Overview This one day course covers the basics of brainstorming and then goes on to look at a number of different yet highly effective techniques that can be employed. Description Brainstorming is probably the most well known and most widely used method for bringing groups of people together to generate ideas about an issue or problem. This is because it’s a good way to gather a lot of ideas very quickly. It is also a great way of bringing people together and helping to build them as a team. Just imagine the effect on the team and its morale if ideas that they generate are actually used. There is no doubt that people are more likely to buy into the ideas that they came up with themselves. Although brainstorming is widely used for decision-making, it is not always handled very well. If that is the case, it can have the opposite effect to the one that is intended. Rather than creating ideas it can stifle them and rather than motivating people it demotivates them. This highly interactive course will help learners to make the most of brainstorming sessions and also provides alternative techniques to enliven any session that is beginning to flag. Topics covered: What is Brainstorming? – A discussion to help participants understand what brainstorming is, and what it involves. Brainstorming rules – A quick look at the very limited rules suggested by Alex Osborn who is generally credited with being the inventor of brainstorming. Preparation – Although many brainstorming sessions take place on the spur of the moment they all require some preparation. We look at the importance of defining the purpose of the session, selecting the right participants, and then briefing them properly. Storm and Floods – This is an activity that we re-visit on several occasions to take participants through the whole brainstorming process and to give them plenty of practice. The Three R’s of Facilitation – The three R’s take you through the essential elements of facilitating an effective brainstorming session. Closing the Session – Effective closing of the brainstorm may be just as important as the session itself. We look at the essential elements that the facilitator needs to cover. Clarify and Nurture – Learners discover the importance of ensuring that all ideas that are unclear are clarified and that ideas are nurtured. They also learn what this involves practically. Alternative Techniques – There are many ways to enliven a flagging brainstorming session, provide a fresh approach or simply build on initial ideas. The learners are introduced to some of the most important of these. Brainstorming Scenarios – Learners work through up to 6 scenarios so that they can practice the alternative techniques covered during the programme. Who should attend Anyone who facilitates or takes part in brainstorming sessions, or wants to work with organisational teams to develop their problem-solving abilities. Requirements for Attendees None.
This one-day course introduces the field of user experience and provides an excellent entry point to our other specialised training courses. UX processes and practices have become a central component of product design, service design and web design.
Whetstone Communications and comms2point0 are pleased to bring you the Data Bites series of free webinars. Our aim is to boost interest and levels of data literacy among not-for-profit communicators.
WE WORK HARD TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AND AVOID WASTING TIME. THEREFORE, THE MEETINGS WE HAVE SHOULD BE IMPORTANT. In order to make the best use of our time, we need to be efficient. Our main goal is to increase productivity and avoid wasting time. Therefore, it is important that the meetings we have are meaningful and necessary. Unlike the story of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” we want our meeting attendees to understand the value of our work. We show them by setting a good example. Over time, they realize that our meetings are held for important reasons. When attendees know that our meetings are productive, respectful (in terms of length and content relevance), and serve a purpose, they are happy to attend and contribute their best. This class will help participants organize their ideas and communicate clearly. As facilitators, you will learn to be concise and communicate with confidence. By running more productive sessions, you will increase satisfaction and open up dialogue with your audience. FORGE AHEAD – THE REWARDS AWAIT.THROUGH THE IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS RUNNING EFFECTIVE MEETINGS CLASS, YOU WILL: Gain new perspective and methods to create better, more productive sessions; Have a clear purpose to keep focus and engage with interest; Inspire facilitator-audience dialogue, ensuring a genuine exchange of ideas; Manage distractions and disruptions appropriately, keeping efficiency; and Probe for information, getting the most useful level of detail for improvement. Online Format—Running Effective Meetings is a 4-hour interactive online class for up to six people. Register for this class and you will be sent ONLINE login instructions prior to the class date. As a trainer and human resources professional, I truly believe in the value that Dr. Atkins can add to any organization. The seminar he provided was easy to follow and thought provoking. His personable demeanor along with his humble spirit and obvious expertise make his sessions gems that you cannot afford to pass up. Deirdre Cash, PHRPaco Group, NYC
This one-day course introduces the field of user experience and provides an excellent entry point to our other specialised training courses. UX processes and practices have become a central component of product design, service design and web design.
An info-packed 2-day course exploring a simple, practical, patient-centred, evidence-based way to help all types of painful shoulders
LEARN ABOUT BEHAVIORAL VS. TRADITIONAL INTERVIEWING, AND HOW TO INCORPORATE AND DEVELOP INTERVIEWING SKILLS TO ENSURE THAT YOU FIND THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR THE JOB. Behavioral Interviewing means asking candidates questions that will help you to discover how the interviewee acted in specific employment-related situations. Because past performance is a good indicator of how someone will act in the future, this style of interviewing is extremely useful, and the method of choice for recruiting teams. In this session, you will learn about behavioral vs. traditional interviewing, and how you can incorporate and develop your interviewing skills to ensure that you have the right candidate for the job. OBJECTIVES Participants will be able to: Build a consistent framework and process to ensure an unbiased candidate experience; Choose job specifications and determine how success will be measured (skills); Identify characteristics and qualities that will support the required skills; Prepare questions to elicit descriptions of behaviors, attitudes, and skills necessary for the job; Review legal and appropriate interviewing etiquette/guidelines, including social media research; Screen candidates, using resumes and phone interviews; and Conduct successful role-play Behavioral Interviews in class. CLASSES WILL INCLUDE: Workbooks for future reference and study. Workshop / role play with actual interview scenarios to assist in internalizing data. Time for individual questions and concerns to aid in personalizing tactics. Online Format—Behavioral Interviewing is a 4-hour interactive online class for up to six people. Register for this class and you will be sent ONLINE login instructions prior to the class date. Rich has an engaging presentation style. The New Mexico chapter of the International Society for Performance Improvement (NMISPI) gave high marks to his interactive and lively Improving Customer Service workshop. There were opportunities to share ideas and analyze different techniques, and 87% of attendees said that they would recommend this workshop to others. Ildiko OraveczNew Mexico International Society for Performance Improvement