Testimonials - the reputation of the Skills With People course

1. List of Companies who have used the course again and again.
2. Independent Report
3. Clients’ Managers’ Comments

1. Companies who have used the course again and again include:

Amgen, WS Atkins, Axa, BBC, BhS, Bosch, BP, BT, Burmah Castrol, Cargill, CarnaudMetalbox, GlaxoSmithKline, HJ Heinz, HSBC, ICI Paints, Iliffe News & Media Group, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg, Kimberly-Clark, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Nestlé, Pepsico, Pfizer, Philips, The Prudential, RSPB, Schering HealthCare, Shell, John Sisk and Son, London Stock Exchange, Trinity Newspapers, UK Paper, Unilever Patents and Research Divisions, Willis Corroon, Zeneca.

2. Independent report on the course from the Training Services Index

“This course is picked again as a ‘highspot’ among thousands of courses in the UK.”

The Training Services Index is an independent consumers' association of business course users (formerly the National Training Index). Many times over the last 25 years they have picked the Skills With People course as a “high spot”. Their assessments are based on independent feedback sent to them by course participants. Here’s what their most recent report says:

"Delegates mentioned as most helpful the enhanced self-awareness which they gained. Also the coverage on the use of empathy/assertiveness, handling tension, listening skills, speaking, understanding people's feelings, putting across ideas and opinions, coaching skills, and the video-taped role-playing sessions with the subsequent feedback from the tutor and the other delegates."

"They liked the amount of practical work in the syllabus and the personalised nature of the instruction, which was made possible by the one-to-one sessions given to every delegate."

"The course was thought most suitable for those who have to achieve results through others, be they managers, directors, or professional specialists, and who also need to improve their personal relationships at work."

“Delegates' specific comments: ‘This isn't a course - it is an experience!’, ‘Enjoyed the chance to give feedback in an open environment. The extended nature of the course meant that I wasn't afraid to fail, I could always try again’, ‘The frankness with which course members dealt with each other. From my point of view it gave me great insight into how I effect people.’"

3. Clients' managers' comments after the training

“He actively listens, probes, asks for clarifications and does not assume anymore he knows the answer.  He achieved everything he wanted using the newly learnt techniques.  I think the change has been fantastic and that the impact on the people in his surrounding is very positive.  I have been approached by 4 peers to tell me that they could see a very positive change in his behaviour.  To what extent do I think his training need has been satisfied?  Completely, 10/10.”

 “He’s obviously making a positive effort and it does show.  People used to be scared of him.  No longer.”

“He has learned to get a better understanding of others’ way of thinking before jumping to conclusions.”

 “Since the start of the course he has made good progress in two key areas:  1. team leadership – he listens with empathy to others well and considers their standpoint as well as his own.  He rarely interrupts anyone now which is pleasing; 2. presenting his opinion in a considerate way without upsetting his listeners with gratuitous remarks about their feelings.”

“She feels more confident in tackling people and has been impressed with her hew found techniques, e.g., in dealing with members of the marketing department.  She feels that the course has been life-changing.”

“He is now well aware of the need to control his direct approach.  (He was sometimes too assertive.)  I think he is now well balanced in this respect.”

“He is a lot more confident.  At the last meeting of our business unit leaders he fully led the meeting and dealt with people very well.”

“He is showing far more self-awareness and more restraint in potentially confrontational situations.  He is far more aware the impact his actions and behaviours have on people.”

“He is much more collaborative in his approach and less confrontational.”

“I have had three unprompted comments from different team members and colleagues who have been surprised at the consideration he has shown in helping solve problems when normally they would have expected resistance.”

“He has made excellent progress in the management of his team.  He has ensured key stakeholders are involved in decision-making and has gone to great lengths to gain commitment and help from his team.”

“He now gains support through his willingness to involve people more and take them with him.”

“He is much more careful in his written communication (particularly emails) and is starting to consider when it is appropriate to email or pick up the phone.”