WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT HEAR and BE HEARD

Those who have studied Hear and Be Heard and applied its guidelines report very significant self-understanding of their own part in problems experienced with others, and a surprising degree of ability to make sustainable improvements to their relationships-management practices: greater self-assertion, more confidence, clarity, honesty, cooperation, the ability to approach and resolve conflict openly with respect for individual differences, and more satisfying everyday dialogue.
Typical participant comments and recommendations include:

• This is the programme I should have taken - we all should have been able to take - years ago.
• A clear and ethical conceptual basis, practical guidelines AND sufficient real-life rehearsal to gain confidence - at last!
• Effective communication is an essential leadership skill, and I rate Hear and Be Heard as one of the best development programmes in this field. I have seen my staff grow in confidence in both business and social settings after undertaking the programme. [Vivian Blake, COO, Otago District Health Board]
• A most productive and empowering programme. I made improvements I had not thought possible.
• It gave me a mandate to change my approach to relationships and much more confidence for resolving problems.
• One of the most enlightening journeys I've ever undertaken!
• Tom Watkins' Hear and Be Heard interpersonal skills course is the foundation on which I am moving our organisation from one that was merely surviving to one which will thrive. Tom offers practical information that can be used in everyday situations, delivered in a safe environment, where everyone is able to participate at the level they feel comfortable with. I have had total buy-in from all staff who have participated in this course and a waiting list of others wanting to take part. The greater insight and understanding of communicating with others has improved both my professional and personal life and I would recommend it as a 'must do' for any organisation. [Geoff White, General Manager, Trade Aid Importers Ltd]
• It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of this course on the rest of my life!
• I was amazed to discover how little real listening goes on in my own behaviours and others' around me.
• Deals sensitively and effectively with the 'freight' of old habits, beliefs and feelings, while teaching alternative practices that really work! . . . Brilliant!
• I felt my communication was quite good but have learned a lot. Takes self-awareness to a new level.
• Would be great if everyone could do this - but in the first instance I think all the line managers should be exposed to these skills.
• Being aware of how to define problem ownership and use this to pick the most effective communication strategy is probably the most important leadership development training I have undertaken. Learning when to "HEAR" and when to "BE HEARD" has made problems manageable and improved my workplace relationships. [Colleen Coop, Group Manager, Emergency, Medicine and Surgery Services, Otago District Health Board]
• Excellent [written] material conducive to study and frequent consultation. This should be rolled out further in the organisation.

The following organisations have made very significant use of this programme (as either Hear and Be Heard or Managing Effective Relationships) at various times:

Shell NZ The New Zealand Treasury National library of New Zealand Air New Zealand (Flight Operatiions & Engineering Services) Various NZ Crown Research Institutes Western Bay (BOPD) Health Otago District Health Board

Philips NZ Ltd Te Puni Kokiri Synfuels NZ Ltd Reserve Bank of New Zealand South Auckland (Counties Manukau) Health Trade Aid Importers Ltd Exicom New Zealand Health Waikato

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