Effective team building:
Solutions for improving communication and building stronger teams
Whether you’re struggling with a few employees, having problems with employee turnover, or looking to move your organization to the next level, workplace training could be just what your business needs.
- How can I reduce staff turnover?
- How do I support challenging employees?
- How can I address interpersonal conflicts among my staff?
- How do I identify poor leadership?
- How can I help my employees with productivity and profitability?
Workplace training builds stronger teams
To be successful a business needs a strong team – leaders, managers, supervisors, employees.
Understanding how to build and sustain strong teams is beneficial to strengthen communication, increase productivity, foster collaboration and trust, and helps to build leadership skills. Additionally, it helps to create a positive work environment, which encourages employees to work together as a team to achieve shared goals. Developing trust and acquiring pragmatic conflict mitigations skills increases the strength of the team.
The length of a training program will vary depending on the type of program and the goals of the organization. Generally, a leadership training program can last anywhere from two to five days and can be scheduled over several weeks to accommodate staff scheduling.
Our workplace training and facilitation services
Our workplace training process
1
Initial Consultation
During our initial call we discuss your current challenges and goals for your team. This will help develop an action plan including training topics, duration, and fees.
2
Plan Implementation
A training session includes acquiring skills to address workplace challenges. We address challenging topics such as workplace communication and conflict mitigation, and provide employees with tools and skills to help the team reach its goals.
3
Follow-Up
After the training we follow up to ensure the tools and skills learned are being applied and practiced in the workplace. We work with you and your leaders to monitor team and/or individual employee performance and to identify if follow-up training is recommended.
We match the workplace training program to your needs
Every business operates in a unique way so you need a one-of-a-kind solution when it comes to team building and leadership training. MacKinnon’s programs are not “one size fits all.” We carefully listen to your unique situation, challenges, and needs so we can develop a custom-tailored program and cost estimate for you.
Many companies can benefit from Canada-Alberta Job Grants (CAJG), an employer-driven program that helps you invest in training for employees. The CAJG will save you a substantial amount of money by covering up to 66% of the training cost for your entire team. They’ll pay up to $10,000 per trainee per fiscal year. These grants can be used to cover the costs of our training.
About Alasdair Mackinnon
I understand that individuals need to have their voices heard and to be respected. I also understand that people need to have as much control as possible in resolving their conflicts in a calm and safe environment. As a result of my training, knowledge and experience, I founded MacKinnon Communications in 2006.
Experience
I worked over 20 years with the RCMP and am trained as an interest-based negotiator. Through my interactions with people and families in high-stress situations I’ve discovered that many people don’t have the communication or conflict mitigation tools to effectively deal with conflict in a healthy or sustainable way.
I’ve completed over 1,500 mediations, arbitrations, negotiations, and facilitations. In addition to my family mediation services, I conduct customised skill-building training and provide strategic planning services to corporate clients, businesses, organisations, and government entities of all sizes across western Canada.
Expertise
I have worked in the field of mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and corporate training for over 35 years. I have a Certificate in Conflict Resolution specialising in Mediation and Negotiation and a Certificate in Arbitration. I hold the nationally-recognized designations of Chartered Mediator (CM), Registered Family Mediator (RFM ), and Qualified Arbitrator (QArb).
Education
My Bachelor of Arts degree is from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, and I earned a Master of Education degree specialising in Adult Learning from Yorkville University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. I also have a Certificate in Environmental Management from the University of Calgary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of ongoing team building or training?
There are a few good reasons for doing continuous training:
- It takes ongoing attention to maintain good relationships
- People need ongoing practice to change habits and behaviour patterns
- New hires will need training and existing team members will need to integrate these new people
Can I hire you for a half-day training session?
There aren’t any shortcuts in team building and leadership training. We construct our sessions to allow time for the concepts to be discussed, understood, and practised. Training is usually two to three days, and it works
How much will your training or facilitation services cost?
Since each situation is unique, MacKinnon develops a custom solution. Once we’ve assessed your needs, we’ll present a plan proposal and cost estimate for your approval.
Remember, you may be able to use a Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) to pay two-thirds of the training costs.
Do you offer indigenous awareness training?
Yes. Much of Alasdair’s work with the RCMP was with indigenous populations. When he provides indigenous awareness training he works in partnership with a Cree Knowledge Keeper.
Do you offer Arbitration or Negation services?
If it is not possible to arrive at a mediated agreement, under the Arbitration Act of Alberta, we can provide a written decision that both parties agree will be legally binding. When you need a consultant or advisor on your side, we can be there for you throughout the negotiation process as well.
Workplace training for building strong teams
Our workplace training and facilitation services are tailored to boost your business’s growth.