Most organisations and businesses are trying to navigate the best way back to a functional working framework. But two things need to happen - 1. The working practices need to be efficient, sustainable and compatible for meeting the demands and needs of the organisation; it’s clients, it’s workforce and it’s Leaders 2. The culture needs to be welcoming, authentic and supportive otherwise there will be disenfranchisement and potentially a churn of staff and loss of talent What has been proven to be a very successful approach to mitigate the dangers of demotivated team members and poor efficiency levels is a bespoke ‘Ushering the Team Back to the Workplace’ workshop. Programme Outline Below is a template of an actual Programme that has been delivered very successfully for clients such as the NHS; Claranet; Jotun Paints & Workspace. This, however, can be modified to suit any group or size. It will be designed to reflect the Organisation’s preferred Hybrid working framework and communication systems. The options of having the innovative Real Play technique to help handle delicate conversations is especially effective. The biggest gain is to reconnect the relationships via the activities and exercises, which would be selected carefully. Key commitments and buy-in is always the priority outcomes - which this programme will help deliver in just 1 day. The objectives include: Making the transition back to working as a collaborative team Enhancing the Leadership skills of the team Reviewing/establishing the Hybrid working protocols Galvanising the Team spirit Maintain inclusivity among full-time; part-time and Region based team members Energising and motivational Fun! Exercise – Round the Bend The team are to follow the instructions delivered as they walk (and jump) through the route – always keeping a safe distance apart. The instructions become more complicated as they progress. Debriefing points: Dealing with Change Attention to Detail Adapting approach Optimising results Exercise - Number Crunch (3 x Cohorts of 12/13) The team must be effectively led and motivated to work as one unified group to reach their objective of visiting each numbered location within a very tight deadline. Debriefing points: Support and co-ordination Strategy and planning Adapting approach Optimising results Tutorial – Team Dynamics Tuckman model Phases of Development towards Maturity Exercise - Juggling (3 x Cohorts of 12/13) The group(s) will be invited to optimise the number of ‘clients’ (juggling balls) they can manage at one time. This involves devising a sequence between the group to achieve maximum results without making any mistakes. We introduce different balls which represent different degrees of complexity, challenging the group’s preparation and approach to a variety ‘customers’ needs. Debriefing points: Ensuring effective communication Clarifying the approach for dealing with the unexpected Setting expectations and reviewing delivery Treating every colleague with care and respect Tutorial - Email Etiquette The primary standards – best practices ABSURD model Preparation and planning Top Tips World Cafe The team are split into 5-6 sub-groups – each with a specific review focus:- What recommendations do you have to engage the team back into the Workplace? How do we ensure the framework is efficient? What are the best ways to optimise team working strategically when most/all team members are in the office? What potential barriers are there? How do we accommodate for the Regional team members? What are the benefits to bringing the team back to the workplace? Each session has 2 – 3 rounds with each table’s ‘host’ sharing feedback for applying to the Team Action Plan – or Charter. Debriefing points: Each Syndicate’s recommendations and capture the key actions they generate 'Real Play' We offer an innovative solution to bring real Leadership/team scenarios to life. We use actors who improvise scenarios which have been specified by the group. The group is split the group into 2 sub-groups, one with the Actor, the other with the Trainer. Each group has a brief and has to instruct their Trainer/Actor on how to approach the scenario supplied. The Actor and Trainer perform the role play(s) as instructed by their respective teams; however, during the action they can be paused for further recommendations or direction. The outcome is the responsibility of the team(s) – not the performers Assign 24 x ‘Directors’ (4 for each Player – Phil & Julia – for each Real Play. Potential Real Play Scenarios: Engaging with a team member as to how the new working plans will be applied. Overcoming concerns to the new working practices/framework Addressing issues where a team member feels excluded from the teamworking practices/culture Debrief the Programme Individual Action Plans Team Priorities for application into the workplace
An accredited qualification to prepare supervisors and team leaders for a future management role. This programme gives Team Leaders & Managers the skills, disciplines and confidence to manage their team effectively and add a great deal more value to the organisation - where they have to apply their learning in order to achieve the highly coveted ILM qualification. In order for a business to obtain maximum results, it is important that employees are motivated and supported in their job roles. It is the responsibility of the team leader or supervisor to lead their team effectively and present feedback to management. This 3-day programme will guarantee to boost your performance as a team leader and help you make the transition from working in a team to leading a team. We use a combination of theory and practical to help you develop yourself, and a toolkit of resources to use in the workplace. This is an internationally accredited course which not only carries kudos but it ensures you apply the learning back into the workplace for an immediate impact. All of our ILM Programmes are provided in partnership with BCF Group Limited, which is the ILM Approved Centre we deliver under. Course Syllabus The syllabus of the ILM Level 2 Award in Leadership and Team Skills course is split into three main modules, covering the following: Module One Developing Yourself as a Team Leader Learning the various roles, functions and responsibilities of a team leader - depending on workplace Recognising limits of authority and accountability, and how these are defined Developing personal skills and abilities for effective team leading Using reflective learning skills to improve performance Identifying areas of strength and possible improvement Finding ways of obtaining feedback from others Receiving and responding positively to feedback Module Two Workplace Communications Learning stages in the communication process Consideration of the recipient's needs Spotting barriers to communication and how to overcome them Establishing a range of direct communication methods relevant to the team Collating a range of direct communication methods relevant to people outside own area of responsibility. This includes written, telephone, e-mail and face-to-face Recognising the aspects of face-to-face communication, including appearance, impact, body language Realising the importance of succinct and accurate records of one-to-one oral communication Reasons for maintaining records of one-to-one communication (e.g. potential disciplinary or legal issues) Module Three Managing Yourself Setting SMART objectives and using them to prioritise own actions Learning simple time management techniques Developing an awareness of own skills and abilities Giving yourself personal objectives in relation to team objectives Developing flexibility and responding to daily changing circumstances Diagnosing the causes and impacts of stress at work Identifying symptoms of stress in yourself Knowing the implications of stress for workplace and non-work activities/relationships Developing simple stress management techniques Available sources of support Action planning and review techniques Accreditation As with all ILM accredited programmes, participants will need to complete the post-programme activity in order to achieve their full ILM Level 2 Award in Team Leading. This element is designed to show to ILM that you are able to apply what you have learned in the workplace. Who Is It For? This programme is ideal for practising or aspiring team leaders, in any industry sector, who is looking to gain a solid foundation or develop their existing skills as a team leader. This internationally recognised course will give you a solid understanding of what is needed to be a successful team leader, how to delegate, motivate and how to implement these skills in to your work place. What Will I Learn? At the end of the course, successful candidates will: Have a good understanding of the team leader role Apply a range of effective communication skills to overcome barriers Know how to motivate, build confidence and gain the best from their teams Identify, build and encourage effective team behaviours Apply practical skills and knowledge to be transferred to the workplace Gain an internationally recognised qualification What Is Required? There are no formal entry requirements, but participants will normally be either practising or aspiring team leaders, with the opportunity to meet the assessment demands and have a background that will enable them to benefit from the programme. 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. For more information about running this course in-house at your premises, please contact us for more information.
Investigate and recognise the role of project sponsor and the importance of the relationship between sponsor and project manager and how this can be improved. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) This workshop is designed to investigate, understand and develop the role of the project sponsor. By taking elements of effective governance from the guidance published by the APM (Association for Project Management) and Axelos Managing Successful Programmes, an improved project sponsor capability can be developed. The workshop will also explore the importance of the relationship between sponsor and project manager and how this can be improved. Whilst predominately designed for the project sponsor role, there is provision for a discussion with project manager representatives to agree an action plan to improve the delivery of projects within an organisation. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Describe and commit to the role of the Project Sponsor Identify the key principles of governance that can contribute to success Describe the environment in which the projects are delivered Explain the financial and resource constraints within the project environment Define the criteria used for project selection Identify the expectations of key stakeholders and develop a clear communication plan to engage with them Identify and resolve areas of conflict Describe the relationship with the Project Manager Create an effective environment and relationship for project success Content Introduction The Project Environment The Principles of Governance The background to the training Roles The Project Sponsor The Project Manager The Project Board Sponsor responsibilities Defining Project Selection Criteria and Prioritisation Business Case and Justification Finance and Funding Resourcing the projects Stakeholder Engagement Project Governance Resolving conflict between stakeholders Benefits Realisation Capitalising the lessons learned during project reviews Delivering success The relationship with the Project Manager and team Action Plan for the future The workshop will use case studies drawn from previous client projects, both successful and less successful.
Understand the needs and benefits arising from a structured project risk management approach, the process and supporting methods for identifying analysing and responding to risks. Course overview Duration: 2 day (13 hours) Our Project Risk Management course addresses risk management throughout the project lifecycle. This course is designed for project staff, including project leaders, sponsors, project team members, support staff and functional staff involved in project activity. The workshop is especially suited to teams working on bids, feasibility and project start up. The workshop covers the need and benefits arising from a structured project risk management approach, the process and supporting methods for identifying analysing and responding to risks, human behavioural factors affecting risk management performance, and organisational interfaces and governance requirements. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Describe success factors and benefits arising from effective risk management Explain human behaviour factors affecting risk management Establish the project context and conduct an initial risk assessment Define an appropriate strategy and produce a risk management plan Define risk identification strategies and apply appropriate identification methods Identify and record important risk information including ownership Establish risk probability and impact levels; produce probability impact charts and severity time charts Establish exposure levels and contingency requirements Explain the principles of quantitative analysis Define and evaluate response options Implement effective risk management process control Content Principles of risk management Terminology Purpose Success factors Benefits and overall process Human factors that impact on risk management Initiate Analyse and determine context factors relevant to risk management Develop a robust risk management strategy for the life of the project How to conduct an initial risk assessment and define an outline strategy Identification Development of a risk identification strategy Appropriate methods and their strengths and weaknesse Determine an appropriate strategy and identify risks in a given case study Animating text Slide titles Bullet points Applying animation to Slide Master Assessment Methods commonly used for assessing and prioritising risks Evaluating exposure and contingency requirement Demonstration of quantitative methods and exercises to assess risks and contingency levels Planning and implementing responses Appropriate methods for responding to risks Defining implementation and control plans Assigning ownership Defining appropriate plans Conducting net benefits analysis and examining effectiveness Manage process Organisational interfaces and specific requirements to ensure appropriate controls Improvements and compliance with governance requirements
Develop your Project Management skills and fully understand the entire project lifecycle and key activities that need to be done to deliver a successful project outcome. Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) The ability to run a successful project professionally is a valuable transferrable life skill that can enhance your career and opportunities in any industry. Our Principles of Project Management course takes a pragmatic approach to managing a project successfully. It looks at the entire project lifecycle and key activities that must be done to give a successful project outcome. This course is suitable for anyone who is involved in or about to run a project – either as a full-time project leader/manager or as a part of their role. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Identify 10 key principles for managing a project successfully Apply a common sense project lifecycle to a project regardless of its size or magnitude Develop robust project documentation throughout the lifecycle whilst keeping the documents to a minimum Identify the expectations of key stakeholders and develop a clear communication plan to engage with them Apply a range of planning and scheduling techniques to help manage the project timeline Produce realistic estimates to help monitor and control the project costs Manage key risks and issues associated throughout the project lifecycle Manage changes through a robust change control process Manage the Project team through the use of clearly defined Work Packages Identify and manage key areas of conflict throughout the lifecycle Content Introduction Key characteristics of projects v Business as Usual Definition of Programmes and Portfolios Project Lifecycles – A structured approach using phases Reasons why projects fail 10 principles of successful project management The Concept (Feasibility) Phase Analysing the project context / environment Stakeholder needs and requirements Content of a Business Case Differences between Benefits, Success Criteria, Success Factors and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) Purpose of the Project Brief The Definition (Planning) Phase Defining the Scope of a project Assigning Project roles and responsibilities Product Breakdown structures and Work Breakdown Structures Approaches to estimating Detailed planning using Gantt charts Critical path analysis Using project management software – an overview Constructing a realistic project budgets Resource allocation and optimisation Producing a Communication Plan The Implementing (Execution) Phase Delegating using a Work Package Project tracking and reporting Managing contractors Controlling changes to the project Risk and Issues management Managing conflict between stakeholders The Handover / Closure Phase Measuring project success Capturing Lessons Post project review and evaluation Benefits Realisation Transferring the deliverable into Business as Usual
Learn how to create a mail merge in Word to allow you to send personalized emails to groups of people. Course overview Duration: 2 hours This course looks at how you can create a list of contacts with emails and then build a document to email out to everyone. This ensures that everyone gets a personal email but no one else sees the recipients. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Create source data to use in a merge Create a document to email out Attach source data contacts Filter recipients Send out emails to all Content Creating source contact data Creating your source data in Excel Creating a Word mail merge document Starting a mail merge document Attaching your source contact data Building the document Emailing your document Previewing the results Running a test to a document Setting up any filters Sending your document to emails
Discover the more complex features of Word for long document creation. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Our Word Document Production (Part 2) course shows you some of the more advanced features of Word that are key for long document creation. This course will enable you to create longer, more complex documents with ease, including adding cross references, headers and footers and a table of contents. This course is aimed at existing Word users who have attended our Word Document Production (Part 1) course or have equivalent knowledge and who want to extract the most out of the package. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Create, amend and use templates Use styles for easy formatting Work with section breaks Manage linked headers and footers Insert pictures and objects Add cross references Create a table of contents Use tracked changes Content Creating templates Creating templates Using templates Amending templates Using styles in templates Adding styles to a template Using Heading Styles Managing Styles Applying template style changes directly from a document Copying styles between templates Working with different types of section break Next page section breaks Odd and even section breaks Inserting page numbers, headers and footers Creating custom headers and footers Inserting fields Using Section breaks Dynamic linking between Sections Page numbering in Sections Graphics Inserting pictures Inserting objects from other packages Object text wrapping options Picture options Adding cross references Creating cross references Creating a table of contents Generating a table of contents Setting table of contents styles Updating a table of contents Track changes Setting track changes Accepting and rejecting changes Viewing comments The reviewing pan
Learn all the quick tips and tricks you didn’t know about in Word and how to properly setup new documents. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Our Word Document Production (Part 1) course shows you how Word was designed to be used and demonstrates the powerful tools available. This course will enable you to originate professional documents with ease, ensuring that modifications are quick and uncomplicated. It looks at some of the common frustrations and how to avoid them. This course is aimed at existing Word users who want to get the best out of the package Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Customise Word Use different Word views Use line, paragraph and page breaks correctly Set indents and tabs Use styles for easy formatting Work with section breaks Work with automatic correction features Insert and modify tables Content Word setup Using different views Customising the status bar Customising the Quick Access bar and Ribbon Document setup Using the Navigation Pane Using Show / Hide Line vs paragraph breaks Using page break Using the ruler Setting indents and tabs The different types of indent Using dot leader tab Bullets and numbering Working with simple numbered and bulleted lists Sorting lists Working with multi level lists Styles The importance of styles Creating, amending and applying Character Styles Amending and applying Paragraph Styles Setting bullet point styles Using the Style Inspector Reorganising a document Using Outline View Promoting and demoting headings Displaying Styles names in Draft and Outline views Page and number fomatting Section vs page breaks Setting page orientation Setting page margins Displaying page border Automatic corrections Working with Quick Parts Setting autocorrect options Autoformat while typing Creating simple tables Inserting or drawing a table Modifying table formatting Adding rows and columns Changing row heights and column widths
Ensure you can fully utilize this powerful tool to create a range of flowcharts and diagrams. Course overview Duration: 1 day (6.5 hours) Microsoft Visio is a powerful tool designed to simplify complex information through the creation of simple, professional-looking diagrams. While Visio is capable of producing almost any type of drawing this training concentrates on flowcharts, swim lane process diagrams and organisation charts. You will also discover the real power of Visio by adding essential data to the content of your diagrams and producing reports in Excel using this data. This course is designed for either new users of Visio or those who have dabbled and can create basic diagrams. Our course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to navigate your way around this powerful program and produce different types of diagram. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Create and amend flowcharts Create cross functional (Swim Lane) process flows Produce organisation charts by importing data Add essential data to shapes Export diagram data reports to Excel Present, publish and print Visio diagrams Content Visio essentials Finding your way around Visio Using the ribbon and Quick Access toolbar Keyboard shortcuts Shapes and stencils explained What Visio can do for you Creating basic flowcharts Working with shapes Adding and deleting shapes Joining, aligning and sizing shapes Using Auto-Connect Labelling shapes and connectors Editing and improvinC flowcharts Amending shape and connector labels Using colours to emphasise Changing line styles Moving and copying objects Grouping diagram elements Quick ways of working Cross functional flowcharts Creating Cross-Functional Flowcharts Manipulating functional bands Creating off-page references within diagrams and hyperlinks to other documentation Organising charts and shape data Using the wizard to create an organisation Chart Importing existing Data into to create an organisation chart Modifying an organisation chart Shape Data Adding shape data to a shape Creating shape data sets Diagram reports Exporting data to a report in Excel Exporting to HTML Creating and customizing reports Presenting, publishing and printing Using Page Setup Print previewing Embedding backgrounds Adding headers and footers Converting your final documentation to PDF Saving as HTML Visio with PowerPoint
Get to grips with all the features of Teams, including calls and chats, Teams and Channels and Meetings Course overview Duration: 2 hours This session is aimed at those new or self-taught users of Teams to show them the features and how to setup and use it effectively. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Use the core functions of Microsoft Teams Set up Microsoft Teams Make Calls Send Chats to colleagues via teams Set up channels Run Teams meetings Content What is Teams Teams elements Setting up your Teams Setting up audio and video Using voicemail Setting voicemail language Calls and Chats Sending individual and group chats Making and receiving calls Missed call notification Searching Teams and Channels Creating channels Channel settings Setting channel notifications Emailing channels Creating private channels Posting to channels Alerting specific people in a channel Adding files to channels Sending links to channels Teams Meetings Setting up meetings Running meetings from channels Setting backgrounds Screen sharing in meetings Handing over control Creating meeting notes Adding files to teams or meetings Using the meeting chat