Leadership and Management Training
Refine your communication skills by learning to harness your emotional intelligence with one of the UK's most acclaimed management training courses.
What gets in the way of developing and holding on to new communication skills are old habits of thinking and speaking. Even if the advice is very good the reason why it rarely sticks are the mental habits people inevitably revert to, especially under pressure.
Unlearning those old habits and internalising a more effective and lasting approach to communication needs more than a short course of lectures on how to do it.
What makes this training stand out is the exceptional support through one-to-one coaching sessions and continuous feedback. Changing behaviour is not an easy task as old habits are hard to break.
With a 40-year track record we can help you cultivate practical skills, and build your confidence to so you can successfully navigate real-world challenges, ensuring lasting behavioural improvements.
Join thousands of participants getting results
"What I love about this course is that I didn't just learn about the topic, this course is about ME. I'm confident I can reliably use my new skills, even when under pressure".
A Project Manager At A Tech Company
"A lesson for life! The power of effective communication is incredible when one masters the skills "listening with empathy" and "speaking assertively"
A Project Quality Engineer
Well-known companies who have used this course again and again, over many years
This course is designed to help you better understand others and build stronger relationships. On this course you'll learn about the psycholology behind what influences people's behaviour, including emotions, barriers, resistance, stereotyping and past experiences. This course includes both classroom theory and one-to-one coaching sessions to help you improve your self-awareness so you can become more confident as you develop your communication, interpersonal, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills.
You will learn a set of powerful emotional intelligence communication techniques so that you can manage difficult conversations, handle challenging situations, build relationships and set firm boundaries.
The goal of this training is to equip you with the tools they need to build strong, lasting relationships in your professional life, although because these skills are so transferable many clients report vast improvements in their personal relationships as well.
This is a skills development rather than just a theoretical programme, so the emphasis throughout will be on you taking turn after turn, practising your skills, while receiving feedback and coaching about your effect on others.
In your coaching sessions you will be helped to practise dealing with the kinds of situation you find challenging, again and again, until you are confident you can do it successfully.
We'll combine practical, hands-on experience with video replay and analysis and discussion of the principles involved to help you gain both skills and understanding. Special attention is paid to your individual training needs, so you can practise your skills in real-life situations that you have to handle at work.
That's why as well as your place in a small group, this training includes a generous amount of private and confidential one-to-one coaching sessions online, spread over several months, ensuring an exceptional level of support. This will ensure the changes you make are sustained over a longer period of time and any obstacles are overcome. Choose between online training available worldwide, or in-person face-to-face courses in the UK.
For a list of upcoming course dates (for online coaching and face-to-face training), the locations of the next 3-day public courses in the UK and pricing Click here.
This initial coaching session serves as an introduction to the "Skills with People" course, allowing you to understand the course's relevance and effectiveness for your specific needs before committing to it.
Build Stronger Relationships Through Understanding
People are complicated and unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what makes people tick. However, after thirty years as psychology graduate, 20 years as a trained counsellor and psychotherapist, and now a communication skills trainer, I believe there are some common themes that run through the various motivations and behaviours that drive each of us.
There is no one answer to the question of what makes people tick. People are like puzzles. Inside each person, there are lots of pieces that make them who they are. Everyone has different pieces that, when put together, make them unique. However, even though each person is different, there are some things that make people tick, or act and think the same way. Knowing this helps gain insight into our own motivations and behaviours and find ways to live more fulfilling lives. It also makes life easier if your job involves influencing or persuading others.
At the most basic level what makes people tick is the need for connection and belonging. Everyone wants to feel connected to a community, to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. This need for connection is at the root of much of our behaviour, from forming relationships to seeking out common interests.
At the core of our need for connection is the desire to feel understood and accepted by others. This is why we seek out people with similar interests and values - to feel like we belong and are accepted by the group. We also seek out people who are different from us, to learn and to be challenged, and to broaden our perspectives. At work you can learn to win people over by demonstrating how much you understand them. A little bit of empathy tends to make people very happy. They'll warm to you without understanding why they enjoy being around you.
Connection is also a key part of self-expression, as it allows us to share our thoughts and feelings, and to receive feedback and support. This helps us to develop a sense of identity and purpose, and to build strong relationships with those around us. Connection is also essential for physical and mental health, as it helps us to regulate our emotions and cope with stress. Having strong social connections can reduce the risk of a range of health problems, from depression and anxiety to heart disease and stroke.
Connection is essential for our sense of security and belonging. Feeling connected to others gives us a sense of safety and comfort, and can help us to feel like we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
At the same time, people also have a need for control and autonomy. We want to feel like we have control over our lives and our environment. We seek independence, freedom, and the ability to make choices. This need for control is often at odds with our need for connection, and it's the delicate balance between these two needs that can often be the source of conflict, both internally and externally. For example, when we think of something we want, so we might do something to try to get it, even though some of the people around us might disapprove. This can create a tension between our need for control and autonomy and our need for acceptance and connection.
The need for control and autonomy can also manifest itself in different ways in different situations. In our work life, we might seek out responsibilities and positions of power so that we can have more control over outcomes and decisions. In our interpersonal relationships, we might try to create a sense of control by always being the one making the decisions, or by setting boundaries or rules to keep things under our control. Even in our personal lives, we might need to feel like we have control over our own emotions, our environment, and our day-to-day routines.
At the same time, it's important to remember that while we need to feel in control of our lives, it is also important to recognise there is sometime tension between when to let go and allow others to take the lead. If not enough attention is paid to this dilemma, then there is likely to be an unhealthy balance between our need for control and autonomy, and our need for connection. If we are unwilling to compromise, be open to change and give others a chance to take the lead then this can put pressure on our relationships. It is helpful to become aware of when we are pushing too hard for control, and when it would be more helpful for the relationship if we were to take a step back and let go.
Another drive that makes people tick is the need for purpose, meaning, and growth. We all want to feel like we are contributing to something larger than ourselves, to feel like our lives are meaningful, and to strive to become better versions of ourselves. This need for purpose and growth can manifest in many different ways, from pursuing our passions to becoming involved in a movement.
It can also be seen in our constant striving for knowledge and understanding, either through formal education or self-guided learning. People might also seek out meaningful relationships with others, whether through social or spiritual outlets. Ultimately, the need for purpose, meaning, and growth can be a powerful motivator that drives us to achieve greater things.
The need for purpose, meaning, and growth can also be seen in how we approach our work and career. People often seek out jobs and opportunities they find fulfilling at a deeper level, either by allowing them to make a difference in the world or giving them the ability to master their craft. When we don't feel challenged or stimulated, we can become complacent or bored, which can lead to a lack of motivation. That's why it's important to find jobs and activities that bring us a sense of purpose and growth. The need for purpose, meaning, and growth can also be seen in our spiritual lives. Religion and spirituality can provide us with a sense of connection to the universe and a greater purpose. It can also give us a framework to live our lives by, and to make sense of the world around us. People who identify as spiritual often find comfort in knowing that there is a greater power at work and that their lives have a deeper meaning.
The need for purpose, meaning, and growth can be seen in how we spend our free time. People often take up hobbies and activities that bring them joy and a sense of accomplishment. Whether it's learning a new skill or taking on a creative project, these activities can give us a sense of purpose and growth that can't be found in our day-to-day lives.
Our emotions also drive us, both consciously and unconsciously. Emotions can be both a source of motivation and a source of conflict, and understanding our own emotions and how they shape our lives is an important part of personal growth. Inside us, we have different kinds of feelings like happy, sad, scared, and angry. When we have these feelings, they can make us do want to do different things. For example, when we feel happy, we might laugh or smile.
When we feel scared, we might want to flee or hide. When we feel angry, we might want to lash out or express our feelings. Emotions can also shape our behaviour in more subtle ways. They can influence how we think, how we interpret situations, and how we interact with others. They can also affect our decision-making processes and how we approach problems.
Our emotions can also create conflicts. For example, if we feel scared, we might be too anxious to take risks or try something new. Or, if we feel angry, we might be too quick to react rather than taking the time to think through a situation. Understanding our emotions and how they affect our behaviour can help us to better manage them and make better decisions.
Our emotions play an important role in our lives. They can be a source of motivation and a source of conflict, and it is important to be aware of our emotions and how they shape our lives. Taking the time to understand our own emotions and how they influence our behaviour can help us to make better decisions and ultimately lead us towards a more successful and fulfilled life. This is exactly what this training course is designed to help you become good at.
What makes this training course on understanding what makes people tick so effective?
Over the years many well-know companies have used this course again and again. Our clients tell us that what they can get this course they can't find elsewhere, at least not quite the way we offer it. Here's why;-
Course Feature |
Benefits For You |
Enhance your EQ |
By developing your emotional intelligence skills you'll be able to transform the way you interact with others and enhance your ability to influence and persuade. You'll have lots of practice so you can get really good at applying your skills in a wide variety of situations, scenarios and relationships at work. |
Recognising Emotions |
Once you are able to recognise and regulate your own emotions, as well as understanding and navigating the emotions of others, you'll be able to swiftly tune in on their wave-length. |
Self-Awareness |
Develop a deeper level of confidence and self-awareness by becoming fully attuned to the ways in which your emotions influence your behaviour. |
Active Listening |
Take your listening skills up a notch by practicing and developing you ability to paraphrase, summarise and display EMPATHY. Done well, with some practice other people will love it, almost as if you're reading their minds. |
Assertiveness |
Become a skilled practitioner of assertiveness so you can confidently express your thoughts and feelings with authenticity and sincerity without anxiety about whether the way you're wording might cause tension. You'll love being able to provide honest feedback by saying what you really think without worrying about it. |
Video Camera Feedback |
Receive immediate feedback and analysis through the use of a video camera. It's a terrifyingly (!?), but effective tool for seeing yourself the way other people see and hear you. You'll enjoy seeing yourself progress. |
Your Expert Coach |
Learn in a safe and supportive environment with guidance from an expert coach, for whom this training course has become his life's work. |
Cultural Issues |
Learn about relevant cultural issues, so you can develop appropriate behaviour to successfully integrate into a western business environment (this may not be relevant for everyone). |
One-to-One Coaching |
You'll receive lots of guidance and support through generous amounts of one-to-one coaching sessions. |
Guaranteed Satisfaction |
We're so confident in the effectiveness of our training that we guarantee your coaching won't stop until you're completely satisfied you're learnt what you need (at no additional charge). |
Free Initial Coaching Session |
Take advantage of a free initial coaching session to determine if the course is right for you. |
What difference could this training make to your ability to do your job?
Outcome |
Description |
Better Communication Skills |
Learn to tailor your communication style to each individual and build stronger working relationships. |
Better Team Morale |
Empower team members and foster a positive work environment by understanding their motivations and interests. |
Less Staff Turnover |
Create a work environment where team members feel valued and understood, reducing the likelihood of turnover. |
Greater Productivity |
Cultivate a work environment that helps team members grow and flourish, leading to increased motivation and better results. |
Fewer and Shorter Conflicts |
Address the root causes of conflicts with confidence by having a better understanding of what drives your team. |
Better Decision Making |
Make informed decisions about staffing and team dynamics by having a deeper understanding of your team. |
Understanding what makes people tick can be quite a journey, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Unfortunately, there can be some roadblocks along the way. Over the years, on this leadership development and management training course we've seen all of them. Here are some of the most common challenges people face:
Challenge |
Description |
Solution Offered by this Course |
Influences on behaviour |
Understanding people can be tough because it is influenced by many things, like personality, values, culture, and past experiences. |
Become more self-aware to tune in to your own mind and the mind of others. |
Complexity of people |
People are complex, and it can be difficult to understand why they behave the way they do. |
Learn to talk about it in a respectful and circumspect way, and understand the different influences on behaviour. |
High emotions |
When emotions are high, it can be hard to see things objectively and understand others' perspectives. |
Learn how to calm them down so you can manage their high emotions to lower stress levels. You'll also learn how to self-regulate if your emotions are getting the better of you. |
Miscommunication |
Miscommunication and misunderstandings can be a big barrier to understanding others. |
Learn powerful emotional intelligence skills like active listening with empathy to minimise miscommunication. |
Empathy |
Empathy is a vital skill for understanding others, and if you struggle with it, understanding behaviour can be hard. |
Learn what empathy is and how to do it through practical training. |
Change and accepting new ideas |
Change can be hard for some people, including accepting new ideas about their behaviour. |
Learn to communicate in a diplomatic way to avoid offending others while trying to understand their perspective. |
Stereotyping |
Stereotyping others based on preconceived notions can be limiting. |
Avoid putting people in small boxes. You'll learn a more flexible, respectful approach to help you understand that behaviour can be complex and changeable. |
But don't worry! On this course we'll help you become much more aware of all of these challenges and work with you so you can overcome them, you can get closer to understanding what makes people tick and building stronger relationships.