One thing at a time!

One of our course participants, told us he feels like he can never settle to one job, can't relax at home, is always working yet never gets anything done.  We suggested he practise just focusing on one job, block out everything else and relax…everything else can wait.  Doesn't seem like much but it is a big step if you can't switch off or stay focused.

Appraisal time?

Is it appraisal time in your company? 

What are your top tips for getting the most from an appraisal?

Bad communication in your organisation?

Bad communication in organisations is often seen as a classic management mistake.  This can be within a team or across the whole organisation.  Do you know your organisations goals and values?

Assessor training: qualifications v non qualifications?

There are pros & cons of both, here are some points to consider...

1. The first thing to check is what your clients and auditors need.  Increasingly the oil & gas supply chain is being very specific about what is required.

2. Then think about what is achievable.  How will you get your assessors to finish the assignments needed for qualifications?  Consider the implications for those working internationally.

3. If you do not do a qualification, are you happy you have the evidence to proof your assessors are competent?

Tips for competence assurance system success!

Our 4th top tip when implementing a successful competence assurance system:

4. Prioritise your people

If this is your third or fourth look at competencies then focus on people new to roles. Assess the level of risk - two people might be new to a role but the one who has not been offshore before has to be a priority.

The 20-Minute Exercise To Eradicate Negative Thinking....

http://www.fastcompany.com/3003046/20-minute-exercise-eradicate-negative-thinking?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=linkedin&goback=.gde_3114584_member_188142764

New research - are you threatened by 'burn out'?

One in three employees threatened by ‘burn-out’, finds new research from HR Consultants Towers Watson. 

The firm’s Global Workforce Study, which surveyed 32,000 employees worldwide, found that more than a third of UK employees (34 per cent) said they were often affected by excessive work pressures. What do you think?

A bit of calm in your day!

Picture taken at the top of Ben Lomond by Catriona, Polaris Learning.  Well Done Catriona!

The cHeRries Awards 2013!

Nominations now open for the cHeRries Awards. We're delighted to continue to be a sponsor! 

Now in it's 6th year, the cHeRries Awards ceremony will be held in the Boyd Orr Suite at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre. 

The awards recognise the successes and examples of excellence in the fields of Human Resources, Recruitment and Training in the North East of Scotland.

Please see their website for more info:
http://www.cherriesawards.com/

Baxters Workplace Trainer!

We cater for all learning styles & needs!

Turtle Training in Brazil!

One member of the Polaris Learning team, seen pictured, recently went out to North East Brazil to do Assessor Training with Odfjell Drilling but happened to take a trip to to a biological reserve where they are monitoring turtle activity - a project sponsored by Petrobras called the Tamar Project.

Tamir researchers protect turtle nests.  The eggs are buried in the sand when laid and either left on the beach or brought into a hatchery for incubation.  When they hatch they are released immediately into the sea... 

He was very lucky and actually got to see them releasing baby turtles to the ocean that day!

More photos to follow...

Are you responsible for your company's Competency Management System?

If you are responsible for your company's Competency Management System, then look no further than us for some top tips to help lead you to success!

When implementing your Competency Management System, there is a lot to address and it is not hard to imagine why some organisations feel their competency assurance system does not prove or completely demonstrate competency for all roles. With skills shortages and not enough time to give the younger generation years to build up experience, a robust competence assurance system becomes even more important.

Here are 3 top tips to lead you in the right direction:

1. Identify the right competencies

Link all your competencies to your safety management systems/safety case.  These documents provide essential information to help guide you.  But remember to get input from your offshore personnel.

2. Draw a map

Map out the competency process so that only workplace competencies are assessed offshore.  Otherwise you risk duplication of effort between training, familiarisation, emergency response training and competency.

3. Build a workable system

Competence assessment is a small part of what supervisors and teams are asked to do offshore.  So your documentation has to be clear and quick to use.  The working part must line up with responsibilities.  The people doing the assessments (the assessors) can be given checklists that reflect key aspects of procedures and risk assessments.

IMCA Annual Seminar 2012!

The 2012 IMCA annual seminar is coming up & will take place on 28–29 November at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam, Netherlands. 

With the theme being: 

Marine and subsea operations: a culture of sustainability!

Our Managing Director, Keith Adam, 

will also be presenting at this on Thursday 29th on: 

linking training and competence to the safety management system!

Full information can be found by clicking on the link below:

http://www.imca-int.com/events/seminar/programme.html

Have you thought about your learning style recently? Or the learning styles of your team or trainees?

We all learn differently.  This can greatly effect how we learn, what we learn and if not handled correctly, how well we learn.  As a trainer or manager, you will be more effective if you understand your learning style and recognise the different learning styles of your team or trainees.  

Please get in touch if you would like a copy of our learning styles questionnaire.

New funding from the Scottish Government!

There is now funding available from the Scottish Government to help Food & Drink Manufacturing companies secure funding to raise recruitment levels in sectors where women are under-represented, increase earning potential and aid career progression.

See the full story below:

http://foodanddrink.nsacademy.co.uk/content/women-and-work-employer-investment-fund-round-3

Communication is vital!

If your team feel you do not tell them enough about what is going on, have a think about your own communication needs. 

We all have different needs when it comes to communication.  Some people just don't need much information.  But others need a lot more.  If you don't need much information but your colleagues or peers do, they will always feel like you do not communicate.  Try to 'over communicate' for a while and see if that helps.  You can always cut it back if need be, but you might find this is the level of communication they need.

The Harbour - BBC1 Series!

Have you ever noticed a new program on TV called "The Harbour"? 

It's on every Monday night on BBC1 between half 6 & half 7. 

This week, the Bibby Sapphire faces a North Sea storm and we meet the characters in a fish factory. 
If you miss

ed it this week, there is always BBC iPlayer or tune into BBC1 next Monday night for next week's episode!

It's something you don't want to miss!

Struggling to work with a colleague?

Sometimes we can forget to look at a situation from a different perspective.  If you are finding it hard to work with a colleague, try looking at it from their view point and see if that helps.