Training Journal

Tania Coke thinks a little conflict can be a good thing. A new vision of organisational conflict is emerging. In this vision, conflict is no longer seen as a destructive force, destined to drag down morale, productivity and profits. Instead, conflict becomes an opportunity for learning and growth, which can increase creativity and boost motivation and […]

Leave or remain, Brexit has given us a chance to re-evaluate our debating abilities, says Tania Coke. What I found most striking about the Brexit referendum was not its outcome, but the nature of the debate that led up to it. We Brits – or what I saw of us in politicians, economists, journalists, family, friends […]

Thinking about your communication with others is an important skill to continuously develop. Tania Coke shares some tips. The terms “active listening” and “emotional intelligence” have become common-place in organisational life. Many of us have attended communication skills or conflict management training courses and pride ourselves on our interpersonal skills. It’s one thing to listen […]

There is a story from India of nine blind men who encounter an elephant for the first time. Reaching out to touch the elephant, they each discover a different part of the elephant’s body and are soon embroiled in violent disagreement. In this story, the nine men are unable to acknowledge one another’s perspectives. Each […]

“Business people need to listen at least as much as they need to talk. Too many people fail to realise that real communication goes in both directions.” Listening, as observed by Lee Iacocca, former CEO of Chrysler Corporation, is one of the most fundamental business skills but is hugely undervalued and rarely, if ever, taught. In this article, we go back to basics and ask […]