A productive, interactive, professional and fun weekend with an inspiring group of people from across Scotland. New skills learned (already being put to good use from some messages I received last night). Some new friendships, a shared love of Freddo Bars and everyone retuned home with a true insight into this fascinating world of human behaviour and communication. Thank you ladies and gents - a fabulous weekend.
A TOUCHING SURPRISE
Sometimes there is a piece of work that starts out as a simple questions but expands into a masterclass in communication. Helping a client with what was initially a few pieces of advice for managing a challenging conversation developed into a couple of months scripting letters and managing responses. Most everything I teach on The Art of Communication course was put into practice and the predictable responses and behaviour from the third party were text book. Irrespective of the result with an ongoing complaint my client has enjoyed a masterclass in putting her theory into practice and experiencing the results of 'smart and effective communication'.
Congratulations to her for her impressive efforts and a big thank you for a surprise gift that arrived this weekend
A SPECIAL SORT OF DAY
Over the last 2 years I have worked with a number of specialist teams. Irrespective of the profession, the team dynamics or their geographical location, effective communication is at the core of everything they do.
TeamJPhysique are a team of personal trainers who are online body composition specialists. In addition to helping their clients meet their dreams and goals surrounding body transformation they also pride themselves on creating healthy communication connections with each and every client.
Today was about combining their current communication styles with some enhanced skills surrounding human behaviour, use of language, listening, and helping them identify when to talk, when to listen and when to sort problems. Thank You Joe Parish, Leanne, Graham and Carly for your contribution to the workshop - a pleasure to meet and work with you all.
TRI SCOTLAND TEAM ESCAPE
When the Tri Scotland team run their conference, there should be no surprise that it's not in a lecture theatre or conference centre. This energetic and motivated team get together at an outdoor centre and surround themselves with adventure and outdoor pursuits all wrapped around this year's theme of 'communication'.
It was a pleasure to work with them this morning in their lodge - so welcoming with tea, home baking and home made soup (thank you Susie - soup queen x)
Communication foundations, discussions, listening differently and some light hearted laughs all added to a great communication session to kick start their 2 days of work.
To Jane, Elise, Callum, Andrew, Crawford, Andy, Rebecca, Pamela, Gemma, Susie and Morven thank you for adding so much to the morning. Enjoy the remainder of your conference.
INFLUENCE DAY
It is always a pleasure to work with Mike MacDonald - AKR Fitness, Aberdeen. Today we were joined by a small team for a day full of influence and persuasion. Amazing skills that can help anyone in any line of business. Today was a follow on from the initial communication course in Dundee last March and rounds off a comprehensive package of effective and practical communication skills. Thank you ladies and gent for your work and contribution today.
CELEBRATING HARD WORK AND DEDICATION
A BIG shout out for Nicola Harcus
Nicola is The Art of Communication's sponsored athlete for 2017 and this weekend she competes in The Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in South Africa. Part of the Scotland Team, Nicola has trained with Stuart Aitken with her sights set on the championships. Nicola and Stuart are an impressive and disciplined partnership so reaching this competition is well deserves in every way possible.
BEHIND YOU ALL THE WAY NICOLA
KIND HEART - FIERCE MIND - BRAVE SPIRIT
GOING DUTCH !
Today I shared a Dutch approach to leadership and teamwork during my presentation in Edinburgh at Origin Fitness. Supporting members of SPORTA from across Scotland, Origin provided a day of training and discussion for the national association of leisure and cultural trusts which was well received and welcomed.
The Art of Communication concentrated on the fascinating subject of human behaviour and how focusing on that aspect provides a different approach to leadership and teamwork. There was great interaction and energy from everyone and a few laughs and light hearted moments.
Thank you Colin and Jonny for inviting me to speak
Maybe it's a connection to my old profession - there is always something special about working with practitioners, especially those that have so much experience, wisdom and true understanding of their profession. Today was one of those days when I had the privilege of sharing a chunk of communication skills with true practitioners. I joined senior dentists at Dundee University who are responsible for mentoring new graduate dentists and helping shape the future of dentistry. It's easy to smile with this group. Thank you ladies and gents for a very interactive morning and thanks to my actor Goska who helped bring an extra element of practice to the session.