New Training Resources

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 25 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To explore how accurate participants can be when working under pressure.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and PIN.
• The PowerPoint slides of examples.

Notes:
This is a more demanding version of the Colour Confusion activities that can be used as a follow-on.

This game is best played in teams with 2-3 participants in each.

Please note, this exercise may not be suitable if you have participants who suffer from colour-blindness, or who are visually impaired.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 50 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to try creating innovative solutions from seemingly wacky ideas.
• To illustrate how the craziest ideas can contain the germ of brilliance.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The PowerPoint slide ready to share.

Notes:
We recommend using a real issue in this activity, if participants work for the same organisation, but it’s not essential.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 15 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To reflect on how well participants work together in a competitive situation.
• To re-energise a group.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and PIN.
• The PowerPoint example slide.

Notes:
This game is best played in teams with between 3 and 5 participants in each.

Please note, this exercise may not be suitable if you have participants who suffer from colour-blindness, or who are visually impaired.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 20 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To test participants accuracy under pressure when working in teams.
• To reflect on how they could have improved their performance.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and PIN.
• The PowerPoint slides of examples.

Notes:
This game is best played in teams with 3-5 participants in each.

Please note, this exercise may not be suitable if you have participants who suffer from colour-blindness, or who are visually impaired.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To remind participants of the GROW model and what each letter stands for.
• To encourage participants to reflect upon how they’ll continue to develop their coaching skills and create an action plan using the GROW model.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s also suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 15 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To help participants understand the importance of using clear and simple language when communicating with others.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The PowerPoint and Handout ready to share with participants.
• A stopwatch or timer.

Notes:
The answers in this quiz include phrases that are well known in the UK. Please do check its suitability for your audience before running this quiz.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To build rapport between participants.
• To identify learning objectives.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The PowerPoint slides provided or similar software that allows participants to draw/colour a picture.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (not required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 30 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 45 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To explore what participants can do to improve their own levels of engagement.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link provided and your Activity Link PIN.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 45 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 75 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• Test analytical skills and encourage clear thinking.
• Test participants’ attention to detail, individually or collectively, and to test levels of accuracy under pressure.
• Allow participants to work together to solve a specific problem.

Skills and Behaviours Tested:
Analytical skills, attention to detail, problem solving, teamwork.

Group Size:
We recommend placing participants into teams of 2–4 for this exercise. However, strictly speaking there is no minimum number of participants – this exercise can even be used to test individual skills.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link in Trainers’ Library and your Activity Link PIN from the My Account section of the member homepage.

Notes:
In this exercise participants are presented with a lot of information and success will depend on their ability to approach the problem in a structured, methodical way and work effectively under pressure.

This exercise can also be used to examine the role of leaders within teams. If you wish to use the exercise in this way, you might want to pre-assign the role of leader to someone from each team.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required - if more than one team).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 45 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 80 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To explore the way underlying beliefs can drive behaviour.
• To help participants to identify beliefs that they share even where the observable behaviours seem unusual.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Teams, work groups and/or their leaders who wish to explore cultural differences between nationalities, age groups, or departments and organisations.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Links provided and your Activity Link PIN.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 30 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 45 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To explore what participants can do to improve their own levels of engagement.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 30 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on learning they’ve experienced.
• To review the key learning points from training.
• To encourage participants to think about the next steps they’ll take to implement the learning.

Group Size:
This module can be used with larger groups of between 7 and 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• We recommend using the Spinning Wheel for this activity, though it’s not essential.

Notes:
The questions we’ve provided in this activity are suggestions only and you do not have to include all categories. It is recommended that, if including the blue ‘facts’ category, you add further questions specific to your learning content.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 30 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on learning they’ve experienced.
• To review the key learning points from training.
• To encourage participants to think about the next steps they’ll take to implement the learning.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of between 8 and 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• We recommend using the Spinning Wheel for this activity, though it’s not essential.
• To prepare the Question Cards in advance of the training.

Notes:
The questions we’ve provided in this activity are suggestions only and you do not have to include all categories. It is recommended that, if including the blue ‘facts’ category, you add further questions specific to your learning content.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 40 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on learning they’ve experienced, and how they are going to use it.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• You will want to make sure participants have access to the tools and resources they need for this exercise, if you want them to complete it during the live training session.

Notes:
This could be a task that participants complete in their own time outside the learning event, in which case we recommend that you arrange a review session where the results are shared, and where you build on these with some action planning activities to conclude the training programme.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (optional).

Time:
This exercise will take about 20 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 40 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on learning they’ve experienced, and how they are going to use it.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• To make sure participants have access to the tools and resources they need for this exercise, if you want them to complete it during the training session.

Notes:
This could be a task that participants complete in their own time outside the learning session, in which case we recommend that you arrange a review session where the results are shared and where you build on these with some action planning activities to conclude the training programme.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
This exercise will take about 15 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 45 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on where they are, their strengths and the challenges they face.
• To identify parallels with nature and reflect on what learning this provides.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
New leaders in particular and in any situation where self-reflection might be valuable.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
Nature can be a powerful metaphor for learning. It is, after all, in a constant state of change, growth and renewal and it’s full of symbiotic relationships. There are clear parallels here with the workplace where success is often dependent on teamwork, where change is constant and where communication, learning and adaptability are essential skills.

This can be a particularly powerful activity to use with new managers to encourage them to reflect on their place in the team and the skills they need to develop but it can be used in other situations too, where some self-reflection might be valuable.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 45 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To encourage participants to reflect on where they are, their strengths and the challenges they face.
• To identify parallels with nature and reflect on what learning this provides.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s also suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
New leaders in particular and in any situation where self-reflection might be valuable.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Notes:
Nature can be a powerful metaphor for learning. It is, after all, in a constant state of change, growth and renewal and it’s full of symbiotic relationships. There are clear parallels here with the workplace where success is often dependent on teamwork, where change is constant and where communication, learning and adaptability are essential skills.

This can be a particularly powerful activity to use with new managers to encourage them to reflect on their place in the team and the skills they need to develop but it can be used in other situations too, where some self-reflection might be valuable.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 35 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 50 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To introduce (or remind participants of) SMART objectives.
• To give participants the opportunity to practice writing SMART objectives.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• The Activity Link and your PIN from Trainers’ Library.

Notes:
This module can be used to introduce SMART for participants who have not encountered the acronym before, or as a refresher for those who have.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 45 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To show participants a five-step model that will help them establish the need for a difficult conversation and plan for a successful outcome.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 15 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 45 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To show participants a five-step model that will help them establish the need for a difficult conversation and plan for a successful outcome.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
There is a Remote Delivery version of this module available in Trainers’ Library.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 25 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 50 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To test participant’s attention to detail and accuracy skills.
• To identify the kinds of mistakes that are commonly made when writing or checking documents, and how to avoid them.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• Nothing other than the materials provided.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 10 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 25 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To test participant’s problem-solving skills.
• To explore the different behaviours employed when solving problems.
• To identify how these behaviours can impact team performance.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Anyone.

You'll Need:
• The PowerPoint slides (Handouts and Solution) ready to send to, or share with, participants.

Notes:
This icebreaker works best when participants are split into teams of 2 or 3. It is fine for different teams to have the same puzzle.

There is another module which uses the same activity as this but in a different way. This icebreaker focuses on Problem Solving skills, whereas the other is a course module, ‘Letters Get Better’, which focuses on Continuous Improvement.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 40 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To demonstrate how a decision matrix can be used, when trying to decide between various options.
• To demonstrate the importance of weighting different criteria when making decisions.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Staff up to junior managers.

You'll Need:
• To create the polls based on that shown in the Trainer’s Handout.
• The Activity Link from Trainers’ Library and your PIN.

Notes:
This module introduces a simple scoring and weighting system to help the decision making process when choosing between several options.

In this module we’ve used a fictional currency that consists of Unum and Centum. This means the exercise can be used in any country, and with international groups, without further adaptation. 100 Unum = 1 Centum.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).

Time:
This exercise will take about 10 minutes to complete. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing 20 minutes for completion.

Aims:
• To test participants communication in a fun way and identify areas for improvement.
• To consider the impact poor communication can have on performance levels.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 25 participants.

Useful For:
Staff at all levels.

You'll Need:
• A bucket (or a bowl if space is limited).
• A timer/stopwatch.
• A flipchart to record the scores.

And for each pair of participants:
• A blindfold.
• 6 soft balls (or tiddlywinks/counters if space is limited). (Each pair must have six balls/counters of the same colour.)

Notes:
If space is limited, substitute the bucket and soft balls for a bowl and tiddlywinks/counters.

Time:
The exercise in this module can be completed in about 20 minutes. In total, allowing for discussion, we recommend allowing about 40 minutes for this module.

Aims:
• To provide participants an opportunity to review and ‘continuously’ improve their performance.
• To illustrate the importance of a continuous improvement process.
• To recognise behaviours that can get in the way of continuous improvement.

Group Size:
This module can be used with groups of up to 12 participants. It’s not suitable for 1-1 training.

Useful For:
Teams.

You'll Need:
• The PowerPoint slides ready to send to, or share with, participants.
• A stopwatch or timer for each team in play.

Notes:
This module works best when participants are split into teams of 2 or 3.

There are two versions of this activity – this one focuses on Continuous Improvement and the other version called ‘The Problem with Letters’ focuses on Problem Solving skills.

Remote/Virtual Delivery:
Remote Delivery requires a system that as an absolute minimum provides the following functionality:
• Face-to-face discussion.
• Share screen.
• Chat.
• Share files.

In addition, we strongly recommend using a system that provides for:
• Polls/Quizzes (not required).
• Breakout Rooms (required).