Friday, December 28, 2012

Succession Planning

Succession Planning

Succession Planning your people - Contingency Planning for skillsSuccession Planning is a HR based strategy often talked about but often considered too expensive for many smaller businesses to implement - or even justify the perceived cost of undertaking such activity. And yes to those in the know, Succession Planning can be one of the most important human resource functions to sustaining business performance.

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Mike Morrison is director of RapidBI, an organizational effectiveness consultancy. He has been involved in HR, OD and strategic development for over 20 years. He can be contacted via www.rapidbi.com/ © This article is copyright RapidBI 2006, 2008 – it may be copied providing the authors are credited, and direct links maintained Bookmark and Share

Monday, September 10, 2012

The SAVI approach to learning

In Accelerated Learning, the acronym 'SAVI' stands for Somatic, Auditory, Visual and Intellectual methods of imparting education. In non-technical terms, it is learning through physical activity, talking and social interaction, listening and watching, and thinking, reflecting (and) analyzing respectively



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/the-savi-approach-to-learning/

Sunday, September 09, 2012

TNA template – Training needs analysis for self assessing

Training needs analysis for assessing your own needs Identifying training needs or identifying learning needs are topics we are often asked about. To help individuals undertaking TNA or LNAs on themselves, we have developed a series of templates to act as a starter for you. Often the content of the needs analysis template may be [...]



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/tna-template-training-needs-analysis-for-self-assessing/

Saturday, September 08, 2012

Eight ways to learn from your mistakes

In the book “Ending the Blame Culture” Michael Pearn, Chris Mulrooney and Tom Payne, the authors say there are eight ways to learn from mistakes. These are: Explore what happened don’t judge it Remain calm instead of getting emotional Find out what actually happened instead of reacting to what you think happened Focus on faulty [...]



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/eight-ways-to-learn-from-your-mistakes/

Friday, September 07, 2012

Social Media – its not about you – the #1 mistake many corporates make

Social Media - it's not about you - the #1 mistake many corporates make This past week has been an interesting one for me on twitter, and it has led me to a realisation of where many in social media go wrong. The week started for me last week (I kn...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/social-media-its-not-about-you-the-1-mistake-many-corporates-make/

Thursday, September 06, 2012

Free discussion group for those involved in training

One of the best kept secrets in the training world is the daily digest from Training Journal. Known as the TJ Daily Digest (once the UKHRD started by Fenman)this daily round-up of questions and answers of all things training is free again sign up here to receive it http://www.trainingjournal.com/ Great for in-house training specialists to [...]



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/free-discussion-group-for-those-involved-in-training/

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

What is Business Transformation?

Business Transformation is a change management strategy which has the aim to align People, Process and Technology initiatives of a company more closely with its business strategy and vision. In turn this helps to support and innovate new business strategies. Business transformation need innovation to be successful.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/what-is-business-transformation/

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

TPMA Performance Monitoring Assessment Service

In late 2008 the IITT and BCS announced the trainer standard - TPMA - Performance Monitoring & Assessment Service. This new qualification from the IITT & BCS aims to improve the quality of technical and IT training.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/tpma-performance-monitoring-assessment-service/

Monday, September 03, 2012

How to prepare for your own superlearning programme (learning and mental)

Learning to learn & brain friendly learning - how a superlearning programme, through a well orchestered process of self learning could be achieved



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-own-super-learning-programme-learning-and-mental/

Sunday, September 02, 2012

HRZone – delivering topical, practical content to HR professionals in business

HRZone - a long running forum and community for professionals in Human Resources has just completed a re-brand - and more than that, it is now much more than just a forum.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/hrzone-delivering-topical-practical-content-to-hr-professionals-in-business/

Saturday, September 01, 2012

Management training resources for trainers

All trainers need resources for their training courses. RapidBI have developed many programmes over the years, some of our content is listed here.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/management-training-resources-for-trainers/

Friday, August 31, 2012

Pecha Kucha Presentation Technique

Pecha Kucha is a presentation technique especially for those that love PowerPoint, it is fun, fast and interesting, limiting the presentation to 20 slides and 20 seconds per slide - a maximum of 6 minutes 20 seconds. A unique structure for a presentation. 20x20 presentation technique



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/pecha-kucha-presentation-technique/

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Four traits of transformational leaders

Four traits of transformational leaders



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/four-traits-of-transformational-leaders/

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

intelligent dressing social or business

Intelligent Dressing is an approach to subliminal influencing developed by Peter Landau & Mike Morrison. It looks at the power of sartorial influence and how we are conditioned to react. Beyond NLP, NSP provides a visual approach to influencing.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/intelligent_dressing_social_or_business/

Are you or might you be subject to IR35? as contractor or employer

Are you or might you be subject to IR35? as contractor or employer There are an increasingly number of people working as consultants and contractors that purport to be self employed. But are you really? In the UK, the HMRC has a number of checks wh...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/are-you-or-might-you-be-subject-to-ir35-as-contractor-or-employer/

If twitter were just 100 people

If twitter were just 100 people This is an interesting way of looking at your twitter followers. So in reality less than 5% of your followers add anything to your message by re-tweeting to significant numbers. We need to find and delete the "dead"...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/if-twitter-were-just-100-people/

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Networking or not working? – The value of social networking

For those of us that use the net during work time, there are two types of networking sites, those that can aid learning, productivity and build business relationships and those that can slow or even stop work in its tracks. In this article, I explore the risks to individuals and businesses in the growing use [...]



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/networking-or-not-working-the-value-of-social-networking/

Monday, August 27, 2012

London Marathon Change or Transition Model

When looking to lead change: The Marathon Effect The Marathon Effect or Model is taken from William Bridges, author of Managing Transitions, Making the Most of Change. It is often known as Bridges three stage model.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/london-marathon-change-transition-model/

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Leadership through the ages

Leadership through the ages We all know that managing and leading businesses of today is different from 20+ years ago. But how is it different This interesting graphic helps to show the focus of some of those key differences. Sometimes these cha...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/leadership-through-the-ages/

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Causes and Cures of Stress in Organizations – Walonick

Job stress in organizations is widespread. About half of all workers feel the pressures of job-related stress. Extensive research shows that excessive job stress can adversely affect the emotional and physical health of workers.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/causes-cures-stress-organizations-walonick/

Friday, August 24, 2012

PEST analysis

The PEST analysis is a great tool to help understand the environment in which an organization operates. This page provides information on how to complete a PEST analysis



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/pestanalysis/

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Set up an Appraisal System and Performance Management (appraisal) System

As a company grows, so does its need for more formal or structured management systems. Managing the performance of people in the company becomes increasingly important. This page guides managers and HR professionals through some of the steps to implementing an appraisal or performance management system



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/set-up-an-appraisal-system-and-performance-management-appraisal-system/

Its not going to happen here! – change management psychology

It's not going to happen here! - change management psychology Some people love and welcome change - not all change - but a partuicular change at a particular point in time. The change may be instigated by our partner, boss, peers, suppliers, technol...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/its-not-going-to-happen-here-change-management-psychology/

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Google’s Project Oxygen – 8 point plan to help managers improve

Google have grown, so has their need to manage effectively. This company has the time & resource like no other, & uses it to identify key manager improvements. Its what we expected - nothing new - except its about really doing these well.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/google-project-oxygen-8-point-plan-to-help-managers/

Jam tomorrow, or jam today? – What is the budget?

Jam tomorrow, or Jam today? "I'm sure I'll take you with pleasure!" the Queen said. "Two pence a week, and jam every other day." Alice couldn't help laughing, as she said, "I don't want you to hire ME - and I don't care for jam." "It's very good jam...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/jam-tomorrow-or-jam-today-what-is-the-budget/

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Things to look for in a leader

Nine things to look for in leaders



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/nine-things-to-look-for-in-leaders/

Monday, August 20, 2012

Top tips for Effective Time Management

Ineffective or poor time management. Being lazy makes you lose most of your precious time and thus your tasks get pended over the period of time. Always remember that time lost can never be retrieved back and the one that respects time can always proceed in life along with time.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/top-tips-for-effective-time-management/

Gamification in business – the war on leadership and talent

Gamification in business - the war on talent, and marketing It's here, its there its everywhere - are you taking part? What am I talking about? Gamification - turning potentially mundain tasks into game activities, where "points make prizes" In ...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/gamification-in-business-the-war-on-talent-and-marketing/

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Business Coaching

There are many providers of caoching in the market today. Some at improving the effectivness of your people, some at improving the quality of your life. At RapidBI we specialise our coaching activity working with high performers, helping them to be even better. Coaching for executives.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/business-coaching/

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Strategic Analysis and Planning

When to use Strategic Analysis Strategic planning is the process of developing a shared vision of your organization’s future and deciding upon the major steps you will take to move the organization in that direction. A strategic analysis is one of the key phases and requirements to the development of any strategic plan. The strategic [...]



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/strategic-analysis-and-planning/

Why not to trust an "independent" business adviser or mentor

Why not to trust an "independent" business adviser or mentor It is true that no man is an island. When starting out in business as well as running and growing your business, quite simply you cannot do it on your own. You need trusted business advisers...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/why-not-to-trust-an-independent-business-adviser-or-mentor/

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

swimming with the fishes

{EAV:f355a4eb060ad10e} Just heard today that my eldest daughter has just had her first shark dive - jealous!
Mike Morrison is director of RapidBI, an organizational effectiveness consultancy. He has been involved in HR, OD and strategic development for over 20 years. He can be contacted via
www.rapidbi.com/ © This article is copyright RapidBI 2006, 2008 – it may be copied providing the authors are credited, and direct links maintained Bookmark and Share

Consulting Skills

Consulting skills are increasingly important to Human Resources, Organizational Development and change teams, as well as those people working in the interim or freelance market place. The tools that consultants use can often make the different between a successful and an unsuccessful assignment or project.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/consultingskills/

Leadership – what you want and what you get

Leadership - what you want and what you get Whilst looking for some information on international leadership, I came across this data from KellyOCG. What I found interesting is that often you hear complaints about the leadership in the UK or the US ...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/leadership-what-you-want-and-what-you-get/

HAVE-DO-BE or DO-BE-HAVE?

HAVE-DO-BE or DO-BE-HAVE? what is the required mind set of an entrepreneur or winner in any game?



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/have-do-be-or-do-be-have/

Monday, August 13, 2012

Train the trainer course – what to look for?

Need a Train the trainer course? Google shows over 4 million results - so how do you choose? This article looks at some of the practical things to look for in selection CIPD, CTP, ELF



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/train-the-trainer-course-what-to-look-for/

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Eight things leaders do…

Eight things leaders do…



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/eight-things-leaders-do%e2%80%a6/

Saturday, August 11, 2012

SWOT and PPCO

When reviewing ideas using a SWOT can be negative, so many now look at reviewing creative ideas with a different perspective. Pluses, Potentials, Concerns, Options Overcome the concerns



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/swot-and-ppco/

Friday, August 10, 2012

247tweet

This is a simple twitter tool to unfollow people that do not engage with you



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/247tweet/

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Project Management Model – SQERT

Project Management Model - SQERT - Scope, Quality, Effort, Risk, & Timing.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/project-management-model-sqert/

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

business improvement review – strategic (BIR-s)

As organizations grow they need to take the time to ensure the organic growth is relevant for achieving their vision. The BIR-S is a rapid diagnostic tool which can help manage this growth.



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/business_improvement_review_strategic/

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Three broad leadership competencies

Three broad leadership competencies



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/three-broad-leadership-competencies/

HR Metrics #hr #shrm #cipd

HR metrics For human resource departments and professionals around the world, one of the most often talked about topics is metrics of success. Measures that the function can use to demonstrate to the business leaders that they are not only adding valu...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/hr-metrics-hr-shrm-cipd/

Monday, August 06, 2012

Innovation – new or coming of time?

There are two kinds of innovation in every business: innovation in product or service and innovation in the various skills and activities needed to supply them. Innovation may arise out of the needs of the market and customer; necessity may be the mother of innovation. ..... management must not forget that innovation is a slow process



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/innovation-new-or-coming-of-time/

Organizational Behaviour – a summary of its constituent parts #HR

Organizational Behaviour - a summary of its constituent parts Often we hear the terms "organizational behaviour" or "organizational development" but what does it really mean? Today I came across this very simple diagram highlighting some of the key...



via RapidBI http://rapidbi.com/organizational-behaviour-a-summary-of-its-constituent-parts-hr/

Monday, March 14, 2011

Ready made materials for trainers

www.rapidbi.com/ © This article is copyright RapidBI 2006, 2008 – it may be copied providing the authors are credited, and direct links maintained Bookmark and Share


Sunday, 13 March 2011


Looking for ready to use training materials and courses?

Ready to use “off the shelf” training resources





Are you looking for ready made training course materials?



As time goes on it is getting increasingly difficult to write material from scratch. Not that writing is difficult – but that the time to do so is becoming more and more difficult. Training solutions are needed this week, with little time to prepare effectively.



In addition it is not only trainers that are asked to design and deliver training courses, but HR and line managers.



With our ready made training materials it is all here for you, a complete kit:



Facilitators guide with icebreakers and how to lead training sessions



Leaders guide – step by step what to do and say



Participant packs & handouts – ready for you to print and hand out



PowerPoint slides ready for you to brand & customize



Certificates – ready to print



Activities, exercises and other resources as required



Most of our ready made & ready to use courses are half day duration, some are one day. They are easy to shorten or make longer as you need.



Ready made and ready to use training course materials & trainers notes





Mike Morrison is director of RapidBI, an organizational effectiveness consultancy. He has been involved in HR, OD and strategic development for over 20 years. He can be contacted via

Saturday, December 18, 2010

How to Select a Training Provider

How to choose and buy training from an external provider

selecting training providersTraining is increasingly being seen as an optional spend. With more and more being... http://rapidbi.com/management/how-to-select-a-training-provider/

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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

History of Coaching - A True Insight into Coaching

History of Coaching

History of CoachingCoaching is everywhere. It is the hot topic of management, leadership and people development. This article explores the history of coaching through the... http://rapidbi.com/management/history-of-coaching-a-true-insight-into-coaching/

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Thursday, November 18, 2010

Harvard Yale Written Goals Study - fact or fiction?

3% of Harvard MBAs Make Ten Times as Much as the Other 97% Combined

Or so the written goal study story goes regarding personal effectiveness and performance...

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The Dangers of Social Networking - Duplicity

Social Networking destroyed my confidence

Changing Times - Networking & Social MediaSome months ago we published a humorous piece on "

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Should Staff Work Their Full Notice Period?

How to maintain performance when a person is working their notice period

Working during notice periodAs an employer we want the employee to stay... http://rapidbi.com/management/should-staff-work-their-full-notice-period/

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Harvard Yale Written Goals Study - fact or fiction?

3% of Harvard MBAs Make Ten Times as Much as the Other 97% Combined

Or so the written goal study story goes...

For a long time I have heard of the 1953 Harvard study or the 1979 Yale study on the effects of written goals of graduates on the long term performance or people. many coaching, training and personal development providers quote one or other as the reason why we should each have written life and performance goals.

Many often quote it as being: tracking

Saturday, August 07, 2010

Pecha Kucha or the 20x20 presentation technique

Pecha Kucha or how to get your point across in less than seven minutes?

Do you want your audience to be hooked from the off? Then... http://rapidbi.com/management/pecha-kucha-or-the-20x20-presentation-technique/

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Monday, July 26, 2010

Hidden Dangers of 25% budget cuts

In tough times we need to make tough decisions

How to cut 25% budget without spiting your face.

With public sector organisations all over the UK (and others) facing mandatory cuts of 25% budget cuts across... http://rapidbi.com/management/hidden-dangers-of-25-budget-cuts/

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Friday, July 02, 2010

Business Intelligence

What is Business Intelligence (BI)?

Business Intelligence ranges from data about an organization's performance, through to customer purchasing habits, industry, market and/or competitor analysis.

Once a strategy for Business Intelligence data collection has been developed, the systems provide a rapid approach to having this data for business focused decision making. Measure the wrong things or fail to take into account changes or trends and the data you have is worse than... http://rapidbi.com/management/business-intelligence-bi/

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What is Jelly? - co-working for lone workers

Jelly - A Semi-Weekly Work Together

Today I received an interesting tweet about "#Jelly". This got me interested and I stared a little research. In essence, Jelly is a way for people that work on their own to... http://rapidbi.com/management/what-is-jelly-co-working-for-lone-workers/

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

History of SMART Objectives

Introduction to SMART objectives and SMART Goals

SMART Objectives imageManagement by Objectives is often credited to Peter Drucker in his 1954 book... http://rapidbi.com/management/history-of-smart-objectives/

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Saturday, May 29, 2010

Organizational Development & Organizational Effectiveness

OD Culture and needs assessment

What is Organizational Development?

Organization Development (OD) is a complex strategy intended to change the beliefs, attitudes, values, culture and structure of organizations so that they can better adapt to new technologies, markets, and challenges. Organizational Development methods are employed to improve Organizational Effectiveness (OE).

Performance improvement is a key reason for... http://rapidbi.com/management/organizational-development-organizational-effectiveness/

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Top 50 HR blogs in the world

RapidBI listed as one of the Top 50 HR blogs in the World

Today whilst traveling back home from running workshops across the UK all week I picked up on a twitter thread about top HR Blogs. With Jon Ingham congratulation several people for their blogs. Low an behold RapidBI was one of them!  Thank... http://rapidbi.com/management/top-50-hr-blogs-in-the-world/

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Monday, May 24, 2010

Porter's Five Forces - Competitor Analysis (Michael Porter)

Michael Porter's Five Forces Analysis

Porter's 5 forces - book coverMichael Porter's five forces is a model used to explore the environment in which a product or company operates.

Five forces analysis looks at five key areas mainly... http://rapidbi.com/management/porters-five-forces-competitor-analysis-michael-porter/

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Saturday, May 22, 2010

Training Needs Analysis TNA - sample templates

Training Needs Analysis TNA - sample templates

The links below will provide access to a sample TNA form and an example how the same data can be used for developing personal development plans.

TNA Sample data collection form and Sample Output for PDP use

The original article published in TrainingZone is... http://rapidbi.com/management/training-needs-analysis-tna-sample-templates/

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Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Perfect Training Room Of The Future

Anatomy of a training environment

Times are changing, as should the use and technology within a training room, but what technologies could be used to create an effective learning environment?... http://rapidbi.com/management/the-perfect-training-room-of-the-future/

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20 Tip Checklist - Training Room/ Venue Basics

Basic Requirements of a Training Room/ Venue

Often I get asked by new trainers what are the basics I need from a training venue. So here is my 20 point checklist of the basics (in no particular order)...

  1. Access to public transport
  2. Additional stationery if required, eg paper, pens, highlighters etc
  3. Air-conditioning/ fans/ heating that's easily adjustable
  4. Catering - appropriate provision of refreshments/... http://rapidbi.com/management/training-room-venue-basics/
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Brainstorming - Making it work in light of new research

Group think limits brainstorming benefits

In an article:

"Collaborative fixation: Effects of others' ideas on brainstorming" by: Nicholas W. Kohn, Steven M. Smith in Applied Cognitive Psychology (29 March 2010) an insight into the real effectiveness of brainstorming is given.

The abstract summarizes the thinking very well:

Three experiments examined whether or not fixation effects occur in brainstorming as a function of receiving... http://rapidbi.com/management/brainstorming-making-it-work-in-light-of-new-research/

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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Model and Theory - Urgent Vs Important

Time Management Prioritisation

Management model - time and priority management - Urgent &  Important
Management model - time and priority management - Urgent... http://rapidbi.com/management/model-and-theory-urgent-vs-important/

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Thursday, May 13, 2010

Creativity and Innovation Models - applying in practice

Creativity and Innovation Models

There are many approached to creativity and innovation, however many users look at the technique and not the process or barriers.

In our brief article on the 4-As (Aim Assess Activate & Apply) we looked at how this process could be easily used to help develop the innovative... http://rapidbi.com/management/creativity-and-innovation-models-applying-in-practice/

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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Training Needs Analysis Template - Call Centre

Training Needs Analysis/ Assessment - Call Centre Agent

Purpose of Training Needs Analysis (TNA)

The company considers a Call Centre Agent as a valuable asset that could help best deliver the services that the client expects tracking

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Training Plans and Training Plan Templates

Sample Training Plans and Templates

As organizations change their structure more and more managers are being asked to develop training plans. With many of these organizations not having a centralised training function or resource this is leading to a plethora of formats of training plans in organizations and sectors.

To help those managers in the position of writing a training plan, we have developed a short series of articles providing a range of structures - one of which will... http://rapidbi.com/management/training-plans-and-training-plan-templates/

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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

ASTD, SHRM and CIPD to Merge - Shock news in the world of HR

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Team Leader Mentoring

Using Mentoring to Effectively Develop Team Leaders

Team leader and middle management mentoring is... http://rapidbi.com/management/team-leader-mentoring/

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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Business Mentoring What is it?

What is Mentoring?

Is mentoring a fad or here to stay as a valuable organizational development strategy?

87% of... http://rapidbi.com/management/business-mentoring-what-is-it/

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Making Twitter Work for Business - #connectingHR

Making Twitter & Networking Work for Business

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Friday, March 19, 2010

GROW into a coaching model

GROW -- Goals - Reality - Options - Will

The GROW model in coaching has been around for some time. It was first made popular by Sir John... http://rapidbi.com/management/grow-into-a-coaching-model/

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