Learning options A decade ago, many people looked to enrol in a training workshop, attend a Polytechnic course or register in a night class when they wished to learn new skills. Today, however, the nature of learning and the way we gain new skills has changed radically. Advances in online learning, social media learning, machine learning and artificial intelligence have changed all of … [Read more...]
Good employers attract the talent
It's a constant challenge for any employer - to attract and retain great employees. While the low unemployment level in New Zealand (currently 4.4% - the lowest in a decade) is great for the economy, it is making finding and retaining great staff a challenge across all industries. Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and West Coast has one of the lowest unemployment levels in the country at 3.6%. The … [Read more...]
Walking the Tightrope
What would you do? Here's the scenario: A customer rings up and you take the call. The customer is calling to complain about a report they received from your company. They complain that the report is poorly written and contains a number of factual errors. You check the report and see that it's written by your manager. What do you do? 'Saving face' - it's a concept that we usually associate … [Read more...]
Language Matters
There's a part of me that dies inside when I hear cliches. Business ideas described as a 'gap in the market' (seriously?), managers who talk about 'going forward' (it's quite difficult to go backwards), or 'blue skies thinking' (translated = I have no idea how to solve this problem). Cliches are overused expressions which lack originality of thought and clarity of intent. I'd rather spend time … [Read more...]
The E-Learning Effect
What is e-learning? Most of us have heard of it, some may have even tried it and more and more of us are considering it an attractive option when deciding on training. E-learning by definition, is learning conducted via electronic media - typically on the Internet. With origins in distance learning, the rise in popularity of e-learning is fast accelerating. Try browsing on-line courses and you … [Read more...]
“Computer skills training has helped me immensely”
Knowing how to use a computer software programme isn’t easy unless you’re taught how. Richard Mabbott shares a feeling others can identify with. I caught up with the good-natured Project Manager with an appreciation for a good bacon and egg breakfast, after he completed computer skills training with Business Development Company six months ago. As a Project Manager at Gibbons Construction in … [Read more...]
We’ve had a Great Year
On Thursday 27 November we held a summer evening function at our office to celebrate some milestones we achieved in 2014 - our recent re-brand and our renovated premises, as well as Christmas. Drinks and nibbles were shared out on the deck while we listened to live Irish music. It was a great event to celebrate 2014 and to thank you, our clients, for working and learning with us. Business … [Read more...]