February 2019

One of the biggest mistakes I see bad trainers make is that they write and deliver the training on what they perceive the audience will need rather than what they actually need; this then makes the training all about them and not the audience.  Fantastic trainers do it completely differently... One of the key attributes every fantastic trainer uses is that they...

We all face pressures in our professional lives and no doubt there are always going to be additional stress and pressure when you are promoted into the role of a manager.  Like any new job we start we think we are being scrutinised and become paranoid regarding our abilities. Some key tips regarding taking on a new management role: Be yourself...

How often have you reflected on your way of looking at the world?  When you change paradigms, you are changing how you think about something. Have you ever reflected in how you view the world and how often someone changes your view of the world? Or maybe not? If not, why? Are you so judgemental in your decisions you choose...

It’s a natural reaction to get tied in emotionally with something you’ve put a lot of time and effort into like when you’ve designed and delivered training to the best of your ability.  If you’re pro-active, you may have asked for feedback in good faith but how do you feel when someone tells you something you don’t like or don’t want...

On many courses, we discuss the difference between management and leadership.  Unfortunately, most don’t understand the difference in the beginning but leave the class with a much better understanding of the traits of a leader vs the characteristics of a manager.  I then ask them what do they consider themselves to be a leader or manager? In my experience leadership is either...

If you want to make progress or significant changes in life, then get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I feel this is linked with stepping out of your comfort zone because being uncomfortable is good for you; it can help you develop in life. My background taught me that it was important to be slightly nervous before controlling aircraft, it is the...

Well, that's what some people do right?  Picture the scene, the Manager says, “we need Training in this, can you get some organised?” and all of a sudden, the pressure’s on.  If we know no better, then the easiest thing to do is create lots of slides with tons of information and words and talk through them.  Looks good right?  Might even impress the...

All managers are required to listen to others; this could be a member of staff with a particular issue or concern.  It could be a customer with a complaint.  The reality is we are all going to be involved in listening to other people. When we are listening to people, it is easy not to listen.  Most people listen for one reason, to...