Stories

Customer Story: Beornn McCarthy

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Published: Monday, 25 November 2019 13:05

Customer Story: Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

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Published: Monday, 23 September 2019 04:55

Lory Calipari, an enthusiastic and motivated honours student, was ready to begin her leadership journey. But there was too much information out there to digest. She needed someone to open her mind to new possibilities.

Lory's head was spinning.

She was about to embark on a 3-4 day conference as part of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, a program designed to help develop her leadership skills.

But there was so much to take in. So much heavy content. Too much theory.

And as a fifth-year honours student, she enjoyed learning but was going through the motions.

Then, she met Paul, who was running one of the first workshops of the morning.

Further reading: How do you develop a program?

The group had nervous anticipation about it. But they needn't have felt that way. Paul quickly got people moving and engaging with other folk.

 "One of the really niche things that Paul did was provide a hands-on experience, so it kept things interesting and fresh," Lory says.

"It's especially important for people sitting down at a conference for most of the week.

"He had his theory and a practical component. It sounds methodical and scientific. But it works. All their workshops I remember them now, ten years later."

One of the activities still stands out today. 

Paul took these painted, shiny sticks, and would drop them randomly. He would then ask of the group, what number was it? Slowly, a pattern emerged. A few people got it. Eventually, the group did. 

"It was all about thinking outside the box," Lory says. 

"Lateral thinking. Different people learn in their own ways. People have different leadership styles and take on things differently."

More recently, Lory has helped as a Program Manager with RYLA.

 As someone who has seen the transformation in her career, she feels many people would get the most value out of a PGT-style experience.

It certainly gave Lory food for thought. Imagine what it could do for the people you are empowering? And the impact a workshop like this could have in the years to come?

Find out more here.

FAQ: How do you develop a course?

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Published: Tuesday, 16 July 2019 03:24

We start by understanding the real drivers behind what you are looking to achieve.

Our typical questions include the following:

• How many people are in the group? (studies say that an optimum size is 10-14)
• Does the group work together normally?
• What is the age group/gender of your group?

Once we establish some key fundamentals, we then align the program to a focus point.

At PGT, we focus on these pillars:

- Problem-solving

- Communicating effectively

- Developing strengths or talents, and 

- Improving self-knowledge.

After we understand this information we then make recommendations and integrate your goals to the program. 

Our program can be either indoors or outdoors, often contain activities and games that encourage high engagement.

The key part of our program is to facilitate and review what the participants can take back that is meaningful. 

Our clients are left with ideas and ways how to continue to use the skills and techniques they've learnt back in their own environment.

Unlike many other training companies, we tailor each program to suit the individual needs of our groups.

 If you are in planning mode for a summer program, then book your spot today by calling Paul on 03 8797 8220. October is a perfect time to start group facilitation.

Case Study: Tomorrow Today Foundation

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Published: Tuesday, 16 July 2019 03:21

The Brief

Benalla's Tomorrow Today Foundation wanted to engage the youth of their area in a positive way, give them opportunities to develop these skills and relay it back to their world. In turn, the community would benefit as a result of a program like this. 

The Approach

PGT Programs designed a day workshop designed to focus on these themes: working with others, fun, finding your strengths, an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. We had a group of 10 between the ages of 11-16 and incorporated a mixture of interactive and passive activities, reflection, discussion and facilitation at the end. We introduced the concepts of planning, communication and cooperation. 

Next, we moved into group challenges where the kids were given a task to complete.  Together, they focused on how to be successful in that task (and communicating effectively). 

Next was a session inside, and a discussion about what they team-work was. We narrowed this down to a list of five traits, described these behaviours and what they would look like if they saw these things in action. This helped turn it from conceptual to practical ideas.

The last session was a wrap up to help connect the ideas and techniques back into their world and their community. 

Client feedback:

"The activities involved in outdoor challenges were great. I could really see the students applying the discussed strategies in these tasks.

Paul was easy going and related very well to a group of students he had not met before. He communicated well with me regarding our intended outcomes."

To book your customised training program, call Paul on 03 8797 0220.