Tools

1. Learning Styles - VARK Questionnaire

Ever wondered why sometimes your people just don't get something you have shown/taught them? Well, as simple as we want to keep things in business, the one size doesn't fit all. People are different and like to be treated as individuals. This means that people also have a preferred learning style which includes the intake and output of ideas and information.

VARK stands for Visual, Aural, Read/Write and Kinaesthetic. The VARK questionnaire helps us to better understand our people and how they best receive and give information.

To understand learning styles better in the workplace, try this simple » VARK questionnaire

2. Communication & Self-Awareness - Johari Window

Luft and Ingham called their Johari Window model 'Johari' after combining their first names, Joe and Harry. The Johari Window has became a widely used model for understanding and training self-awareness, personal development, improving communications, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, team development and inter-group relationships.

The Johari Window model is also referred to as a 'disclosure/feedback model of self awareness', and by some people an 'information processing tool'. The Johari Window actually represents information - feelings, experience, views, attitudes, skills, intentions, motivation, etc - within or about a person - in relation to their group, from four perspectives, which are described in the attached document.

To better understand this tool, please refer to the document » Johari Window Explained

3. Creative Planning - Mind Map

Mind Map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. Mind maps can be used to generate, visualise, structure and classify ideas, and as an aid in organisations for problem solving, decision making, planning, presenting and writing.

To find out more and to create your own mind map, please refer to the document » Mind Map Explained

4. Problem Solving & Decision Making - Dr Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats

Imagine it. Your team has the skills and techniques they need to make the best decision. Fast. Smart. Efficient. It's not impossible. In fact, it's simple. Once they know how. That's where Dr. Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats® comes in.

This systematic method of thinking in a completely new and different way will provide your employees with skills and tools that they can apply immediately!

It is a simple, effective technique that helps people become more productive. You and your team members can learn how to separate thinking into six distinct categories. Each category is identified with its own coloured metaphorical "thinking hat." By mentally wearing and switching "hats," you can easily focus or redirect thoughts, the conversation, or the meeting.

The difference between brilliant and mediocre teams isn't so much in their collective mental capacity, but in how well they can tap into their collective wisdom and how well they function together.

For further information, please refer to the document » 6 Hats Explained