Thoughts & Recommendations
Recommended Reading
Below are a just a few of the books we’ve enjoyed recently. We’re always looking to deepen our knowledge so if you know of any other books you think we’d enjoy then please drop us a line – info@phoenix-training.co.uk

Drive written by Dan Pink

Scarcity by Sendhill Mullainthan and Eldar Shafir
This book will help you understand how we react to scarcity of resources, such as money and time. It is a fascinating read and one that will change the way you think about time management forever.

Nine Lies About Work written by Marcus Buckingham

Defy by Dr Sunita Sah
This is a really interesting book that helps you reset your approach to defiance. It helps you understand why compliance is often our “go to” response and how it is ok to defy on occasions, in fact important to defy on occasions. It helps the you understand the difference between defiance and disobedience and how defiance can lead to positive change.

The Making of a Manager written by Julie Zhuo

The Fearless Organisation written by Amy Edmondson

The Collective Edge - Colin M Fisher
There are a lot of books out there about teamwork etc but I found this one to be the most practical and insightful that I have ever read. It challenges the traditional ideas and focuses on four foundational elements; Composition, Goals, Tasks and Norms.

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
This is a very practical and useful book focusing on the skills and techniques and mentality needed to lead with courage and humility. Brown provides so many examples of how the techniques and approach work, it is immediately “useable” in the live environment.

Why we do what we do by Edward Deci
The book to read if you want to develop your knowledge of intrinsic motivation. If you manage a team and struggle to understand why they aren’t motivated this is the one to read.

Cultures of Growth written by Mary C Murphy
Relevant Podcasts
Podcasts are good for learning, entertainment, personal growth, and connecting with communities, all while fitting seamlessly into busy lifestyles. Here are a few that we’ve listened to lately and would recommend.
A slight change of plans
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFU-2tDWJzg-oJ6JPjig0aasSHP7fhc_S&si=xdLGSBWIwQwfvobxWe not me
https://share.transistor.fm/s/35c2cc72You are not so smart
https://www.davidmcraney.com/podcastThe learning hack
https://youtu.be/8GKItQMT7gE?si=6KHoUCI0Yulb8BLwLatest Posts
Lessons learned in our virtual journey
Following the initial shock of lockdown and the complete cessation of all our face to face training events, the last twelve months has seen us take a fascinating and, at times, challenging journey to becoming a complete virtual training provider. Although we were...
Virtual Learning, real opportunities
The last twelve months have naturally seen a huge rise in the use of virtual learning solutions. Having already adopted a blended model before Covid-19 hit, we were in a better position than most to make a successful break away from the classroom. That said, we have...
25 years with Phoenix! A personal reflection – Bill Osmond
As we approach our twenty-five years in business, I wanted to examine the reasons as to why I have spent those years doing what I do and enjoying it (mostly!) I want to start by examining the "why". Whilst we were undoubtedly naïve and overly optimistic in the early...
Phoenix – Looking back on 25 Years
The Start Phoenix Training and Development has been running for almost twenty-five years. The first 'paid for' training course - and I wouldn't describe it any other way - that we delivered was on October 5th 1995 and that has always been the day we recognise as our...
Growing a business? What’s your people plan?
I have been working with small to medium-sized businesses for many years and I often begin with them at the point where growth has been rapid, business has been good, financial targets are getting hit but there is an emerging problem. As the growth has been quick,...
Making the most of a launch event
More and more clients are recognising the value that a good launch event can bring to any development programme. So, what are the 5 key things you should consider that ensure it makes the best possible impact: Get the backing right - make sure that a very senior...
The ‘Pioneers’ of Learning and Development
Last week we attended the Promote Network Summit 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden. It is hosted by our partners - Promote International and was designed to provide the opportunity for all "Promote partners" to meet, exchange ideas and to learn new techniques and skills...
How to choose the right training provider
As Sales Director at Phoenix, I spend a lot of my time talking to potential clients about the various merits of all types of training and development. Whilst those of us who work in this industry are pretty well-versed in what makes a 'good' development partner, those...
Phoenix NED & Senior learning consultant to judge national sales awards
Anna Britnor Guest has been announced as a judge for the 2018 British Excellence in Sales Management Awards (BESMA). Organised by the Institute of Sales Management, these are the sales industry's top awards which reward the efforts of individual sales professionals...








