The origins, development and validation of all our Training Packages are derived from the many successful ‘live’ assignments that we have undertaken for a wide range of clients. The purpose of these periodic posts is to illustrate, using authentic experiences, the practical application of the Packages’ DNA.
In the archive of commercial history, it is recorded that a leading manufacturer of cigarette lighters was experiencing a slow, yet significant, decline in its sales and market share. The organization was recognised as an important ‘player’, in its business sector and so its management team was, justifiably, concerned. The Read more
An organization is a function of the environment within which it conducts its affairs. It is contingent, for its form and behaviour, on factors in that environment. It is essential, therefore, that an organization has, in place, clear mechanisms, to identify, measure and respond to events and activities, occurring beyond Read more
Now that we have moved, emphatically, into the New Year, it is a question that one is, often, asked. Having just experienced a birthday, myself, I know I have. The fact is that I can, only, offer an informed value judgement, in response. Now, if you ask me the question, Read more
A management training program is a highly dynamic event. It must, of course, be led by an experienced and inspiring Senior Tutor. However, most of a program’s success derives from harnessing the skills, knowledge, creativity and energy of the delegates, themselves It is, to a great degree, achieved by, regularly, Read more
If I have a training package to write, I often get away to a cottage, for a week or two, up in beautiful rural Norfolk (An English County). The idea is to escape the daily ‘sturm n’ drang’ and focus my mind on the job in hand. Well, that’s my Read more
Although Thomas Hood (1799-1845) painted this rather gloomy picture of November, I have, always, found it to be a, particularly, fulfilling and productive month. By November, we are, usually, well into our ‘residential training season’. Having stowed our ‘box of tricks’ into the back of the car, we decamp to Read more
If you are, ever, asked, ‘What do you do for a living?’ you would, first, state your chosen profession or job. You are, also, likely to assume that the questioner wants to know for whom and where you work. You would respond with the name and location of your employer. Read more
This is, absolutely, true. I have, actually, stood on the stage at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as a performer. Many years ago, the construction company, where I started my Personnel and Training career, had the contract for refurbishing the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. It Read more
I am, sometimes, described as being ‘Very British’. It seems to happen, more often, when I am working abroad. Perhaps, I conform to some international ‘Very British’ stereotype. By whatever means I qualify, I must confess to feeling rather proud of the characterization. Many believe that ‘Being British’ is, actually, Read more
Dave Thomas (not his real name), a qualified attorney, attended the Session, ‘Got the Message?’ as part of a longer residential management development program. The Session teaches the principles and techniques of Effective ‘Face-to-Face’ Communication. He recounted the following story. “Before joining the company (our Client), I spent some time Read more