...since I last posted. I have been on the go, but thankfully there may be a period of calm up ahead. Right now though, I can't afford to do anything that isn't productive. I'll make an exception for busting a few moves on the dancefloor at the Learning Awards last week. It was good to see the hoi polloi of the training industry let their hair down. I know who the prospective entrants for Strictly Come Dancing are now. Congrats to all the winners (of the Learning Awards, not SCD), and all the entrants in fact. Getting to the shortlist at all is good recognition.

Editor's blog

One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to leadership programmes. Off the shelf management leadership training courses are very effective when there is an identified individual need, for example, presentation skills. However, to substantially change or improve the performance of the senior leadership team a more sophisticated, tailored approach is required.

Business Training

 

A recent report in Scientific American leads one to conclude that older people might be better going for speed rather than accuracy in workplace decision making in order to refute ageist stereotypes about declining performance.

in my prime

I started work on a contract for a financial services company worth around £12,000. Obviously, a nice piece of business to have, even better when you consider it is a direct client and I don’t have to hand over any of my fee to another training company! It’s a really challenging and exciting assignment with an opportunity to develop a longer term relationship with the organisation that could prove beneficial in the future. So, how did I get this work? How did I manage to get in front of this client and win the business?

The Trainers Training Company

 Good Communication is More than Mannerism

Opposite Leg Soft Skills Tips

Succession planning is a bit of an art, if it’s carried out effectively that is. Perhaps I’m old fashioned, or perhaps I’m just an advocate of the principle of fair, open and transparent to the point of being a proverbial pain. But do we score an own goal by disincentivising our employees, by not appearing to be fair, open and transparent when succession planning?

People Discovery

 

Quintessenza questions and quirks

 In my experience most trainers would not describe themselves as rain makers - that's why so many of us choose business models where we act as associates for other training providers. I’m sure most of us have from time to time wished they could outsource their marketing to someone else - that would leave us free to get on with what we are good at - developing others.

The Effective Joined Up Networker

Nearly every respondent to a recent survey of 250 UK companies said coaching in the workplace has helped individuals and their organizations. As I wrote in my previous blog post on coaching culture, they cited improved personal skills, better communication, higher confidence levels and greater motivation.

World of Work

How did you feel when you read that heading? Is it hugely important to you that others are happy & succeed? Do you place real value on the opinions of others? Did you recall a time when you held back simply because you feared the reaction? Or did you feel frustrated with the question, that it would be better if we got on with our lives without worrying about other people?

Seeking Clarity