Hi, my name is Ben and I’ve been hired for the week to work with dta WORLDWIDE at the Headquaters in Australia.  I am in year 10 and doing work experience with dta, learning about the company and helping out around the office.  Yesterday was my first day, and first of all I had a full run-down from the boss about what the company does and how it is run.  I helped out with some accounting, and learnt about the different assessments and courses.  Later on I made up some workbooks for an upcoming course.

My first day was a very interesting experience in which I learned how much work goes into the business and how it operates.  I learned a lot about how companies are run and how they interact with clients.  My day at the office today is sure to bring more new things to do and learn about.  You can read about those tomorrow.

It is always good to receive feedback - it is the lifeblood of high performance.  It is even better to get references and recommendations from clients who are delighted with the work that has been carried out for them.  Here are a selection of the most recent references from clients.  Thanks to all of those who have taken time to provide the references about our work.

“I had the privilege of working with Malcolm as a senior colleague from 2000 - 2003 and later thru dta was a superb service provider from 2006 - 2009. Malcolm individually has a tremendous ability to analyse, understand and implement practical and effective development solutions for organisations. I have utilised dta on many occasions under Malcom’s direction to create and deliver with brilliant effect,Sales Skills Training, Managerial Modelling and Leadership Analysis and Development tools. Malcom’s interpersonal skills are superb and his ability to garner the best from any group is unmatched. When I need to think outside the box to create a better way forward, its Malcolm to whom I would turn.” September 24, 2009  From Ted Longhurst

 Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value

“Malcolm listened to what we were trying to achieve and then delivered a solution based on these needs; exactly what we were looking for in a consultant. We’ll be calling Malcolm again in the future!” September 25, 2009  From Robin England

 Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Good Value

“Malcolm ran a two day training course for our senior team on developing better client relationships. The course was interesting, very well structured and certainly thought provoking. I believe we have seen the results in the past few months of the substantial improvement we have made to the way we prepare for and conduct client meetings. My thanks to Malcolm for the excellent course and we will be continuing to work with him as we strive to exceed our client’s expectations.” November 5, 2009 - Laurie Axford

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

“Malcolm is an exceptional contributor to the success of our business at an L&D level. Coursework delivered by Malcolm and his team is well tailored to our needs and is of a high standard. Malcolm really wants your business to benefit and it shows.” - Gary Prince

In a recent blog we discussed workplace bullies following an article about research on the subject.  It seems the challenge of managing workplace conflict continues.  In an article published in the October 2009 edition of ‘Training & Development in Australia’ - the journal of the Australian Institute of Training & Development - some further evidence emerged.

In the survey discussed in the article, ‘86% of respondents felt that their company’s manager had a low or variable skill level to deal with internal complaints’ and went on to say ‘organisations’ priority for improving and building these skills should be directed to line managers.’

It is common in our experience at dta to encounter similar feelings about the issue of developing the skills of managers to deal with conflict in the workplace.  Indeed it is probably one of the most frequent areas in which we are asked to help.  The article continues "…many line managers don’t have the confidence or skill to resolve inter - personal conflict and are reluctant or slow to respond when issues arise."

The greatest asset in any business are its people.  Doesn’t it make sense to invest in managing the relationships that are the cause of many disputes.  These ultimately lead to expensive loss of good staff and increased recruitment and training costs.  We would be interested in hearing your views on this topic.

An interesting article in the Sydney Morning Herald on 8th September 2009.  It was entitled "Bullying rife in workplaces, survey finds."  It is not the first time such an article has been written, nor without doubt the last.  The article reports that of 800 employees surveyed,  25% had experienced bullying whilst 50% had witnessed such behaviour.  One quote from the article states - "Organisations need to do more - as a minimum they have a statutory duty of care to manage and control this inappropriate and damaging behaviour."  dta WORLDWIDE comes across this type of issue frequently as a cause of high staff turnover, poor performance and high absenteeism.  In a recent piece of leadership research, it was shown that interpersonal skills of leaders is often lacking - probably a major contributing factor to this problem.  To find out more about conflict resolution take a look here.  A full copy of the article on workplace bullying can be found at here

dta WORLDWIDE recently attended the 3rd annual conference for the United Professional Sales Association (UPSA) in Johannesburg South Africa.  UPSA exists to enhance the capability and competence of Sales Professionals.  It does this through sharing of expertise and information.  The conference this year attracted around 125 delegates from a wide range of industries.  dta WORLDWIDE were invited to attend and a presentation was made by Malcolm Dawes, Managing Director.  Malcolm spoke on Sales Leadership which attracted significant interest from delegates who spoke with the dta representatives at the exhibition at the same event.  During the UPSA conference  dta announced the launch of a new alliance partnership with Innovex South Africa.  Innovex are renowned for their sales expertise and provision of outsourced sales teams, company analysis, sales and management training.

The new partnership means that Innovex will represent dta WORLDWIDE in South Africa and offer the full range of services.  Click here for contact details of dta in Johannesburg

Emotional Intelligence is often looked upon as being one of those topics which is a bit abstract - a bit "Out There!"  However, if we look past the aspects of the subject which are academic and perhaps put us off, we may have a different view.  Emotional Intelligence is a phrase which was popularised in the 1995 book of the same title.  However, it has been researched over many years and is still in most cases on the fringe of people development.

Many studies exist which prove that having high levels of Emotional Intelligence enhances productivity and can actually reduce stress in the workplace.

Lisa Gardner of Swinburne University’s Centre for Neuropsychology surveyed 133 employees from a range of industries including marketing, information technology and engineering.  She said those with higher levels of Emotional Intelligence tended to be healthier mentally and physically. They were less likely to suffer sleeplessness, headaches, muscle pains and other physical symptoms associated with stress.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise and express emotions in yourself and the ability to understand the emotions of colleagues. In a recent presentation from ihatemypc who maintain dta WORLDWIDE computer systems, this humorous video reminded us how much emotion does effect us at work.

The sad passing a few weeks ago of Professor Chris O’Brien, Head and Neck Surgeon in Sydney Australia is a stark reminder to us all of the power of the brain.  Professor O’Brien, for those who don’t know, was well known through his appearances on the Australian TV show RPA.  The programme followed the work of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.  Professor O’Brien was often featured treating his patients with head and neck disorders; in particular tumours of the brain of which ironically he was to succomb.

Since his diagnosis in Novmber 2006 he has fought the disease with incredible vigour.  Having been told he had only 6 months to live, he worked to create a new cancer research and treatment centre called Lifehouse at RPA.  To watch his amazing progress raises a number of questions.  Against medical odds, he survived much longer.  Why?  It seems that his positive attitude and determination to beat the condition were major contributing factors.  To have the ability to see the positive in any situation is a true sign of high emotional intelligence.  He even commented in April this year that he needed to continue as his son told him he couldn’t die yet!  Chris O’Brien did indeed remain focussed on living and doing what he did best.  Helping other people.

If a man who knew the likely outcome of his condition can believe so strongly that he will fight on with such positivity, what does that teach us about the more mundane aspects of life which we can change through the ability to focus on what we want rather than what we don’t  want?  May his legacy live on and teach us all a little bit about the way we see the world.

Professor Chris O’Brien.  Click here to learn more about Lifehouse The Cancer Tr\eatment Centre set up by Chris O’Brien

dta WORLDWIDE recently participated in a trade mission to India organised by the Australian Trade Commission - Austrade.  One of ten companies attending, dta WORLDWIDE’s Managing Director, Malcolm Dawes, met a number of Learning & Development organisations who are keen to partner with dta in India.  In addition, meetings and discussions were held with many associations and industry groups, including the All India Management Association, the Institute of Management Consultants India and the National Human Resource Development Network.

India is a rapidly growing country, with 6% growth expected this year, even in the current economic climate.  It has a large number of major infrastructure projects and is developing its global offerings.  Leadership, Sales and Team work are at the forefront of this development of the country’s industry.    dta is well positioned to work closely with its Indian partners in bringing development solutions to the market.  The visit which covered three cities, New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai was highly successful and dta met a number of new and established businesses keen to grow and add to their exisiting portfolio of solutions.  Many of the Indian delegates travelled from other cities such as Pune, Baroda and Bangalore in order to participate.  There was also a delegation from Bangladesh that had travelled to identify possible partnerships.

There were a number of networking functions one of which took place at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi.  This was a joint event with the Australian New Zealand Business Association in India (ANZBAI) where a large number of companies were represented.  Peter Linford the Senior Trade Commissioner was the host at the function and he noted how important the need for ongoing learning and development is as Indias business globalises.  To read more about Peter Linfords comments visit Utsav Australia.

dta has recently met a number of delegates from the World Trade Centre Mumbai who were on a visit to Australia to explore partnerships.  We are pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with our new Indian colleagues and work with them in developing future business ties.

(Above Left) ANZBAI delegates in New Delhi

(Above Right) Malcolm Dawes with Australian Consul General Mr. Aminur Rahman in Chennai

(Above) Mr. Kishore Managing Director of Everonn Systems presenting a gift of a "Toda Shawl"