1. Lessons learnt project review: facilitation ideas

From: Jonathan Noall

Hi,

I've been asked to facilitate a two or three hour session with a team to draw out the lessons learnt following a recent project. The team are all direct reports of the project manager and the project was based at one of our properties (at the National Trust). At this stage, I don't know much more than that as the project manager is away on holiday. I'm trying to gather some ideas to help my plans at this early stage.

Has anyone facilitated anything similar previously; what did you do? Can you recommend templates/tools/ideas to shape the session? Any help or pointers would be very welcome.

Many thanks,

Jonathan

2. Making the most of Microsoft Outlook

From: Sharon Green
Email: sharon.green@chiara-consulting.com

I am searching for a recommended training course or provider who can deliver interactive training on making the most of Outlook. The client is a South East based SME who has a busy IT contractor on site. They do provide some training however staff need more.

I have looked at a few of my usual providers but the courses are at a very basic level and not suitable for anyone other than a new joiner who has limited systems knowledge.

Please could anyone suggest a trainer or company that might fit the bill?

Thank you in advance for any useful pointers.

3. Recommended reading - redundancy and those difficult conversations

From: Carol Norman

Hi Linda,

Please can you email me your guide on breaking redundancy news, they're about to make about 30 people redundant here.  

Thank you,

Carol Norman

4. Recommended reading - redundancy and those difficult conversations

From: Sarah Dunning
Email: sarah.dunning@hotels.virgin.co.uk

Hello Linda,

I would like a copy of this please.

Thank you,

Sarah

5. To niche or not to niche?

From: Vanessa Randle

Hello Dorothy,

I clearly remember the process I experienced when I was defining my niche. I woke up at 4.30am with a compelling need to 'empty my head' of all the words and images that had swirled about once I realised that I needed to be absolutely clear about what differentiated me from other colleagues working in a similar way. My pen was 'hot' and the paper scorched by the time I had finished. Somewhere on that bit of paper was my 'magic bullet'! I went back to that bit of paper over the next few days, adding stuff and striking out my 'daft' ideas. Then I had it, my niche, my way forward, my differentiator.

I work as a graphic recorder and facilitator helping people and organisations bring ideas and information to life by capturing discussions in a big picture format. This is what gladdens my heart, this is what I do best. Knowing this helps me to help others retain, recall and make sense of complex things in a more engaging, memorable and effective way. I do this by 'simply making sense using words and pictures'. This was it - this was my niche. This is what came out of that dog-eared bit of paper, and this is what I hold to be true in everything that I do.

Who I do it with, the sector is less important to me. What is important is having absolute clarity about what I have to offer to others. My expertise is there for anyone who, like me, holds the belief that being more creative and tapping into peoples' visual preferences to communicate more effectively is another great tool to get the job done!

I have a website, I have marketing materials however I am very much a 'work in progress'. I'm still juggling ways to get my message across to others and to attract all the business I desire. However, the glue that holds it all together for me, and what keeps me going, is being absolutely clear about my 'niche'.

Dorothy, I don't know whether I've helped, or even answered your questions! What I do know is that your post chimed with me in such a way that it prompted me to respond. I have the best job in the world and, for me, that's down to knowing what differentiates me from others in my world of work.

Have fun finding your 'niche'.

Warmest regards,

Vanessa Randle

6. Train the trainer courses in Cambridge and South East

From: Carolyn Sheppard
Email: carolyn@thecompletetrainer.com

You could try Sharon Gaskin who runs the Trainers Training Company. I sell a couple of her products on my site, but I've no business connection with her as far as 'live' training goes. But I have heard very good things about her.

Carolyn

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