Under this heading, we include a number of individual skills, which may well be incorporated into a more general management programme or identified as a specific training need. Some subjects are explained in a little more depth, but most of our workshops are designed for a specific customer, so actual content and outcomes vary considerably.  

Assertiveness

Helping people to recognise the true nature of assertiveness, as opposed to the alternatives of passive or aggressive attitudes and behaviours. Understanding the effects of each pattern and learning to make appropriate choices in a variety of situations. Participants will learn to appreciate the benefits of being and how to develop the behavioural skills to be more assertive in their work and personal lives.  

Communication Skills

  A skill we all use every day and the one where there is probably most room for improvement. Ability in this area underpins all our other interpersonal skills, whether leading, managing or just working with others.

Rugby pundit, John Inverdale's favourite joke illustrates part of the problem:

A one armed man was walking down the street. "What are you doing?" I asked. "Going to change a light bulb," he said. "Will you manage OK?" "Well," he said, "I've got the receipt."

Also see Communication under Management Development.

Creativity

A growing realisation of the usefulness and even necessity of creativity in all walks of organisational life has made this a new favourite in the GTA suite of programmes. Encouraging people to challenge their mind-sets, understand the true nature of creativity and innovation, and develop their own skills, the course examines barriers to creative thought - individual and corporate. Exploring a number of techniques and how others have been creative, from Da-Vinci to Edison to Dyson. Also considering how to foster an organisational climate which supports and rewards creativity.

Influencing Skills

Self Awareness

This is a useful activity, included on many programmes, using psychometric instruments and feedback to help people understand themselves better and through understanding of the associated models and theories improve their understanding of other people. We can explore learning style, communication preferences, decision making processes, motivation and many others. A number of instruments are available, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the most widely used personality instrument in the world.  

Stress Management

A subject that would not have been covered ten years ago. Indeed I remember a friend who felt it was important broaching the subject at a board meeting and being ridiculed by her colleagues. There was a perception that only weak people suffered from stress.

We now know that one in five Britons suffer from work related stress, it is responsible for 45 million lost working days a year and costs the UK £100 billion a year in lost output.

Everybody, particularly managers can benefit from knowing a little more about what causes stress, how to recognise it and what to do about it.

Time Management

A popular or at least often requested course, as many people recognise problems with their personal organisation and use of time. Depending on the course population and particular training needs, we typically take a very holistic approach to this subject. While it is possible to find an extra two hours a day through improved time management techniques, it is important to know what you will do with that time by considering longer term goals and priorities. Finding the time and then filling it with more "fire-fighting" and busy time may not help you to satisfy your needs!