In 2021, Sky’s Commercial TV department were seeking dynamic training on problem solving techniques to upskill their whole team who were returning to face-to-face, collaborative work after long periods of remote work during the pandemic.
Sky commissioned City Academy, a trusted supplier who had previously run training on Presentation Skills, Storytelling and Making an Impact to internal teams, to develop a bespoke training programme based on key problem-solving skills.
Paired with practical training on Presentation Skills, the programme’s goals were to improve how individuals in the business approached problem solving, empower them to communicate successfully with colleagues and present confidently to their seniors, managers and stakeholders.
The programme was devised in October 2021 by City Academy Business’ team and top business facilitators, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
“Fantastic and encouraged a strong free flowing, collaborative environment.”
Business Strategy Graduate Team attendee
Public speaking, Presentation Skills, Team work, Effective Communication, Problem Solving, Leadership, Inspiring Speaking
1 - 2 days, in person, off-site at MediaCom, groups of up to 8
Various Sky departments - Graduate team, Marketing, Commercial TV, Broadband
120+
The programme rolled out to the first cohort of 60 delegates in December 2021 and continues to be booked by different Sky departments to date. More than 120 delegates have taken part in the programme in a 12 month period.
An additional more advanced programme was devised for directors, heads of departments in line with their seniority and requirements around inspiring leadership.
In each tailored session, employees discuss real working scenarios relevant to their roles and departments. They apply tools and techniques to problem solve, enhance teamwork and later present findings to build on their practical presenting skills. A live coach trains the group on problem-solving frameworks, practical presentation skills as well as offering personalised steers, 1:2:1 feedback to each delegate relevant to their needs and goals.
“I thought this was a very valuable and rewarding experience, doing it in person and also within a smaller group"
"Really enjoyed the workshop - our instructor was engaging, made easier by asking us to create a problem which was relevant to us. Being in a different office definitely added to the excitement of the day, and the in-person nature of it was infinitely more stimulating than previous online learning sessions we've had."
"Really enjoyed completing the workshop in a small group, it meant I got a lot out of the day with 1:1 feedback from the coach. Also, shout out to the coach, she was so lovely and helpful and made the day really fun and interactive. Also felt way more valuable to our everyday and more age appropriate than other training I’ve had."
Feedback compiled by Callum Shortland
Business Strategy Graduate Team
Gosia has worked with 60+ Sky delegates to deliver this programme, across both 1 and 2 day options.
Work-relevant: The teams responded well to the workshops being focused on work-related and relevant scenarios; many of them said previous training in other employment consisted of hypothetical scenarios and theory; this left them unsure of how to apply what they learned in their roles and real lives
Collaboration: The delegates enjoyed training with not only their direct team but with colleagues from other departments. This gave them a clearer understanding of each other’s roles, allowed for different insights and opinions to be shared as well as sparking interesting ideas in each other
Communication: The teams appreciated the opportunity to work together in session – newer team members were given support, insights and feedback from their more experienced counterparts. Newer recruits opened up and contributed with ease in the company of supportive and knowledgeable seniors
Out of site, out of mind: Many participants were very positive about being away from their usual office environment. In a new space, they could focus and engage on the content at hand and commit to the day away without the distraction of their desk.
Practical value: The participants got a lot of value out of working on their presentation skills. They gained feedback from me on their delivery, structure, storytelling as well as getting supportive, constructive peer feedback on their content – relevant to their organisation and department.
Increased confidence: Each group left the workshop more confident in their abilities because of tools and techniques learned. Some were even looking forward to their next presentation!
View Gosia’s profile here.