Following the success of our leadership development programmes, we have recently expanded our team of consultants and are pleased to announce that Keith Patching is our new Head of Leadership Development.
He has qualifications in most of the leading psychometric and assessment tools. In addition he has developed a unique suite of instruments to help identify individuals’ primary motivators and values, and the means of evaluating the degree of match between individuals’ primary drivers and the values actively promoted within their organizations. These instruments have been used internationally as a key part of many of his clients’ leadership development strategies.
He has been independently responsible for running development projects and programmes in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North and South America that have ranged from tailored courses to one-to-one coaching. He specialises in team development and dynamics, and helps individuals, teams and organisations to become more effective through the development and implementation of individuals’ unique potential and strengths.
He is also a visiting fellow at Cranfield School of Management, where he previously held the post of Director of the Management Development Unit. In that role he was responsible for a number of Faculty and Business Development activities. He is a leading practitioner of learning design, having worked on hundreds of uniquely tailored leadership and management development programmes over a period of over twenty years. His primary focus is ensuring that effective learning takes place, and this is achieved by a blend of research and teaching at the leading edge of learning theory.
Keith graduated with degrees in Philosophy and Social Anthropology from Oxford University, and has subsequently worked in a variety of industries, including computing, financial services and manufacturing. Since leaving Cranfield he has consulted with a large number of international clients on the development of their strategies for organisation and leadership development.
Recent clients have included: Barclays Capital, Citigroup, Lucent Technologies, Morgan Stanley, Phillip Morris, Toshiba, Oracle, Sara Lee, NCR, European Investment Fund.
He has published a number of books, most recently:
Management and Organisation Development: Beyond arrows, boxes and circles, Macmillan Business, London 1999, ISBN 0-333-75413-1
Corporate Politics for IT Managers, Butterworth Heinemann, London 2000, ISBN 0-7506-4792-2
Leadership, Character and Strategy, Palgrave Macmillan, November 2006 ISBN 0230500846
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Sunday, 25 May 2008
WRAP Learning at Work Day
On Thursday 22nd May, some of you may be aware that it was the National Learning at Work Day.
Jigsaw@work discovery tool and development programmes have recently been licenced for use by WRAP ( Waste and Resources Action Programme) a government initiative which works with individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.
To mark the National learning at Work Day, Eileen Anderson, Training Manager at WRAP and her team organised a Learning at Work Day for employees at their Head Office in Banbury.
Throughout the day team activities and individual competitions were held along with bite size development sessions. Employees were encouraged to come along for the day and take part in activities which included, a Home Composting Game, Love Food Hate Waste, Build a Car head and shoulder massages and a demonstration of the GROW coaching model.
Eileen invited Jigsaw@work to the event to run mini jigsaw sessions with individuals and teams giving them an opportunity to sample the jigsaw and get a feel for the workshops which Eileen will be facilitating over the forthcoming months.
The first person to take part in a Jigsaw profiling session was the Financial Director, closely followed by his team. From 9.45am through to 3.30pm the Jigsaw team were kept busy profiling individual employees and departmental teams. One team enjoyed the experience so much they booked a second session for the afternoon so that they could profile one another and find out more about how they could work better together as a team.
By the end of the afternoon, the whole of the executive team had completed their profiles and over 50 team members had been along to find out more about the Jigsaw.
The Learning at Work Day concluded with a "Have I Got WRAP News for You" which ended the day on a high.
Eileen commented that " It was a really successful day, hugely down to Jigsaw@work and for getting the company in the mood to play jigsaw in depth over the coming months."
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Certified Learning Practitioner
Michelle McArthur - Senior Learning Consultant and Founding Partner in Jigsaw@work has committed to abide by the ethical and professional standards of the new Certified Learning Practitioner (CLP) accreditation.
CLP is a new accreditation which is being awarded by TrainerBase, the new trade Association for independent Learning Practitioners.
If you would like to find out more about TrainerBase or CLP please visit http://www.trainerbase.co.uk/
CLP is a new accreditation which is being awarded by TrainerBase, the new trade Association for independent Learning Practitioners.
If you would like to find out more about TrainerBase or CLP please visit http://www.trainerbase.co.uk/
Monday, 19 May 2008
Team Development was Top of the List
Last week, was the first of this seasons Jigsaw@work taster days. Held in the Regus conference centre, the day was a huge success, with delegates attending from organisations such as Oracle, Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of New York & Mellon, CILIP, Travelex, NSW and WRAP.
Top of the agenda for many of the delegates was Team development, closely followed by Customer Care and Communication.
The morning was spent guiding the delegates along their personal journey's of discovery, creating their own unique brain profiles and being introduced to the concepts of whole brain communication.
In the afternoon, the delegates carried out an group activity to identify the true value of individuality within the workplace, before taking part in a fun, challenging communication activity which produced "loads" of learning, much to the surprise of the participants.
The next Jigsaw@work taster day will be held on the 24th June in Harlow. If you would like to attend, visit http://www.jigsawatwork.com
Top of the agenda for many of the delegates was Team development, closely followed by Customer Care and Communication.
The morning was spent guiding the delegates along their personal journey's of discovery, creating their own unique brain profiles and being introduced to the concepts of whole brain communication.
In the afternoon, the delegates carried out an group activity to identify the true value of individuality within the workplace, before taking part in a fun, challenging communication activity which produced "loads" of learning, much to the surprise of the participants.
The next Jigsaw@work taster day will be held on the 24th June in Harlow. If you would like to attend, visit http://www.jigsawatwork.com
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Are you looking for something totally new and innovative?
If you have been following the blog, you will be aware that Jigsaw@work launched a new Equality & Diversity programme at HRD 2008.
The new development programme goes way beyond the normal Equality & Diversity workshops, the new two day programme, which can be broken down into modules offers far more learning than the legalities of Equality.
The programme, takes participants on their personal journey's of discovery enabling them to :
identify what it means to them to be part of a diverse team,
what it means in reality to value the indivdiuality of team members
and how to work well with others, be it their colleagues, or customers
Unlike most other Equality programmes,
The new development programme goes way beyond the normal Equality & Diversity workshops, the new two day programme, which can be broken down into modules offers far more learning than the legalities of Equality.
The programme, takes participants on their personal journey's of discovery enabling them to :
identify what it means to them to be part of a diverse team,
what it means in reality to value the indivdiuality of team members
and how to work well with others, be it their colleagues, or customers
Unlike most other Equality programmes,
- There is no preaching or policing of participants heads
- We always refer back to the individual, whilst talking about legalities
- It is personal and real
- It is FUN and not dry and dusty
We look at ways of managing our:
- Assumptions and Prejudices
- Actions and Behaviours
We are holding a special invitation only Taster Day for the new programme, if you would like to be included on the invitation list, please email mailto:discovery@jigsawatwork.com
Monday, 12 May 2008
New Training Partner - Sue Vogan
Sue has been a Learning consultant for the last 17 years, working with companies ranging from twenty-five employees to thousands of employees in both the public and private sectors including retailing, manufacturing, banking, utilities and leisure sectors.
She enjoys working with organisations to help them develop the skills of their employees through personal development and management development programmes.
Sue has also used assessment and development centres as part of the development process. Consultancy and training projects have been conducted in the areas of improving customer service, management development and implementing practical personnel policies and procedures.
She has previously been employed as a senior personnel manager with Marks & Spencer PLC for 13 years and this invaluable experience means that she brings a practical view point from real experience in a challenging and quickly moving business environment.
Sue first heard of Jigsaw@work® whilst visiting her sister in Plymouth. Earlier that week, Sue’s sister had, had friends visiting from Dubai, who were telling her all about this fantastic new training tool they had just seen and were in the process of becoming the master licensees for the Gulf States. Knowing of Sue’s knowledge of the training world her sister, asked if Sue knew of Jigsaw@work® as we were based within a 5 mile radius of her home. Sue had to admit that she was not.
Upon Sue’s return home, her immediate action was to contact make contact with Jigsaw@work® and arrange a meeting with the founding partners, Keith Nicholson and Michelle McArthur.
The rest is history, Sue left wanting more, eager to see the Jigsaw in action, Sue traveled some 180 miles to a Jigsaw taster Day. In March of this year Sue became an accredited Jigsaw@work® facilitator and joined the team in April as a training partner.
“Sue is a great asset to the business” said Founding partner Keith Nicholson. “She brings vast experience and knowledge not only of learning and development but also of HR procedures and legislation, which means that we can offer a more comprehensive service to our customers.”
She enjoys working with organisations to help them develop the skills of their employees through personal development and management development programmes.
Sue has also used assessment and development centres as part of the development process. Consultancy and training projects have been conducted in the areas of improving customer service, management development and implementing practical personnel policies and procedures.
She has previously been employed as a senior personnel manager with Marks & Spencer PLC for 13 years and this invaluable experience means that she brings a practical view point from real experience in a challenging and quickly moving business environment.
Sue first heard of Jigsaw@work® whilst visiting her sister in Plymouth. Earlier that week, Sue’s sister had, had friends visiting from Dubai, who were telling her all about this fantastic new training tool they had just seen and were in the process of becoming the master licensees for the Gulf States. Knowing of Sue’s knowledge of the training world her sister, asked if Sue knew of Jigsaw@work® as we were based within a 5 mile radius of her home. Sue had to admit that she was not.
Upon Sue’s return home, her immediate action was to contact make contact with Jigsaw@work® and arrange a meeting with the founding partners, Keith Nicholson and Michelle McArthur.
The rest is history, Sue left wanting more, eager to see the Jigsaw in action, Sue traveled some 180 miles to a Jigsaw taster Day. In March of this year Sue became an accredited Jigsaw@work® facilitator and joined the team in April as a training partner.
“Sue is a great asset to the business” said Founding partner Keith Nicholson. “She brings vast experience and knowledge not only of learning and development but also of HR procedures and legislation, which means that we can offer a more comprehensive service to our customers.”
Friday, 9 May 2008
Thursday, 8 May 2008
15th May - Reading
Thursday 15th May, Regus Business Centre, Reading - Jigsaw@work taster Day.
Joining instructions have been sent out today for the taster day, which is taking place next week in Reading.
The day promises to be full of fun and jam-packed full of ideas and techniques which participants can take away and implement immediately to improve relationships at home or at work.
Participants will be taken on their personal journey's of discovery, to experience the Jigsaw@work profiling tool first hand, before looking at some of the many applications and implications the framework can have for:
Joining instructions have been sent out today for the taster day, which is taking place next week in Reading.
The day promises to be full of fun and jam-packed full of ideas and techniques which participants can take away and implement immediately to improve relationships at home or at work.
Participants will be taken on their personal journey's of discovery, to experience the Jigsaw@work profiling tool first hand, before looking at some of the many applications and implications the framework can have for:
- Individual development
- Team development
- Organisational development
- Leadership development
- Sales Development
- Relationship development
Reading is the first of many taster days running through the summer months. If you would like more details of dates and locations visit www.jigsawatwork.com
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
National Learning at Work Day
Have you got the date in your diary?
Thursday 22nd May 2008
National Learning at Work Day is an opportunity to promote the work of the learning and development team and raise staff awareness of the many opportunities which exsit for learning and development within your workplace.
Two years ago, Jigsaw@work was invited by South Oxfordshire Council, to showcase the Jigsaw profiling tool and how it could benefit their people and the organisation. The day was a great success with a succession of indivdiuals and teams pouring into the event throughout the day. A lot of thought had gone into the day by the training team, they were busy running games and challenges from spot the baby to building lego figures.
This year we will be once again taking part in the National Learning at Work Day, but this time we will be working with one of our newest licensees, Waste & Resources Action Programme, based in Banbury. We were invited to take part in their celebration as a way of launching their new learning programme to the organisation. Throughout the day we will be working with and individuals and teams giving them a taster of what they can expect when they attend their in house programmes.
So its not too late why not Celebrate National Learning at Work day on Thursday 22nd May.
visit www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk for further information.
Thursday 22nd May 2008
National Learning at Work Day is an opportunity to promote the work of the learning and development team and raise staff awareness of the many opportunities which exsit for learning and development within your workplace.
Two years ago, Jigsaw@work was invited by South Oxfordshire Council, to showcase the Jigsaw profiling tool and how it could benefit their people and the organisation. The day was a great success with a succession of indivdiuals and teams pouring into the event throughout the day. A lot of thought had gone into the day by the training team, they were busy running games and challenges from spot the baby to building lego figures.
This year we will be once again taking part in the National Learning at Work Day, but this time we will be working with one of our newest licensees, Waste & Resources Action Programme, based in Banbury. We were invited to take part in their celebration as a way of launching their new learning programme to the organisation. Throughout the day we will be working with and individuals and teams giving them a taster of what they can expect when they attend their in house programmes.
So its not too late why not Celebrate National Learning at Work day on Thursday 22nd May.
visit www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk for further information.
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
An Odd Personality
Whilst listening to the radio over the bank holiday it was reported by one station that the problem with Gordon Brown was that he had an "odd" personality. He was a quiet , private man and not what the population of the UK expect to see in a PM.
In the run up Mr Brown taking over as PM, I had been taking a keen interest in his public appearences, right before our eyes he was despartely trying to become more of a people person, to make himself more personable to the public.
Jigsaw@work can provide Mr Brown with the answers;
By using a simple framework of human behaviour, Mr Brown is what we at Jigsaw call a Mr Huey Blue.
Mr Huey Blue:
In the run up Mr Brown taking over as PM, I had been taking a keen interest in his public appearences, right before our eyes he was despartely trying to become more of a people person, to make himself more personable to the public.
Jigsaw@work can provide Mr Brown with the answers;
By using a simple framework of human behaviour, Mr Brown is what we at Jigsaw call a Mr Huey Blue.
Mr Huey Blue:
- can be perceived by others as quite a formal individual, often seen as being cold and indecisive. He is concerned with the small picture rather than the bigger picture.
What Mr Brown is lacking is some of the traits of Ray O'Sunshine:
- ability to display his emotions, eg enthusiasm and passion for his work, not to be afraid to make a decsion, social adeptness
Mr Brown is a textbook example of a leader who is trying desparately to become someone he is not and does not really want to be. It is possible to develop new qualities and traits but it does rely upon truly wanting to change and applying the principles of whole brain thinking.
Jigsaw@work discovery tools, facilitate the development of awareness of self and gives one an understanding of how we may be percieved by others. In understanding self, indivdiuals can then choose to develop less dominant areas of the brain, and can adapt their preferences and style to accommodate the needs of others, in Mr Browns case the expectations of the voting public.
If you would like to find out more about Jigsaw@work learning and development programmes please contact discovery@jigsawatwork.com and ask for details of our six D's
- Personal Development
Increased Self Awareness, understanding key drivers and impact of behaviours and actions upon others, managing change - Team Development
Creating high performing teams, improving working relationships, dealing with differences - Organisational Development
Creating whole brain organisations to deliver the strategic goals, unblocking communication channels
- Leadership Development
Unlocking leadership potential, leading with impact - Sales Development
Making a “True” connection with the customer, satisfying unconscious needs, improving influencing skills - Diversity@work
Valuing individuality in the workplace, Challenging assumptions and managing prejudices
Friday, 2 May 2008
What a hectic couple of weeks we have had;
Week commencing 14th April - we were on the road to EXCEL, for HRD2008.
Despite hearing several little grumbles form both visitors and other exhibitors, this years show is showing signs of being an excellent year.
We have had two very positive approaches from learning organisations in Europe, who have arranged to visit our offices to discuss the opportunities that exist within their markets for licensing the Jigsaw, so watch this space for updates of when we launch our next overseas office.
We also had several visitors who were clients of our People Plus, our Gulf States partners. It was really great to meet some of our overseas clients and hear first hand of their experiences of working with Jigsaw@work
From the Uk we met many of our clients and lots of new people all keen to find out more about how Jigsaw@work could be integrated into their training programmes for Customer Service, Team Development, Leadership, Communication, Managing Change and much much more......
The New Equality & Diversity Jigsaw was exceptionally well received at the show with three major UK based organisations interested in using Jigsaw@work for the Diversity programmes.
The New Diversity training programme has been developed by Head of the New Diversity Unit, William Chadwick, who is the ex National Training Manager for the Equalities Commission.
We returned from HRD, very tired but very excited by the global interest in Jigsaw@work
Week Commencing 21st April, saw us back on the road again, but this time heading north to Gateshead, where we delivered a bespoke Train the Trainer programme, before heading south down to Reading where we had been invited to facilitate a Team Development workshop to a dynamic, high energy, high performing team who work in the Care sector.
Upon returning to head quarters, we had a message waiting from one of our university clients requesting additional workshops as they had a waiting list of 40 people who had signed up for our "Dealing with Differences" workshops.
If you would like to find out more about our Dealing with Differences programme or any of our other learning and development programme, visit www.jigsaw@work.com or email discovery @jigsawatwork.com
Week commencing 14th April - we were on the road to EXCEL, for HRD2008.
Despite hearing several little grumbles form both visitors and other exhibitors, this years show is showing signs of being an excellent year.
We have had two very positive approaches from learning organisations in Europe, who have arranged to visit our offices to discuss the opportunities that exist within their markets for licensing the Jigsaw, so watch this space for updates of when we launch our next overseas office.
We also had several visitors who were clients of our People Plus, our Gulf States partners. It was really great to meet some of our overseas clients and hear first hand of their experiences of working with Jigsaw@work
From the Uk we met many of our clients and lots of new people all keen to find out more about how Jigsaw@work could be integrated into their training programmes for Customer Service, Team Development, Leadership, Communication, Managing Change and much much more......
The New Equality & Diversity Jigsaw was exceptionally well received at the show with three major UK based organisations interested in using Jigsaw@work for the Diversity programmes.
The New Diversity training programme has been developed by Head of the New Diversity Unit, William Chadwick, who is the ex National Training Manager for the Equalities Commission.
We returned from HRD, very tired but very excited by the global interest in Jigsaw@work
Week Commencing 21st April, saw us back on the road again, but this time heading north to Gateshead, where we delivered a bespoke Train the Trainer programme, before heading south down to Reading where we had been invited to facilitate a Team Development workshop to a dynamic, high energy, high performing team who work in the Care sector.
Upon returning to head quarters, we had a message waiting from one of our university clients requesting additional workshops as they had a waiting list of 40 people who had signed up for our "Dealing with Differences" workshops.
If you would like to find out more about our Dealing with Differences programme or any of our other learning and development programme, visit www.jigsaw@work.com or email discovery @jigsawatwork.com
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Press Release
Equality & Diversity@work™
Jigsaw@work® – the unique jigsaw based discovery tool that does not pigeonhole individuals – has a new companion, the Equality and Diversity@work™ programme.
Building on Jigsaw@work’s central tenet that people have the ability to be flexible in their approach by accessing different behavioural and thinking styles, the new equality and diversity tool takes things a stage further with each individual. The new tool:-
· Spotlights why we all have different assumptions about other people
· Helps anyone to feel safe in admitting their negative feelings about other people
· Presents a red/yellow/green and blue print. A realistic action plan- based on the famous jigsaw dominance types, for managing assumptions and prejudice about other people
And like Jigsaw@work® discovery tool, the new Equality & Diversity Companion is devoid of formal testing methods, lots of paperwork and unrealistic expectations. Building on this last point, the new tool does not:-
· Present equality and diversity issues in stark black and white politically correct terms
· Offer a pot of gold for reaching the “promised land” – no preaching
· Soften what is a hard headed subject with pink and fluffy abstract terms
Instead, the tried and tested, universally acclaimed Jigsaw@work® dominances of Red, Yellow, Green & Blue thread together to make a powerful Equality & Diversity Companion.
Participants are taken through a lively workshop with:-
· A series of quizzes on their own assumptions
· You the jury sessions-based on real discrimination cases
· A reminder about the business case for getting things right first time!
· Spotlights on how to find out more about the neighbours
· Everybody-including the trainer-admitting to their own prejudices
· Everyone leaving the session with some practical tools to work well with others
Suitable for both employment and service delivery situations, the Equality & Diversity Companion which is being launched at the International HRD Exhibition, which takes place this week, at EXCEL, in the heart of London’s Docklands, is sure to be in high demand from those:-
· Who have sat through numerous dry and dusty training seminars on the topic
· Need urgent help now in grappling with the growing number of new equality duties impacting directly on the public sector and indirectly on the private world of business & commerce
· Simply want some reassurance that it is ok to be human!
Flexibility being the watchword of Jigsaw@work® tools means that, both resources can be applied singly or together.
Launching the new product, Keith Nicholson, Managing Partner said today:-
“ Jigsaw@work® has proved a huge success in creating understanding and realistic harmony between different individuals. Jigsaw@work® provides a practical framework for numerous employment situations such as performance assessment schemes or service delivery situations such as handling difficult customers.
The new equality & diversity companion tackles and acknowledges that even when handing these employment or customer care issues, we often retain our prejudices and assumptions. The new companion provides the framework for managing these issues in a safe way that does not infringe on freedom of thought or worse create a strait jacket of political correctness. It provides a convivial way for people to develop more empathy and understanding, but against the education of their own experiences.
Together, Jigsaw@work® discovery tool and the new companion present a wonderful resource for both the world of work and the market. More importantly, they both share the same powerful focus on each and every individual”
The new Jigsaw@work® companion was created by the newly formed Equality and Diversity Unit now working under the leadership of Equality Expert William Chadwick. The new unit is based in the Jigsaw@work® UK headquarters, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Ends
Note for Editors
Further information is available from Michelle McArthur, Stand 745, HRD
(m) 07801 056 284
(e) michelle@jigsawatwork.com
(w) www.jigsawatwork.com - electronic copy available on website Latest News
Jigsaw@work® – the unique jigsaw based discovery tool that does not pigeonhole individuals – has a new companion, the Equality and Diversity@work™ programme.
Building on Jigsaw@work’s central tenet that people have the ability to be flexible in their approach by accessing different behavioural and thinking styles, the new equality and diversity tool takes things a stage further with each individual. The new tool:-
· Spotlights why we all have different assumptions about other people
· Helps anyone to feel safe in admitting their negative feelings about other people
· Presents a red/yellow/green and blue print. A realistic action plan- based on the famous jigsaw dominance types, for managing assumptions and prejudice about other people
And like Jigsaw@work® discovery tool, the new Equality & Diversity Companion is devoid of formal testing methods, lots of paperwork and unrealistic expectations. Building on this last point, the new tool does not:-
· Present equality and diversity issues in stark black and white politically correct terms
· Offer a pot of gold for reaching the “promised land” – no preaching
· Soften what is a hard headed subject with pink and fluffy abstract terms
Instead, the tried and tested, universally acclaimed Jigsaw@work® dominances of Red, Yellow, Green & Blue thread together to make a powerful Equality & Diversity Companion.
Participants are taken through a lively workshop with:-
· A series of quizzes on their own assumptions
· You the jury sessions-based on real discrimination cases
· A reminder about the business case for getting things right first time!
· Spotlights on how to find out more about the neighbours
· Everybody-including the trainer-admitting to their own prejudices
· Everyone leaving the session with some practical tools to work well with others
Suitable for both employment and service delivery situations, the Equality & Diversity Companion which is being launched at the International HRD Exhibition, which takes place this week, at EXCEL, in the heart of London’s Docklands, is sure to be in high demand from those:-
· Who have sat through numerous dry and dusty training seminars on the topic
· Need urgent help now in grappling with the growing number of new equality duties impacting directly on the public sector and indirectly on the private world of business & commerce
· Simply want some reassurance that it is ok to be human!
Flexibility being the watchword of Jigsaw@work® tools means that, both resources can be applied singly or together.
Launching the new product, Keith Nicholson, Managing Partner said today:-
“ Jigsaw@work® has proved a huge success in creating understanding and realistic harmony between different individuals. Jigsaw@work® provides a practical framework for numerous employment situations such as performance assessment schemes or service delivery situations such as handling difficult customers.
The new equality & diversity companion tackles and acknowledges that even when handing these employment or customer care issues, we often retain our prejudices and assumptions. The new companion provides the framework for managing these issues in a safe way that does not infringe on freedom of thought or worse create a strait jacket of political correctness. It provides a convivial way for people to develop more empathy and understanding, but against the education of their own experiences.
Together, Jigsaw@work® discovery tool and the new companion present a wonderful resource for both the world of work and the market. More importantly, they both share the same powerful focus on each and every individual”
The new Jigsaw@work® companion was created by the newly formed Equality and Diversity Unit now working under the leadership of Equality Expert William Chadwick. The new unit is based in the Jigsaw@work® UK headquarters, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Ends
Note for Editors
Further information is available from Michelle McArthur, Stand 745, HRD
(m) 07801 056 284
(e) michelle@jigsawatwork.com
(w) www.jigsawatwork.com - electronic copy available on website Latest News
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Senior Managers Workshops
We asked Jigsaw to run a two-day team-building session for the senior managers responsible for delivering the non-academic support services at Keble. This involved a team of 14 who manage a total of 86 staff in areas as diverse as housekeeping and accounts, property maintenance and fundraising, IT and gardens, security and kitchens. The total turnover for which they are responsible is in excess of £5,000,000 p.a.
We chose Jigsaw because we felt that their approach was particularly suited to this diverse group of individuals, and also because of the passion that Michelle and Keith clearly bring to their work. What we could not have anticipated was the sheer fun of the two days of training and the huge boost to the commitment, enthusiasm, pride in the College, respect for colleagues and embracing of a common vision that resulted. The profiling work was never threatening, although we all learned a great deal about our own and our colleagues’ personalities. The coaching in communication was never tedious, although certain important messages came through loud and clear – messages that, if handled differently, might have switched off some participants and been counter-productive. The highly creative exercises challenged and tested us and drove home very valuable lessons without ever risking melt-down.
In all, it was a hugely positive experience and one that I am very happy to recommend to any senior manager who believes more could be achieved by his or her team if only their energies were better directed.
Roger Boden
Keble College
Oxford University
We chose Jigsaw because we felt that their approach was particularly suited to this diverse group of individuals, and also because of the passion that Michelle and Keith clearly bring to their work. What we could not have anticipated was the sheer fun of the two days of training and the huge boost to the commitment, enthusiasm, pride in the College, respect for colleagues and embracing of a common vision that resulted. The profiling work was never threatening, although we all learned a great deal about our own and our colleagues’ personalities. The coaching in communication was never tedious, although certain important messages came through loud and clear – messages that, if handled differently, might have switched off some participants and been counter-productive. The highly creative exercises challenged and tested us and drove home very valuable lessons without ever risking melt-down.
In all, it was a hugely positive experience and one that I am very happy to recommend to any senior manager who believes more could be achieved by his or her team if only their energies were better directed.
Roger Boden
Keble College
Oxford University
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Trainers Tales
We are busy today preparing for a change managment programme, which we are out delivering tomorrow.
We will be working with a team of approximately 22 trainers and administrators from a Local Authority, who are just in the process of enduring yet another major restructuring.
Our brief is to provide some learning around coping strategies with plenty of FUN built into the day. So we have spent today, preparing fun games and activities for tomorrow's programme.
I will let you know how the day goes, later in the week.
Today I also have a request, I would love to hear from anyone who has got some funny anedotes / stories of their experiences of training. If you would like to share your funny stories, please add them directly to the blogg or email michelle@jigsawatwork.com and I will post them on your behalf.
We will be working with a team of approximately 22 trainers and administrators from a Local Authority, who are just in the process of enduring yet another major restructuring.
Our brief is to provide some learning around coping strategies with plenty of FUN built into the day. So we have spent today, preparing fun games and activities for tomorrow's programme.
I will let you know how the day goes, later in the week.
Today I also have a request, I would love to hear from anyone who has got some funny anedotes / stories of their experiences of training. If you would like to share your funny stories, please add them directly to the blogg or email michelle@jigsawatwork.com and I will post them on your behalf.
Monday, 7 April 2008
Accreditation Workshops
On thursday and Friday of this week we welcoming a new group of Jigsaw@work licensees to our Head Office in Wakefield.
The new licensees are from diverse organisations, including local authorities, an environmental company, an examination body, and independent Learning Practitioners The one thing they all have in common is that by the end of this week, they will all be accredited facilitators of the Jigsaw@work discovery tool and learning programmes.
The accreditation programme, covers all aspects of being an accredited practitioner We want to make sure that when learning professionals decide to become a Licensee, they will feel confident in the knowledge and research supporting the tool and are able to fully incorporate the Jigsaw@work learning into their development programmes.
When learning practitioners leave us, we want to make sure they leave with the skills and confidence to begin to work with the Jigsaw immediately.
We offer ongoing support for life, to help our licensees achieve their highest potential in life.
In return we ask for honest and constructive feedback that will help us to continue to improve our service to our licenses and to all our customers.
The accreditation programme covers:
Introduction to the impact of perception in the workplace, by exploring the belief that
there is no one such thing as reality
Introduction to the Jigsaw@work® and be guide through the self-discovery process
Analysis of your Jigsaw@work® personal profile
How to apply your new found skills in dynamic team situations
How to interpret Jigsaw@work® profiles and how to use it effectively in creating your own whole brain personal development plan
How to use Jigsaw@work® to give feedback to support individuals when things are going well and also to assist in situations where there is conflict
The language preferences of each style and how to easily adapt your style to accommodate them
How to recognise personal styles and preferences when meeting an individual for the first time
The basic principles and underpinning knowledge behind Jigsaw@work®
The impact of whole brain science upon an organisation
How Jigsaw@work can be incorporated into existing learning needs
Learning design using Jigsaw@work®
Practice session
Identify gaps in personal learning
Our next accreditation programme is on the 26th & 27th June, for further information visit our website www.jigsawatwork.com
The new licensees are from diverse organisations, including local authorities, an environmental company, an examination body, and independent Learning Practitioners The one thing they all have in common is that by the end of this week, they will all be accredited facilitators of the Jigsaw@work discovery tool and learning programmes.
The accreditation programme, covers all aspects of being an accredited practitioner We want to make sure that when learning professionals decide to become a Licensee, they will feel confident in the knowledge and research supporting the tool and are able to fully incorporate the Jigsaw@work learning into their development programmes.
When learning practitioners leave us, we want to make sure they leave with the skills and confidence to begin to work with the Jigsaw immediately.
We offer ongoing support for life, to help our licensees achieve their highest potential in life.
In return we ask for honest and constructive feedback that will help us to continue to improve our service to our licenses and to all our customers.
The accreditation programme covers:
Introduction to the impact of perception in the workplace, by exploring the belief that
there is no one such thing as reality
Introduction to the Jigsaw@work® and be guide through the self-discovery process
Analysis of your Jigsaw@work® personal profile
How to apply your new found skills in dynamic team situations
How to interpret Jigsaw@work® profiles and how to use it effectively in creating your own whole brain personal development plan
How to use Jigsaw@work® to give feedback to support individuals when things are going well and also to assist in situations where there is conflict
The language preferences of each style and how to easily adapt your style to accommodate them
How to recognise personal styles and preferences when meeting an individual for the first time
The basic principles and underpinning knowledge behind Jigsaw@work®
The impact of whole brain science upon an organisation
How Jigsaw@work can be incorporated into existing learning needs
Learning design using Jigsaw@work®
Practice session
Identify gaps in personal learning
Our next accreditation programme is on the 26th & 27th June, for further information visit our website www.jigsawatwork.com
Friday, 4 April 2008
I'm not F***ing doing this
I have been following a recent thread on TJ Online, regarding disruptive participants.
I have recently been working on a rather large contract for a public sector client, rolling out a "Building Good Relations" programme, across 450 frontline team members.
The workshop was a two-day participative programme, jam-packed with games and activities, designed to deliver real learning but as a fun and enjoyable experience.
99% of the participants raved at the end of the two days and myself and co-facilitator regularly recieved personal thank you cards, emails and even flowers on a couple of occasions.
However one workshop will remain with us forever.
The participants arrived on day one, not really wanting to be there, not sure what was ahead and thinking this is yet another customer care programme.
On the morning in question, our group of participants all arrived, rather subdued as per norm, however by morning break, we had got everybody on board except one participant. The body language was defintely saying, you will not break me, I will go along with it for the moment but.....
All was well until, immediately after lunch, we asked everyone to get into pairs, for a communications activity. My colleague duly gave out the instructions and invited the participants to begin.
Suddenly a voice shouted out, I'm not f***ing doing this!
The room fell into silence as everyone looked at the offending participant and then at my collegaue and myself.
Now what? We had to be very careful how we dealt with this or we could loose the trust and respect of the rest of the group, we could loose the contract and worst of all we could let ourselves down in the way in which we handled it.
My colleague who was stood at the side of the participant quickly got into an adult mode of thinking and responded with,
I understand that you are under a lot of pressure,
I feel offended by your behaviour,
I want you to meet me at lunchtime for a coffee to have a chat.
The participant suddenly realised what she had done, and hung her head in shame. A very genuine apology followed and that was the turning point. From then on in she participated in everything we did.
Now my colleague's knee jerk reaction was "How dare she, speak to me like that" but if she had allowed that thought to continue her resonse would have come across in quite an agressive manner which would only have escalated the situation.
But, instead, my colleague, quickly got her head into a more appropraite mode of assertiveness ( adult behaviour) by thinking to herself " I have the right to be respected. Which is step one of the three steps to assertiveness model.
Think Right
Say Right
Behave Right
If you would,like to know more about the assertiveness model could help you or your colleagues, handle those difficult and challenging behaviours, email: michelle@jigsawatwork.com
I have recently been working on a rather large contract for a public sector client, rolling out a "Building Good Relations" programme, across 450 frontline team members.
The workshop was a two-day participative programme, jam-packed with games and activities, designed to deliver real learning but as a fun and enjoyable experience.
99% of the participants raved at the end of the two days and myself and co-facilitator regularly recieved personal thank you cards, emails and even flowers on a couple of occasions.
However one workshop will remain with us forever.
The participants arrived on day one, not really wanting to be there, not sure what was ahead and thinking this is yet another customer care programme.
On the morning in question, our group of participants all arrived, rather subdued as per norm, however by morning break, we had got everybody on board except one participant. The body language was defintely saying, you will not break me, I will go along with it for the moment but.....
All was well until, immediately after lunch, we asked everyone to get into pairs, for a communications activity. My colleague duly gave out the instructions and invited the participants to begin.
Suddenly a voice shouted out, I'm not f***ing doing this!
The room fell into silence as everyone looked at the offending participant and then at my collegaue and myself.
Now what? We had to be very careful how we dealt with this or we could loose the trust and respect of the rest of the group, we could loose the contract and worst of all we could let ourselves down in the way in which we handled it.
My colleague who was stood at the side of the participant quickly got into an adult mode of thinking and responded with,
I understand that you are under a lot of pressure,
I feel offended by your behaviour,
I want you to meet me at lunchtime for a coffee to have a chat.
The participant suddenly realised what she had done, and hung her head in shame. A very genuine apology followed and that was the turning point. From then on in she participated in everything we did.
Now my colleague's knee jerk reaction was "How dare she, speak to me like that" but if she had allowed that thought to continue her resonse would have come across in quite an agressive manner which would only have escalated the situation.
But, instead, my colleague, quickly got her head into a more appropraite mode of assertiveness ( adult behaviour) by thinking to herself " I have the right to be respected. Which is step one of the three steps to assertiveness model.
Think Right
Say Right
Behave Right
If you would,like to know more about the assertiveness model could help you or your colleagues, handle those difficult and challenging behaviours, email: michelle@jigsawatwork.com
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Is thank you enough?
I'd just like to thank you for helping me understand so much about other people just because I can tell what colour they are. Even to the point of my relationship with my partner, he is so very blue but just can't bend to even try to understand my yellow lifestyle!!
At work the annoying technical officer who needs so much detail, now get his detail because I understand now that he needs it as much as I don't.
So thanks for opening my eyes, I really feel a better person thanks to you two
Regards, Lou
Just wanted to say thank you for all your help on the Building Good Customer Relations course. I really enjoyed the two days, even though I did have to come with two different groups because of my holiday (how selfish of me). Just to let you know I applied for a new role within the Council and with your help on how to communicate with different brain profiles....I got the job!
Thanks again for the wonderful course and the chance to meet new people within the Council.
I hope we meet again on another one of your wonderfully unique courses.
Michaela Rose
This morning, we sent out the course follow up emails to participants who had recently attended our workshop programmes.
Within a few minutes, I recieved back the above emails.
How do you think that made me feel....?
I'll tell you FANTASTIC!
The power of feedback is amazing, but how often do we take the time to give genuine sincere feedback, about something special that individual has done for you or some difference they have made to your life.
Do you take the time to give feedback to your colleagues, it doesn't cost anything in money, just a little time and some sincere thought.
Now some people when asked the question, reply, I always say thank you, but to be blunt is a greatly overused word, which often has little or no sincerity behind it.
Do you really say a genuine thank you? ......... or just say thank you!
At work the annoying technical officer who needs so much detail, now get his detail because I understand now that he needs it as much as I don't.
So thanks for opening my eyes, I really feel a better person thanks to you two
Regards, Lou
Just wanted to say thank you for all your help on the Building Good Customer Relations course. I really enjoyed the two days, even though I did have to come with two different groups because of my holiday (how selfish of me). Just to let you know I applied for a new role within the Council and with your help on how to communicate with different brain profiles....I got the job!
Thanks again for the wonderful course and the chance to meet new people within the Council.
I hope we meet again on another one of your wonderfully unique courses.
Michaela Rose
This morning, we sent out the course follow up emails to participants who had recently attended our workshop programmes.
Within a few minutes, I recieved back the above emails.
How do you think that made me feel....?
I'll tell you FANTASTIC!
The power of feedback is amazing, but how often do we take the time to give genuine sincere feedback, about something special that individual has done for you or some difference they have made to your life.
Do you take the time to give feedback to your colleagues, it doesn't cost anything in money, just a little time and some sincere thought.
Now some people when asked the question, reply, I always say thank you, but to be blunt is a greatly overused word, which often has little or no sincerity behind it.
Do you really say a genuine thank you? ......... or just say thank you!
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
HRD 2008
EXCEL, London Docklands
14th -17th April, 2008
For the four year running we will be exhibiting at the HRD exhibition.
The show attracts HR and Training Professionals from all over the world and it is THE place to be seen.
Why not make a note in your diary to visit the show and catch up with all the latest developments in the world of training and development.
We have some Free Tickets, if you would like one visit our website or email michelle@jigsawatwork.com http://www,jigsaw@work.com
Visit stand 745, to meet the Jigsaw@work team and get your invitation to one of our taster workshops, held at locations throughout the UK. Visitors to the stand, recieve a voucher to attend the workshop FREE of CHARGE.
Thursday 17th April, visit the stand to meet our Diversity expert, William Chadwick, who is heading our new equality & diversity unit, based in our head office in West Yorkshire.
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Customer service
I was brought up to believe that Great customer service was " The ability of an organisation to constantly and consistently exceed customer expectations."
But whilst developing a Customer Service Strategy Development Programme for one of our clients, a discussion started in the office about the validity of the definition.
There was much debate, but then one of my colleagues, said but when I go to the supermarket this evening, I really am not interested in the service that all the other people in the supermarket are receiving. All that I am interested in is that I receive great service. Infact I want to receive great service everytime I go in the supermarket but if I was to be honest I don't really give it a second thought as to the service others are receiving so long as all is well for me.
Selfish or what?
Hmmmmm.............. but is that not what most of us think if we can be that honest with ourselves?
So what about the old definition?
Perhaps it is too much or an organisations perspective and does not give due credit to the customer.
In my colleague's situation about the supermarket shopping, as the customer she was going to be doing quite a lot of the work. Customers don't get it easy.
She had to:
Decide which one of the five local supermarkets she would go to
Had to make her way there, possibly through rush hour traffic
Find a parking space
Make sure she had a pound for the trolley
Make a list of what she wanted
All before entering the supermarket to begin her customer experience!
So after doing all that at the end of an already busy tiring day, is she really bothered about all the other customers? NO!
So let it be at your peril if you believe that it is you or your organisation that is doing all of the work.
Think again and lets start to develop some really customer centred service strategies.
If you would like to find out more about delivering customer centred service, contact michelle@jigsawatwork.com
But whilst developing a Customer Service Strategy Development Programme for one of our clients, a discussion started in the office about the validity of the definition.
There was much debate, but then one of my colleagues, said but when I go to the supermarket this evening, I really am not interested in the service that all the other people in the supermarket are receiving. All that I am interested in is that I receive great service. Infact I want to receive great service everytime I go in the supermarket but if I was to be honest I don't really give it a second thought as to the service others are receiving so long as all is well for me.
Selfish or what?
Hmmmmm.............. but is that not what most of us think if we can be that honest with ourselves?
So what about the old definition?
Perhaps it is too much or an organisations perspective and does not give due credit to the customer.
In my colleague's situation about the supermarket shopping, as the customer she was going to be doing quite a lot of the work. Customers don't get it easy.
She had to:
Decide which one of the five local supermarkets she would go to
Had to make her way there, possibly through rush hour traffic
Find a parking space
Make sure she had a pound for the trolley
Make a list of what she wanted
All before entering the supermarket to begin her customer experience!
So after doing all that at the end of an already busy tiring day, is she really bothered about all the other customers? NO!
So let it be at your peril if you believe that it is you or your organisation that is doing all of the work.
Think again and lets start to develop some really customer centred service strategies.
If you would like to find out more about delivering customer centred service, contact michelle@jigsawatwork.com
Monday, 31 March 2008
New Jigsaw@work Companion
The new Equality & Diversity companion to Jigsaw@work is going to be launched at HRD on the 15th - 17th April.
Myself and William our equality specialist have been working away on the finalising the content for the participants workbook and facilitators guide, both od which are now with our wonderful deign consultant Simon Mitchell at bespoke solutions, http://www.mybespoke.com/
The new diversity programme, has been trialled over the last six months by William, and we are delighted to say that we now have a one-day programme, which is delivered using live case studies, humour and like all Jigsaw programmes engage the learner from beginning to end.
Building on Jigsaw’s central tenet that people have the ability to be flexible in their approach by accessing different behavioural and thinking styles, the equality and diversity tool takes things a stage further with each individual.
The new tool:-
· Spotlights why we all have different assumptions about other people
· Helps anyone to feel safe in admitting their negative feelings about other people
· Presents a red/yellow/green and blue print. A realistic action plan- based on the famous jigsaw brain dominances- for managing assumptions and prejudice about other people
And like Jigsaw, the equality & diversity Companion is devoid of formal testing methods, lots of paperwork and unrealistic expectations. Building on this last point, the Equality & Diversity programme does not:-
· Present equality and diversity issues in stark black and white politically correct terms
· Offer a pot of gold for reaching the “promised land” – no preaching
· Soften what is a hard headed subject with pink and fluffy abstract terms
Instead, the tried and tested, universally acclaimed Jigsaw brain dominances thread together to make a powerful equality & diversity companion.
Participants are taken through a lively workshop with:-
· A series of quizzes on their own assumptions
· You the jury sessions-based on real discrimination cases
· A reminder about the business case for getting things right first time!
· Spotlights on how to find out more about the neighbours
· Everybody-including the trainer-admitting to their own prejudices
· Everyone leaving the session with some practical tools to work well with others
Suitable for both employment and service delivery situations, the Jigsaw companion, which is to be launched next month at EXCEL, London is sure to be in high demand from those:-
· Who have sat through numerous dry and dusty training seminars on the topic
· Need urgent help now in grappling with the growing number of new equality duties
impacting directly on the public sector and indirectly on the private world of business & commerce
· Simply want some reassurance that it is ok to be human!
Flexibility being the watchword of Jigsaw and the equality & diversity companion, both resources can be applied singly or together.
Talking about the new product, Keith Nicholson, Managing Partner of Jigsaw@work said:-
“ Jigsaw has proved a huge success in creating understanding and realistic harmony between different individuals. Jigsaw provides a practical framework for numerous employment situations such as performance assessment schemes or service delivery situations such as handling difficult customers.
The new companion tackles and acknowledges that even when handling these employment or customer care issues, we often retain our prejudices and assumptions. The new programme provides the framework for managing these issues in a safe way that does not infringe on freedom of thought or worse create a strait jacket of political correctness.
It provides a convivial way for people to develop more empathy and understanding, but against the education of their own experiences together, Jigsaw and the new companion present a wonderful resource for both the world of work and the market.
More importantly, they both share the same powerful focus on each and every individual”
A new Equality and Diversity Unit , headed up by William Chadwick is now working under the Jigsaw@work umbrella in our head office on the outskirts of Wakefield.
Visit our site http://www.jigsawatwork.com/ or email discovery@jigsawatwork.com
Myself and William our equality specialist have been working away on the finalising the content for the participants workbook and facilitators guide, both od which are now with our wonderful deign consultant Simon Mitchell at bespoke solutions, http://www.mybespoke.com/
The new diversity programme, has been trialled over the last six months by William, and we are delighted to say that we now have a one-day programme, which is delivered using live case studies, humour and like all Jigsaw programmes engage the learner from beginning to end.
Building on Jigsaw’s central tenet that people have the ability to be flexible in their approach by accessing different behavioural and thinking styles, the equality and diversity tool takes things a stage further with each individual.
The new tool:-
· Spotlights why we all have different assumptions about other people
· Helps anyone to feel safe in admitting their negative feelings about other people
· Presents a red/yellow/green and blue print. A realistic action plan- based on the famous jigsaw brain dominances- for managing assumptions and prejudice about other people
And like Jigsaw, the equality & diversity Companion is devoid of formal testing methods, lots of paperwork and unrealistic expectations. Building on this last point, the Equality & Diversity programme does not:-
· Present equality and diversity issues in stark black and white politically correct terms
· Offer a pot of gold for reaching the “promised land” – no preaching
· Soften what is a hard headed subject with pink and fluffy abstract terms
Instead, the tried and tested, universally acclaimed Jigsaw brain dominances thread together to make a powerful equality & diversity companion.
Participants are taken through a lively workshop with:-
· A series of quizzes on their own assumptions
· You the jury sessions-based on real discrimination cases
· A reminder about the business case for getting things right first time!
· Spotlights on how to find out more about the neighbours
· Everybody-including the trainer-admitting to their own prejudices
· Everyone leaving the session with some practical tools to work well with others
Suitable for both employment and service delivery situations, the Jigsaw companion, which is to be launched next month at EXCEL, London is sure to be in high demand from those:-
· Who have sat through numerous dry and dusty training seminars on the topic
· Need urgent help now in grappling with the growing number of new equality duties
impacting directly on the public sector and indirectly on the private world of business & commerce
· Simply want some reassurance that it is ok to be human!
Flexibility being the watchword of Jigsaw and the equality & diversity companion, both resources can be applied singly or together.
Talking about the new product, Keith Nicholson, Managing Partner of Jigsaw@work said:-
“ Jigsaw has proved a huge success in creating understanding and realistic harmony between different individuals. Jigsaw provides a practical framework for numerous employment situations such as performance assessment schemes or service delivery situations such as handling difficult customers.
The new companion tackles and acknowledges that even when handling these employment or customer care issues, we often retain our prejudices and assumptions. The new programme provides the framework for managing these issues in a safe way that does not infringe on freedom of thought or worse create a strait jacket of political correctness.
It provides a convivial way for people to develop more empathy and understanding, but against the education of their own experiences together, Jigsaw and the new companion present a wonderful resource for both the world of work and the market.
More importantly, they both share the same powerful focus on each and every individual”
A new Equality and Diversity Unit , headed up by William Chadwick is now working under the Jigsaw@work umbrella in our head office on the outskirts of Wakefield.
Visit our site http://www.jigsawatwork.com/ or email discovery@jigsawatwork.com
Friday, 28 March 2008
Ineffective Communication?
Today started off with another caller trying to sell me advertising.
I quickly recognised the caller as one who had insisted on enquiring about my Easter Break, (even when it was obvious that I did not wish to waste my time on such things, ) when he called on Tuesday.
The call started well today, there was no small talk he quickly got down to business. I was really quite impressed.
A few seconds into the call, he asked me a question and then did not listen to the answer. This became very evident when he asked the next question, I corrected him. He apolgised and the call continued, but within a few seconds more, when he asked a question and I started to answer, I could hear him in the background talking to a colleague who was going to the shop for bacon butties!
Do you think he got the business?
Would you like to guess what happened next?
Yes I did bring the call to a rather abrupt end.
Do you know what the saddest thing of all is, up to that point, I was warmly interested in his offerings!
So what next? Well ever open to an opportunity, I researched the company on the web and got the name of the MD. I have diarised a call for 8.00am on Monday morning to speak to the MD. Now I may well get told to go away, but on the other hand, he may just well be pleased that I have gone to such lengths to look after his interests! Watch this space for the outcome.
I have just finished working with a local authority, to open up blocked communication channels and improve the communication between staff and managers and interdepartmentally. One of the activities we did with the participants was a very simple but enormously effectively listening skills exercise.
At the end of the activity there were two great learning outcomes:
I quickly recognised the caller as one who had insisted on enquiring about my Easter Break, (even when it was obvious that I did not wish to waste my time on such things, ) when he called on Tuesday.
The call started well today, there was no small talk he quickly got down to business. I was really quite impressed.
A few seconds into the call, he asked me a question and then did not listen to the answer. This became very evident when he asked the next question, I corrected him. He apolgised and the call continued, but within a few seconds more, when he asked a question and I started to answer, I could hear him in the background talking to a colleague who was going to the shop for bacon butties!
Do you think he got the business?
Would you like to guess what happened next?
Yes I did bring the call to a rather abrupt end.
Do you know what the saddest thing of all is, up to that point, I was warmly interested in his offerings!
So what next? Well ever open to an opportunity, I researched the company on the web and got the name of the MD. I have diarised a call for 8.00am on Monday morning to speak to the MD. Now I may well get told to go away, but on the other hand, he may just well be pleased that I have gone to such lengths to look after his interests! Watch this space for the outcome.
I have just finished working with a local authority, to open up blocked communication channels and improve the communication between staff and managers and interdepartmentally. One of the activities we did with the participants was a very simple but enormously effectively listening skills exercise.
At the end of the activity there were two great learning outcomes:
- Some people had actively listened to their colleagues and were able to give great feedback to each individual. the impact of feeling that they had been listened to, was enormous, with participants reporting how good it felt to know that someone had actually listened, and in some instances being reduced to tears, because it was such an unusual occurrence for them.
- There were also some participants who it suddenly dawned on them how difficult active listening can be and what a drain on energy it can be. Up until this point they truly believed that they did listen but they very quickly realised that they switched off or had become distracted.
The programme then went on to look at whole brain communication, and the different preferences and styles of each one of the dominant styles. From this our participants put the learning into practice, by carrying out a number of activites and exercises to help allow them to practice using whole brain communication to make a true connection with the reciever of the message.
Participants looked at the small adaptations they could make to get their messages heard and understood. Over the years we have had some fantastic results with organisations where previously communication had been blocked or in some cases completely broken down. Using the Jigsaw@work framework, we have improved communication between managers and team members, departments and individual team members.
In one case a very relaxed, team manager, preferred to work in the open plan office as a matter of course, however when she had to do her budgets, she needed the peace and quiet of her own office, so she would go and shut herself in the office.
Her team believed that they must have upset her, and she must have fallen out with them, so relationships started to breakdown. The manager was totally unaware of what had occurred, but knew that she was no longer kept in the loop, and started to feel pushed out. This continued over a number of months until virually all communication had ceased. Team morale was low, performance had dropped and something had to be done.
Using the Jigsaw Profiling tool, we worked with the team to uncover the underlying cause of the problems and find solutions.
It had never occurred to the manager the impact of shutting herself in the office without making it clear why and the team had never considered the fact that she needed a quiet space to carry out such detailed work.
By using the Jigsaw@work model, it gave participants an easy and simple framework, to explain what had occurred, to understand the impact of individuality and understand how they could reslove the situation and ensure communication channels didn't get blocked again.
This is just one of example of how Jigsaw@work has helped to improve communication and performance, we have many more examples, some involving savings of thousands of pounds being made by the organisation. If you would like to find out more contact Michelle on 01924 864444 or mail michelle@jigsawatwork.com
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
How can I get everyone to open up, communicate and work together as a team?
This morning I was able to enjoy my walk in a damp, but very beautiful and peaceful parkland, looking forward to the day ahead.
At 9.00am I was pleased to welcome on board, a new team member, who is joining us with a wealth of experience in learning & development. Sue's addition to the team brings our total to 6, all professional and dedicated in their mission to provide the very best quality and value learning solutions to our clients.
Keith- is our creative director, who is behind the development of many of our learning activities including the unique discovery tool Jigsaw@work Keith is an experienced facilitator, who excels at teasing out the potential in reluctant participants
Sian - is our Leadership Consultant, having worked for BBC Global learning and The Cranfield School of Management she is invaluable when working with our clients on organisational development and in providing executive coaching
Sue - is our Human Resources Consultant, having worked as a senior manager for Marks and Spencer, and as a training consultant, Sue brings an wealth of experience in designing and delivering, programmes for frontline team members to senior managers
William - is our Diversity Consultant, as the ex national training manager for the Equalities commission, William uses his hands on and personal experiences to deliver totally unique programmes in diversity. His "You the Jury" sessions are not only a highly effective learning method, but his unique delivery style brings the sessions alive.
Helen - is our learning administrator, who will no doubt speak with you if you contact our office (t) 01924 864444. Helen has a real genuine interest in people, she takes ownership of your queries and sees that you get a quick and professional response.
And that leaves me, Michelle - my role is to bring everything together and make sure everything happens according to plan. I do take an active role as a learning consultant, designing and delivering programmes for a wide variety of clients from the Emergency Services and Local Authorities, to Global Organisations. My specialist area of knowledge is in wholebrain communication and improving personal and team performance through wholebrain techniques.
This afternoon, whilst scanning through my inbox, I saw the latest newsletter from Fresh Business Thinking. One of the articles caught my eye:
It was from a manager of an organisation employing 25 people, who have not bonded as a team, and he was asking for advice on how he could get everyone to open up, communicate and work together as a team to ultimately be more productive.
I wanted to say to him that he was not on his own, we come across so many organisations where team mebers have not bonded and they are pulling in twenty five different ways and all playing the game of one-upmanship.
One of our most popular development programmes we are asked to deliver is for Team development. Using the Jigsaw profiling tool we work with teams to:
At 9.00am I was pleased to welcome on board, a new team member, who is joining us with a wealth of experience in learning & development. Sue's addition to the team brings our total to 6, all professional and dedicated in their mission to provide the very best quality and value learning solutions to our clients.
Keith- is our creative director, who is behind the development of many of our learning activities including the unique discovery tool Jigsaw@work Keith is an experienced facilitator, who excels at teasing out the potential in reluctant participants
Sian - is our Leadership Consultant, having worked for BBC Global learning and The Cranfield School of Management she is invaluable when working with our clients on organisational development and in providing executive coaching
Sue - is our Human Resources Consultant, having worked as a senior manager for Marks and Spencer, and as a training consultant, Sue brings an wealth of experience in designing and delivering, programmes for frontline team members to senior managers
William - is our Diversity Consultant, as the ex national training manager for the Equalities commission, William uses his hands on and personal experiences to deliver totally unique programmes in diversity. His "You the Jury" sessions are not only a highly effective learning method, but his unique delivery style brings the sessions alive.
Helen - is our learning administrator, who will no doubt speak with you if you contact our office (t) 01924 864444. Helen has a real genuine interest in people, she takes ownership of your queries and sees that you get a quick and professional response.
And that leaves me, Michelle - my role is to bring everything together and make sure everything happens according to plan. I do take an active role as a learning consultant, designing and delivering programmes for a wide variety of clients from the Emergency Services and Local Authorities, to Global Organisations. My specialist area of knowledge is in wholebrain communication and improving personal and team performance through wholebrain techniques.
This afternoon, whilst scanning through my inbox, I saw the latest newsletter from Fresh Business Thinking. One of the articles caught my eye:
It was from a manager of an organisation employing 25 people, who have not bonded as a team, and he was asking for advice on how he could get everyone to open up, communicate and work together as a team to ultimately be more productive.
I wanted to say to him that he was not on his own, we come across so many organisations where team mebers have not bonded and they are pulling in twenty five different ways and all playing the game of one-upmanship.
One of our most popular development programmes we are asked to deliver is for Team development. Using the Jigsaw profiling tool we work with teams to:
- Agree a common team vision
- Develop an appreciation of the true value of individuality within the workplace through, balancing indivdiual and team objectives, valuing diverse roles, skills and strengths, giving of practical support to their colleagues, recognising synergy in their work to make improvements
- Resolve and avoid workplace irritants and conflicts without management intervention
- Reduction of workplace stress
- Open up of blocked communication channels
- Strengthe team relationships
If you would like to find out more about how you can get your team to open up and ultimately improve performance, visit www.jigsawatwork.com or call 01924 864444.
Coming soon, whole brain communication, what is it and how can it help you improve performance
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Why do telesales waste so much company money?
Welcome to the new Jigsaw@work blog, where we will be keeping you up to date with the latest news from our world of learning and development
Today, it has been one of those rare occasions, that I got to spend in the office.
Returning after the Easter holiday, as an intovert, I just wanted to slide gently back into the swing of things. The day started well, with a 6.15am walk out on in the 330 acres of beautiful parklands which surround the Jigsaw@work offices. It was a lovely sunny, but cold(-2) morning, but with a young pup to keep pace to, I didn't really get much of an opportunity to feel the cold.
Returning to the office for a bowl of hot cereal and then into my emails.
Sadly the peace was not to last, I think all of the telesales organisations have been on double commission today, as I was inundated with call after call of people, I have never spoken to before, enquiring in a most insincere manner about how I was feeling and had I had a great Easter.
This got me round to thinking:
When I speak to my clients, do I sound as uninterested as my callers did? I sincerely hope not
When I work with participants on our workshop programmes, do we stress enough the importance of genuine interest in the client?
Why don't organisations invest in developing their most valuable resource to be able to anticipate from the clients early responses their preferred style. Are they chatty, individuals who will value the small talk or are they straight talking, cut to the chase individuals, who become irritated by idle chit chat?
The result of my experiences this afternoon was that the organisations who were calling, instead of their people building rapport with me which would then have given them an opportunity to sell their wares to me, they ended up totally alienating their organisations and lost the chance of any sale.
What a waste of company money and resources?
If you would like to know how easy it is to develop the skills of your most valuable resource, your people then visit www.jigsawatwork.com
Tuesday 25th March
Today, it has been one of those rare occasions, that I got to spend in the office.
Returning after the Easter holiday, as an intovert, I just wanted to slide gently back into the swing of things. The day started well, with a 6.15am walk out on in the 330 acres of beautiful parklands which surround the Jigsaw@work offices. It was a lovely sunny, but cold(-2) morning, but with a young pup to keep pace to, I didn't really get much of an opportunity to feel the cold.
Returning to the office for a bowl of hot cereal and then into my emails.
Sadly the peace was not to last, I think all of the telesales organisations have been on double commission today, as I was inundated with call after call of people, I have never spoken to before, enquiring in a most insincere manner about how I was feeling and had I had a great Easter.
This got me round to thinking:
When I speak to my clients, do I sound as uninterested as my callers did? I sincerely hope not
When I work with participants on our workshop programmes, do we stress enough the importance of genuine interest in the client?
Why don't organisations invest in developing their most valuable resource to be able to anticipate from the clients early responses their preferred style. Are they chatty, individuals who will value the small talk or are they straight talking, cut to the chase individuals, who become irritated by idle chit chat?
The result of my experiences this afternoon was that the organisations who were calling, instead of their people building rapport with me which would then have given them an opportunity to sell their wares to me, they ended up totally alienating their organisations and lost the chance of any sale.
What a waste of company money and resources?
If you would like to know how easy it is to develop the skills of your most valuable resource, your people then visit www.jigsawatwork.com
Tuesday 25th March
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