Sparrow Training

360 degree feedback is one of the most powerful experiences a person can have in the workplace, according to Tony Peacock the author of The 360 Degree Feedback Pocketbook. In this book he shows how feedback can be used for personal development, self-awareness, identification of talent and how in flatter organisational structures it will help management obtain a richer picture of team members. The focus of these reviews is all about how people behave, the work activities they undertake and how feedback is given to facilitate change. This book guides the reader through the whole process, starting with any concerns individuals may have and overcoming objections, followed by the pluses and minuses of developing in-house systems, or using external providers. How to handle confidentiality and feedback, and the way sharing of development plans are undertaken are explained in an easy step-by-step format.

According to management guru Peter Drucker, 'the enterprise that does not innovate inevitably ages and declines'. The Creative Manager's Pocketbook is a treasure-trove of techniques, tools and triggers that will help you produce creative ideas. There are 10 ready-to-use techniques with such intriguing names as Nyaka, Merlin, Eureka and Brainfaxing. In each case the author explains what the technique is, in what way it can be used, how to apply it and what materials will be required. Elsewhere the book looks at the different areas (e.g. product development, customer service, efficiency) that can benefit from innovation and how to 'sell' new and creative ideas. The numerous exercises, tests and quizzes will keep you involved and help you discover just how creative you are. Author: John Townsend. Pages: 112

The Decision-making Pocketbook explains how to make balanced choices that address needs and the real issues, choices that minimise risks and add value. It covers everything you need to know on the subject, from understanding the key components of a decision to a framework for decision-making with methodologies and case studies. It also looks at the differences between individual decision-making and reaching consensus within a team. Techniques to help you analyse the risks, identify possible outcomes and make informed choices are described. One reader remarked: 'A pragmatic approach, showing how to ensure management by design rather than chance'.

This new, updated edition of The Employment Law Pocketbook, published in summer 2006, provides managers and HR professionals with a quick and ready grasp of employment law. Written from the perspective of employers rather than lawyers, the pocketbook takes a practical approach, presenting the facts clearly and concisely. Readers will be told how to avoid taking actions that prove indefensible in law and how to follow procedures that meet statutory requirements and can be shown to be fair. The pocketbook also explains what records need to be kept and when and where advice should be sought. From making selection decisions and appointments to dismissals and redundancies, the content covers all aspects of employment law including working with trade unions, workplace and attendance problems, and health and safety matters.

The 'facilitraining rainbow' won't lead you to a pot of gold but it will enable you to decide on the most suitable approach for your next facilitation session. This innovative decision-making model is central to The Facilitator's Pocketbook - a comprehensive guide covering all stages of facilitation, from planning through to implementation. Interpersonal skills (including attitudes and values) and session skills (including energising and problem solving) are dealt with at length.

Flexible working recognizes individuals' differing needs, lifestyles and life stages. It's about creating an environment in which people can achieve a work-life balance that leads to fulfilment inside and outside their place of work. The Flexible Workplace Pocketbook looks at the reasons for creating a flexible working environment and at the benefits for the individual and for the employer and its customers. Flexible working options are many and varied. They involve an organisation changing where, when and how their employees work. The Flexible Workplace Pocketbook explores the different options for flexible working, looks at how to introduce flexibility across the organisation, how to encourage 'flexible behaviour' and how to measure its success.

To deliver more from less (more sales, profits, etc from fewer resources) you must understand in detail your organisation's operations or processes. The Improving Efficiency Pocketbook challenges four areas of operations: The design (Why are things done in a certain way?) The plan (Is there a better way to meet demand?) The controls (Are the right things being measured?) The way improvements are made (Are you involving your people, customers and suppliers?) The book follows a 6-stage model, with each of the stages covered by a separate chapter. The consistent and systematic application of the tools and techniques contained in this Pocketbook will improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of your processes and resources.

First impressions count! A well-planned and thoughtful induction process will give new employees a sense of belonging and lead to greater motivation and productivity. The Induction Pocketbook examines ways of introducing a successful programme at all levels. It looks at the benefits of induction, who to involve in delivering induction (not just personnel staff!) and who should receive induction (not just newcomers!). There are further chapters on what to include in the induction programme, when and where it should take place and how to evaluate the induction. Finally, there is a series of checklists (one for each stage of the process) and a case study.

Written for leaders at all levels - strategic, organisational and team level - The Leadership Pocketbook explains how to inspire, influence, deal with change and achieve objectives. Illustrated throughout, the book adopts a practical approach, setting out the principles of leadership, the role of the leader, the skills required for effective leadership and the key challenges facing leaders in today's business environment. Its author, Fiona Dent, is Director of Faculty Development at Ashridge where she is also Programme Director for the Influencing Strategies and Skills Programme. She has over 20 years' experience as a management developer.
A focus of the book, described by the author as 'perhaps the most necessary skill for any leader', is self-awareness - to know yourself, to realise what your leadership strengths and weaknesses are and when you must continue to develop.

Read "The Manager's Pocketbook" and learn the POLCA, the five essential management skills. 'P' is for 'planning': the essentials of good planning and objective setting. 'O' is for 'organising': managing time and work, and decision-making. 'L' is for 'leading': teambuilding, leadership, motivation and communication. 'C' is for 'controlling': correcting errors, disciplining and appraising. And 'A' is for 'achieving': the action planning section, so get your pen ready! This enlightening Pocketbook is for team leaders, supervisors and people managers of all levels.

This is the first of several books that Patrick Forsyth has written in the Pocketbooks Series (see also The Sales Excellence Pocketbook next page) and continues to be a firm favourite with our customers. Negotiation is a skill that you need to learn and practise; The Negotiator's Pocketbook will help you do both. A quickly assimilated, comprehensive guide to the negotiation process, it covers the fundamentals of negotiation, preparation, essential techniques, managing the process and interpersonal behaviour. 'It's the sort of thing you should keep in your car and reread in the car park just before going into a meeting', concluded one magazine reviewer.

The Appraisals Pocketbook adopts a strongly practical approach in explaining how to set up and run an appraisal system. Using a helpful 5-stage model, the book shows how to identify the job objective and key result areas, how to set clear achievable goals, and how to structure and conduct the performance discussion. The 2nd edition of this popular title has been brought up-to-date by the author and there are new illustrations throughout. Reviewing the Appraisals Pocketbook, Management Today concluded: 'This little book provides a lot of help. It challenges managers to ask themselves whether they understand what an appraisal is for, and what questions they should be asking'.