Fortune 500 multinational known for its cutting-edge leadership development innovation. She was instrumental in the development of the existing leadership model for PETRONAS. In addition, she was also extensively involved in the development and implementation of Technical Competency Development process that is currently being used by more than 20 disciplines in the organization. Another massive project that she was heavily involved in was the creation of the quality culture for PETRONAS. The project saw the establishment of PETRONAS' own quality principles where she played a key role in propagating the desired mindset towards the creation of a high performing culture. Her involvement in this project took her to many PETRONAS Operating Companies which spanned into several countries across the globe including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sudan, South Africa and Switzerland, creating awareness through learning programs and consultancy services. The PETRONAS Quality Principles have since evolved into shared values that are now known as the PETRONAS Culture Beliefs. In keeping her expertise current after retiring from full-time employment since 2017, she has continued to deliver learning programs, providing coaching and consultancy services to selected Oil & Gas companies in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Oman and Thailand. Among her most recent work are virtual learning deliveries and consultancies during the COVID-19 pandemic to some government linked companies / agencies in Malaysia and PTT Exploration & Production Company of Thailand. Outside her professional circle, she is an avid cyclist, a jungle tracker and a mount climber. She is also an accredited trainer from the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD CORP). POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations

Gold CSCS Card NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations This qualification is designed for those in a technical job role, This qualification is appropriate for employees in the construction and built environment sector working at a technical level in disciplines such as estimating, buying, planning, surveying, site technical support and design co-ordination. You could be site-based and have responsibility for functions such as dimensional control, surveys, physical testing, and work planning. You may work across one or more of the following pathways: Estimating Buying Planning Surveying Site Technical Support Design Co-Ordinator General Induction - As soon as you register you will be given a dedicated assessor. They will arrange an induction and together with your assessor, you will get to decide on the pathway which best proves your competency. The induction is used to plan out how you will gather the relevant evidence to complete the course. During the course - The assessor will work with you to build a portfolio of evidence that allows you to showcase your knowledge, skills and experience. The assessor will also regularly review and provide you with feedback. This will allow you to keep on track to progress quickly. You will be assessed through various methods such as observations, written questions, evidence generated from the workplace, professional discussion and witness testimonials. On completion - Once all feedback has been agreed, the Internal Quality Assurer will review your portfolio and in agreement with your assessor the certificate will be applied for. To download our PDF for this course then please click here.

ISO 30401 sets requirements and provides guidelines for establishing, implementing, maintaining, reviewing and improving an effective management system for knowledge management in organizations. All the requirements of this standard are applicable to any organization, regardless of its type or size, or the products and services it provides. Knowledge management is the intentional process of defining, structuring, retaining, and sharing an organization’s employees’ knowledge and experience.

Constantly making up and breaking up Improve communication Self-regulation Improve understanding Address trust and respect issues Healthy relationship course Be a better partner training for both parties Emotional intelligence and relationship disciplines training 6 sessions 1-hour x 6 https://relationshipsmdd.com/product/our-relationship-is-an-emotional-rollercoaster/

AutoCAD-Mac Introduction to Advanced Training Course This project-based course is tailored for AutoCAD Mac users, architecture and interior design students and professionals. Click here for more info: Website When Can I Book This Training Course? Personalized experience with 1-on-1 sessions designed to fit your unique needs. Available from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 am Or Call to Book 02077202581. Duration of Training: 16 hours. Training Method:  1-on-1, providing the option for in-person sessions or live online training. Course Content Section 1: Introduction Course Overview Section 2: Basic Concepts Status Bar and The Units Drawing Commands Control Points - Vertex or Verteces Modifying Commands Snap Settings Drawing An Outline Section 3: Dimensions and Customization Adding Dimensions and Dimension Style Manager Importing Dimension Styles Customizing Shortcuts Section 4: Advanced Techniques Adding Walls Thickness with Offset Command Adding interior layout Cleaning Layout lines with Trim Section 5: Text and Styling Text Editing and Importing Text Styles Main File Formats in AutoCAD Section 6: Design Elements Creating Openings in the Floor Plan Adding Openings - Part 2 Adding Openings - Part 3 Drawing Doors & Windows Using Line Types & Linetype Scale Group and Ungroup Commands Using Blocks Using Blocks Library & Dynamic Blocks Section 7: Layers and Furnishing Layers - Part 2 Layers - Part 3 Furnishing Bedrooms & Bathrooms - Part 1 Adding Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipments | part 2 Adding Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipments | part 3 Drawing the Kitchen Drawing the Living Room Drawing Dining Room & Adding Casework Adding Steps and Railings Using Stretch Command Finishing Steps and patio areas Hatch command Hatch Customization Adding Plants & Finishing Floor Plan Section 8: Layout and Printing Paper Space & Page Setup Manager Working with Viewport & Using Print Command Scale & Using Multiple Viewports Locking Viewport Scale Drawing A Titleblock - Part 1 Drawing A Titleblock - Part 2 Copying the Titleblock Using Titleblock with Attributes Section 9: Roof Plan and Organization Drawing The Roof Plan Placing Roof Plan on Sheet Organizing Project Drawings & Using Layer Freeze AutoCAD Crashing And What To Do Section 10: Elevations Exterior elevations - Drawing the Outline Exterior elevations - Drawing the Openings Elevations - Detailing - Part 1 Elevations - Detailing - Part 2 Elevations - Repeating the workflow Elevations - Finishing 3rd Elevation Elevations - Drawing the final elevation Section 11: Sections Sections: Drawing Cut Lines & the Outline Sections: Placing 1st Section on Sheet Sections: Drawing Section #2 - Different Technique Sections: Adding Final Detail Section 12: Interior Elevations Interior Elevations: Drawing the Outline Interior Elevations: Placing on Sheet Interior Elevations: Using Block Clip Interior Elevations: Final Drawing Section 13: Conclusion Putting the Final Set Together Proficient AutoCAD Skills: Master essential tools for efficient drawing creation and manipulation. Accurate 2D Designs: Create precise and high-quality layouts with attention to detail. Effective Object Handling: Excel in selecting, moving, copying, and scaling objects. File Management: Organize drawings efficiently and understand different file formats. Precise Measurements: Utilize inquiry commands for accurate design analysis. Annotations and Hatching: Apply text, dimensions, and hatching to enhance drawings. Object Organization: Manage layers and object properties for organized designs. Reusable Content: Efficiently use blocks, tool palettes, and groups for productivity. Layout Optimization: Create layouts with viewports for optimal design presentation. Professional Output: Generate professional plots and PDF output for polished results. Enhanced Productivity: Explore AutoCAD toolsets and web/mobile apps for streamlined workflow. Course Overview: Learn versatile AutoCAD for Mac drawing techniques, applicable across all industries, enabling you to excel in the application. Our trainers incorporate exercises from various disciplines. Who Should Attend: Ideal for newcomers to AutoCAD for Mac, self-taught users seeking correct techniques, and those transitioning from other CAD tools. Requirements: A solid Mac OS understanding is essential, while prior CAD knowledge is not required. Pre-course preparation guidance is provided for new AutoCAD users. Highlights: Perfect for AutoCAD for Mac beginners. Gain skills for precise 2D layouts and designs. Versatile drawing techniques for all industries. Choose between in-class or live online training. Autodesk Certified Tutors: AutoCAD 1-2-1 courses. Hands-on learning with expert trainers. Lifetime post-course email support. Tailored on-request training available. Certificate: Digital certificate included. Tailored Mac Training: Excel in AutoCAD with specialized Mac training, leveraging its distinct features and interface for heightened efficiency. Comprehensive Skill Enhancement: Advance from fundamental to intermediate AutoCAD Mac proficiency, creating precise and professional 2D drawings. Industry-Relevant Expertise: Attain in-demand skills valued by employers in architecture, engineering, and design sectors. Hands-On Project Exposure: Immerse yourself in practical exercises mirroring real-world design scenarios, fostering practical competence. Lesson Recordings for Review: Access recorded lessons for reinforcement and deeper AutoCAD Mac comprehension. Ongoing Email Support: Benefit from lifetime email support, ensuring assistance beyond course completion."

Introduction to Project Management This course provides practical insights into what is project management and how it is performed in a structured manner. This course provides practical insights into what is project management and how it is performed in a structured manner. You will learn how projects are selected, initiated, planned, executed, monitored and control, as well as closed, which could serve you ubiquitously. The goal of this course is to provide a minimally essential orientation to practical project management concepts, tools, and techniques. You will be provided with enough of these that can be applied from both a project manager and a key stakeholder perspective. What you Will Learn You will learn how to: Articulate on the basics of the project management profession Explain project management terms and concepts in practice Speak on how projects originate in mature organizations Employ a disciplined approach to initiating, planning, and managing projects to closure Identify and describe the roles and responsibilities of key project stakeholders Consider standard project processes to implement based upon the PMBOK® Guide Getting Started Introductions Course orientation Participants' expectations Foundation Concepts Key terms and concepts Organizational framework Leadership framework Originating and Initiating Originating projects Initiating projects Planning Planning overview Scope and quality planning Resources and risk planning Schedule and cost planning Project baselining Executing and Controlling Executing Monitoring and Controlling Closing Project closing overview Closing administratively Closing financially Summary and Next Steps Review of goals, objectives, key concepts, and expectations Evaluations

Introduction to Project Management: In-House Training This course provides practical insights into what is project management and how it is performed in a structured manner. This course provides practical insights into what is project management and how it is performed in a structured manner. You will learn how projects are selected, initiated, planned, executed, monitored and control, as well as closed, which could serve you ubiquitously. The goal of this course is to provide a minimally essential orientation to practical project management concepts, tools, and techniques. You will be provided with enough of these that can be applied from both a project manager and a key stakeholder perspective. What you Will Learn You will learn how to: Articulate on the basics of the project management profession Explain project management terms and concepts in practice Speak on how projects originate in mature organizations Employ a disciplined approach to initiating, planning, and managing projects to closure Identify and describe the roles and responsibilities of key project stakeholders Consider standard project processes to implement based upon the PMBOK® Guide Getting Started Introductions Course orientation Participants' expectations Foundation Concepts Key terms and concepts Organizational framework Leadership framework Originating and Initiating Originating projects Initiating projects Planning Planning overview Scope and quality planning Resources and risk planning Schedule and cost planning Project baselining Executing and Controlling Executing Monitoring and Controlling Closing Project closing overview Closing administratively Closing financially Summary and Next Steps Review of goals, objectives, key concepts, and expectations Evaluations

Why choose Vectorworks Landmark Training Course? Course info Explore the Vectorworks Landmark Training Course! 1-on-1 Live Online sessions led by certified tutors and industry experts. Master Vectorworks Landmark for landscape and site design, creating captivating outdoor spaces. Enroll now to unleash your design skills. Duration: 16 hrs. Method: 1-on-1, Personalized attention. Schedule: Tailor your own schedule by pre-booking a convenient hour of your choice, available from Mon to Sat between 9 am and 7 pm. This course focuses on Vectorworks Landmark fundamentals, providing essential tools and techniques for landscape architecture, design, and related disciplines. Participants should have a basic understanding of Vectorworks software. The course covers 2D and 3D drawing, file organization, landscape plan/model creation, and more. Learning Objectives: Organize drawing files using industry standards and best practices for effective collaboration. Utilize imported files and field-collected data for base plans and site inventories. Integrate 2D and 3D elements for plan documentation and model analysis. Utilize worksheet features for material quantification and project efficiency. Course Prerequisites: Participants should be familiar with basic drafting concepts, computer operations, and keyboard shortcuts. This training demonstrates sustainable design principles and the use of CAD tools for erosion control, runoff calculations, plant tracking, and sun/shade analysis. Participants will learn to create a 3D site digital terrain model and assess proposed plantings' effects on solar heat gain and water usage. Vectorworks Landmark Basic to Intermediate Training Course Duration: 16 hours Join our comprehensive Vectorworks Landmark Basic to Intermediate Training, designed for landscape architects and designers. Master 2D and 3D landscape design with essential techniques, covering site analysis, plans, irrigation, and 3D visualization. Unleash your creativity with custom plant symbols and detailed planting plans using the plant database. Course Outline: I. Introduction to Vectorworks Landmark (1 hour) An overview of Vectorworks Landmark for landscape design Interface orientation and basic tool usage Navigation and viewport controls Landscape design project creation and management II. Site Analysis and Site Plans (3 hours) Collecting site information and producing site analysis drawings Crafting site plans and hardscape design Working with contours, elevations, and terrain models Incorporating site amenities like paths, fences, and walls III. Planting Plans (5 hours) Utilizing the plant database to select suitable plants for specific regions Creating personalized plant symbols Developing comprehensive planting plans and plant lists Understanding plant compatibility and growth patterns IV. Irrigation Design (2 hours) Designing and editing irrigation systems and zones Integrating irrigation components into the site plan Generating irrigation reports for efficient planning V. 3D Visualization (3 hours) Creating captivating 3D models of landscape designs Applying textures and materials to hardscape elements and plants Utilizing the Renderworks engine for high-quality rendering Enhancing designs with lighting and special effects VI. Customization (1 hour) Tailoring the interface for landscape design efficiency Creating custom object styles and resource libraries VII. Collaboration and Sharing (1 hour) Importing and exporting data from other software platforms Sharing landscape design drawings with colleagues and collaborators VIII. Conclusion and Next Steps (1 hour) Comprehensive review of course content Guidance on further learning resources Q&A session and feedback gathering Enroll in our Vectorworks Landmark Basic to Intermediate Training to enhance your landscape design expertise and unleash your creative prowess. Download Vectorworks Landmark https://www.vectorworks.net/en-GB/landmark By the end of the Vectorworks Landmark Training Course, participants will: Understand the key features and functionalities of Vectorworks Landmark for landscape design. Demonstrate proficiency in using essential tools for site analysis, site plans, and hardscape design. Create detailed planting plans, selecting appropriate plants, and understanding their compatibility and growth patterns. Design efficient and effective irrigation systems, including generating irrigation reports. Create 3D visualizations of landscape designs, applying textures, materials, lighting, and special effects. Customize the interface and create personalized object styles and resources. Collaborate and share landscape design drawings with other software users. Have the foundation to pursue further learning and exploration in landscape design using Vectorworks Landmark.

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.