Leadership Development

Communication tops critical skills list – again.

ARAdmin / June 28, 2024

The requirement for comms skills tops the 2024 Most In-Demand LinkedIn skills research It’s staggering to think that this is the second year running where this has been the case, and that all 10 dimensions illuminated in the report are impacted in some way by good communication. The case for good communication is hardly a new one. Recent studies have shown that 70% of global employers state communication as the most desirable skill for new hires. We all know that communication skills can help drive meaningful change, productivity and impact. They improve confidence, influence, relationships and connection.According to CMS Wire, 97% of workers believe that communication impacts tasks every day. Why is it then, that the way we teach communication is yet to really hit the mark?I believe that there are a few key factors to consider. Since the pandemic, when remote working became a ‘thing’, we have struggled to replace the unique energy and sense of rapport and connection we get from face-to-face meetings. We’ve begun to lose our ability to ‘read the room’ in the way we used to. The Training Programmes that many Learning and Development departments and training companies run has not kept pace with the way we now like to learn. We live in a distracted, fast-paced VUCA world where time and attention is an extremely valuable currency. We need to understand what learners want, make content role-specific and relevant, and ensure that they can consume material in a way that works best for them. There is only one way to find this out, and that’s to ASK!Finally, in a disconnected world we crave one thing – connection. According to re-employability, “People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, are more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them. In other words, social connectedness generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional, and physical well-being.”What can we do? At Comms Lab we believe in the power of communication and connection above all else. Humans thrive in a connected environment. They perform better and are overall much happier and in better health. Our courses address this pinch-point head on, by giving you the tools, behaviours, strategies and practical experiences so that you can take what you’ve learnt and apply it to both your personal and professional relationships – and to increase your levels of self-awareness around these critical skills. Contact me for more info and to set up a time to chat. I NEED YOUR HELP, ALISON

Communication Skills, Empathy, Harmonisation, Leadership Development, Personal Development

Socially Intelligent?

ARAdmin / January 11, 2024

Social Intelligence and Empathic Resonance I’ve been reading a book called Social Intelligence by the author of Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman. It accounts for some of the effects we all experience as we tune in to other people, such as empathic resonance and the concept of the Japanese amae; “feeling felt”. Why is this important? According to Goleman, our level of social intelligence determines our success not just as Leaders, but in all our relationships and social interactions – and the sense of fulfilment we derive from them. In it he talks about the ‘high road’ of the thinking mind and the ‘low road’ of the emotional, quick to react side of us that makes snap (and often correct) decisions about people and situations. He says, “the low road, with its ultrarapid mirror neuron links, operates as a sort of sixth sense, prompting us to feel with another person, even though we may be only vaguely aware of our attunement.” Why your spindle cells matter. Does this attunement account for our ability to enter a room and immediately sense the atmosphere? Could it be that our “spindle cells are responsible for the secret of the speed of social intuition?” Social Intelligence is the key to better relationships. Our ability to tune into emotions as we approach someone, even when they choose to hide them, is something that can be honed. Perhaps realising that this is something we are all hardwired for, makes the process conscious when we need it to build bridges and establish closer connections. It seems that these “always-on” neural pathways are responsible for our ability to read people and situations with incredible accuracy, meaning that this is not just simply a survival instinct, but the essence of how we form close relationships. Being present is what gets you there. One of the ways I help clients tune in better to others is by listening with a completely blank mind. This makes you completely receptive to how your body is responding, which takes you out of your head and means you get the true meaning of the message. One that’s not distorted by your emotions, thoughts, biases, and assumptions. If you’re interested in learning how to become a more authentic, compassionate, and inspirational leader, contact me. ABOUT US We’re comms and SQ experts using a transformational, integrated approach. We’re invested in your growth and results. We’re committed to continuous improvement and innovation. ABOUT YOU Your default is positive impact. You’re innately curious and pursue purpose, growth, service, and meaning. You know you can get better results from your life and relationships. And you’re ready for it. EXCITING NEWS! SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE (SQ) COURSES AND COACHING HAVE LAUNCHED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE. QUESTIONS? REACH OUT. COURSE ON SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE 12 DIMENSIONS OF SQ MY TIMELINE 1985 In Sales at Oral B, I investigate what I’m doing to achieve 93% conversion rates and 98% customer loyalty. My insatiable curiosity is rewarded when I finally find something that stretches and challenges me: non-verbal comms. Realise that I have the power to change and start my lifelong personal development journey. 1993 Train people to develop/have confidence in their intuition, understand vibrational communication and connect core to core by deconstructing and normalising it. Gain extensive National TV, print and media coverage because of my down-to-earth approach. Now run 6 successful businesses. Add Marketing, PR + Strategy to my skillset. 1999 Become a parent. By 2000 over 15,000 delegates have had Intuition and Connection training. Disillusioned, stifled and stuck, I remain committed to demystifying these skills and taking them mainstream to a global audience. 2024 Corporate Learning and Development with a focus on Consultancy, complex problem solving, operations, strategy and leadership development. Another 1,500 delegates take my courses and 121 coaching. Continue travelling around Asia freelance. Comms Lab is born. READY TO… number BECOME A COMMS EXPERT WHO CAN FLEX YOUR STYLE FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT AND POSITIVE INFLUENCE? number1 HARNESS THE POWER OF CONNECTION TO BUILD INSTANT TRUST, RAPPORT, EMPATHY AND ALIGNMENT? number2 DISCOVER HOW PRACTICAL INTUITION CAN HELP YOU NAVIGATE PURPOSEFUL CHANGE, AND MAKE MORE INFORMED DECISIONS? ENJOY RICHER, MORE AUTHENTIC PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS? The connection between my children and I is already stronger thanks to you, and the methods you have given me will help me make them even more so. JULIA, HEALTH JOURNALIST Enabled me to shift blockages that had been holding me back over the past few years and made me feel complete again. CHARLIE, SOPHIA’S CHOICE ONLINE STORE On a practical level, it has made me listen to and trust and act on my instincts much more. I feel clearer, more ‘connected to myself’. PENNY, MARTIAL ARTS I really enjoyed the Course and feel I got a lot out of it. You gave me confidence in myself and made me look at life from a different perspective. YVONNE, COUNSELLOR COURSES RUNNING SOON. ENQUIRE NOW. number THE INTUITIVE LEADER. Leaders and aspiring leaders who want to improve decision-making, harmonise their teams, increase effectiveness and influence. number1 SQ FOR CHANGE. Equip yourself to successfully navigate change by embedding these 12 key principles. number2 E=U. At a fundamental level, we are all the same. When we communicate at this level, we build instant trust, rapport and connection. BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH WHEN YOU DISCOVER WHAT’S *POSSIBLE* Trust fund gluten-free scenester PBR&B hot chicken. Poke try-hard vegan pop-up. Banh mi meggings before they sold out meh. Viral edison bulb literally squid bespoke YOLO, drinking vinegar gentrify kitsch kale chips la croix disrupt hell of tumblr. Af chartreuse prism yr synth pork belly trust fund umami. Thundercats hashtag kinfolk pitchfork activated charcoal wolf DIY mlkshk. Austin letterpress READ MORE REAL RESULTS: Jen went from this unfortunate situation to this amazing one after this service I offer. Before: Trust fund gluten-free scenester PBR&B hot chicken. Poke try-hard vegan pop-up. Banh mi meggings before they sold out meh. Viral edison bulb literally squid bespoke YOLO, drinking vinegar gentrify kitsch

Goals and Vision, Leadership Development

4 Steps to finding your Leadership Vision.

ARAdmin / January 10, 2024

To be a Visionary Leader, you must have a Vision.Every Leader has a guiding Vision. One that underpins everything they do. Over 30 years ago, I had mine. It only lasted a few seconds, yet it had a profound impact on me. It’s defined every action I’ve taken since, and each decision I make. “Your vision is a ‘picture’ of what you aspire to – and what inspires you – in your work life,” the University of Berkeley explains. When my vision was still unconscious, I was guided by a strong desire to teach. I have done that in a number of capacities, but most of all, by being a teller of stories, with a focus on uplifting and empowering people. Your vision is different to a plan. It’s your mission, your drive. The fuel in the engine. Both require focus, but your plan is how your vision gets actioned. Qualities of an empowering vision: · Environment: I have not yet fully inhabited my vision, but I consciously do so more each day. Environment is key. When you’re in the right one, your vision blooms. In the wrong one, it withers and dies. Visions cannot exist or thrive in a negative, fearful environment, any more than you can. Make sure your environment supports and expands it. · Clarity: Your vision needs to be succinct, simple. When it is, it acts like a template,nourishing your experience and communicating who you are. It has the power to light up the dark corners of your inner and outer world. · Meaningful: It has to motivate you at a very deep level. It can only do this if it resonates so completely that it is fully you. How it translates will vary, but the story it underpins will always be the same. It’s part of a never-ending dialogue between you and your environment. · Personal: Claiming ownership is a commitment to living it. You should feel compelled by it, motivated by it. For this reason, don’t ever try and label or contain it, because if you do, you will restrict it – and it will never stand the test of time. · Growth: Your vision is meant to stretch and challenge you to be a little better than you were yesterday. It’s your best friend and teacher, the perfect hard-soft combination. How do you find your vision? · Harness your experience. Sit and close your eyes. Imagine or (set your intention to) see everything you’ve done in your career to date that you’ve loved. Take a deep breath and submerge yourself like an expert diver looking for a glimpse of something rare and precious. · Swim amongst the memories. Get into a reporter’s mindset. Be an observer and a recorder of experiences, nothing more. Watch the strands come together. Write down what strikes you. · Timing is everything. Do this every time you feel called to. Don’t be compulsive or impatient. Your vision will reveal itself to you in perfect clarity when the time is right. · Take action. Inhabit each version of your evolving vision so closely that actioning it becomes not just a choice, but an inevitability. Let it be your guiding light. My vision is a simple one. It’s set against a dark background, like night sky. Wherever I turn my focus, lights illuminate, like bright stars. Not all of them do, because that was never the plan. However, the ones that are ready – do. Once you have crystallised, inhabited, and consciously action your vision every day, find the right environment which allows it not just to exist, but expand. COURSE ON SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE 12 DIMENSIONS OF SQ QUICK RE-CAP SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE COURSES SQ for organisations and individuals is a holistic, integrated approach that blends Emotional Intelligence with ‘big picture’ awareness, enabling more creativity, innovation, and impact. It drives connection, builds greater rapport and fosters an open, collaborative culture. It clarifies purpose, sheds light on our deepest values and provides the leverage needed to thrive in our fast-paced, complex environment. SPRITUAL INTELLIGENCE COACHING Choose Coaching either as an add-on (group or 121) or to help you understand, apply and embed the 12 Dimensions of SQ into your day to day life.I’m a qualified Coach and Mentor with over 25 years experience facilitating many of the principles within SQ to groups and individuals. I also practice them myself, daily, so I’m more than qualified to support your growth and drive for more impact and meaning. VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON I’m available to facilitate SQ face to face anywhere in the world, am currently based in Asia, but travel extensively. I understand that a blended approach to learning can often make the transfer of skills and knowledge back into your daily life or workplace easier. I also run virtual-only classes. With a background in Learning and Development and over 30 years experience delivering training, you’re in safe hands.

COMMS LAB

COMMS LAB

Leadership Development

Communication tops critical skills list – again.

4 Steps to finding your Leadership Vision.

COMMS LAB - INSPIRING CHANGE

Inspiring personal and professional change and excellence by developing your intuition, ability to connect and build rapport, so you can improve your performance and relationships, be the leader you aspire to be, and make more aligned decisions.