"Tricks of the Train"
Serious Fun & Games for Engaging Training
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 Greetings!
Summer is finally here and hopefully you are all are planning to take a little time off for fun and relaxation. The more refreshed and relaxed you are, the happier you and your staff will be. So be sure to make time for yourself if you haven't planned something already.
This months featured activity is an exercise that you can use at your next new employee orientation or departmental meeting. It's simple but effective in getting your team to think about who they are and how they fit into your company's mission and vision. Enjoy.
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What's In A Name? 
Creating Your Own Branding Statement
Purpose: To provide an opportunity for employees to get a clear picture of who their company is, what it stands for, the culture, the product and how they fit in. It is a perfect exercise for new employees and can be equally effective with more seasoned staff members.
Preparation: Create a form that is the same or similar to what I have written below. Feel free to customize so it meets your needs.
_____________________________________________________________________
Create Your Own Branding Statement
Name: _________________________
Starting a new job is always exciting. What's even more exciting is when people ask you where you work! Often times though, it's kind of difficult to describe your company and what you do in a way that gets others just as energized as you.
Take a few moments and think about how you would position or brand, Company X, and its business to friends, family, or strangers when they ask you who you work for. When designing your statement think about Company X's business, clients,
benefits, competitors, and/or market needs.
My Branding Statement:_____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Delivery: Prior to handing out the branding statement worksheet, discuss what a branding statement is and why it is important. The Internet can provide you with a good deal of information on branding statements as well as examples to help the group get started.
There are no "wrong statements". This is a great opportunity for employees to get more comfortable with their companies culture, vision and mission as well as enhance their ability to communicate with others about their company.
Here are a couple of examples to share with your participants which may help them get started.
Backgrounds-R-US is the leading provider of technology in
the background screening industry that puts its customers first to ensure that
they can make faster smarter hiring decisions.
The Hotel California strives to create exceptional guest experiences on a consistent basis by maintaining a superior product and through hiring and supporting the best service employees in the industry.
Debrief/ Discussion:
Share Branding Statements
Discuss similarities & differences between individual statements.
Ask why having a Branding Statement is important.
* This original exercise was provided by Dorothy Enriquez, Training Specialist at HireRight in Irvine.
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The Coaching Corner Anita & Crusher 1983
 Animal Tales
Have you heard of the book , "Everything I need to know I learned in Kindergarten?" To a certain extent I agree with author, Robert Fulgram. Things like share everything, play fair and don't hit people make perfect sense. These seem like simple rules to live by. Well when it comes to working with people, I have to say that much of what I have learned has come from working with and observing animals. This month I'd like to share a true experience I had that taught me an important lesson about personalities, temperament and approach.
My first job out of college was working at an Animal Science Center in the Needham, MA Public Schools. I was in charge of the care and feeding of over 40 different animals ranging from owls to alligators. One day I was working with a group of teens instructing them on how to clean out the Boa Constrictor's cage. I had performed this task many times before so I took it for granted that the process would be smooth and easy. I lowered my hand with confidence into "Crusher the 6 foot Boa's cage" and attempted to grab him behind his head in the neck region. Crusher snapped his head around, bit my wrist and began to wrap around my forearm. To say I was stunned would be an understatement. I threw him, all 20lbs, off my arm and stood there with my wrist bleeding in disbelief. What had I done wrong? Where did that reaction come from? My boss lifted crusher off the floor and looked at his eyes. They were a milky blue color, almost cataract looking in appearance. My boss explained to me that Crusher was getting ready to shed his skin and that snakes become almost blind during that process. My quick movement toward him and glare from my wrist watch had frightened him. His defensive reaction to bite then squeeze was his natural instinct. I learned a lesson that day that I will never forget; the importance of being observant and planning my approach.
When interacting with people at work it is so important to tune into where people are at before approaching them. What is their mood and what are they doing? Asking for a raise while you boss is dealing with a big work issue or asking a coworker to exchange shifts while they are running out the door to pick up their daughter are probably not the best times to approach them. Before approaching others, observe body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. Also, take into account what they are doing at the moment and what's going on in their world if you are privy. I know I am always more approachable when my head isn't into some deep project or problem. Understand that while under most circumstances people will react a certain way, their behaviors can change dramatically when they are under stress or feel defensive ( like poor Crusher). When approaching new people, be sensitive, aware and listen to what the other person has to say. Take the time to approach people with respect and most likely you won't get bitten.
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Hot Fun In The Summertime!
The Summer is a great time to conduct outdoor teambuilding activities for your staff. The Coaching Compass has some great new programs to consider. Check out 2 of our most popular offerings.  GPS Crime Scene Investigation
If you're looking for an out-of-the-box teambuilding adventure, this one's for you! Teams will conduct a Crime Scene Investigation utilizing high tech GPS devices. Real forensic evidence will be analyzed ranging from fingerprints to DNA samples. What was the cause of death? Was the perpetrator a friend or foe? Was the body moved? Follow the clues, decipher the codes, search for the evidence and solve the crime! This activity will stretch your team's ability to plan, problem solve, communicate and collaborate their efforts. It would be a crime to miss this one
The Construction Production - Build a bridge, transport explosives over enemy lines and create a robot that can write. These are just a few of the cool activities that participants will engage in as they work and play together with their peers. Using simple giant plastic tubes and connectors, teams will challenge their creativity, communication skills and resourcefulness. This program combines both cooperation as well as competitiveness as teams score points to win the coveted "Mastermind Award".
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For more information on The Coaching Compass and its programs go to www.thecoachingcompass.com or email us at anita@thecoachingcompass.com
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