Team Building and Leadership Training

Learning Skills Workshop for Students

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ANY ONE CAN LEARN! It was really very satisfying that we concluded a week long stay at a Power station with a Learning Skills Workshop for school children. The workshop was attended by about 200 students of classes 7 to 12 and a few teachers. It was very heartening that they responded so well to a session which lasted for about 3 and a Half hours (10 a.m to 1.30 p.m).

COLOURED LENS

After formal introductions by the organizers, the session began with a conversation that questioned perceptions and belief patterns of the students vis-a-vis themselves (I am good at this, not so intelligent, not fast enough etc.), subjects (like History is boring, maths is difficult!, Sanskrit oh please!, why biology?!) and attempted to establish that all of these (perceptions and beliefs) work as coloured glasses that we wear and lo! the world appears to be exactly that!

As you believe, so it shall be!

The conversation went on to discuss relevance of each subject in life and that each subject can be made (perceived) interesting. And about their self-belief, it was made clear that they were creating their reality. We reminded them of Henry Ford's statement on self belief:

"If you think you can or you think you can't,

either ways you are right!"

The session went on to discuss shifting their thinking such that they can leave negative past behind and impact their future by postive action. We suggested shifting their existing thinking pattern of

PAST -- PRESENT -- FUTURE

to

PAST --PRESENT --NOW

=

FUTURE

Because present (the way most of us experience it) is beliefs and perceptions PRE-SENT from the past and hence our thoughts and actions are influenced largely by nothing but the past. In order to produce a different result what we say-believe-do NOW is all important. So put your past in the past and let the FUTURE YOU WANT influence what you do NOW!

7 LEARNING STYLES/SKILLS

A self assessment psychometric test was administered to identify preferred learning styles. Through 70 simple statements that either matched their styles or did not, the students found out their learning strengths as well as weaknesses. It was also explained to them that based on their preferred learning styles they were bound to like-dislike, be very good-or-average-or-bad in certain subjects as compared to others; and by improving their learning skills they can improve their grasp of certain subjects or even specific topics.

The opportunity is to excel in every subject because each student has the potential and required skill to do so. It is now, only a matter of identifying the skill which needs to be sharpened.

In summary, the 7 learning styles/skills are:

1. VISUAL: You prefer using pictures, images and spatial understanding

2. AURAL : You prefer using sound and music

3. VERBAL: You prefer using words, both in speech and in writing

4. PHYSICAL: You prefer using your body, hands and the sense of touch

5. LOGICAL: You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems

6. SOCIAL: You prefer to learn in groups or with other people

7. SOLITARY: You prefer to work alone and use self study

The learning style test lead to a long discussion about which learning style will make which subject easier to understand and learn, how one could use appropriate style to improve ones' scores in a particular topic etc.

SPIDER WEB, CONCEPT MAP AND MIND MAP

The Students were then introduced to these techniques, which can be used for revising/recalling lessons already studied as well as taking notes while attending regular classes or lecture sessions. Though such techniques have now been known for very many decades and books and softwares are also available, it is seldom used by people because of its holistic nature, which is uncomfortable for the logically trained brains! A gold mine which can solve most of learning difficulties and deficiencies have yet to become popular and widely used.

To demonstrate its value in comprehension and recollection of lessons learnt, we asked the students to create a  map of the 3 hour session they attended with us since that morning. Even though quite some information was shared with them, it was not expected that the students would remember much of it. But results of this exercise were quite astonishing to the students as many of them could recall almost all of their experiences and lessons from the session! However, there were some who couldn't get into the flow of creating the  map as these were exceptionally left brained students.

Most students said that they found it difficult to take notes while attending a lecture. Their question was "should we take notes or concentrate on what is being taught?". The Mapping techniques do make it simpler to take notes during lectures and help much better retention. This, however, takes a little practice like all other techniques and skills but the result is quite amazing.

The session had to be concluded with just the Introduction to Mapping techniques as we ran out of time and postponed practicing the technique and understanding in depth, to the next meeting. We did, however, find time for a question answer session attempting to give a positive perspective to the students' grave issues and problems.

We bid farewell to these wonderful children wishing them best of luck!

TILL WE MEET AGAIN!

Corporate Training - Short Comings That Need Attention

Frailty of Human Rationale has been the mother of many Innovations and Change. Training and Development is no exception. One good reason is surely the short comings of traditional Performance Appraisal Systems (even the more modern 360*) which always gave more than necessary discretionary powers to the Immediate Superiors and very often became a cause of dissatisfaction to the trainee (participant).

Even more democratic T.N.A attempts haven't produced encouraging results for lack of imagination and learning orientation. Measuring training effectiveness has remained a wild goose that you better not chase!

History has it, that a person nominated for a training program could have the following considerations. (Most of it certainly not positive...).

Why Me? So you think there is something wrong with me? The guy who nominated me needs this training the most! How is this relevant to my job profile? Must be somebody's idea of making a fast buck! So you think you can change me? Come! I'll teach you a couple of lessons! What is point of this training when it can't be implemented in my working Environment? I'm willing to change but can you change the entire organization, the bosses and the culture? Why should I change my thinking? My bosses should do this training first! Or at least they should have asked me what I want to learn. It is no Use! All an eye wash and waste of time and money!

Training and Self Development is at best seen as a contribution to an individual's career growth (generally is the next company!) or a boost to social status. So executive programs in premier Management Institutions seemingly create more enthusiasm (but no perceivable change). And in more corrupt organizations funds are manipulated for such interventions so that a few "chosen ones" can indulge themselves. By and Large key missing elements from corporate learning initiatives that can be derived are :

1. Lack of Clarity; There may not be any clarity on whether the training intervention is to cause change in the interest of the organization or is aimed at self development for the participant.
2. Since most trainees are 'sent' for a program, Individuals may not be benefiting from such Interventions. In fact may be grudging the management more after it.
3. Organizations rarely benefit from any notable change. "Paradigm Shift" seems only a meaningless jargon and farcical as most (98%) trainees (even from a highly successful training program) share that their motivation does not last beyond 3 to 4 days (rarely 1 week) and the work environment, superiors etc. are (equally) responsible for causing this.
4. Do we really mean to change? Change management has been a sort after Training Title for quite a number of years and very much a touted concept but how many organizations have really adapted to change? How many have changed their work culture successfully? Barring those companies/departments which had to change due to external factors like Technology, Laws, Take Over - Acquisition etc. no real change may have been achieved.
5. Training Programs may not be connected to career growth within the organization or seen as a prerequisite for succession planning. Promotions may be based on time (years of service), special assignments and deputations may be decided on the basis of current performance levels and better public relations (sometimes more important). In fact it is quite a common situation that a person heading a team has been promoted/appointed not for leadership abilities but for other reasons like performance, contacts etc. The result is very often team dissatisfaction and disaster for all involved.
6. Most people may have already gone deeper into the Cycle of Inertia. (see Robinson's Cycle)
7. Many may attend the same training (sometimes same faculty - same content - same slide show - same calendar year!) many times over! Indifference, Ignorance or Carelessness or Corruption maybe causing it but the result is the same...
8. Substandard Training Efforts also go Unnoticed or unreported (who will bell the cat?).
9. Low or No ROI (Return On Investments) on such expenditure (can't call it Investment for now). There was a time (not very long ago) when one had to churn out sheets after sheets on ROI to determine how the organization will benefit, to sell 1 (One) Training Intervention! Now nobody seems to interested! Training Budget is now treated as sanctum and no one questions returns. In many organizations it is now "The Right" of the employees! Especially if it involves travelling to a foreign country, Adventure Off site or to your native city/town. If such training is seen as a perk, then a paid family holiday would probably bemore motivating.

Out Bound Training or Learning (OBT - OBL) gained from the above short comings as it at least provided elements of Fun, Experience, Adventure, Party! But all this is already on its down ward graph as there is widespread lack of application.

more on this soon...

OUTBOUND TRAINING SOLUTIONS

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OUTBOUND TRAINING SOLUTIONS (OBT) from www.fretsolutions.in

About Us - FRET Solutions - We are a group of professionals from various industries and vocations, including HR, passionately involved in Education, Training and Human Resource Development for many years. http://www.fretsolutions.in/home/about_us

Our Faculty: FRET Solutions initiatives are spearheaded by G. Sundar and Mr. A.K.Das (Dhiru), who have been involved in education research and performance motivation for the past several years.

· http://www.fretsolutions.in/home/gsundar_training_profile

· http://www.fretsolutions.in/home/akdas_dhiru_training_profile

Out Bound Learning/Training: http://www.fretsolutions.in/outbound_destinations/out_bound_training_-_faq

One Day Off sites: Sample Presentation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuvuju_3lzM&feature=player_embedded

2N/3D Leadership and Team Building OBT:

• ITAI DO SHIN ( Many in Body - one in Mind) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-mPOIsbsWI&feature=player_embedded
• Post Training Presentation:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuOO2auN8K0&feature=player_embedded
• Visit our Photo Gallery for More Albums: http://www.fretsolutions.in/photos_-_youtube_-_blogs

Program will be customized based on client briefing, Site Conditions and Group Dynamics.

Destinations: We also offer turnkey service for some preferred destinations depending on the budget and training needs. http://www.fretsolutions.in/outbound_destinations

• CHAIL
• CORBETT
• MARCHULA
• SHIVPURI
• MUKTESHWAR

FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT:

9810644216, 9818899516, 9810722243, 0120-4292953

Corporate Learning through Treasure Hunts

Treasure Hunt - A True Team Building Event

A Treasure Hunt is a map-based puzzle that a participant or the entire team must solve. As in the workplace, smaller teams must succeed at their tasks before the entire company can reach its goal - opening the treasure-filled chest!

Derived from the Scandinavian activity of Orienteering, where participants find flags in the woods with a map and compass, the Treasure Hunt uses a custom-made map of the conference center (indoors and outdoors) that leads teams to trivia questions, riddles and group adventures.

The clues:

These are usually a visual, described through a metaphor or a cryptic riddle which the team or the individual need to decipher before proceeding to the next level or point in the treasure map.

The Map:

It is popular to use non linear area maps with directional bearing read by use of a magnetic compass. The map may either provide all the riddles & clues, hence run on autopilot or may only be one which reveals all the clues and riddles one after another through contact with a central control unit.

Custom Made Corporate Adaptations:

Treasure Hunts have been widely used in Team building Events to provide focus on a central corporate theme, (say vision, mission, market segment, strategy, target etc) to provide experiential understanding and reinforce significance of the same. Every riddle, puzzle or clue, in such adaptations, connect to or act as a reminder of messages which pertain to the central theme.

Consultation and Conduction:

We, FRET Solutions, provide consultation in designing, formulating and conducting and supervising such Treasure hunts. This would be limited to understanding clients need, providing basic concept, road map design, the riddle and clues, providing a process flow, training of coordination staff and over all supervision by providing one or more (as the need may be) facilitator/supervisor during the event.

We can also provide a complete turn-key solution which would include providing necessary equipment like printed maps, compass, radios and even transport in some cases, (Bikes, Scooty, cars, horses, boats!), manpower for coordinating the events, facilitation material, banners, posters, awards etc.

To know more about Treasure Hunts: email to gsundar@gsundar.com or call 0120-4292953, 9810644216

Programs from our Bouquet

Our Program Bouquet (Some Suggested Titles)

Leadership Development Programs
• Leadership Skills Training
• Action Centered Leadership
• Managing Vision
• EQ for Business Leaders
• Coaching & Mentoring

ITAI DOSHIN (Team Work)
• Team bonding program
• Team building training
• Team Management Training
Executive Development Training
• Communication skills workshop
• Change Management
• Time Management
• Work Smart – Re-Engineering Work Practices
• Winning ways – the Attitude workshop
• Goal Setting & Action Planning
• Planning & Organizing
• Advanced Communication for Action & Results
Executive Effectiveness Programs
• Conflict Resolution & Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• HR for line managers
• Performance Enhancement Training
• Effective Meeting Skills
• Subordinate Development Training
• Customer Service
• Customer Delight
• Effective Delegation
• Facilitative Management

Self Development Programs
• Personality Development Program
· Life’s a Garden, not a potted plant… a program on Work-Life Balance
• The Stress Freedom Workshop
• Eliminating Negative Thinking – way to positive attitude
• Advanced Self Motivation workshop
• Making the most of yourself – a self development workshop

Skills Development Program
• Inter Personal Skills
• English Language Training
• Negotiation Skills
• Presentation & Reporting Skills
• Selling Skills
• Advanced Selling Skills

Programs in Hindi
· Varchasva Ki Oar
• Bhavishya Ka Srijan
• 5S & Kaizen – Key to Quality Living (in Hindi & English)

FRET SOLUTIONS

FRET Solutions (Fundamental Research on Education & Training) http://www.fretsolutions.webs.com/
Our Mission
“To provide learning solutions such that knowledge becomes easy to imbibe and practice”

We Are:
A group of professionals from various industries and vocation, including HR, Therapy, Psychology, Physics, Education, Media, Hotel, Sales & Marketing and Adventure Sports, passionately involved in Education, Training and Human Resource Development for many years in Individual capacity and together as team. Some of us have together delivered very powerful, life changing learning experiences for varied participating groups. FRET Solutions is our commitment to provide pragmatic learning solutions and self development opportunities.

FRET Solutions, is a learning platform, spearheaded by Mr. G. Sundar, who has been involved in education research and performance motivation for the past several years. Prior to this he has had an enviably successful career in Marketing and Business management and has served various companies like AKG Acoustics, Prosound, R&S Electronics, Phoenix Lamps, Surya Roshni, and Candela Electric etc.

Sundar has conducted, in English and Hindi, various training programs like Leadership skills, Customer Delight, Positive Attitude, Launch Pad, Break through in Effectiveness, Bhavishya ka Srijan, Varchasva ki aor, Team Building and collaborations, Chak De – The Attitude Workshop, Communication Skills, Personality Development, Conflict Management etc. in both class room and out door formats, in more than 40 organizations covering over 5000 participants.

Our Team comprises of Faculty Panel, Program Support Team, Panel of Educationalists, Psychologists, Counselors and HR professionals. Besides these we also have our panel of experts for relevant Industry Interface.

At FRET Solutions, we believe that it only takes an appropriate learning tool to teach any skill to a willing trainee. And we provide ample impetus to create interest and willingness in our training participants. Gone are the days when ‘to learn was the students’ ability’. The truth is that the responsibility always lies with the teacher to generate the curiosity and use an appropriate tool to impart the knowledge and make it such an experience that the lessons are then practiced in every day life.

Our Training faculty takes up role of ‘change agents’ and acts as catalysts for learning and development in the training sessions. Our Programs also offer scope for hand holding and problem solving sessions to provide the much needed support and positive re-enforcement.