Back Issues - February 2008

• Editorial
  Debbie Carter introduces the February 2008 issue.
• The TJ Awards 2008: benchmark for success
  Debbie Carter asks you to reflect on your recent achievements and consider entering this year’s TJ Awards.
• Motor trade moves in for the skill
  The motor industry’s Sector Skills Council is predicting a ‘major skills crisis’ a decade from now if steps are not taken to train thousands of skilled workers. Elizabeth Eyre spoke to the Institute of the Motor Industry to find out more.
• Pick a profession by postcode?
  The Skills Commission has published the interim findings of its six-month investigation into careers advice services in England. Elizabeth Eyre spoke to the inquiry’s chairman.
• More CPD needed by young managers
  Common Purpose has found that young managers lack job satisfaction, despite being given training and development opportunities by their employers. Elizabeth Eyre reads its report.
• Associate trainers feel the squeeze
  The fourth TrainerBase survey on the rates charged for training reveals how independent trainers feel they are “constantly being squeezed”. Elizabeth Eyre looks at the figures.
• Seeing is believing!
  The latest round of National Training Awards winners was recently announced. UK Skills boss Simon Bartley explains why they are an important part of the race to stay competitive.
• Association news
  A rundown of news from organisations representing L&D professionals.
• Legal update
  Kelly Mansfield provides a summary of the most recent legislation relating to the workplace.
• Ask Izzy
  In a regular feature, TJ agony aunt Isobel Rimmer provides the answers to your training problems.
• Peter Honey
  The campaign for learning to be made a universal right goes on, says Peter Honey.
• Martyn Sloman
  Martyn Sloman warns against leaping on to the social networking bandwagon too soon.
• Tech trends
  David Grinham explains how Europe’s IT giants have come together to improve workforce e-skills.
• Riding the Olympic wave
  Olympian Adrian Moorhouse believes the 2012 Games can help organisations create “an atmosphere of self-belief” amongst their employees – but they need to start now. Sue Mennell talks to the swimmer-turned-training consultant about his Olympic vision.
• Making a drama out of customer service
  The lot of a customer service agent is not always a happy one. Elizabeth Eyre talked to one council that has sought to re-energise and refocus its CSAs through drama-based training.
• The proof of the pudding
  Barry Johnson and Mandy Geal reveal the ingredients of their recipe for feedback success.
• Nurturing nature
  Geoff Trickey outlines some ways to help people grow and flourish within the workplace.
• Leading teams under pressure
  The current economic climate means many leaders will never before have led their teams through such a period of uncertainty. Karen Ainley explores how the Inspirational Development Group uses the Army ethos to help organisations get the best out of their staff when times are tough.
• Intelligent leadership through image-making
  Dr Mike Bagshaw paints a picture of modern leadership.
• Tools of the trade
  In a new series, Carol Wilson identifies the tools and models frequently used during coaching projects. This month, she looks at Bruce Tuckman’s Forming, Storming, Norming & Performing team development model.
• Managing and leading people
  In the first part of a two-part article, Angus McLeod sets out a simple methodology for managing individuals.
• Thinking tools
  Being able to make connections is a key skill in creativity. Debbie Carter outlines some exercises designed to help make those links.
• Online editor
  Sue Mennell examines the scourge of self-limiting belief. Plus highlights from this month's Digest.
• Netcheck
  Our series looking at the best of the web is back. This month, Garry Platt checks out the TrainerBase website.
• Super models
  In a series of articles examining learning models, Dr Mike Clayton looks at Kurt Lewin’s freeze phases – three steps on the journey of change.
• Hints & Tips
  Taking the example of some of last year’s National Training Awards winners, Simon Bartley has some advice on how to achieve your workplace goals.
• Great Thinkers
  Aung San Suu Kyi (1945-)
• Street corner university or public library?
  James Farquharson steps in off the street to discuss a unique training environment.
• L Vaughan Spencer
  It’s a no-brainer for the Gangsta Motivator this month as he goes into I-Mode.
• The Editor
  Debbie Carter introduces the March 2008 issue of TJ.