https://youtu.be/mYCPVbdimjo Conceiving, planning and briefing on the appropriate response to given conditions can be challenging for any leadership or management team. This is especially true for non-routine or emergency conditions for which the leadership team has little or no experience. There are basic principles of leadership and simple tools for effective communication that should be applied in most situations – knowing these and having an opportunity to practice them is how tactical responders in civil security, the military, medicine and aviation hone their skills and practice their art. Adopting a similar approach in…Read more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px1W3bUvSgo Two important factors (at least!) in BHA or tool string design … the specification and geometry of the individual tools or components … and the function and characteristics of the string as a whole. Most will be different… so, a coaching tool that helps illustrate and demonstrate the assembly sequence and ultimate configuration of the tool string can be a useful aid for planning and briefing. Don’t underestimate the value of a good technical briefing for (both) routine and non-routine activities … and don’t underestimate the power of hands-on visualisation tools in…Read more

https://youtu.be/YqQPExL6Iwk Critical equipment systems are frequently designed with fail-safe functionality – often comprising several control and actuation systems, e.g., mechanical, hydraulic and possibly electrical/instrumentation. A structured, incremental approach to coaching and training using a variety of tools and blended learning processes provide an engaging and efficient approach for such complex equipment, such as in this case, a valve actuator. The functioning of a complicated valve actuator system can be explained  and demonstrated using simple hands-on props. Combined with relevant and robust coaching it can illustrate and demonstrate the key features and operating characteristics…Read more

https://youtu.be/3p--QYxkpZA Understanding the basic functionality and location of sealing surfaces of critical equipment – even simple equipment items like a valves – is key to proper operation, efficient maintenance and successful troubleshooting. Where the coaching message is critical for safe and reliable operation, it should be delivered and reinforced in different ways – preferably using different media to ensure retention. Simple hands-on props combined with contextual information and a robust coaching narrative are essential tools for illustrating and demonstrating operating characteristics and relevant features. Our props are custom designed to convey a message…Read more

https://youtu.be/VbhRMEPSMFc A key part of managing any emergency (or unplanned) situation is communicating the planned response with operational staff, emergency responders or stakeholders. For all involved, having a clear understanding of the current situation and the plan for deploying resources is crucial – as is the knowledge of changing hazards and environmental conditions. Creating a relevant visualisation with simple props to illustrate the deployment of key roles and equipment while highlighting hazards or operating parameters is a versatile tool that will quickly and efficiently deliver the response plan – using the power of…Read more

https://youtu.be/ismJh2cVLeo Establishing and cultivating an awareness (not a skill) within a workforce, client base or with stakeholders often requires a subtly different message than used for skills training – but the key principles remain. The experience must be engaging, relevant and focussed on providing a recall of key specifics to the desired level of detail.  Since time is often limited and the audience may start form varying levels of basic knowledge, a delivery technique that takes your audience on a plausible journey or narrative through the process is often the easiest to execute…Read more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqNf9VQEik0 A practical understanding of buoyage and how it determines “actions on the water” requires that navigators understand both the meaning of each buoy, plus the requirements of the buoyage system. As with many skills it’s mostly about recognising patterns and visualising the route ahead – and that takes practice. Practice on a table-top using realistic scenarios and tools will substantially help when taking that crucial next step to practice on the water!Read more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCHO7Zw_jBk A practical understanding of buoyage and navigation systems is also about understanding the characteristics and constraints of other traffic and water users – some of which may be more predictable than others! An important aspect of learning how to use almost any system safely and efficiently, is learning how to be IN the system, co-habiting with other users – large/small, commercial/leisure, skilled/less-skilled. Preparation and some practice using relevant table-top coaching tools and realistic scenarios enables basic skills and understanding to be acquired in a safe and controlled environment.Read more

https://youtu.be/A5uEH_N7vvE?list=TLPQMjUwMzIwMjAVENdRRXSLHQ Structural models and props are useful when your message involves orientation within/around a facility or installation - or where the details of a briefing or explanation are clearer when presented with context. Such applications do not typically need high-resolution tools – let’s keep the detail (and the investment of time and effort) in the right place! With a little thought and understanding of your essential message, simple, economic and highly effective aids to understanding can be produced … “IKEA-style”!!Read more

https://youtu.be/uzkdW45yxzo Symbols are widely used to convey clear information or messages. Some are bespoke, reflecting the technology, organisation or industry sector. Others are more formal and widely used in multi-agency applications, such as the symbology used in UK Civil Protection guidance documents and briefings. Symbols and commonly understood terminology facilitate information exchange and enable “at-a-glance” situational awareness – highlighting hazards, assets and resources to support informed decision making.Read more