the shifting gears programme - testimonials

Our customer list includes organisations in the USA, the UK,
New Zealand and Australia.

The following list of organisations is representative of our multi-dimensional approach, one that has resulted in our working with everyone from front-line staff to Chief Executives.

What people say

Here are a few of the many testimonials from people who have got to know our work and the way we operate (organisation names and titles relate to time testimonial was received) ~

Note:

Craig Muir, National Sales Manager, Drake International                                                     "We have been working with the Shifting Gears programme for several years as a part of our management training strategy. Over that, time, attendance on a Shifting gears course has become an integral part of every Drake Manager's personal development.

Our organisation is literally in the 'People Business' and the Shifting Gears skills significantly impact our ability to understand the needs of our clients, our candidates and our staff. They also strongly influence our overall ability to communicate effectively with them. In particular, the conflict management tools and skills have saved us money and improved morale and productivity.

Taught in a unique learning environment, Shifting Gears is a positive experience enjoyed by all our managers and future leaders.

Last year we ran our first programme for our 'up and coming' staff to prepare them for future leadership roles. This has proven to be hugely successful for those selected to attend and we are looking forward to  a new group of selected staff attending the course again this year.

I recommend Shifting Gears to anyone looking for improved performance in either their business or personal lives and would be happy to discuss our experience and our positive results.

Lesley Leach, Community Nurse, Te Ruanganui O Taranaki Whanui Ki Te Upoko O Te Ika, Lower Hutt, New Zealand                                                                                                         “I am so sad that the course has finished today. The 'kit' of tools have made a huge difference in my life and I am sure that they will continue to make a difference in my  future. Whatever I achieve in the future you will have a part in because you gave me these tools.”

Mary Sinclair-Jones, Chief Human Resources Officer, EW Regional Council          "Environment Waikato has been enjoying Shifting Gears as more than ten years. Over this time many people have attended the programme and returned to home and work life uplifted, thoughtful and with an enhanced level of communication.

One of the useful results for us has been the informal network that has built up across the organisation. Another has been the higher level of willingness amongst people that have attended the course to explore sometimes contentious or difficult issues and come up with collaborative solutions.

We have been growing a shared language and experience and intend to keep on doing so - I am very happy to discuss our experiences further. 

Shayleen Barlow, HR Manager (formerly Carlton Hotel, Auckland)                            "Whether you are a small or large organisation, it is so important to achieve with less effort and less stress. This occurs through Ian with his wonderful approach to leadership development and his personalised Shifting Gears Programme.  Ian has developed some remarkable tools which have allowed our employees to create shifts in how they manage themselves, as a primary focus, and improve the management of their relationships with others as well.

 Skills do not develop in isolation so the integrative approach of Ian’s Shifting Gears is very much appreciated by our Cadets who have completed this wonderful programme and emerged on the other side with positive developments in the way that they manage themselves and others.

 Ian has incredible passion and belief in his programme and this is demonstrated by the feedback and changes we have seen in our Cadets, whom we are grooming to be the Tourism Leaders of Tomorrow.  Their feedback is always wonderful and Ian’s enthusiasm, development methods, and philosophy of training interventions, are a reflection of his commitment and passion to this programme and the development of management skills.

 My heartfelt thanks will always be with Ian for his programme and the wonderful personal and professional advances that our cadets are showing."
 

Brendan Morris, Programme Manager, Natural Hazards & Emergency Management, Environment Waikato Regional Council                                                                              "This course was a timely reminder about a number of concepts I have learnt about before. The course got down to dealing with some of the "crunchy" fundamentals of who we are and how we work, instead of filling my mind with buzzwords as other courses have tended to do. The concepts and ideas explored on the course do not only apply to the work situation - they are equally relevant to my personal life. Since completing the course, I have reviewed some of my life goals - this course was relevant and timely for my personal development. All in all, an excellent course!"

Mike O'Hara                                                                                                                   "Listening is something we all take for granted. This course will teach you the power of listening well, and from that you will be able to implement a whole range of skills you never knew you had."

Andrew Duncan, National S&M Manager Transportation, Exide Technologies                        "I have worked very closely with Ian and the team at The Creative Learning Network for the past three years. Prior to Shifting Gears, we, like many employers, explored and experienced the more traditional development programs on offer with no real long term benefits. We needed to get out of coast mode and find a new way forward with innovation and unleash the existing intellectual capital of our associates.

Whilst our results were satisfactory, we believed complacency had become part of our culture which exposed our business to an ever-changing market. We all strongly believed we could be a whole lot better if only we could increase the intensity and optimise the talents of our entire staff.

Shifting Gears provided us with an alternative development program, extremely different to the traditional training approach. It focuses on the individual and provides a forum for self- exploration of ones thought process and helps you to understand others. It also provides a solid framework of processes that can be easily applied. Each individual can make real connections to personal experiences at home or at work, which enhances the learning process.

Now well into the program, we include Shifting Gears as an integral part of our company induction process. We believe it is a highly valuable program to our people, to our business and to our future. In addition, we utilise the skill & expertise of The Creative Learning Network to facilitate various workshops critical to the success of strategic planning and new initiatives." 

Mike Flahive                                                                                                                             "I have found the tools useful for my personal development. The skills/tools learnt with Shifting Gears require practice until they become second nature. My friends can attest to this! Seriously, in all contexts I find that practice and communicating the concepts forms a part of an ongoing journey which will lead to the tools becoming part of my personal culture.

Specific areas of interest were active listening, problem solving and the concept of changing your view/internal messages etc.  I am realising that most people offer solution- based answers instead of defining the problem. Ian's book: 'Shifting Gears' has provided an ongoing resource for me."

Shifting Gears is THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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