SOFT SKILLS
The Institute for Cultural Relations Policy and its international partners offer fully customisable training courses focusing on soft skills. The courses provide relevant knowledge and develops skills related to public speaking, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, interpersonal and leadership skills, social skills, intercultural communication, problem-solving, motivation and productivity training, effective communication and emotion management skills and time management. These programs are designed for – managers, team leaders, project managers, human resources professionals, educators, coaches, consultants, and anyone in roles that involve leading teams, managing conflicts, and fostering positive relationships.
CATEGORY: Soft skills
TOPIC: Conflict resolution
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Duration: 10 days training including one day cultural visit
- Participants: the program is ideal for individuals such as managers, team leaders, human resources professionals, mediators, negotiators, project managers, customer service representatives, educators, counsellors, and anyone in roles that require managing conflicts or fostering positive relationships
- Schedule: 4 training sessions per day, one free day, optional study visit
TRAINING SESSIONS
The program includes two training sessions in the morning and two training sessions in the afternoon, combining theoretical and practical aspects. The sessions include the following topics:
- Understanding Conflict Dynamics: Exploring the nature, causes, and stages of conflict, including different conflict resolution styles and approaches.
- Communication Skills for Conflict Resolution: Developing effective communication techniques, including active listening, assertive communication, and nonviolent communication strategies.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Learning negotiation tactics and mediation techniques to facilitate constructive dialogue and reach mutually beneficial agreements.
- Conflict Analysis and Assessment: Understanding how to analyse and assess conflicts, including identifying underlying interests, needs, and power dynamics.
- Cultural Sensitivity in Conflict Resolution: Exploring how cultural differences and diversity impact conflict resolution processes, and developing skills for navigating cultural nuances.
- Conflict Resolution Strategies: Examining various conflict resolution strategies and interventions, including problem-solving techniques, collaboration, and compromise.
- Managing Emotions and Resolving Escalated Conflicts: Learning strategies for managing emotions, de-escalating conflicts, and addressing difficult or high-stakes situations effectively.
These subtopics serve as sessions for a comprehensive 10-day training course on conflict resolution, providing participants with a thorough understanding of conflict dynamics and equipping them with practical skills and strategies to resolve conflicts constructively in diverse personal and professional contexts.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The 10-day training course on conflict resolution aims to equip participants with comprehensive skills and strategies to effectively manage conflicts in diverse personal and professional contexts. Through the program, participants will enhance their communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and negotiation proficiency, enabling them to engage in constructive dialogue and facilitate collaborative problem-solving. They will develop the ability to analyse conflicts, manage emotions, and build positive relationships, fostering a culture of cooperation and teamwork. Additionally, participants will gain leadership skills and learn to develop proactive strategies for conflict prevention and resolution planning. Ultimately, the training empowers participants to navigate conflicts successfully, promote positive relationships, and contribute to a more harmonious and productive environment in their personal and professional lives.
CATEGORY: Soft skills
TOPIC: Effective communication and emotion management skills
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Duration: 3 days training course
- Participants: the training course is ideal for employees at all levels within the organization who are seeking to improve their communication skills and emotional intelligence
- Schedule: 4 training sessions per day
Effective Communication Training with Emotion Management is a comprehensive three-day program designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance communication effectiveness and emotional intelligence within the organization. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical exercises, participants will explore key concepts such as communication dimensions, effective listening, nonverbal communication, transcultural communication, as well as the importance of emotions in communication and the management of emotions for healthy interactions.
Training objectives:
- Understand the importance of effective communication and emotional intelligence in organizational success.
- Acquire knowledge about communication dimensions and identify personal communication styles.
- Learn effective listening techniques to enhance understanding and rapport.
- Develop speaking skills to convey messages clearly and persuasively.
- Recognize the role of nonverbal communication in conveying messages accurately.
- Understand transcultural communication nuances for effective interaction across diverse cultures.
- Learn how to manage emotions for healthy communication and relationships.
- Develop awareness of emotion management skills and their significance in interpersonal interactions.
TRAINING SESSIONS
The program includes two training sessions in the morning and two training sessions in the afternoon, combining theoretical and practical aspects. The sessions include the following topics:
Day 1: Fundamentals of Communication and Emotional Intelligence
- What is Communication?
- Dimensions of Communication
- Effective Listening Techniques
- Introduction to Emotional Intelligence
- Components of Emotion
Day 2: Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Effective Speaking Skills
- Understanding Nonverbal Communication
- Transcultural Communication Dynamics
- Emotion Management: Concepts and Importance
- The Four Headings of Emotion Management
Day 3: Feedback, Application, and Emotion Management Strategies
- Providing Constructive Feedback
- Application of Communication and Emotion Management Skills in Real-Life Scenarios
- Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions: Understanding Emotional Responses
- Negative Effects of Poor Emotion Management
- Reflection and Integration of Learning
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Throughout the training, participants will achieve a comprehensive understanding of communication dynamics, personal communication styles, and emotional intelligence, while also acquiring practical skills and techniques to enhance listening, speaking, nonverbal communication, and emotion management. They’ll improve their ability to navigate transcultural communication nuances for effective interaction across diverse cultures, and develop confidence in providing and receiving constructive feedback for continuous improvement. Ultimately, they’ll foster better relationships, teamwork, and emotional well-being through enhanced communication practices and emotion management skills.
CATEGORY: Soft skills
TOPIC: Emotional intelligence
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Duration: 6 days training including one day cultural visit
- Participants: the programme is ideal for professionals across various industries who are looking to enhance their interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and overall emotional well-being
- Schedule: 4 training sessions per day, one free day, optional study visit
TRAINING SESSIONS
The program includes two training sessions in the morning and two training sessions in the afternoon, combining theoretical and practical aspects. The sessions include the following topics:
- Introduction to Emotional Intelligence (EI): Understanding the concept of emotional intelligence, its components, and its significance in personal and professional development.
- Self-Awareness: Exploring techniques for recognizing and understanding one’s own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers.
- Self-Regulation: Learning strategies for managing and controlling emotions, impulses, and reactions in various situations.
- Empathy: Developing the ability to understand and empathize with the emotions, perspectives, and experiences of others.
- Effective Communication: Enhancing communication skills, including active listening, assertiveness, and expressing emotions appropriately.
- Social Awareness: Building awareness of social cues, norms, and dynamics to navigate interpersonal relationships effectively.
- Relationship Management: Learning skills for building and maintaining positive relationships, resolving conflicts, and collaborating with others.
- Stress Management: Exploring techniques for coping with stress, adversity, and pressure in healthy and productive ways.
- Applying Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: Understanding the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership, including motivating and inspiring others, managing teams, and making informed decisions.
The subtopics form the basis of a comprehensive training course on emotional intelligence, providing participants with practical skills and strategies for enhancing their emotional awareness, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The six-day training course on emotional intelligence aims to equip participants with essential skills and strategies to enhance their personal and professional lives. Through the program, participants can expect to develop a deeper understanding of their own emotions and behaviours, leading to increased self-awareness and self-regulation. They will also cultivate empathy and effective communication skills, enabling them to build stronger interpersonal relationships and navigate social dynamics more effectively. Additionally, participants will learn techniques for managing stress, resolving conflicts, and making informed decisions, ultimately empowering them to thrive in diverse personal and professional contexts with greater emotional resilience and intelligence.
CATEGORY: Soft skills
TOPIC: Intercultural communication
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Duration: 7 days training including one day cultural visit
- Participants: the programme is ideal for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, such as students, professionals, community leaders, and educators, who are interested in enhancing their intercultural communication skills and promoting cultural understanding and harmony
- Schedule: 4 training sessions per day, one free day, optional study visit
TRAINING SESSIONS
The program includes two training sessions in the morning and two training sessions in the afternoon, combining theoretical and practical aspects. The sessions include the following topics:
- Introduction to the concept of culture
- Intercultural communication in practice
- Intercultural learning and intercultural dialogue
- Identifying personal culture – reflection on personal identity
- Personal stereotypes and prejudices
- Role of mass media and propaganda in creation of stereotypes
- Intercultural learning and human rights
- Intercultural learning and conflict management
- Conflict transformation
- Critical thinking and self-assessment
- Non-judgment approach & non-violent communication
The aim of the training course is to foster intercultural understanding and communication by exploring concepts of culture, identity, stereotypes, and prejudices. Through critical thinking and self-assessment, participants will learn to recognize and challenge biases, promoting conflict transformation and the practice of non-judgmental, non-violent communication in diverse contexts.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The training course seeks to empower participants with a deep understanding of intercultural communication dynamics by first prompting reflection on personal biases and prejudices, thereby laying the foundation for introspection and self-awareness. Through critical examination of the role of mass media and propaganda in perpetuating stereotypes, participants will develop a nuanced understanding of cultural perceptions and societal constructs. Moreover, discussions surrounding human rights within an intercultural framework will foster appreciation for diversity and inclusivity while equipping individuals with the tools to advocate for equality and justice. Practical exercises in conflict management and transformation will provide participants with strategies for navigating intercultural disputes constructively, fostering dialogue and reconciliation. By emphasizing the importance of adopting a non-judgmental and non-violent communication approach, the training course aims to instil a culture of empathy, understanding, and mutual respect in intercultural interactions, promoting harmony and cooperation across diverse cultural landscapes.
CATEGORY: Soft skills
TOPIC: Interpersonal skills
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Duration: 7 days training including one day cultural visit
- Participants: the program is well-suited for professionals across various industries and roles who are looking to enhance their communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities. It is well-suited for managers, team leaders, project managers, human resources professionals, educators, coaches, consultants, and anyone in roles that involve leading teams, managing conflicts, and fostering positive relationships
- Schedule: 4 training sessions per day, one free day, optional study visit
TRAINING SESSIONS
The program includes two training sessions in the morning and two training sessions in the afternoon, combining theoretical and practical aspects. The sessions include the following topics:
- Effective Communication: Enhancing verbal and nonverbal communication skills, active listening, and assertive communication techniques for clear and impactful interpersonal interactions.
- Emotional Intelligence: Developing self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills to navigate emotions, build rapport, and foster positive relationships.
- Conflict Resolution: Learning strategies for managing conflicts constructively, including negotiation, mediation, and problem-solving techniques to achieve win-win outcomes.
- Team Building and Collaboration: Developing skills for building cohesive teams, fostering collaboration, and promoting a culture of trust, respect, and mutual support.
- Decision Making and Problem Solving: Developing critical thinking skills, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives, and making informed decisions to achieve organizational goals.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Building resilience, flexibility, and adaptability to thrive in dynamic and challenging environments, manage change effectively, and overcome setbacks.
- Influence and Persuasion: Understanding influence tactics, persuasion techniques, and effective leadership communication to inspire and motivate others towards shared goals.
- Leadership Styles and Strategies: Exploring different leadership styles, strengths-based leadership, and situational leadership approaches to lead teams and organizations effectively.
- Feedback and Coaching: Learning to provide and receive constructive feedback, coaching skills, and performance management techniques to develop and empower individuals and teams.
- Personal Development and Growth: Setting personal and professional goals, self-reflection, continuous learning, and personal development planning to enhance leadership effectiveness and career success.
These subtopics serve as sessions for a comprehensive 7-day training course on interpersonal and leadership skills, providing participants with practical knowledge, tools, and strategies to enhance their interpersonal effectiveness, leadership capabilities, and overall professional growth.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The 7-day training course on interpersonal and leadership skills aims to equip participants with a range of competencies essential for personal and professional growth. Participants can expect to develop enhanced communication skills, including active listening and assertive communication, fostering more effective interpersonal interactions. Additionally, they will cultivate emotional intelligence, gaining insights into their own emotions and those of others, and learning to navigate conflicts constructively, build resilient teams, and foster collaboration. By exploring leadership styles and strategies, participants will enhance their ability to lead teams effectively, inspire others, and drive organizational success. Through feedback and coaching sessions, they will learn to provide constructive feedback, develop others, and foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. Ultimately, participants will leave the training course with increased self-awareness, improved interpersonal relationships, and enhanced leadership capabilities, ready to make a positive impact in their personal and professional lives.
CATEGORY: Soft skills
TOPIC: Motivation and productivity training
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Duration: 3 days training course
- Participants: the training course is ideal for employees at all levels within the organization who are seeking to improve their motivation and productivity
- Schedule: 4 training sessions per day, one free day, optional study visit
Motivation and productivity training is a comprehensive three-day program designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance motivation and productivity levels within the organization. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical exercises, participants will explore key concepts such as the Goldilocks Rule, habit loop, self-determination theory, and more, gaining actionable strategies to optimize performance and achieve greater success.
Training objectives:
- Understand the factors influencing motivation and productivity.
- Learn effective techniques to evaluate and enhance personal motivation.
- Identify individual sources of motivation and leverage them effectively.
- Recognize common barriers to motivation and develop strategies to overcome them.
- Explore productivity principles and habits to optimize performance.
- Create a conducive environment for sustaining motivation and productivity.
TRAINING SESSIONS
The program includes two training sessions in the morning and two training sessions in the afternoon, combining theoretical and practical aspects. The sessions include the following topics:
Day 1: Understanding Motivation
- The 3 fundamental elements of motivation
- Self-assessment techniques
- Discovery of Motivation Sources
- The Goldilocks Rule: Finding the right balance for motivation
- Different types of motivation
- Barriers to motivation and how to overcome them
- Motivation vs Environment: Creating a supportive environment for sustained motivation
Day 2: Habits and Productivity Strategies
- Three layers of behaviour change
- Introduction to Self-Determination Theory
- Habit loop and the 4 laws of building a good habit
- Breaking the chain: Strategies for breaking bad habits
- Strategies to stay motivated with good habits in life and business
Day 3: Future Plans and Idea Sharing
- Working on real-life case studies to apply learned concepts and strategies.
- Implementing personal plans and strategies developed during the workshop.
- Evaluation and reflection on progress made and lessons learned.
- Sharing successes and challenges with peers to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Throughout the training, participants will achieve a comprehensive understanding of the various factors influencing motivation and productivity, while also acquiring practical skills and techniques to enhance their personal motivation. They’ll learn to identify and leverage individual sources of motivation for improved performance, and develop strategies to overcome barriers and sustain high levels of motivation. Additionally, they will deepen their knowledge of scientific methods and concepts such as the Goldilocks Rule, habit loop, and self-determination theory, ultimately gaining a fresh perspective on motivation and productivity that will lead to enhanced job performance and organizational success.
CATEGORY: Soft skills
TOPIC: Problem-solving and critical thinking
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Duration: 2 days training sessions and 1 day experimental learning atelier in nature
- Participants: the programme is ideal for job seekers, career changers, recent graduates, mid-career professionals, and individuals aiming to enhance their employability skills and advance their careers.
- Schedule: 4 training sessions per day, one free day, optional study visit
The objectives of the training are the following:
- Define Problems: Understand the concept of a problem and its significance within organizational contexts.
- Questioning Techniques: Learn effective methods to accurately define and diagnose problems through strategic questioning.
- Problem Structure: Gain insights into the structure and types of problems encountered in the workplace.
- Key Elements of Problem-Solving: Identify the essential elements and characteristics of successful problem-solving.
- Overcoming Barriers: Recognize common barriers to problem-solving and develop strategies to overcome them.
- Proven Techniques: Explore a variety of proven problem-solving techniques through real-life examples and case studies.
- Creative Application: Apply creative problem-solving skills in a nature-based group activity, fostering teamwork and innovation.
TRAINING SESSIONS
The program includes two training sessions in the morning and two training sessions in the afternoon, combining theoretical and practical aspects. The sessions include the following topics:
Day 1-2:
- Understanding the Nature of Problems: Define the concept of a problem and its significance in organizational contexts.
- Diagnosing Problems: Learn techniques for identifying symptoms, understanding root causes, and diagnosing problems effectively.
- Questioning Techniques: Explore effective questioning techniques to define and clarify problem statements.
- Types and Characteristics of Problems: Examine different types of problems and their key characteristics.
- Causes of Organizational Problems: Analyze common causes of problems in organizational settings.
- Key Elements of Problem Solving: Identify the essential elements necessary for successful problem-solving.
- Overcoming Barriers in Problem Solving: Develop strategies to overcome common barriers and biases that hinder problem-solving efforts.
- Focused Problem-Solving Approaches: Learn techniques for maintaining focus and clarity while addressing complex problems.
Day 3:
- Outdoor Problem-Solving Activity: Engage in a creative problem-solving activity conducted in a natural setting, promoting teamwork and innovation.
- Reflection and Integration: Participate in a debriefing session to reflect on the outdoor activity and integrate lessons learned into everyday problem-solving practices.
Through a combination of interactive classroom sessions and enjoyable outdoor activities, attendees gain practical skills and strategies. By the end of the program, the team will have the tools, techniques, and collaborative mindset needed to tackle challenges confidently and work together seamlessly.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
By the end of the workshop, participants will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the problem-solving process and its critical role in organizational success. They will possess effective questioning techniques to accurately define and diagnose problems, while also recognizing the key characteristics of different types of problems. Additionally, they will have acquired strategies to overcome barriers and biases in problem-solving, along with practical skills and tools to apply problem-solving techniques in real-life situations within the organization. Through collaborative problem-solving exercises in a natural setting, participants will also experience the fostering of teamwork and creativity.
CATEGORY: Soft skills
TOPIC: Public speaking
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Duration: 7 days training including one day cultural visit
- Participants: the programme is ideal for professionals from various fields who are seeking to enhance their communication skills and confidence in public speaking
- Schedule: 4 training sessions per day, one free day, optional study visit
TRAINING SESSIONS
The program includes two training sessions in the morning and two training sessions in the afternoon, combining theoretical and practical aspects. The sessions include the following topics:
- Introduction to Public Speaking: Understanding the importance of effective communication and overcoming public speaking anxiety.
- Speech Preparation and Organization: Techniques for structuring a speech, outlining key points, and crafting a compelling narrative.
- Audience Analysis: Identifying audience demographics, interests, and expectations to tailor the speech for maximum impact.
- Vocal Delivery: Developing vocal variety, projection, pacing, and articulation to engage and captivate the audience.
- Body Language and Nonverbal Communication: Utilizing gestures, posture, facial expressions, and eye contact to enhance message delivery and credibility.
- Overcoming Stage Fright: Strategies for managing nerves, building confidence, and maintaining composure during public speaking engagements.
- Effective Presentation Slides: Designing visually appealing and informative slides to support and reinforce key points in a speech.
- Storytelling Techniques: Incorporating storytelling principles to create memorable and persuasive narratives that resonate with the audience.
- Persuasive Speaking: Mastering persuasion techniques, including rhetorical devices, emotional appeals, and evidence-based arguments.
- Handling Q&A Sessions: Tips for confidently responding to audience questions, addressing objections, and facilitating constructive dialogue.
- Impromptu Speaking: Techniques for thinking on your feet, organizing thoughts quickly, and delivering coherent and persuasive responses without preparation.
- Vocal Warm-Ups and Exercises: Practicing vocal warm-ups and exercises to improve vocal clarity, resonance, and stamina.
- Rehearsal and Feedback: Conducting rehearsal sessions and soliciting constructive feedback from peers or mentors to refine speech delivery and effectiveness.
- Using Humor in Public Speaking: Incorporating humor appropriately to engage the audience, lighten the mood, and enhance message retention.
- Advanced Public Speaking Skills: Exploring advanced techniques such as rhetorical flourishes, audience interaction, and adapting to unexpected challenges during speeches.
These subtopics cover a range of essential skills and concepts necessary for becoming a confident and effective public speaker and can be structured into a comprehensive one-week training course.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The training course on public speaking aims to equip participants with essential skills and techniques to become confident and effective communicators. Through the program, participants can expect improved confidence, enhanced communication skills, and better audience engagement. They will learn to prepare and deliver speeches effectively, manage stage fright, and utilize persuasive speaking techniques. Additionally, participants will refine their presentation slides, develop impromptu speaking skills, and receive constructive feedback for continual growth. Ultimately, the training provides a platform for participants to expand their professional networks, advance their careers, and excel in various public speaking opportunities.
CATEGORY: Soft skills
TOPIC: Time management
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
- Duration: 2 days training/workshop
- Participants: the programme is most suitable for employees at various levels within organizations who are seeking to improve their time management skills.
- Schedule: 4 training sessions per day
TRAINING SESSIONS
Effective time management is crucial for organizational success and employee well-being. This 2-day workshop aims to provide participants with practical strategies and tools to optimize their time and enhance productivity. By mastering time management skills, employees can achieve their goals more efficiently while reducing stress and improving work-life balance.
Training Objectives:
- Define the concept of time and its importance.
- Understand the principles and benefits of time management.
- Identify common time traps and develop strategies to overcome them,
- Learn effective planning techniques to prioritize tasks and manage workload.
- Recognize barriers to decision-making and develop skills to make informed choices.
- Develop habits for efficient time utilization and work-life balance.
The program includes two training sessions in the morning and two training sessions in the afternoon, combining theoretical and practical aspects. The sessions include the following topics:
- Understanding Time: Definition of time and its significance in personal and professional life.
- Essentials of Time Management: Principles of time management and its impact on productivity and well-being.
- Identifying Time Traps: Common time-wasting habits and strategies to avoid them.
- Effective Planning Strategies: Introduction to various planning techniques and tools for setting goals and priorities.
- Overcoming Decision-Making Challenges: Factors influencing decision-making and techniques for making timely and effective decisions.
- Optimizing Time Utilization: Practical tips for managing interruptions, delegating tasks, and maintaining focus.
- Work-Life Balance: Strategies for achieving a healthy balance between work and personal life to prevent burnout.
- Implementation and Action Planning: Development of personalized action plans to apply time management principles in daily routines.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of time management principles and techniques; will be equipped with practical strategies to avoid time traps and prioritize tasks effectively; will have more improved decision-making skills and make informed choices to enhance productivity; will develop habits for efficient time utilization and work-life balance; will leave with personalized action plans to implement time management strategies in their work and personal lives.