Strategic Thinking The goal of this course is to provide you with the building blocks and the motivation to develop the critical skill of strategic thinking. The participants will consider a four-part model that distinguishes strategic thinking from strategic planning and managing. With that understanding, you will investigate the critical components of strategic thinking and how to apply it effectively. What you Will Learn Define strategic thinking and distinguish it from strategic planning and management Explain a high-level approach to gaining strategic thinking skills Integrate other interpersonal skills, such as self-awareness, systems thinking, leadership, constructive conflict, and collaboration, into the fabric of strategic thinking skills Select appropriate techniques to apply strategic thinking in specific situations Recognize and emulate effective strategic thinking behaviors Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Interactive event: Define Strategic Thinking (ST) Interactive event: Discuss relationship of ST with Strategic Planning, Management and Decision Making Strategic Level Framework - Tying it all together Strategic thinking attributes Strategic Thinking Critical Success Factors Strategic Thinking Critical Success Factors - 5-part model Strategic Thinking and the Organization Critical Success Factors Model applied to an organization Tools Introduction (5): Environmental, 5 Forces, SWOT, Value Proposition, Integral Theory of Worldview Video: Fog of War Strategic Thinking and the Individual Critical Success Factors Model applied to an individual Tools Introduction (5): Thinking Styles, Six Thinking Hats, Reverse Thinking, Systems Thinking, Integral Theory of Worldview Strategic Thinking at the Interpersonal and Team Levels Emotional Intelligence - Self Awareness and Working With Others Team Leadership and Trust Constructive Conflict as the Gateway to Collaboration Interactive event: Testing the Models - Challenge Perspective; What's Missing Applying the critical skill of Strategic Thinking Worldview: Team versus client Trusted Advisor Interactive event: Doing what is asked (Case study, wherein participants review the default case scenario prepared for this workshop and add specific details to make the scenario more relevant to their experiences / needs. Teams develop an action plan for applying ST concepts and techniques they have learned here to the situation, then compare and contrast results.)
Strategic Thinking (In-Person) The goal of this course is to provide you with the building blocks and the motivation to develop the critical skill of strategic thinking. The participants will consider a four-part model that distinguishes strategic thinking from strategic planning and managing. With that understanding, you will investigate the critical components of strategic thinking and how to apply it effectively. What You Will Learn You will learn how to: Define strategic thinking and distinguish it from strategic planning and management Explain a high-level approach to gaining strategic thinking skills Integrate other interpersonal skills, such as self-awareness, systems thinking, leadership, constructive conflict, and collaboration, into the fabric of strategic thinking skills Select appropriate techniques to apply strategic thinking in specific situations Recognize and emulate effective strategic thinking behaviors Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Interactive event: Define Strategic Thinking (ST) Interactive event: Discuss relationship of ST with Strategic Planning, Management and Decision Making Strategic Level Framework - Tying it all together Strategic thinking attributes Strategic Thinking Critical Success Factors Strategic Thinking Critical Success Factors - 5-part model Strategic Thinking and the Organization Critical Success Factors Model applied to an organization Tools Introduction (5): Environmental, 5 Forces, SWOT, Value Proposition, Integral Theory of Worldview Video: Fog of War Strategic Thinking and the Individual Critical Success Factors Model applied to an individual Tools Introduction (5): Thinking Styles, Six Thinking Hats, Reverse Thinking, Systems Thinking, Integral Theory of Worldview Strategic Thinking at the Interpersonal and Team Levels Emotional Intelligence - Self Awareness and Working With Others Team Leadership and Trust Constructive Conflict as the Gateway to Collaboration Interactive event: Testing the Models - Challenge Perspective; What's Missing Applying the critical skill of Strategic Thinking Worldview: Team versus client Trusted Advisor Interactive event: Doing what is asked (Case study, wherein participants review the default case scenario prepared for this workshop and add specific details to make the scenario more relevant to their experiences / needs. Teams develop an action plan for applying ST concepts and techniques they have learned here to the situation, then compare and contrast results.)
Decision Making and Problem Solving: In-House Training We may live in an era of fast technology and increasing reliance upon automation, but our human abilities to think critically, make careful decisions, and solve nuanced problems are more important than ever. Our personal lives depend on those things, and so do the lives of our organizations. Since business is now conducted at remarkable speeds, we put our organizations at great risk daily when we have weak competencies with decision-making and problem-solving. Decisions and solutions that are executed impulsively and without structured approaches can create more problems or make existing ones worse! This course aims to help participants improve their skills so they can execute well and add value to the workplace. Learners will experience multiple decision-making and problem-solving models, tools, and techniques meant for the real world. They will learn how to align their growing toolboxes with the right situational contexts so that they can transfer that skill to the workplace. They will also discover how indecision, cognitive bias, and default thought processes can create obstacles to effective decision-making and problem-solving. What you will Learn Recognize the importance of making a sound decision in a timely manner Infer types of cognitive biases and obstacles that impact decision-making Separate facts, requirements, ideas, and perceptions when making a decision or solving problems Apply structured decision-making and problem-solving approaches Conduct cause and effect and Force Field analyses Evaluate alternative solution methods using various techniques Analyze real world situations to determine the best aligned decision-making and problem-solving models, tools, and techniques Implement decision-making and problem-solving models, tools, and techniques Foundation Concepts Contextualizing decisiveness and problem-solving Discriminating between decisiveness and problem-solving Understanding Decision-Making Decision-making challenges and impacts Key drivers of good decision-making Thought processes and obstacles Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) Decision-Making Models and Supporting Tools Decision-making models, tools, and guidelines Tools to evaluate alternatives Translating requirements into action Problem-Solving Defining the problem Problem-solving models Cause and effect analysis Quick hit vs. innovative problem-solving Summary and Next Steps Course summary Personal action plan
Decision Making and Problem Solving (In-Person) We may live in an era of fast technology and increasing reliance upon automation, but our human abilities to think critically, make careful decisions, and solve nuanced problems are more important than ever. Our personal lives depend on those things, and so do the lives of our organizations. Since business is now conducted at remarkable speeds, we put our organizations at great risk daily when we have weak competencies with decision-making and problem-solving. Decisions and solutions that are executed impulsively and without structured approaches can create more problems or make existing ones worse! This course aims to help participants improve their skills so they can execute well and add value to the workplace. Learners will experience multiple decision-making and problem-solving models, tools, and techniques meant for the real world. They will learn how to align their growing toolboxes with the right situational contexts so that they can transfer that skill to the workplace. They will also discover how indecision, cognitive bias, and default thought processes can create obstacles to effective decision-making and problem-solving. What you will Learn Recognize the importance of making a sound decision in a timely manner Infer types of cognitive biases and obstacles that impact decision-making Separate facts, requirements, ideas, and perceptions when making a decision or solving problems Apply structured decision-making and problem-solving approaches Conduct cause and effect and Force Field analyses Evaluate alternative solution methods using various techniques Analyze real world situations to determine the best aligned decision-making and problem-solving models, tools, and techniques Implement decision-making and problem-solving models, tools, and techniques Getting Started Foundation Concepts Contextualizing decisiveness and problem-solving Discriminating between decisiveness and problem-solving Understanding Decision-Making Decision-making challenges and impacts Key drivers of good decision-making Thought processes and obstacles Knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) Decision-Making Models and Supporting Tools Decision-making models, tools, and guidelines Tools to evaluate alternatives Translating requirements into action Problem-Solving Defining the problem Problem-solving models Cause and effect analysis Quick hit vs. innovative problem-solving Summary and Next Steps Course summary Personal action plan
Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. ... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything. - Aaron Sisking For the kind of photos that are worthy of the memories Because we just don't get do-overs with kids. There is no such thing as second-first steps. Because all their little quirks, all the big and little moments that shape their lives and their childhoods are something that only YOU as parents see and appreciate fully. And they are the thing that make them who they are. There is simply no outside photographer who can come in and capture those unique things because nobody knows your children like you do. Photography For Parents Fundamentals Our flagship 6 week Photography course designed to help you learn all the key photography skills that you will need to drastically improve your children's photos. KEY COURSE INFO: Course type: Instructor-led or self paced Course duration: 6 weeks Course format: Online course with Interactive weekly live classes, personal photo feedback and support group WHAT YOU LEARN: Our hands-on online instructor-led approach helps guarantee that you will quickly learn the key camera and photographic storytelling skills while keeping the focus on photographing children. From camera know-how, light and composition, specific recipes to help you capture typical situations and getting it all right on the fly - yeah, our kids don't sit still either LEARN WHAT'S INCLUDED IN EACH MODULE Key Camera skills Working with natural light Capturing kids on the move Photo composition Portraits and details Photo storytelling HERE IS HOW YOU LEARN WITH US: If you have bought an online course before, then gave up half way through because ... life.. - well, we are a bit different. This is A LOT more than a bunch of random tutorials. This is a proper, well designed, supported and paced course that genuinely delivers. HERE ARE THE INGREDIENTS THAT MAKE OUR COURSE DELIVER The one with all the materials: 5 core course modules, introduced on a weekly basis, plus a bonus wraparound module ( more on that below) - courses accessible online and in pdf version The one with all the people: You're not going through the course on your own - as part of the course you join an online peer support group, moderated daily by the instructor, where you connect, get help and go through this journey together with other parents like you. The one with all the answers: Every week we run an live online class which is where your instructor goes through the key parts of your course, answers live questions and demonstrates techniques and additional illustration photos. The Live classes are run in the evening ( after the kids are in bed) and are always recorded in case you couldn't join in live The one that's all about you: Every week comes with homework to help you practice the elements we introduce in the modules. You submit those images to your instructor on a weekly basis and receive thorough, photo-by-photo, video feedback from your instructor - so it's all about you and your progress, nobody else's The one with the bonuses: A PDF workbook to help you go through the materials and practice the skills, handy cheat sheets formatted for your phone so you can whip them out on the go plus a Bonus wrap-up module with swipe files of photo ideas for children at different ages, handy checklists and more! The one after it's over: We don't just leave you on your lonesome after the course is over - you get access to a=our Alumni group - a Photography for Parents Clique if you will - which is where we continue supporting you, answering your questions, encouraging you to take photos through weekly and monthly challenges and peer support Next Fundamentals course starts on 15th January 2024 5 core course modules Support Facebook group Weekly online Live class Personal Feedback on your images BONUS: extra module with ideas bank for photographing children of all ages BONUS: PDF course workbook BONUS: Printable and mobile friendly Pocket Guides HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL LEARN WITH US: How to finally, actually, properly use your camera - no more cryptic buttons and the 'oh no! what have I pressed now?!' panic. Life's too short to be intimidated by your camerant The precise steps and 'recipes' to help you capture all sorts of different situations - whether your kids are indoors on a dark and dreary day or tearing through the park in the sun How to see the world and your children through a photographers eyes and learn to compose your photographs on the fly so they truly reflect the beauty you see How to get great photos CONSISTENTLY - I mean the spray and pray method is fine, but wouldn't it be nice to have confidence your images will turn out the way you want them? How to learn to notice and capture the little details, the big picture, the whole story of your children growing up. BEAUTIFULLY. "Absolutely, without a doubt, the best money I have ever spent on anything kid related. I so wish i had done these courses 6 years ago, just before my 1st was born. My photography has improved significantly and I'm just sad the course are over, I have loved everything about them!" Hannah Slater "The most enjoyable online course I ever done" I cannot recommend this course highly enough, and I am so grateful for Ania for creating this amazing course and community, teaching busy parents how to document their family storied beautifully! DALIA SEABORNE "I'm amazed at how much my photography has improved " I have learned so much and am amazed at how much my photography has improved - they are brilliant value for money considering the level of personal attention you receive! I've come away with a whole lot more technical knowledge as well as a heap of inspiration and ideas. LUCY GRIFFITH "The most wonderful entry into the incredible photography world" I am seeing things that I have never noticed before, I am using the DSLR to capture precious moments with my family and am signed up to two further courses because the instructors, modules and supportive community are amazing and I think I might be addicted KIRSTY FINNIE Photography for Parents FUNDAMENTALS Next course starts on 15th Jan 2024 All the learning resources, all the community, all the support, all the personal help. Virtually failproof 5 core course modules Bonus Idea Bank module PDF course workbook Pocket reference guide Support group Weekly online live class Personal Feedback on your images Access to Photography For Parents Alumni community But will it work for me? - our guarantee: GUARANTEE We know our course works. We have seen a few thousands of students go through our courses and really improve. BUT, if you find that after the first couple of modules that it just doesn't work for you, you haven't learnt anything new, it's the wrong level for you, you haven't improved, or you simply don't get on or engage with it - we will simply refund you in full. Simple as that! INSIDE THE MODULES - aka WHAT DO YOU LEARN? Module 1: See what your camera sees Our first module is dedicated to breaking you our of the snapping habit and giving you a fresh perspective. We show you how your camera sees the world differently than what you might expect in three major ways - the optics. the focus and the light. Major Takeaways: At the end of the module you will have gained full control of your focus - no more guessing game and kids turning out all blurry, you will also gain an insight of how to use your lens ( there is a skill to it) and how to let the light help make your subjects stand out. What's included: The importance of focus and what it does to our brain Taking control of your focus - the Where and HOW your camera focuses Mastering focus formula - a process to help you determine what settings to use for each occasion To zoom or not to zoom and how it changes what and how your camera sees Learning how your camera sees the light and how to make it better, especially with tricky light Learning how to shoot against the light - like a bright window and NOT end up with the person looking all dark Module 2: On exposure and all things sharp and blurry In our second module we take you off the auto setting and dive deep into learning about exposure - i.e. making sure that your images are not too dark or bright or blurry. But not only that, we pay special attention to how to make some of the things in your image sharp and others blurry through the use of specific combinations of settings Major Takeaways: How to work your camera in priority ( semi-manual) modes, how to capture detail or portraits with a great separation of sharp and blurry to make these elements stand out. What's included: Understanding the mechanics of your camera - how does a photo actually happen inside Taking your camera firmly OFF the Auto settings - learning the key factors ( aperture, shutter speed and ISO) and how they interact with one another How to capture portraits and those precious detail shots beautifully Switching to Aperture priority and controlling your aperture - the how and the why Taking control of what in your image will be sharp and what will be blurry - hello full control over blurry backgrounds, blurry foregrounds and pin sharp subjects in between. Module 3: Capturing movement One of my favourite modules, dedicated to helping you capture your kids in motion - whether they're wriggling babies, speedy crawlers, wobbly toddlers or perpetual-motion-machines that most children are. We learn how to match your focus settings, your shutter settings and your composition to capture great movement photos. Major Takeaways: Learn how to capture your children on the move, SHARP but also how to use blur and speed to really showcase and highlight movement. Big AH-HA moments here! What's included: Switching your camera to shutter priority and mastering MOVEMENT Learning how to capture moving things SHARP - yes, that includes those fast movingbaby arms and legs Learning how to capture moving things BLURRY - and why would you want to do it? Learning how to highlight action and energy and speed in your images and how to help yourself with composition Creative techniques like night time light trails or panning or creative blur How to use your focus settings on top of your shutter settings to help capture things sharp Module 4: See what your camera sees Although we introduce elements of photographic composition throughout the course, this is the module entirely dedicated to it. We look at composition not just as a set of arbitrary rules, but more as something that helps you express what you really see and feel. We look at photographic storytelling and helping your images get look more impactful and stronger Major Takeaways: Good photographic composition principles to help you really show the magic you are seeing. At the end of this module you will say goodbye to boring flat photos and will instead start taking rich images with lots of depth and eye catching composition. What's included: understanding how we 'read' photographs and how to compose so that the magic YOU see translates into what the others see when they pick up that photo fundamental rules of photo composition - we started you off with the rule of thirds but there is MORE Good crops, bad crops, crazy crops and everything in between storytelling through your photographs - how to make your images mean something and show something real, beyond 'my child looks cute here' getting creative and expressing yourself through photographs learning to go beyond your usual compositions and discovering different styles Module 5: Photographic composition and storytelling Although we introduce elements of photographic composition throughout the course, this is the module entirely dedicated to it. We look at composition not just as a set of arbitrary rules, but more as something that helps you express what you really see and feel. We look at photographic storytelling and helping your images get look more impactful and stronger Major Takeaways: Good photographic composition principles to help you really show the magic you are seeing. At the end of this module you will say goodbye to boring flat photos and will instead start taking rich images with lots of depth and eye catching composition. What's included: Understanding how we 'read' photographs and how to compose so that the magic YOU see translates into what the others see when they pick up that photo Fundamental rules of photo composition - we started you off with the rule of thirds but there is MORE Good crops, bad crops, crazy crops and everything in between Storytelling through your photographs - how to make your images mean something and show something real, beyond 'my child looks cute here' Getting creative and expressing yourself through photographs Learning to go beyond your usual compositions and discovering different styles BONUS Module 6: Idea Bank : Photographing children at different ages This last module is a bit different. We us it to give you lots of ideas for photos with children of different ages - from photographing milestones to capturing what's unique about them at a particular stage and really getting into their world to capture where they're at. The module is packed with ready to take ideas and will let you take all that you have learned in the first 5 modules and apply it in real life sitautions. We also help you think ahead to the next steps in your photography education - should you want to continue.
Building High-Performance Teams This course pulls together the most current and popular theories and writings on this complex topic and presents this amalgamated view in a highly interactive workshop and activity-based approach. Students will understand and have the skills required to build and participate in high-performance project teams and will possess the insight to proactively affect change within their respective organizations by guiding the existing culture to one that promotes high performance.
Building High-Performance Teams: In-House Training This course pulls together the most current and popular theories and writings on this complex topic and presents this amalgamated view in a highly interactive workshop and activity-based approach. Students will understand and have the skills required to build and participate in high-performance project teams and will possess the insight to proactively affect change within their respective organizations by guiding the existing culture to one that promotes high performance. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Define a team and describe the optimum team size for effective performance Describe characteristics and guiding behaviors of high-performance teams Describe the major elements of each development stage in two distinct models Recognize cultural barriers in achieving high performance List the attributes of a high-performing corporate culture Assess your own corporate culture Discuss corporate leadership as a factor in building high-performance project teams Describe the three A's of selecting team members State three leadership responsibilities Describe leadership responsibilities, styles, and roles List and describe the eight components of the team charter model for building high-performance teams Foundation Concepts The Nature of Teams Characteristics of High-Performance Teams Understanding Team Development Stages of Team Development - Model 1 Stages of Team Development - Model 2 Designing a High-Performance Culture Corporate Cultures Corporate Leadership Establishing the Attributes of High Performance Choosing the Right People Team Effectiveness Team Leadership The Team Charter Model
Our suite of modules are based around helping the customer to buy and enabling salespeople to maximise their conversations with their customers.
Who is this course for? SketchUp Basic Level Training Course. Click here for more info: Website Ideal for newcomers to 3D modeling, it suits students, hobbyists, and professionals. Gain a strong foundation in SketchUp, perfect for careers in architecture and interior design. Our flexible 1-on-1 sessions let you tailor your learning schedule. Schedule sessions Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm. The 5-hour course adapts to your timeline, ensuring a personalized, supportive, and adaptable learning experience. Course Title: SketchUp Basic Course. Course Duration: 5 hours Understanding the Basics of SketchUp Introduction to SketchUp Navigating the SketchUp Environment Exploring Zoom, Pan, and Rotate Functions Familiarizing Yourself with the XYZ Axis Mastering SketchUp Tools Efficient Toolbar Selections Utilizing Templates for Projects Drawing with Precision Using the Pencil Tool Working with Fundamental Geometric Shapes Taking Accurate Measurements Advanced SketchUp Techniques Creating Circles and Arcs Harnessing Sticky Geometry Solutions Unveiling the Power of Tags (Formerly Layers) Streamlining Workflow with Keyboard Shortcuts Accurate Object Measurement within SketchUp Information Management and Database Usage Moving and Copying Objects Simple Array Techniques Mastering Rotational Manipulations Effortless Rotational Copying Fractional and Relative Scaling Component and Group Creation Constructing Components for Reusability Creating Efficient Groups Comparing the Advantages of Components and Groups Saving and Reusing Components Importing Components from Digital Repositories Advanced Modeling and Geometry Leveraging Push-Pull Operations Creating Complex Shapes with the Follow Me Tool Exploring Geometry Intersections Duplicating and Offsetting Faces, Edges, and Polygons Incorporating 2D Polygons into Your Drawings Skillful Use of the Paint Bucket Tool Materials and Textures Proficiency with the Materials Editor Applying High-Quality Textures Sourcing and Positioning Textures Graphics and Bitmap Considerations Crafting Scenes and Styles Generating and Customizing Scenes Managing Scenes and Styles Introduction to Animation and Presentation Animation Concepts Adding Dimensions to Your SketchUp Models Annotating Designs for Clarity Preparing Models for Printing Exporting Images and PDFs in 2D Formats This comprehensive SketchUp Fundamentals course will equip you with essential skills to create, modify, and present 3D models effectively. After completing our 5-hour SketchUp training, you'll achieve the following learning outcomes: Basic SketchUp Proficiency: Gain essential skills to navigate the SketchUp interface and utilize its core features effectively. Geometry Creation: Learn to create 2D and 3D geometric shapes, lines, and curves with precision. Rendering Concepts: Understand the fundamentals of rendering and how to apply basic rendering techniques to enhance your designs. Model Organization: Discover techniques for organizing and structuring your SketchUp models efficiently. Visualization Skills: Develop the ability to visualize and plan architectural and interior design concepts in 3D. Efficient Workflows: Acquire time-saving tips and tricks for streamlining your design workflow. Personal Projects: Apply your newfound skills to your personal design projects or professional endeavors. By the end of this short training, you'll have a solid foundation in SketchUp, allowing you to create and present basic 3D models and designs effectively. After SketchUp Training, You'll Acquire: Advanced 3D Modeling: Master the art of creating intricate 3D models, architectural designs, and detailed structures using SketchUp. Texture Mapping and Material Application: Learn to apply realistic textures and materials, enhancing the visual appeal of your 3D creations. Rendering Techniques: Explore rendering plugins like V-Ray or Twilight Render to create lifelike visualizations of your designs. Collaboration and Presentation: Develop skills to effectively collaborate with teams and present your ideas in professional and compelling ways. Project Visualization: Enhance your ability to transform conceptual ideas into visually stunning and detailed 3D representations. Job Opportunities: Architectural Designer: Create detailed architectural models for residential and commercial projects. Interior Designer: Design interior spaces, visualizing furniture placements, colors, and decor elements. Landscape Architect: Develop 3D landscape designs, showcasing outdoor spaces and environmental elements. 3D Modeler: Work in various industries, creating 3D models for animations, games, or simulations. Visualization Specialist: Provide visualization services to real estate agencies, design firms, or marketing companies, transforming ideas into compelling visuals. Why Choose Us? Tailored One-on-One Training: Exclusive coaching from skilled architects and designers, in-person or live online, Monday to Saturday. Customized Tutorials: Enhance your skills with tailored video tutorials to take home. Comprehensive Learning: Receive digital resources for thorough understanding and revision. Free Ongoing Support: Enjoy continuous assistance via phone or email, ensuring your success beyond the course. Flexible Syllabus: Adapted to your needs for focused learning. Official Certificate: Validate your expertise with our prestigious certification.