Changes in Body language.

How to identify this
It’s vital that you become aware of changes in how someone moves, or presents non-verbally. The importance here is in the change rather than the behaviour. Let me explain. For some people moving quickly, using sudden movements, clipped tones and short sentences is their default position in times of little or no stress. In times of high stress, this behaviour can either get magnified or will manifest as the complete opposite.

The antidote:
Awareness of the default low stress behaviour is the first key to managing in times of high stress, and the antidote lies in the NLP principles of strategies and acting ‘as if’. The principle of strategies teaches us that our outcomes are achieved by following a set strategy – or pattern of behaviours – to achieve specific outcomes. A change of strategy will cause a different outcome. Following the same strategy will produce the same outcome. So, if we want to achieve a feeling of confidence and control – we need only follow the pattern of behaviour that we use to achieve this.

Let me give you a real example:  my 16 year old has experienced what it takes (and looks, sounds and feels like) to achieve excellent results in her school work. Over the last couple of years, she has developed successful study strategies, review strategies, and evaluation of performance strategies that has seen her get As and A+s.  This year, for reasons known only to herself, those strategies have been discarded and new ones have been adopted. The result? You guessed it.

The work I have done with her has been around re-visiting the strategies that used to work for her, and adapting them to the new demands of VCE studies. But of course a crisis of confidence has occurred. To deal with this we simply reviewed what a ‘confident and successful’ person might do when approaching exams. We mapped the behaviour in terms of what ‘confident and successful’ looks, sounds and feels like.  And then, for a while, she acted ‘as if’ that were her. Results? Predictable!

A feeling of not doing ‘enough’.

How to identify this:
 I observed this in a workplace where a manager was experiencing high levels of stress everything she had tried to resolve a workplace issue with her staff had seemingly not worked.  Her words were “I haven’t done enough to manage this, I just don’t know what else I can do.”

The antidote:
A very simple question gives beautiful clarity to help address this issue. “What does ‘enough’ look like to you?” The answer will usually be a set of actions that need to be taken which define ‘enough’. This then becomes a really simple and achievable ‘tick the box’ exercise.

The main message in identifying and managing stress is to be alert to the key indicators. Once you know what you’re really dealing with, the solution is much simpler.

Upcoming Events

Register for the upcoming Secret Trainers Business Free Webinar on Friday May 13 at 12pm AEDT:  What Learners Want and How to Give it to Them!

This month has been an interesting one for me. In my workspace, I’ve been involved in a number of consulting assignments into organisation’s and workplaces whose people are showing signs of debilitating workplace stress. At home, my previously cool calm and collected 16 year old is buckling under the pressure of VCE. It’s surprising, with hindsight, how similarly stressful behaviours manifest.

Over the next few blog entries, I thought I would share what I’ve learned and observed. I’ll begin this series by looking at two classic symptoms of stress:  Losing control and Busy-ness,  and suggest some useful strategies that I’ve engaged that help people deal with times of high stress.

• A feeling of loss of control.

  How to identify this:
  One staff member expressed it this way “I feel like I’m juggling everything. If I lose control over one thing, the rest will come crashing down.”  (I sometimes refer to this as the ‘chicken little’ syndrome!). Others will say more obliquely “{This} always happens to me”.

  The antidote:
  What we focus on is what we see, to the exclusion of everything else. Avoid seeing ‘the sky falling’ by looking for and gathering evidence to prove that, in fact, the sky stays firmly in place. Some great questions to ask might be:

  • What’s the one thing you/I can let go of that will have the least impact overall? List the benefits you will get from doing this.
  • What’s one thing that needs to happen for you/me to feel that control has returned? How will you make this happen?
  • Tell me about a similar time when you felt in control. What are you doing that’s similar and different to what you are doing now?
  • Tell me about a similar time when {this} hasn’t happened to you.
• Busy-ness or too much time spent doing a task, with little observable progress.

How to identify this:
You might hear “I’ve been doing this for hours and I’m not getting anywhere”. Or you might observe someone in a constant state of ‘busy-ness’, but never seeming to actually achieve or produce anything.

The antidote:
There are a couple! I’ve been reading a great book called “Brain Rules” by John Medina which essentially examines the optimal conditions under which our brain functions. One of the ‘rules’ explains how our brains need oxygen to function well. Medina suggests that when we are stuck on a problem a great solution is to take a walk while trying to solve it. This gets the blood – and oxygen – flowing to our brains to maximise our problem solving powers. It logically follows that regular exercise – at least 30 minutes per day, the research is telling us – ensures a constant maximum flow of oxygen to our brains and creates that optimum brain performance condition.

Exercise is not the only way to overcome the ‘overwork, under achieve’ issue. The psychological principle of ‘chunking’ teaches us that we can effectively deal with a discrete number (7 plus or minus 2!) of chunks of information at any one time. As a trainer I ensure that information I present is presented as 5 – 7 key points. I change what learners are doing every 7 – 10 minutes.  Someone stuck on a task might try to break it down into 5 – 7 smaller, more achievable jobs. Or change how they work or take a short break (even to switch tasks) every ten minutes or so.

Trust this helps if you are, or someone in your world is, experiencing stress. Next time we will look at changing body language and never doing ‘enough’!

We are launching the first of our Secret Trainers Business Webinars on Thursday April 14 2011 at 12pm  – Discover the 7 Essential Qualities of a Great Trainer. Registration is free. If you would like to register for this event email:  info@mastertrainersinstitute.com

Upcoming workshops in Melbourne:

Wednesday 13 April – Secret Trainers Business:  The Influential Trainer

Friday 21 April – Professional Series MasterClass:  Effective Workplace Communications

To register for these events, please go to http://www.vista.org.au/events

Tania

It’s a timely reminder. At the beginning of our year, when workplaces and businesses are planning for the year ahead, we need to remember that sometimes we just don’t know what could be ahead. That unanticipated, catastrophic events happen. So what can we do to ensure we equip ourselves, and our people, to best face what we can’t even conceive yet? Here are 7 lessons we can learn from the people of Queensland about preparing for the unexpected:

1. Accept that unplanned catastrophic events happen:  create the space to have open, frank and honest discussions about what could come out of left field to throw you off track. Anticipate the unexpected.
2. Focus on what’s important:  Toowoomba mayor Peter Taylor, when asked about what the priority will be for the recovery efforts said:  “We’ll focus on the people first. Property can be repaired and replaced. People can’t.”
3. Have a clear understanding about what needs to be done:  Understand clearly what you are wanting to achieve this year, and ensure that your people know and support this vision too. Focusing on the destination – not the journey – will mean that minds are open to the possibilities of taking another route, if the one planned is somehow sabotaged.
4. Know that sometimes the plan must change: The first solution, or pathway, you identify will not be the only one. It may be the best one in current circumstances, but if circumstances change so must your solutions. Identify your alternatives. Keep asking “And what else?”
5. Don’t ignore the warning signs:  Keep your eye on the ball and put processes in place that allow for constant and continuous scanning. Look for signs and patterns that an unexpected event might be about to occur.
6. Believe that more can be achieved together than alone: Ensure you have a great support network that extends beyond your own work team. This means focusing on building relationships throughout the organisation and eliminating ‘silo’ thinking and practice. Look for opportunities for collaboration between teams and departments.
7. Remember that even the smallest tugboat can avert disaster: Invest in some training in developing personal and workplace resilience.

 Upcoming Events:

February

Thursday 11 February

Free Networking Event: The Learning Experience

If you are passionate about Learning and Development and want to meet others who share that passion – then come along on Thursday 11 February to DiMattina’s Restaurant in Carlton. You’ll hear Tania Tytherleigh, the WorkPlace Coach and Director of the Master Trainers Institute Australia talk about 3 ways to give your learners or audience an experience to remember.

Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue:  DiMattina’s Restaurant, 306 Lygon St Carlton
RSVP:  info@mastertrainersinstitute.com

16 February 2011

Secret Trainer’s Business:  Scared Speechless??

A fun, skill building workshop for anyone who is required to present to groups and wants to do so professionally, with presence and pizzazz! Information and registrations here at:  http://www.vista.org.au/events/event/secret-trainers-business-scared-speechless

24 February 2011

Rules of Engagement:  How to influence anyone, anywhere, anytime!

Learn the secrets of social influence and ways to maximize your persuasion potential. For more information and to register go to:  http://www.vista.org.au/events/event/professional-series-masterclass-social-influence

March

10-11 March 2011

Professional Trainer Certification Program
Induction, Orientation and MasterClass1:  How to run a killer workshop

For more information about the Professional Trainer Certification and to be sent a Course Outline email:  info@mastertrainersinstitute.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-YOxDf6OEQ

Tania

Here is a collection (constantly being added to!) of what I’ve learned so far about resilience. Feel free to add your own lessons – look forward to reading them.

1. Being resilient doesn’t mean bouncing back. If you just bounce back to where you started you’re likely to take the same hit. It’s more about bouncing forward, or at least landing in a place that’s different from where you were!
2. Resilience is boosted by knowing clearly where it is you want to be or what it is you want to achieve. Keeping the dream alive gives you the motivation and inspiration to keep going even when things are blocking your way.
3. Knowing your strengths helps you to be resilient. Then, when obstacles present themselves, you simply have to recall the last time you got through something similar. Challenges in life are often similar – just dressed in different costumes and contexts.
4. Your life travelling companions help you to become resilient. Choose them carefully. You need role models, mentors, champions, reflectors and gap fillers (see my last post) as a minimum!
5. Being proactive – making things happen rather than letting things happen – minimises unexpected hits.
6. Understanding that there is no failure, only feedback, and the opportunities to do something differently builds resilience.
7. Resilient people are those who appreciate and are grateful for every thing that they experience. Keep a gratitude journal.
8. Look for ways to enable others to achieve their dreams. You are part of something bigger. Take the focus off yourself and watch your resilience grow.
9. Resilient people think creatively. Remember that life is multidimensional not linear.
10. Resilience and optimism are symbiotic. You can’t have one without the other. Look for the good in everything that happens. There is always a reason, even if it hasn’t revealed itself just yet.

I’d like to share this profound video for some ultimate lessons in resilience – Randy Pausch, author of “The Last Lecture”, delivering his: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo&feature=related

Tania

What are YOUR secrets to a “successful” life?

Enjoy the presentation attached. Obviously it will be a work in progress! 

Click on this link:  Yes you can

Tania

There’s an expectant air of something exciting on the way. And at Master Trainers Institute headquarters, we have been busy putting the final touches on what’s going to be the most amazing Trainer certification course ever seen! Launching in February next year it’s going to be an exciting year for the lucky few who are accepted into this program. The Certification is for L&D professionals, training consultants and those who want to learn the art of running great training programs. Curious? It’s not for everyone, and we can’t guarantee you’ll get a place. Happy to have a chat though. Drop us a line at info@mastertrainersinstitute.com.

Good luck to all at the Races – may the best horses win!

Tania

1. What was the moment that changed your life? Li’s was being selected, at random, to join Madame Mao’s dance troupe. However, he was quick to point out that with the moment came a responsibility to do something with it. It was only that he chose to make the most of the opportunity that brought him the success. Profound learning:  it’s not the moment but what you do with it.

2. Many years later, he recounted his conversation to the teacher who pointed this emaciated child out to the authorities. “Why did you choose me?” he asked. “To this day I don’t know.” she replied. As teachers, trainers, learning facilitators – what a responsibility we have to change lives. Profound learning:  we need to start doing this more deliberately.

3. His work only became his passion when he found the reason why he was doing it. He hated ballet for many years. It took another gifted teacher to understand what drove the young Li (his love for his family) and who then joined the dots for him. Once he realised how his dancing linked him to his family, his passion for ballet grew. Profound learning 1:  you find passion for work by looking beyond the task to the reason why we do it. Profound learning 2:  as teachers, our job is to join the dots.

Apologies for no entries since July! It’s been a busy time – busy is good, not writing here not so good. Have promised myself to be more dedicated to this.

More news coming out soon.

Tania

Just got reviewed in the Nillumbik HomeBiz Network Newsletter - any business in the Nillumbik Shire should be part of this Network. Very supportive and a great vehicle for connecting with other businesses and learning about how to grow your business. Check out newsletter here, and the upcoming Business Transformation Program I’m running there: HomeBiz Networker Newsletter JULY 2010

News this month…

The next SPEAK! – Public Speaking Essentials to Present like a Pro MasterClass is on Thursday August 5 at the Treacey Centre in Parkville. Bookings through VISTA at www.vista.org.au. Details of the Master Class here: Secret Trainers Business – SPEAK! Master Class

The Confident Presenter Mentoring Program is filling up fast. If you would like to join a weekly webinar community to learn about how to be a more confident presenter register your interest NOW!! We are offering 1 month free membership for the month of August only.  This program is suited to:

• Teachers and trainers who want to learn new ways to present content engagingly
• Managers and workplace Leaders who regularly present to audiences – from work teams to external clients – and who want to become more polished as a presenter
• Business owners who want to learn how to present to audiences of potential clients and customers

See the outline of the Confident Presenter Mentoring Program here:  The Confident Presenter Mentoring Program

To register, email me at training@theworkplacecoach.com.au.

Enrolments for the Professional Trainer Certification Course are also now open. The next course will commence in October – Orientation and Induction will be Friday October 1 and Saturday October 2.

Numbers are strictly limited to ensure you get the one-on-one attention you need to successfully complete the course. This is a program designed for:

• L&D Professionals who recognise the need for ongoing professional development to further their career
• Training Consultants who want to fill in the gaps from the Cert IV TAA to become more competitive in the corporate arena
• Teachers who currently have the Cert IV TAA who want to transition to corporate training or start their own training consultancy.
• Trainers who would like Master Trainers Institute endorsement and the opportunity to join the team of training consultants used by the Master Trainers Institute.

Details of the Professional Trainer Certification here:  Professional Trainer Certification

Inquiries and registrations:  info@mastertrainersinstitute.com

We have a new Prime Minister – the very eloquent Ms Gillard, who certainly has captured my interest (not sure yet about my vote!) with how articulate she always sounds, how she beautifully engages the public, expertly redirects Mr Abbott’s jibes and (mostly) confidently handles the probing of the press.

Never more than now can we see in practice the art and power of effective public speaking!

Through our public speaking workshops this month I’ve met so many people who really have a fear of speaking in front of a crowd. So I thought I might just pass on some of my secrets to being a great speaker.

1. Think of a great story to open your presentation. Something that happened to you that is related to your topic. Speaking about something you know well puts you at ease and sharing something personal helps create a great connection with your audience.
2. If you thoroughly prepare your presentation it will help you manage nerves. Your thorough preparation should include
   • Researching your audience – who they are, what they need from you.
   • Structuring your presentation with a clear beginning, middle and end. Make sure you know exactly what your key points will be. Open with a story (see above), an interesting/little known fact or a question. Finish the same way.
   • Practice – practising your presentation ‘out loud’ – not in your head – allows you to ‘feel the words in your mouth’ which helps you remember what you are saying, and become more comfortable with your content. Video yourself if you can, or present to family or friends to get some feedback.
   • Be organised by having a checklist of things you need to prepare before the presentation - room set up, handouts, slides, activities, evaluation forms, catering, etc.
3. Look for ways to really engage your audience - to get them involved in your presentation rather than just passive recipients of information. This takes a little pressure off you, and delivers a real experience for them. There are many ways to involve an audience in a presentation. Three ways I involve my audiences are:
   • By asking them lots of questions – even if they ask you questions first! To ask a question, your audience must have a little knowledge of what the answer might be – so find out what they know. On powerpoint slides, ask questions instead of giving information.
   • By getting them up and moving. Activities which involve them speaking to each other, or moving around to different parts of the room (to read posters/pinups for example) is a great way to do this.
   • By changing their state every 7 minutes or so. So if they have been listening to you speak, direct them to discuss with a partner. If they have been doing group work, get them to reflect on their own.
4. Be very aware of the attitude you bring to the room. If you feel nervous, ensure you give yourself lots of positive self talk. Remember that the minute you stand up to speak, you are the expert in your topic in the minds of your audience members. Do what you need to do, to get yourself in a confident and calm state – reliving another time when you feel confident and calm is a really good way to do this. Dress so that you feel powerful and confident. Move the same way. Ensure you use confident language (I can, I will, I do) not confidence busters (I think, I’ll try, Ummm).
5. Research your topic thoroughly. Know 25 times more about your topic than you need to. Just knowing enough to get you through will not get you through a presentation. Do what you need to do, to make sure you are the expert in your topic.

Hope you find this useful!

If you would like to register for an upcoming SPEAK! workshop – where you will learn the secrets to confidently speaking to an audience, email me at info@mastertrainersinstitute.com or leave your details below.

Tania