September 2024 - ATI Mirage

Listening: The Key to Meaningful Conversations on R U OK? Day

Communication is central to all interactions and relationships, and many issues can be resolved by improving how we communicate. This RUOK Day, we want to contribute to the conversation by highlighting the importance of listening.

Often, we put more effort into expressing ourselves or getting our point across, rather than focusing on truly listening to others. Communication, however, is a mutual process of both speaking and listening. Being fully present and attentive when someone shares how they’re feeling is essential for understanding and connection.

On R U OK? Day, the emphasis is on checking in with others by asking the important question, “Are you OK?” But after asking, the next step is even more crucial: listening to the answer. To create a safe space for others to express themselves, it’s important to avoid common blocks to listening.

Here are a few blocks to be mindful of:

Mind Reading

Assuming we know what the other person will say next, instead of listening fully. Even if we think we understand their experience or anticipate what they might share, it’s essential to stay fully present and give them our undivided attention. Every person’s story is unique, and by listening openly, we show respect, empathy, and genuine care.

Rehearsing

Preparing our response while the other person is still speaking, which takes focus away from them. Simply allowing the other person to speak and being comfortable with the possibility of not immediately knowing how to respond shows genuine engagement. It is such a special gift to give someone our full attention, and to offer our time without distraction. Focusing entirely on the other person can be transformative, creating a deeper connection and making them feel valued, heard, and understood.

Advising

Jumping in with solutions instead of simply offering support and understanding. Jumping in with solutions instead of simply offering support and understanding can unintentionally dismiss the other person’s feelings. Even if you have a lived experience that is similar to the one you are hearing, trust that the person you are listening to primarily wants to be heard, not advised. This is their experience – focus on them, listen without judgment, and validate their emotions. Often, people need understanding more than solutions, and just knowing someone is there for them can make all the difference.

By recognising these blocks and working to overcome them, we can improve our listening skills and engage in more meaningful conversations—not just on R U OK? Day, but every day.

Listening isn’t just about hearing; it’s about being present. The act of mindful listening fosters trust, empathy, and mutual respect. On this R U OK? Day, let’s all take a moment to not only ask, “Are you OK?” but to also give our full attention to the answer, ensuring we’re really hearing the message being shared.

Blog written by Beth Nurnberger, ATI-Mirage’s Learning & Development Consultant

Contact us today to learn more about our wellness and communication training courses and how we can help.

The Importance of IT Training Courses in the Workplace

In today’s digital landscape, technology drives business success. Yet many organisations need help keeping pace with rapid technological changes. The solution? Investing in IT training courses for your workforce.

At ATI-Mirage, we’ve seen firsthand how IT training and computer courses transform businesses. The benefits are clear, from boosting productivity to enhancing customer service. Let’s explore why IT training is crucial for your organisation’s growth and success.

The IT Skills Gap: A Growing Challenge

Australian businesses face a significant IT skills shortage. By some estimates, Australia will need an additional 1.3 million tech-savvy workers by 2030 to keep up with developed countries.

This gap hampers productivity and innovation across industries.

This skills gap isn’t just about specialised roles. It affects everyday operations in most businesses. IT skills are now essential across all departments, from data analysis to cybersecurity.

Benefits of IT Training Courses

Investing in IT training courses yields numerous benefits for both employees and organisations.

1. Increased Productivity

IT-savvy employees work more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks and using advanced software features to their full potential. They can also troubleshoot common IT issues on their own, reducing downtime.

This boost in efficiency leads to substantial time and cost savings for your business, making IT training a valuable investment.

2. Improved Problem-Solving Skills

IT training boosts your team’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, helping them tackle more than just tech challenges.

Computer skills build confidence and efficiency, improving overall work performance. Investing in IT training benefits your team’s success, not just technical tasks.

3. Increased Employee Satisfaction

Employees value opportunities for professional development. IT training courses show your commitment to their growth, boosting job satisfaction and retention rates.

Did you know? Nearly half (45%) of businesses aren’t using their training budget to address skills gaps, jeopardising success and growth.

4. Competitive Edge

IT-proficient staff enable your business to adapt quickly to new technology, implement innovative solutions, and stay ahead of the curve.

IT skills enhance customer experiences, giving your business a competitive edge by ensuring agility and responsiveness.

Types of IT Training Courses

IT training courses come in various formats to suit learning styles and organisational needs:

Instructor-Led In Person Training

These traditional classroom-style courses offer hands-on learning and immediate feedback. They’re ideal for complex topics or team-based learning.

Instructor-Led Online IT Training

Virtual live online instructor-led IT training offers unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, allowing employees to learn from anywhere. This format is ideal for busy professionals and remote teams, ensuring they can enhance their skills without having to travel or leave the comfort of their office or home. Additionally, it provides opportunities for real-time interaction with the instructor, fostering a more engaging learning experience.

Blended Learning

This approach combines online and in-person elements. It offers the best of both worlds: flexibility and personal interaction.

The Rise of Online IT Training

These days, online IT training is becoming a go-to option for organisations wanting to upskill their teams.

It’s flexible, accessible, and offers benefits that traditional classroom learning often can’t match, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

Why IT Training Online Works

IT training online comes with some great perks:

Convenience: Your team can easily learn, anywhere, fitting courses into their busy lives.
Cost savings: No need to worry about travel or accommodation expenses that come with in-person training.
Scalability: It’s easy to train a large group, no matter where they are.
Consistent learning: Everyone gets the same high-quality training materials, so no one misses out.

Spotlight on Local Opportunities: IT Courses Perth Trusts

We know firsthand that IT skills are in high demand here, and we’re here to help meet that need.

A Local Solution That Works for Your Business

For over 30 years and with 220,000 happy customers, ATI-Mirage has been helping Perth businesses thrive with top-notch IT training and professional development. We understand what local companies need, and our courses are all about practical, hands-on learning that makes a real difference.

Our IT training covers essentials like Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and SharePoint. You can select online or in-person training options to suit your team’s preferences while remaining engaged with Perth’s business community.

Tailored Training for Your Organisation

At ATI-Mirage, we know every business is different. That’s why we provide flexible training options tailored to meet your specific needs:

Public courses: Perfect for individuals or small groups.
Customised in-house training: Designed specifically for your organisation.
One-on-one training: Great for specialised needs.

Our trainers combine real-world experience with hands-on exercises, ensuring your team can use its new skills immediately.

How to Get Started with IT Training

Ready to boost your team’s IT skills? Here’s how to get started:

Assess your IT capabilities: Thoroughly audit your team’s technical skills and software proficiency.
Identify skill gaps and training needs: Pinpoint specific areas where team members lack expertise, such as cybersecurity or cloud computing.
Choose the right courses: Select courses or certifications that address the identified gaps, ensuring they align with current projects.
Set clear learning objectives: Define specific goals with measurable milestones, like mastering a new programming language or obtaining a particular certification.
Encourage ongoing learning: Implement regular training sessions and provide opportunities to apply new knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Learn more: Unlocking Career Opportunities With Microsoft 365

Measuring the Impact of IT Training

It’s important to see how your investment in IT training is paying off. Keep an eye on:

Productivity improvements: Are your employees working smarter and faster?
Reduction in IT-related issues: Are tech problems happening less often?
Employee satisfaction: Are your team members feeling more confident and happy?
Customer satisfaction: Are your customers noticing the difference?

Review these metrics regularly to maximise your training investment. ATI-Mirage supports you with quality training, ongoing help, and a 100% guarantee.

The Future of Work is Digital

As the world goes digital, IT skills are crucial for staying competitive. Businesses that invest in IT training now will dominate the future. IT training isn’t just about software; it’s about empowering your team to innovate, excel, and drive success.

Unlock your team’s potential with ATI-Mirage’s IT courses Perth businesses trust. Designed for all skill levels, they will elevate your team’s abilities.

If one of our in-person or online IT courses has piqued your interest, we’d love to chat! Shoot us an email at hello@ati-mirage.com.au or give us a call at (08) 9218 9059. You can also book your place in an upcoming IT training course to get skilled for the new world of work.

Enhancing Workplace Performance through Brain Training: A Triune Brain Approach

As a manager in a modern workplace, understanding what motivates and moves your team is a core part of your job. Empathy, connection, a sense of purpose – these are all words and concepts that have entered the people leader’s vocabulary as work has evolved.

To understand why, we need to look back to human evolution.

The Triune Brain theory proposes that our instinctual and survival skills come from pre-human evolution, what the theory calls the “reptilian complex” or “lizard brain” (although we think “grey brain” is a little kinder).

Emotional responses came much later in evolution, and higher-order skills like logic and speech appeared much more recently as modern humans evolved. These are respectively called the “paleomammalian complex”, “limbic system” or “red brain”, and the “neomammalian complex”, “neocortex” or “blue brain”.

Paul MacLean American neuroscientist and physicist proposed the model of the Triune Brain in the 1960’s and presented it in his 1990 book The Triune Brain in Evolution.

A quick guide to the Triune Brain:

Grey brain (reptilian complex)
Responsible for basic survival instincts and stress responses.
Red brain (paleomammalian complex or limbic system)
Governs emotions and social connections.
Blue brain (neomammalian complex or neocortex)
Handles higher-order functions like reasoning, abstract thought and problem-solving.

These components interact to shape our responses to various situations, particularly in the workplace. Although the science is debated today, the lessons about employee engagement, workplace performance and brain training are still valuable and compelling.

This provides an effective model for brain training. By understanding and leveraging the different ways people think, you can improve performance, foster better team dynamics and become a better leader.

Navigating the Grey Brain: Reactivity and Survival

The grey brain is supposedly the oldest part of the brain. It focuses on basic survival instincts. In the workplace, this brain state is activated during high-stress situations. Signs of grey brain activation include:

Heightened stress
Anxiety
Defensiveness
Resistance to change
Overly cautious behaviour
Disengagement from team activities

These broadly overlap with fight, flight or freeze responses. Understanding these signs is crucial for managers to create a supportive environment that minimises issues caused by stress responses.

Embracing the Red Brain: Emotion and Connection

The red brain is central to our emotions and social interactions. Crucially, it’s also the part (or parts) of our brain responsible for motivation.

Motivation is highly personal. Understanding what motivates your team members and tailoring leadership strategies accordingly will foster a more connected, creative, collaborative and productive culture. Empathy and emotional intelligence are key to harnessing the power of the red brain.

How to promote Red Brain engagement:

Seek out, listen to and act on feedback from team members
Promote a culture of open communication and support
Schedule team-building activities that strengthen social bonds
Encourage open discussions about feelings and stressors
Implement wellness programs
Prioritise emotional well-being and work-life balance

Leveraging the Blue Brain: Rationality and Innovation

The blue brain is the seat of rational thought, creativity and innovation. It overlaps with all those higher-order skills that we consider essential for modern work, like critical thinking, technological literacy, problem-solving and curiosity.

These skills aren’t just nice to have. The World Economic Forum predicts they will be among the most important in the coming decade as technology automates and accelerates many rudimentary tasks.

Fostering a creative work environment with a healthy level of challenge will nurture blue-brain activity, leading to new ideas and strategic problem-solving.

Tips for blue brain activation

Encourage brainstorming sessions and creative thinking workshops
Provide opportunities for continuous learning and professional development
Design workspaces that reduce stress and promote focus
Make workplace performance training interactive, engaging and relevant
Schedule regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain cognitive sharpness
Implement flexible work policies that allow for deep, uninterrupted work periods
Promote a growth mindset by celebrating innovative ideas and efforts

Translating the Triune Brain to workplace performance training

Understanding the interplay between the red and blue brains is essential for modern managers.

Each brain state has its unique strengths and challenges. A balanced approach leads to a harmonious and productive work environment.

Our latest workplace performance training course provides an actionable guide to using red brain and blue brain concepts in real-world settings.

The goal is not to deep-dive into MacLean’s Triune Brain research. There are too many decades to cover.

Instead, our brain training gives today’s leaders practical skills that make work better for everyone.

Recognise brain states
You’ll learn to identify when your team, colleagues and you exhibit traits from the red or blue brain.

Our trainers provide examples and scenarios that help you decode the nuance of human behaviour.

Shifting gears
Gain practical strategies for helping your team transition between brain states and activate the right skills at the right time. By understanding red and blue brains, you’ll be able to structure meetings, workshops, activities and individual work in a way that resonates with the individual and leverages these universal ideas.

Building a culture of brain awareness
You don’t need to be a neuroscientist to integrate brain training concepts into your workplace culture. Increased awareness of ‘how people tick’ and attention to individual needs is a great start. Our experienced trainers will provide empowered leadership strategies to help you encourage a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Conclusion

Practical, personal, effective: Workplace performance training from ATI-Mirage.

At ATI-Mirage, we are committed to transforming organisations through lifelong learning. Our Brain Training for Better Workplace Outcomes course is designed to equip managers, leaders and HR professionals with the tools to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics using the Red-Brain Blue-Brain model.

With ATI-Mirage, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to thrive in a changing environment.

Book one of our scheduled training courses or contact us for a solution tailored to your organisation’s needs.

Month: September 2024