Sparrow Training

The Business Writing Pocketbook sets out rules of good practice, style and presentation for all types of written communication, including memos, letters, reports, minutes, proposals, faxes and e-mail. The author begins with advice on what to consider before starting to write. In dealing with the different forms of written communication, Bonny divides his subject into internal and external correspondence. For each type of written document there is advice on both content and presentation. Generic language issues (tone, manner, etc) are dealt with separately, as is the use of illustrations such as charts and diagrams. Marketing communications is covered in the penultimate chapter, followed by notes on spelling, grammar, cliches and such like in the final chapter. Throughout there are examples and self-tests.

A practical, easy-to-use guide for job changers and job seekers, The Career Transition Pocketbook details seven key stages to the career transition process: self-questioning, goal setting, preparing a career history, networking, applying for jobs, getting ready for interviews and evaluating job offers. Each stage is described in a separate chapter.

Being an effective communicator is hard work, but it is the single most important part of a manager's role. Many of us think we are good at it - it's all those people who don't listen who are the problem! The Communicator's Pocketbook covers the dynamics of communication, how to be effective, likely barriers, styles of communication and technology at work. The book concludes with a series of checklists that will enable you to take stock of your communications skills and shortcomings and to put these into context at both an organisational level and a group or team level. Author: Sean Misteil. 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'.

In The Emotional Intelligence Pocketbook author Margaret Chapman, a coaching psychologist and coach-supervisor, demystifies a complex subject that hitherto has only been covered by academic, heavyweight literature. The book takes readers through each of the five steps to attaining EI and describes how organisations can become emotionally intelligent.

The Icebreakers Pocketbook contains some 40 original activities that will enable trainers to add impact to their training workshops. The activities are grouped together according to their suitability for particular areas of training - for example: assertiveness, communication, coaching & mentoring, people management, teams and trainer training. For each activity the authors describe the aims, outcomes and relevance of the learning, and provide full user instructions along with information on timing, number of participants, materials required, necessary trainer knowledge and possible variations. Most of the activities take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. There are those suitable for small groups and those appropriate for any number of people. A good read.

The Impact & Presence Pocketbook explains the importance of impact and shows readers how to develop a congruent and personal presence, enhance their leadership skills, create an atmosphere in their teams that will motivate and enthuse, and how to manage difficult situations. Subjects covered in the new pocketbook include: self-awareness (with a questionnaire that will enable readers to review their own impact), visualisation, creating a brand image, posture, gesture, eye contact, emotional control, dress style, creating rapport, what to do in difficult circumstances and how to create impact in different situations (e.g. meetings, interviews, presentations and one-to-one sessions).

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.

The Self-managed Development Pocketbook gives an overview of the increasingly important process of self-managed development (SMD), in which individuals take responsibility for, and control of, their own development. The book looks at the reasons why SMD is growing in popularity and how it fits into the other organisational processes. Attention is then turned to the individual's role: raising self-awareness (using techniques such as skills audits, performance reviews and SWOT), reviewing self-perceptions (to increase awareness of new possibilities) and, finally, action planning (setting objectives and measuring commitment and motivation).