Techniques & Tools

Circuit Training & WorkOuts

The Circuits:

• open with a Warm-Up session and close with a Cool-Down session
• include an optimum number of topic areas through which the group is facilitated
• combine the interactive learning power of presentation (principles, guidelines), with discussion and activity (linking principles to real business issues )
• reveal capability strengths and weaknesses within the group which can be addressed in subsequent WorkOut sessions
• typically are conducted over 1/2 day, 1 day or longer depending on objective and content
• as in a Gym circuit, the trainer doesn't work out in front of the class while they take notes; we show you how to "use each machine" then step back so you can have a go - i.e. not designed as merely an opportunity for Foot Forward Strategies to download theory.

The nature of Circuits is that you don't always have the opportunity to focus for too long on any one specific topic - if the need arises for more in-depth attention, WorkOuts can be integrated as a next step in the overall Fitness Programme.


The WorkOuts:
are individually targeted to work more intensively on identified areas of weakness. For example, to build muscle in your Marketing & Sales capability you might need a subsequent workshop focusing solely on a topic such as brand positioning, customer acquisition & retention, or marketing spend effectiveness.

Pin Boards for Productivity

Do these facts sound familiar?

• the average CEO spends about 17 hours each week in meetings
• senior executives spend an average of 23 hours a week in meetings
• middle managers spend 11 hours in meetings per week
• senior and middle managers said only 56% of meetings were productive. They added that a phone call or memo could have replaced over 25% of the meetings they attend

Hypothesis:

• if meetings were used appropriately, managers could reduce time spent in meetings by 25%
• effective management of remaining meetings can reduce time spent in meetings by additional 20%
• using meetings effectively results in a reduction of time spent in meetings from an average of 17 hours per week to 10 hours per week
• the annual benefit of improving meeting productivity is US$9,000 - 16,000 per manager
  (Source: Wharton Centre for Applied Research published in WSJ 2005)
  

The Pin Board Technique is an ideal method of running sessions requiring planning and decision-making. The technique is best suited to groups of 6-15 participants, although bigger or smaller groups are possible.

The structure of a session is pre-determined jointly with the project sponsor. Typically, a logical sequence of questions is posed which result in the group developing a plan of specific actions to improve performance. The Pin Board Technique guidelines are designed to ensure that time is effectively used, the discussion does not get bogged down, no one person dominates and everybody makes a contribution. Completed sheets are photographed, giving minutes which are comprehensive, totally accurate and very quickly available for distribution.
The Pin Board Technique has been successfully used by many organisations in both the manufacturing and service sectors. It can be applied to virtually any subject where a consensus view is sought and generates a high level of commitment by individuals because the plan belongs to them.

A typical session may last from 2-6 hours. Feedback from past sessions has consistently shown that Pin Board meetings are both more enjoyable and much more productive than conventional meetings - their duration is halved, all objectives are achieved, and traditional minuting and note- taking are eliminated.

We offer a full range of Pin Board services, including the design and presentation of bespoke workshops.

Download Exec. Summary [PDF 128k]