862 Professional Development courses in Downpatrick delivered Live Online

Why cultural differences exist, what you can do to understand and respect these differences and then implement strategies to build effective intercultural relationships.Learn the skills, knowledge and have the confidence to tackle difficult conversations in a productive way. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This workshop is designed for those who deal on a regular basis with fellow employees, suppliers or customers from different cultural backgrounds. The workshop will focus on understanding why cultural differences exist, what you can do to understand and respect these differences and then implement strategies to build effective intercultural relationships. The one day session will use professional actors in the afternoon so that you can practice real-life situations involving intercultural challenges. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Understand what makes us different from people from other cultures Appreciate why we form impressions of other cultures Use strategies to communicate effectively with those from different cultural backgrounds Build trust with those we work with from a different cultural background Content Intercultural Challenges What challenges do you face with dealing with people from different cultures? Why do these challenges exist? Understanding Culture What is culture? Trompenaars’ Model of Culture – what determines our understanding of different cultures Cultural theories Hall and Hall:Three Systems of TimeThe Importance of Context – Data vs Dialogue Hofstede – 6 Cultural Dimensions Trompenaars – 7 Cultural Dimensions Chart your intercultural business relationships against these dimensions Strategies and Intercultural Management Trompenaar’s 3 step approach – Recognise, Respect, Reconcile How to foster and maintain trust Effective intercultural communication strategies Practical Activities Professional actors will work with you in small groups in the afternoon to practice real-life challenging conversations.

Understand how to effectively manage conflict and learn that conflict can be healthy and need not damage relationships. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Conflict and differences of opinion are inevitable in the today’s fast moving, complex business world, some would argue they are even necessary. This highly interactive and practical course addresses the many aspects of effectively managing conflict and will help you ensure that conflict can be healthy and need not damage the relationship. This workshop has been specifically designed to give you an opportunity to learn and test a range of influencing and conflict handling models and techniques. The course is aimed at anyone who interacts with others on a regular basis. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Utilise influencing skills to pre-empt and defuse conflict Resolve conflict by choosing the right approach Recognise the impact of non-verbal communication in managing conflict Use language skills necessary to get you message across in the ‘right’ way Present your case in a reasonable and responsible manner Identify behaviours that can help or hinder interactions with others Apply different techniques for managing conflict positively and for dealing with aggression Content Developing Influence Networking Sources of influence Influencing techniques Effective Behaviour Choosing the right approach Techniques to pre-empt or defuse conflict Behavioural styles and their impact on working relationships Triggers to aggressive behaviour Managing conflict flash points Dealing with different behaviour types Developing Skills Communication skills in conflict situations Using the right language Verbal and non verbal communications Managing our body language Your conflict management style analysis Thomas Killman Conflict Handling Instrument Working in groups Practical exercises and case studies The language of mediation Transactional Analysis Practical Practical exercises Case studies Personal action planning

Our course empowers you to handle workplace issues effectively and fairly. Learn best practices, procedures, and communication skills to maintain a harmonious and compliant workplace. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This course will enable participants to manage disciplinary and grievance issues effectively. The emphasis is on the use of a structured approach where positive action and problem-solving is highlighted as a priority. The course will build knowledge, skill and confidence in handling these areas objectively, fairly and appropriately in line with policies/procedures, best practice and legal requirements. Objectives  By the end of the course you will be able to: Describe the purpose of disciplinary and grievance procedures and how these relate to relevant laws and other procedures Know your role as managers in fairly and consistently applying the procedures at the informal and formal stages Explain the grounds for disciplinary or grievance action and the need to collect, assess and present evidence Describe the structure and roles of disciplinary meetings Explain of the basis for reaching fair and reasonable decisions and possible remedies and penalties Describe the grounds and procedure for appeals Content Disciplinary Procedures Employment Contract – what an employee and employer expect and how to manage when broken. Natural Justice – ensuring ‘fair play’. Misconduct v Capability - what is the difference and which process should be used to manage both. Informal v Formal Action – understanding the processes for both informal and formal disciplinary actions. Suspensions – when, why and how to suspend an employee. Investigations – how to undertake a robust investigation and what to include in the report. Disciplinary Meeting – how to conduct the meeting, the different roles involved. Appeals – understanding how people can appeal and the process to appeal. Grievance Procedures What the law requires – what are the legal requirements for handling a grievance. Informal v Formal Action – understanding the processes for both informal and formal grievance procedures. Conducting the hearing – how to undertake a robust hearing and who should be involved. Appeals - how can people appeal and what is the process.

Develop the commercial awareness, financial knowledge and strategic thinking capabilities, to influence the direction of the business Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) This course is aimed at managers who want to develop their commercial awareness, financial knowledge and strategic thinking capabilities, so that they can influence the direction of their business and deliver to their full potential. Day one of the course provides the skills and insights to make sense of your company’s financial position and performance. Day two helps delegates to consider the strategic thinking tools required to plot the forward course needed to maximise the potential of the business. As well as looking at how to make effective business decisions, this course gives a good grounding in finance and profitability. As a two day programme, day one provides the skills and insights to make sense of the company’s financial position and performance. Day two then considers the strategic thinking tools needed to plot the forward course needed to maximise the potential of the business. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: An understanding of the balance sheet, profit and loss account, cash flow and statutory and management accounts Learnt to correctly employment key financial ratios to analyse your business A practical definition of strategy analysis tools to examine the current environment and capabilities Steps to devise a mission and vision statement Recognition of the skills and resources needed to achieve the vision Generation of appropriate strategic and tactical commercial objectives Content What is Strategy Defining Strategy Strategic thinking Strategic models Commercial thinking – what is money? Where are we now STEEPLE analysis SWOT Analysis P&E forces at work Political distortions in capitalist markets Where are we trying to get to Setting the mission and vision Creating a BHAG Strategies for deflation and inflation The role of banks Commercial and investment banking Fractional reserving Securitisation How to get there Skill gap analysis Business Process Re engineering The role of creativity How to get there Getting the team on board Individual and team motivation The power of the brand Overcoming challenges Debt and deleveraging Change management Creating value Discounted Cash Flows Building the business case Asset Valuation techniques Making it happen Turning Strategic Thinking into Strategic Plans Scenario planning for an uncertain future Creating commitments and lock in Discussion and review Time will be set aside during the course for review sessions with time for questions, answers and action learning.

Learn everything you need to know to be fully competent with Window OS. This syllabus takes you around the basics and then on another deep dive into all the elements. Discover things you never knew and speed up your experience using Windows OS. Module 1: Introduction to Windows OS • Understanding the Windows operating system • Navigating the Windows interface • Customizing system settings and preferences Module 2: File Management • Managing files and folders in Windows Explorer • Copying, moving, and renaming files • Using the Recycle Bin and data recovery Module 3: Windows Built-in Apps • Using Microsoft Edge for web browsing • Effective web searching using search engines • Email management with Windows Mail • Calendar and task management with Windows Calendar Module 4: Software Installation and Updates • Installing and updating software applications • Managing and uninstalling programs • Windows Store and app installations Module 5: Microsoft Office Basics • Introduction to Microsoft Office suite • Using Microsoft Word for document creation • Basic spreadsheet management with Microsoft Excel Module 6: Microsoft Office Intermediate Skills • Advanced features in Microsoft Word • Creating and formatting spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel • Creating dynamic presentations with PowerPoint Module 7: Multimedia and Graphics • Basic image editing with Paint • Using Windows Photo app for photo management • Creating graphics with Paint 3D Module 8: Productivity and Collaboration • Using OneDrive for cloud-based storage and collaboration • Working with Windows Sticky Notes and To-Do • Collaborative editing with Microsoft Office Online Module 9: Troubleshooting and Maintenance • Identifying and resolving common Windows issues • Using Task Manager for performance monitoring • Maintenance tasks for Windows OS Module 10: Windows Security and Privacy • Overview of Windows security features • Online safety and privacy best practices • Protecting personal data and devices Module 11: Advanced Windows Features • Customizing the Windows Start Menu and Taskbar • Using Cortana for voice commands and search • Virtual desktops and advanced multitasking Module 12: Using AI and Chat GPT • Introduction to AI and Chat GPT technology • Exploring AI-powered features in Windows • Using Chat GPT for productivity and assistance Module 13: Browsing and Search Engines • Effective use of web browsers • Utilizing search engines for research • Online safety and privacy while browsing Module 14: Cybersecurity • Understanding cybersecurity threats • Protecting against malware and phishing attacks • Secure online practices and password management Module 15: Software Installation and Factory Reset • Installing and updating software applications • Factory resetting a Windows device • Data backup and recovery during resets Module 16: Final Projects and Assessment • Culminating projects showcasing Windows OS skills • Practical exams assessing Windows software knowledge and skills • Preparing for industry-recognized certifications (optional) Please note that the duration and depth of each module can vary depending on the level of expertise required and the specific needs of the learners. Additionally, it's important to adapt the curriculum to the learners' proficiency levels, whether they are A Level/GCSE students or adult learners with different experience levels.

Are you looking for something that will help you understand yourself and how to interact with others more effectively? Would you like something that uses a simple four colour model to quickly allow you to understand your personality type and how you can use this knowledge to enhance your relationships and reach your goals, whatever they are? We think that Insights Discovery might be just the thing for you! What's even better is that our Discovery bundle includes both a copy of your unique profile and a 90 minute personal session with our executive coach, Cami Rose, to chat it all through and set you up for success using your new knowledge for the future. Just request a session and we'll be in touch with the link that will allow you to complete the Insights evaluator and arrange your personal coaching session at a time to suit you. Want Discovery for your team? We can do that too. Leave us your name and details and we'll be in touch to chat through your needs and objectives.

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Course Duration: Full-day program (or two half-day modules), with options for virtual delivery or leadership retreats Target Audience: Mid to senior-level leaders, team managers, project leads, or high-potential employees who are responsible for leading through disruption, complexity, or organisational transformation. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the principles of adaptive leadership and why it's essential in unpredictable environments. Recognise the difference between technical and adaptive challenges. Build the mindset and behaviours needed to lead with resilience and flexibility. Engage and empower teams in the face of uncertainty and resistance. Apply practical tools to lead through change, conflict, and complexity. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Adaptive Leadership What is adaptive leadership? Origins (Harvard Kennedy School, Ronald Heifetz model) How adaptive leadership differs from traditional leadership The link between complexity, uncertainty, and the need for adaptability Module 2: The Nature of Change and Challenge Technical vs adaptive challenges Why some problems can’t be solved with expertise alone Common leadership traps during crisis or disruption Adaptive work: reframing problems and shifting mindsets Module 3: The Core Principles of Adaptive Leadership Get on the balcony – seeing the bigger picture Regulate distress – maintaining productive tension Maintain disciplined attention – keeping teams focused Give the work back – empowering others to lead Protect voices of leadership from below – enabling diverse input Module 4: Leading Yourself Through Uncertainty Developing personal resilience and emotional agility Navigating ambiguity, setbacks, and pressure Identifying your leadership default style under stress Reflection: What kind of leader does your team need now? Module 5: Engaging Others in Times of Uncertainty Building trust and psychological safety during turbulence Managing resistance to change with curiosity and empathy Tools for courageous conversations and adaptive dialogue Creating shared purpose and distributed leadership in teams Module 6: Adaptive Tools and Techniques Scenario planning and sensemaking Stakeholder mapping in dynamic environments Using inquiry over advocacy Holding space for experimentation and learning Leading with both confidence and humility Module 7: Action Planning and Application Identify one adaptive challenge in your role/team Map your adaptive leadership response Peer coaching conversations Build a 30-day Adaptive Leadership Plan Delivery Style Workshop-style, highly interactive Case studies, breakout discussions, and guided self-reflection Scenario-based practice and small group exercises Option to include pre-work, post-session coaching or check-ins Course Materials Provided Adaptive Leadership workbook Reflection tools and leader self-assessment Conversation guide for adaptive challenges Change resistance diagnostic Personal Leadership Development Plan template Optional Add-ons Executive coaching package 360 feedback or team diagnostic on adaptive capacity Integration with change management or innovation programs Customisation for specific industries (e.g., public sector, healthcare, education, finance)

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day session (with options for virtual delivery or multi-part series) Target Audience: People leaders, team members, HR professionals, and employees at all levels who want to foster a mindset of continuous improvement, learning, and innovation within their team or organisation. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what a growth mindset is and how it contrasts with a fixed mindset. Recognise the impact of mindset on learning, collaboration, leadership, and performance. Identify individual and team mindset behaviours. Apply strategies to shift thinking and encourage a culture of experimentation, feedback, and perseverance. Create an action plan to promote growth mindset behaviours in their workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Growth Mindset What is a growth mindset? (Based on Carol Dweck’s research) Growth vs fixed mindset: beliefs, language, and behaviours How mindsets impact learning, feedback, risk-taking, and innovation Common myths and misconceptions about growth mindset Module 2: The Neuroscience of Change and Learning How the brain learns and rewires through effort and repetition The science behind resilience, motivation, and behaviour change Reframing failure as feedback Why psychological safety is critical for learning cultures Module 3: Identifying Mindsets at Work Recognising fixed mindset triggers (e.g., fear of failure, comparison, perfectionism) Team culture audit: are we reinforcing learning or performance-only behaviours? Case studies: organisations that built growth cultures Self-reflection: where do I show fixed vs growth mindset? Module 4: Cultivating Growth Mindset Behaviours Shifting language: praise effort, strategy, and persistence—not just results Giving and receiving feedback to promote learning Normalising experimentation and learning from setbacks Encouraging reflective practice and continuous improvement Module 5: Leadership and Culture Shaping The leader’s role in modelling a growth mindset Embedding growth mindset into performance conversations, goal setting, and team rituals Aligning rewards, recognition, and development frameworks Avoiding the "false growth mindset" trap Module 6: Building a Growth Mindset Action Plan Identify 3 key mindset-shifting strategies for your team or organisation Personal mindset goal: what will you shift in your daily language or habits? Commit to culture practices: team experiments, learning debriefs, celebration of effort Optional: accountability partner and 30-day mindset challenge Delivery Style Interactive workshop format Storytelling, real-world examples, and reflection Pair and group discussions, case scenarios, and mindset mapping Tools and templates to apply immediately in the workplace Course Materials Provided Growth Mindset Field Guide Growth vs Fixed Mindset Behaviour Grid Conversation prompts and feedback scripts Personal Mindset Reflection and Tracker 30-Day Growth Culture Challenge Template Optional Add-ons Pre-course mindset diagnostic or self-assessment Leader/Manager booster session on modelling growth mindset Follow-up team challenge or learning sprint Integration with performance management or onboarding programs

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day program (with options for virtual delivery) Target Audience: Professionals, managers, leaders, and HR teams looking to build resilience, manage stress effectively, and prevent burnout in today’s always-on, high-pressure work environment. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Recognise the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout. Understand the impact of chronic stress on health, performance, and well-being. Learn effective strategies for stress management and emotional regulation. Identify personal and workplace practices that reduce the risk of burnout. Develop a personal action plan for building resilience and maintaining well-being. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Stress and Burnout What is stress? Types of stress (acute, chronic, eustress, distress) Defining burnout: symptoms, causes, and long-term effects The impact of a 24/7 world on mental health and performance How stress and burnout affect physical health, cognition, and relationships The role of work culture, technology, and societal expectations in stress Module 2: The Physiology of Stress and Burnout Understanding the body's stress response: fight or flight, cortisol, and adrenaline The effects of prolonged stress on the nervous system and health How burnout manifests in the brain and body The difference between stress and burnout: a deeper dive into emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishment Module 3: Identifying Personal Stress Triggers and Early Warning Signs Conducting a stress audit: when and where does stress show up? Personal stress triggers: how work, environment, and relationships contribute Warning signs of burnout: physical, emotional, and behavioural red flags Self-assessment: Are you at risk of burnout? Understanding your personal stress responses and coping mechanisms Module 4: Effective Stress Management Techniques Mindfulness and relaxation practices: breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery Cognitive reframing: challenging negative thoughts and building resilience Time management and prioritisation: setting boundaries, saying no, and avoiding overwhelm Progressive muscle relaxation: tension release for mind and body Movement and exercise: how physical activity reduces stress Sleep hygiene: strategies for better rest and recovery Module 5: Building Resilience and Preventing Burnout The concept of resilience: bouncing back and growing stronger from adversity Strategies for emotional regulation: staying calm under pressure The role of social support: leaning on peers, mentors, and family Building psychological flexibility: accepting what we can’t change and focusing on what we can Creating work-life boundaries in a 24/7 world: disconnecting from work and technology Cultivating gratitude, positive psychology, and self-compassion in daily life Module 6: Creating a Sustainable Work Culture How leaders can foster a culture of well-being and prevent burnout Encouraging breaks, time off, and restorative work habits Organisational practices that support mental health: workload management, flexibility, and support resources Role of HR and leadership in promoting a healthy work-life balance The importance of feedback, recognition, and regular check-ins to prevent stress escalation Module 7: Personal Action Plan for Stress Management and Burnout Prevention Reflecting on key learnings and takeaways Developing a personal stress management toolkit Building a balanced daily routine that integrates self-care practices Creating a self-care action plan for the next 30 days Accountability partners and follow-up strategies to track progress Final thoughts: Small changes for big impact Delivery Style Interactive and experiential with a mix of individual reflection, small group discussions, and practical exercises Case studies and real-life examples to illustrate stress management strategies Guided relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices Personal assessments and action planning for immediate application Course Materials Provided Stress Management Handbook Personal Stress Audit Worksheet Relaxation and Breathing Exercise Guide Resilience Building Tools and Templates Self-Care Action Plan Template Resource list: Apps, podcasts, and books for stress management Optional Add-ons One-on-one coaching or follow-up sessions to discuss personal stress management strategies Leadership or team coaching to create a stress-resilient culture A series of wellness webinars focused on specific stress-management tools (e.g., sleep hygiene, mindfulness, movement, etc.) Ongoing email support or resource sharing to reinforce learning