Workshops and Seminars

The Managers Studio team has proven experience and track record in the design and delivery of tailor-made seminars and workshops, onsite or offsite.

Regardless of the learning solution we apply, our aim is to ensure that it is a truly participative experience where:

- The participant spends more than 70% of the time immersed in activities, debate, exercises, and of course games (let’s be serious, but not sad…).
- The participant is encouraged to experiment and operate outside of their normal “comfort zone”. If we don’t take risks, we will never learn.
- The participant creates and takes ownership of their personal development plan.

Leadership and Management

• Planning and Time Management

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  Planning and Time Management
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10/15
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  There are only three ways to better manage our time; stop doing certain things ourselves, do the same things in less time or manage the things we do more effectively.

  As we well know, managing our time means clearly identifying our objectives, planning our tasks and using the available resources - one of which is time itself - to their full potential.

  Designed for
  Anyone in business who wants to improve their day-to-day planning and time management skills.

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • A comprehensive understanding of how the way in which we organise ourselves impacts our own performance and others’.
  • The effective use of priority setting tools and techniques.
  • The fundamentals of “Getting Things Done”.
  • Short, medium and long term planning for projects and complex tasks.
  • Guidelines for meetings to ensure they are as effective and as productive as possible.
  • Identification of the factors that adversely affect our efficiency when it comes to planning and time management and creation of a personal improvement and development plan.

  General Contents

  • Evaluation and analysis of the factors that affect the participants’ ability to organise and plan their work.
  • How to deal with the those factors within our “area of control”.
  • Setting priorities.
  • Organising day-to-day tasks: working in the short term.
  • Controlling our own time; dealing with interruptions, reducing the impact of other peoples’ priorities on our work and respect for other peoples’ time.
  • Organising tasks and projects in the medium and long term.
  • “Self-management” techniques and tools.
  • Communication skills associated with time management.
  • The process of communication.

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• Developing Management Skills

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  Developing Management Skills
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10/15
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  Regardless of person’s training or experience, taking on a supervisory role for the first time can be somewhat daunting. The challenge lies not only in the making of decisions that will directly impact both individuals and teams as a whole, but also in communicating effectively with others in order to successfully influence, guide and ultimately develop them. It also lies in the ability to delegate tasks and to adapt leadership skills in accordance with the varying skill and experience levels of each of the individuals involved.

  Designed for
  Recently promoted team leaders, existing or potential directors, supervisors and managers requiring additional and/or refresher training.

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • In depth study of communication techniques for managing and motivating others.
  • Familiarisation with the principal performance management techniques.
  • Strengthening conflict management skills.
  • Exploring the principles of empowerment and delegation.
  • Practice of leadership and communication skills with personalised feedback.

  General Contents

  • Key leadership functions and competencies.
  • The importance of influence and assertiveness in effective leadership.
  • Identification of the principal leadership styles.
  • How to adapt leadership styles depending on the situation at hand and depending on the differing levels within the team.
  • Empowerment and delegation: the golden rules.
  • Coaching: setting objectives, giving feedback and dealing with performance issues.
  • Personal development plan.

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• High Performing Teams

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  High Performing Teams
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10/15
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  Professionals in business who strive to achieve corporate objectives agree that team performance is crucial to success in the modern business environment. In fact experts in organisation believe the “team phenomenon” to be one of the most important and innovative developments over the last century. Not only do you need direction and leadership to get the most out of a team, you also need to have a comprehensive understanding of group dynamics.

  Designed for
  Leaders and members of teams, within any organisational area or function. This course is useful when forming new teams, when you need to improve the performance and motivation of an existing team or in specific situations such as during a merger when integrating two teams from different cultural backgrounds.

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • An understanding of fundamentals of group dynamics.
  • Recognising team competencies and areas for further development.
  • Exploring ways to achieve trust and cohesion within the team.
  • Developing team leadership skills.
  • Development of evaluation and feedback skills.
  • Practicing effective communications skills based on case studies exercises and role-plays.

  General Contents

  • Group dynamics: How to deal with challenges and common obstacles.
  • Functional roles versus social roles: An introduction to the Margerison-McCann Team Management Systems concept.
  • Identifying performance indicators and the key competencies required to lead your own team.
  • Coordinating team members / tasks and “leadership communication” abilities and skills.
  • The importance of managing internal and external relationships.
  • Performance management of the team as a whole.

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• Leadership and Influence

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  Leadership and Influence
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10/15
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  While management can be defined as the art of achieving corporate or company objectives by managing the available resources on a day-to-day basis, leadership implies developing and promoting a vision for the future in which change is implicit:

  “where will we be tomorrow and how can we ensure that people will follow us there”

  Designed for
  Directors with at least 2 to 3 years experience in managing operational teams and who want to further develop their leadership skills. Directors who manage other managers and who are thus responsible for the development of their supervisory and leadership skills.

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • Recognising and promoting the skills needed to direct and influence other managers / directors. This competence is crucial - above all during periods of change when uncertainty and resistance can adversely impact the ability to lead effectively.
  • In-depth look at the different leadership styles and how to diagnose the performance and maturity levels within a team.
  • Learning to adapt your style to the variables which affect the performance of any team.
  • Practice of the key leadership skills which stand out from the rest.
  • Identification and development of potential leadership within the team.
  • Effective communication in order to better reach team consensus.
  • Identification of the key steps for dealing with resistance to change.

  General Contents

  • Leadership and influence styles: evaluation of your own leadership style.
  • Diagnosis of your degree of flexibility and capacity to adapt.
  • Critical leadership functions and competences in today’s organisations.
  • Interface management (team coordination and integration).
  • Recognising and developing potential leadership.
  • Decision making. When consensus is crucial, delegating power and decision making styles.
  • Coaching in delegating. The different degrees of delegating.
  • Optional: Team Management Profile (Team Management Systems).

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• Managing “special teams”

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  Managing “special teams”
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10/15
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  Multi-functional or geographically dispersed teams most often are created to address specific client, operational and market related issues. This happens in “virtual teams” where group members are not co-located, yet have to achieve results despite working in different time zones and cultures, and may not belong to the same functional areas, or even the same organisation. The team leader has to deal with issues that require a very specific approach. Here it is not just about conventional leadership skills but also about managing the team logistics (distances, protocols, communication etc…) and coordinating people with varying needs - all of this usually in a culturally diverse environment.

  Designed for
  Project managers, supervisors or executives who manage geographically or culturally diverse teams or teams which are made up of members from different operational areas.

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • Achieve a better understanding of the specific challenges that leaders of dispersed, international, multi-cultural or multi-functional teams have to face.
  • Study, practice and hone the competencies needed to achieve optimum collaboration and team integration in a “virtual” environment.
  • Build trust, overcoming cultural diversity and distance .
  • Explore the dynamics of culturally different teams and achieve an understanding of the impact of communication processes and protocols.
  • Develop the appropriate diagnostic and communications skills using case studies, exercises and role-plays.

  General Contents

  • Team leadership issues in “special” environments.
  • The 10 dimensions of inter-cultural effectiveness.
  • Definition of the key leadership functions and skills specific to the environment and team goals.
  • Balancing process and integration behaviour: defining team mission, goals and vision.
  • Study of tools specific to international or multi-functional projects covering the areas of analysis, time and resources management and project implementation.
  • Risk analysis, success factors.
  • Using the right technology.
  • How to deal with common obstacles. Managing external/internal relations and interfaces: creating trust with mentors and other stakeholders.

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• Coaching and Developing Skills

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  Coaching and Developing Skills
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10/15
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  Coaching has been defined as the effective combination of attitude, action and behaviour which enable others to successfully realise their full potential. It means helping others to identify their own goals, learning needs, and strengths, and accompanying them on the journey to fulfil their goals.

  Designed for
  Managers and supervisors who are already responsible for the monitoring and development of individual and team performance. Managers who will soon be taking on a supervisory or coaching role. Also for team managers, human resources staff and anyone involved in the process of observing, managing, guiding and measuring individual or team performance and development.

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • Explore communication techniques which foster individual and team performance.
  • Distinguish between the performance cycle and the development cycle.
  • Practice valuable coaching skills using effective communication techniques in practical exercises and role-plays.
  • Improve feedback techniques and analyse the causes of performance issues.
  • Find out how coaching and empowerment go hand in hand.
  • Integrate process, performance and people to be a better coach.
  • Create action plans that inspire people to achieve personal development objectives.
  • Link individual objectives and competencies the organisation’s.

  General Contents

  • Coaching: development and empowerment, setting and agreeing development paths and performance expectations.
  • Making personal development goals measurable.
  • Coaching styles: adapting to individual learning and development needs.
  • Different coaching cycles and expectations: how to integrate process and people.
  • Ten effective coaching principles and key behaviours.
  • Coaching communication skills and techniques: facilitating and giving feedback. creating rapport and trust. Filmed role-plays and individualised feedback.
  • Coaching to delegate and empower: process, phases and monitoring.
  • Procedures and techniques for dealing with specific performance and coaching issues.

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Communication and Impact

• Interpersonal Skills

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  Interpersonal Skills
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10/15
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  Reaching our objectives not only depends on our ability to analyse and execute. It deals to a great extent with our capacity to forge and maintain constructive relationships in the workplace and thus achieve results based on mutual cooperation, trust and respect. This course looks at the way different communication styles impact our ability to influence others. The course is participative and provides ample opportunity for individual practice.

  Designed for
  Anyone who wishes to develop their interpersonal communication skills and gain more confidence in the way they deal with their colleagues, co-workers and clients. It is specifically suitable for anyone who is about to take on new responsibilities in their job.

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • Learn the skills and behaviours associated with the art of influencing.
  • Explore and reassert existing interpersonal communication skills.
  • Identify the participant’s influence style and its impact on others.
  • Improve personal effectiveness in general.
  • Practice influence and communication techniques that will improve individual and team performance.
  • Deal with more confidently with conflict.

  General Contents

  • Why interpersonal relations are crucial to personal and professional success.
  • Dealing with communication obstacles.
  • The different communication skills: the “push” and “pull” model. Using social styles to enhance our versatility.
  • How to balance assertiveness and empathy to improve our capacity to influence and build trust. Creating rapport.
  • How to deal with aggressive and passive behaviour. The importance of body language.
  • Approaches and techniques for dealing with difficult people and situations. Strategies for resolving conflict.
  • Practice role-plays and personalised feedback with video.

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• Effective Presentations and Speaking in Public

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  Effective Presentations and Speaking in Public
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10 max.
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  Any manager will sooner or late have to face an audience with sufficient confidence to be able to come across convincingly and create a positive impact. This course is designed to give participants a solid understanding of how to prepare and deliver a successful presentation, and speak in public in general. The course is participative and dynamic, provides ample opportunities for practice and also includes video feedback.

  Designed for
  Directors, supervisors, executives and anyone else who needs to be able to put their ideas across clearly and convincingly - whether it be in meetings, formal presentations or training sessions. The contents can be tailor-made to suit those who have received no prior training in this area or can be adapted for those who are already familiar with the material and have plenty of experience but who would like to polish up on specific skills.

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • Communicate more confidently and convincingly.
  • Organise and structure presentations effectively.
  • Use body language and voice to maximum effect.
  • Design and use visuals for maximum impact.
  • Come across positively and deal with stage fright.
  • Hold the audience’s attention.
  • Deal with questions and objections with poise and confidence.

  General Contents

  • Adjusting the approach and style to the audience.
  • Setting communication objectives.
  • Deciding the appropriate structure and contents.
  • Opening and closing with impact.
  • Controlling your nerves and mastering stage fright.
  • Using verbal and non-verbal communication effectively.
  • Preparation and use of effective visuals.
  • Logistics: audiovisual equipment, seating etc…
  • Anticipating and dealing with difficult questions.

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• Effective Negotiations

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  Effective Negotiations
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10/15
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  Negotiations play a fundamental part in all aspects of our lives, and nowhere more so than in business, where we deal with clients, co-workers and suppliers on a daily basis. Poor negotiation skills can have a detrimental effect on our business relationships and can directly impact the company’s bottom line.

  Designed for
  Directors, supervisors, executives and anyone who needs to negotiate; whether it be with colleagues, internal and external clients, suppliers, team members etc…

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • Understand the key dynamics and golden rules of negotiations.
  • Practice techniques which allow you to establish a trust-based relationship while at the same time achieving your objectives.
  • Understand the various negotiations styles and the implications of each one during a negotiation process.
  • How to achieve win-win agreements and thus build on the relationship for the future.
  • Improve interpersonal skills in order to negotiate successfully.
  • Identify key areas for personal development.

  General Contents

  • What is a negotiation? When should you negotiate? Resolving conflict through negotiation: cooperative versus competitive approaches.
  • Negotiation skills, strategies and tactics. How to get to “yes”, and win/win agreements.
  • Preparation: analysis, objectives, variables and arguments, organisation etc…
  • Analysing the factors and phases in a negotiation.
  • What is my B.A.T.N.A?
  • Finding the zone of possible agreement.
  • Development of the negotiation from the exploratory phase through to the closing stage.
  • Negotiation case studies and role-plays for individuals and groups.
  • Personal development plan.

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• Relationship Management and Networking

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  Relationship Management and Networking
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10/15
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  Today’s business environment is stressful and anxiety levels can run high. In addition, we regularly depend on people over whom we have no direct authority to achieve results. In such an environment, forging lasting and trusting relationships, developing a comprehensive network of contacts and working constructively with key stakeholders outside and across all levels of the organisation are all fundamental to success. How do we go about this? Where do we start? This two-day workshop explores the different aspects of this ever more important skill.

  Designed for
  People who need to establish constructive and positive work relationships with a wide range of stakeholders in order to achieve both personal and professional goals.

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • Learn how to look at your relationships more strategically.
  • Develop a strategic network management plan.
  • Build constructive relationships with key stakeholders to achieve mutual goals.
  • From the point of view of the leader, examine the competencies needed to effectively manage a team’s internal and external linkages.
  • Analyse and understand the impact of the evolution of the organisational structures on the way leaders communicate.
  • Explore the guidelines for establishing required interfaces and linkages (communication and coordination habits) with the team to thus ensure efficient transmission of information, values, culture and relevant corporate goals.

  General Contents

  • What network / contact management is about and why it is important.
  • Evolution of the organisational model and the erosion of positional and hierarchical power.
  • The manager’s role as a coordinator of the team’s “interfaces” and influence network.
  • Communication as part of the leader’s role. “Political” power. Leadership skills associated with network / relationship management.
  • Analysis tools: building the internal team interfaces map.
  • Individual SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) of each team’s communications flows and processes.
  • The role of revitalising the corporate network.
  • Strategic management of the external network. Internal and external customer focus.

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• Customer focus Workshop

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  Customer focus Workshop
  Duration: 14 hours/ 2 days
  Number of participants: 10/15
  Language: Spanish, English, French.

  Introduction
  Over the last two decades, intense competition, globalisation, the evolution of consumer expectations and revolutionary technological advances have all conspired to make traditional marketing and sales all but obsolete. Modern marketing techniques put the consumer firmly in the spotlight and focusing on the product is no longer enough. Customer loyalty is key to creating organisational value.

  This two day course explores fundamental aspects of customer relationship management and focus: in other words, how to become a strategic partner to your customer.

  Designed for
  Any professional who wishes to sharpen their customer focus, in order to become a trusted strategic partner to their clients as opposed to being a mere provider.

  Objectives and benefits for the participant

  • Understand the importance of client orientated processes and the steps to achieving quality customer relationships.
  • Identify and know the client: their environment, expectations and experience.
  • Plan and prepare client meetings, creating an impact: objectives and clear strategies.
  • How to increase sales opportunities.
  • Understand the “intangibles” and practice the key behavioural skills for strengthening relationships with customers and becoming a trusted advisor.

  General Contents

  • The 4 steps to becoming a “strategic partner”: Knowledge, Trust, Anticipation and Partnership.
  • Preparing your customer meeting.
  • How to identify opportunities and resolve differences through long term client relationship management.
  • Practice how to create an impact: you don’t have a second chance to create a first impression .
  • Aligning your strategy and processes with your relationship management goals.
  • Research and analysis of needs, interests, motivation, situational factors etc….
  • The key factors to “presenting the argument”. Preparation of various arguments / proposals based on customer needs and expectations.
  • Adapting your selling style to the other person’s social style: calculated flexibility.
  • The art of skilful questions. The do’s and don’ts of closing deals
  • Handling difficult questions, objections and other problem issues

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