Boost your workplace environment with our soft skills training that EMPOWERS your teams with vital skills from Leadership to Communication for a more dynamic work environment.
Ella has a gift to enthuse, to inspire and to kick people into action. She will make you feel the power of the individual to create change and will give you the tools for your team to enable greatness. Ella is your coach, your engine, your agent and catalyst!
Proven results from our interactive, reflective and practical sessions from Communication to Leadership Skill Workshops.
Know the skills your teams need to be successful? Let us partner with you to create the perfectly designed training for your teams.
Invite a dynamic and energetic speaker who creates dynamic experiences of audience interaction with trending workplace topics.
Ella Bates has a PASSION for bringing the energy to high-impact learning experiences . Whether she’s in aircraft hangars (great story), on cruise ships, or in Fortune 500 companies.
Ella’s workshops are designed to captivate, inspire, and spark immediate action that leads to real results.
Her goal is to enhance joy and success in every professional journey, leaving a positive mark on how people think, learn, and make an impact in their careers.
The holiday season can be a whirlwind, but it doesn’t have to derail your productivity! Discover expert tips to manage your out-of-office time effectively while keeping your team engaged and on track. From setting clear boundaries to optimizing workflows, Ella Bates Corporate Training shares actionable strategies to help you thrive during the busiest time of year.
Read the full blog and take charge of your holiday productivity today!
Facilitation is both an art and a science. It’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable, engaged, and productive. Over the years, I’ve honed my facilitation skills in boardrooms, conference halls, and even unconventional places like cruise ships and aircraft hangars. While the basics like “be prepared” and “know your audience” are essential, I want to share some of my top-secret strategies that go beyond the usual advice. These tips are actionable, practical, and will make you stand out as a facilitator.1. Set the Vibe with Your EnergyYour energy sets the tone for the entire session. People mirror what they see—if you’re excited and engaged, they’ll follow suit. Start with a burst of enthusiasm, whether it’s through your tone, movement, or even a big smile. But here’s the secret: don’t fake it. Find something about the session that genuinely excites you, even if it’s just the coffee you had beforehand. Authenticity is magnetic. Actionable Tip: Enter the room with a confident, upbeat walk. Greet participants warmly and say, “I’m so glad you’re here; this is going to be fun!” 2. Create Micro-Moments of ConnectionBefore diving into content, take a moment to connect with your group. Use names, ask quick, light questions, or share a relatable anecdote. These little moments humanize you and put everyone at ease. Why It’s Great: People learn and contribute more when they feel seen and valued. Connection is the cornerstone of collaboration. Actionable Tip: Start by asking participants to share something unrelated to the session, like their favorite breakfast or what they’d do with a free afternoon. 3. Use the 80/20 Engagement RuleYou should only be talking 20% of the time. The remaining 80% should be group interaction—discussions, activities, and reflections. Why? Because facilitation isn’t about you; it’s about them. Actionable Tip: After introducing a concept, immediately throw out a question like, “How could this apply in your world?” or “What’s your biggest takeaway so far?” Then, let them run with it. 4. Have a Toolkit of “Reset Buttons”Sometimes, things derail—energy dips, discussions stagnate, or people start zoning out. That’s when you need a reset button. My favorites? Quick stretch breaks, energizing games, or even a moment of silence to recalibrate focus. Actionable Tip: Use a “Walk and Talk” reset. Pair people up, ask them a discussion question, and have them stretch their legs for five minutes. Movement sparks creativity and energy. 5. Master the Art of SilenceSilence isn’t awkward—it’s powerful. After asking a question, resist the urge to fill the void. Silence gives participants the chance to think, process, and respond meaningfully. Why It’s Great: It signals that their input matters and that you’re not afraid to hold space for thoughtfulness. Actionable Tip: Count to seven silently after asking a question. Someone will inevitably speak up, and it’ll usually be worth the wait. 6. Customize on the FlyYou might have a meticulously planned agenda, but real magic happens when you adapt to the room. If people are buzzing about a particular topic, dive deeper. If they seem restless, switch up the format. Why It’s Great: Tailoring the experience shows you’re attuned to their needs and keeps engagement high. Actionable Tip: Ask, “What’s resonating with you so far?” and pivot based on their answers. 7. Be a Master of Questions, Not AnswersFacilitators are guides, not gurus. Great questions unlock insights and empower the group to find their own solutions. Actionable Tip: Keep a stash of open-ended, probing questions like:“What would happen if we tried the opposite approach?”“What’s the real challenge here?” 8. Anchor Content with StoriesStories are the glue that makes information stick. Whether it’s a personal anecdote or a metaphor, a good story keeps people engaged and helps them remember your message. Actionable Tip: Use the “Challenge-Action-Result” framework: Share a challenge you faced, what you did to tackle it, and the outcome. 9. Use Visual Cues to Reinforce PointsWhether it’s a diagram, a prop, or even a simple hand gesture, visuals create an extra layer of connection. They anchor your ideas in something tangible. Why It’s Great: People remember 65% of information when it’s paired with visuals versus just 10% from hearing it. Actionable Tip: Use sticky notes for group brainstorming or a fun object (like a ball) to symbolize key concepts. 10. Close with PurposeDon’t let your session fizzle out—end with a bang! Recap key takeaways, give participants time to reflect, and leave them with a call to action. Actionable Tip: End with, “What’s one thing you’re going to apply starting tomorrow?” Have them write it down or share it aloud. Final ThoughtsGreat facilitation isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating an environment where ideas flow, connections deepen, and progress is made. With these tips, you’ll elevate your facilitation game and make every session unforgettable. So, which tip will you try first? Let me know in the comments!Ready to have new knowledge and skills facilitated to your team? Let’s chat! Contact Us Ella Bates has a PASSION for bringing the energy to high-impact learning experiences . Whether she’s in aircraft hangars (great story), on cruise ships, or in Fortune 500 companies. Ella’s workshops are designed to captivate, inspire, and spark immediate action that leads to real results. Her goal is to enhance joy and success in every professional journey, leaving a positive mark on how people think, learn, and make an impact in their careers. Read more at www.ellabates.com
About Us Training Blog Podcast Book Contact us Ella has been shaking up the learning world for over 20 years. Known for delivering high-energy, impactful experiences, she specializes in soft skills including: leadership journeys, communication skills, and conference talks that leave audiences inspired and ready to act. From aircraft hangars to cruise ships, union halls to Fortune 500 boardrooms, she’s ignited change across every environment. As a Business School College Professor, Ella bridges the gap between theory and action, empowering teams to transform knowledge into tangible skills. Get ready for a fresh, bold approach to workplace learning! Read more www.ellabates.com Magdalena Goledzinowska | Management & Organizational Development We call her our TONY ROBBINS!Ella has a gift to enthuse, to inspire and to kick people into action. She will make you feel the power of the individual to create change and will give you the tools for your team to enable greatness. Ella is your coach, your engine, your agent and catalyst! A Few of Our Clients BOOK A CALL WITH US SIGN UP: No Fluff – Just Skills Help your teams stay SHARP grow FAST and keep learning SIMPLE with our NO-FLUFF guaranteed newsletter. [always under a 5 minute read] Email* Join Now! Name Follow us on Social Media BOOK A CALL WITH US About Us Training Blog Podcast Book Contact us
About Us Training Blog Podcast Book Contact us In today’s dynamic and ever-evolving business landscape, the success of any organization heavily relies on the collective skills and competencies of its workforce. Identifying and addressing skill gaps among your team members is not only essential for improving individual performance but also crucial for achieving your company’s strategic goals. At Ella Bates Corporate Training, we’re here to guide you on this journey of skill discovery and development. Let’s explore how you can uncover skill gaps in your team and how we can assist in bridging those gaps to empower your workforce. Step 1: Understand the Importance of Skill Gap AnalysisBefore diving into the process of identifying skill gaps, it’s vital to recognize why this exercise is so critical. Skill gap analysis can:Boost Efficiency: Addressing skill gaps can enhance efficiency by ensuring that your team members have the necessary skills to perform their tasks effectively.Drive Innovation: Filling skill gaps can lead to innovation as your team acquires new competencies and perspectives.Increase Employee Satisfaction: Employees feel valued when their development needs are addressed, which can boost morale and retention rates.Enhance Competitiveness: A well-rounded workforce is more competitive in the marketplace, enabling your organization to adapt and thrive.Step 2: Identify Skill GapsNow, let’s delve into how to discover the skill gaps within your team: 1. Self-Assessment: Encourage team members to perform self-assessments. They can evaluate their current skills and identify areas where they feel less confident. 2. Managerial Feedback: Managers play a crucial role in assessing their team’s performance. Regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews provide an opportunity to discuss skill development. 3. Peer Evaluations: Colleague feedback can provide a holistic perspective. Peer reviews can highlight areas where individuals may need additional support. 4. Skill Tests and Assessments: Administering skill-specific tests or assessments can pinpoint technical or job-specific skill gaps. 5. Project Performance: Evaluate the quality and outcomes of projects your team is involved in. Identify any recurring challenges or issues that may stem from skill gaps.Step 3: Design the SolutionTap into your Learning and development department and create the solution that best fits your team, or failing that, connect with us! The journey to bridging skill gaps is a collaborative effort between your organization and us. By investing in the development of your team’s skills, you empower them to excel in their roles and contribute significantly to the success of your organization. Skills Trainer – Ella Bates Ella has been shaking up the learning world for over 20 years. Known for delivering high-energy, impactful experiences, she specializes in soft skills including: leadership journeys, communication skills, and conference talks that leave audiences inspired and ready to act. From aircraft hangars to cruise ships, union halls to Fortune 500 boardrooms, she’s ignited change across every environment. As a Business School College Professor, Ella bridges the gap between theory and action, empowering teams to transform knowledge into tangible skills. Get ready for a fresh, bold approach to workplace learning! Read more at www.ellabates.com
Recently, one of my participants declaring they spoke 4 languages and the client being surprised. This got me to thinking, what do you not know about your staff that they know? The past experiences and skills of your team are the foundation to success, but the ability to identify and embrace these transferable skills is the catalyst for high growth. Every single person who walks through your office doors brings with them a unique blend of skills and experiences that make them a valuable asset, you need to be able to tap into this goldmine of potential, so how? The answer lies in understanding and leveraging the concept of transferable skills. Identifying Transferable Skills: The Key to Unleashing Potential Not all skills are created equal, and not every skill a team member possesses might directly align with your business. However, the art lies in recognizing those hidden gems within seemingly unrelated experiences. Imagine a team member with a culinary background from their food truck days. While it might not be directly applicable to your finance business, dig deeper and you might uncover event planning expertise, social media prowess, or even creative design capabilities. These transferable skills can be a treasure trove waiting to be unlocked.Consider making the identification of these transferable skills a part of your recruitment process. Pose questions that explore the unique strengths and interests of candidates. Listening: The Gateway to Uncovering Hidden Talents Regular interactions, be it during meeting breaks, weekly catch-ups, or performance reviews, provide an opportunity to delve deeper into their aspirations. Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share their feelings about their current roles, future interests, and personal career goals. By truly listening, you not only make them feel valued but also gain insights into their untapped capabilities. Leveraging Their Skillset: Nurturing Growth and Innovation Identification is merely the first step. The true magic happens when you transform this knowledge into action. Tailoring tasks and responsibilities to align with individual strengths can lead to a happier and more productive team. This might mean reorganizing teams or introducing new projects that resonate with their skills and passions. But it also offers an avenue to venture into uncharted territory. Empowering an events enthusiast to host virtual events or enlisting tech-savvy members to elevate your online presence can lead to novel opportunities and a vibrant workplace culture.Investing in Development: Cultivating Excellence A culture of continuous learning can be a powerful catalyst for individual and organizational growth. Research shows that training and development opportunities directly impact employee satisfaction. By customizing training to align with their interests, you demonstrate that their growth matters. From in-house projects to external courses, virtual classes, workshops, and professional qualifications, investing in their development pays dividends in employee retention and overall productivity.Ella Bates is your Employee Learning Specialist, specializing in Leadership Skills, Communication and Productivity, see more here
While Barbie is a fictional doll (and a REALLY funny movie) her journey, attributes, and evolution over time can provide symbolic parallels to leadership qualities and strategies. Here’s why you might consider comparing leadership and Barbie, humor me THE AGILE DOLL Barbie effortlessly takes on various roles and professions, showcasing adaptability and a willingness to learn new skills. This versatility is a key trait of effective leaders. SHE HAS CONFIDENCE Barbie exudes confidence in every situation, inspiring those around her to believe in their own abilities and take on challenges with self-assurance.BARBIE THE INNOVATOR With her ever-evolving styles, careers, and adventures, Barbie encourages creativity and embraces change, mirroring the qualities of innovative leaders. BARBIE & COLLABORATION Barbie often engages in group activities with her friends and family, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in leadership, fostering strong relationships and mutual support. SHE EMPOWERS OTHERS Barbie’s diverse range of occupations and achievements promotes empowerment, showing that leaders can break boundaries and inspire others to do the same.How is this knowledge useful? Use it as talking points in your next team meeting, use as an icebreaker.Ella Bates is your Employee Learning Specialist, specializing in Leadership Skills, take a look at our Leadership Toolkit
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