Welcome to your November newsletter from Mindworks

Mindworks, seeing things from a different perspective...

Does "A" or "B" continue through to "C"?

            

 

   OUR NEW "STRESS & ANXIETY IN THE WORKPLACE" SHOWCASE WITH JEANNIE JONES IS COMING UP SOON ON THE

15 FEBRUARY 2007!

STOP PRESS:         COMING EVENTS

THE MINDWORKS MUSINGS

 Lindel Smedley (sans Tim Tam)

Greetings Everyone,

It occurred to me recently to query whether or not we at Mindworks actually practice what we preach.  It’s all well and good to KNOW what we should be doing and to help others via our workshops to expand their knowledge and rekindle their enthusiasm to learn more about themselves and challenge themselves to be “even better”, but do we suffer from a case of “do what we say, not what we do”?  As you no doubt agree - we all know we should exercise, but sometimes, although the spirit is willing, the flesh is just too week and the siren call of a comfy couch, a cup of tea and another Tim Tam is just too overwhelming to ignore (or is that just me?).

Well, I’m happy to report that by and large, the answer is yes, and when one of us loses the plot a little here at Mindworks, there are helpful souls that gently turn us back onto the correct path – normally with a cheerful “but that may not be true” thrown in – a dangerous tactic sometimes, but it usually works.

When brainstorming, Laurie sets up his chart stand and we employ a number of Eric’s wonderful information gathering tools from his “Creating the Thinking Environment” seminar; we are continually trying to improve on everything, and add colour and visuals to our everyday world.  We employ the skills and techniques from Laurie’s “Maximise Your Training Impact” & “Flexing the Mental Muscle” seminars in our business dealings and when writing flyers, brochures or proposals etc. (this editorial being a case in point – where would I be without the “Clustering” Technique and the PACE exercises?  So helpful.)  We get a little slack on the water consumption sometimes, but only because we’re so busy and forget to fill the jugs – naughty, naughty.

But above and beyond these, there is a great desire to increase our knowledge of the mind and how it works, and to this end Laurie is constantly keeping up to date with new ideas and research.  Being ahead of his time, Laurie studied NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) many years ago when it was a brand new concept, and he will be spending a number of weeks in 2007 revisiting this exciting process to update his skills and include more NLP work in his presentations.

And this leads me to the fun part of this editorial – because I want to share with you all one of Laurie’s proudest personal development moments of 2006 – his Bungee Jump!  I have to confess; it nearly didn’t happen when he experienced one of those moments of doubt, which was all my fault.

He called me from Cairns one afternoon, very excited:- “I’m about to do a Bungee Jump!” 

“What??? When?” 

“Right now, I’m up on the platform.” 

“Ah, well, all I can think to say at the moment, Laurie, is “splat”.  Good luck!” 

“Splat?  Splat?  That’s all you have to say to me?  Well, thanks a lot, I can’t do it now.  I was all psyched up until you said that.” 

So, the power of words and the accompanying visualisation prevented him from jumping, and he blamed me thereafter.  Personally, I felt like I’d saved him; middle aged man jumping off a great big tower with a rubber band around his ankles – obviously young men full of vim and vigour aren’t the only ones who consider themselves immortal.  But, months later, I received an identical call at work from him and immediately bit back any negative words, instead telling him to go for it and enjoy the experience. No "Killer Statements" from me this time! (Practising what we preach - or trying to!) I was really impressed that he went back to attempt it a second time, challenging himself to work through the fear and open himself up to a powerful experience.  Which as the photos below prove, he did (not that his face is showing great expressions of joy but bless him, he did it! And don’t try to read his lips, you might be offended.)

 

Shez Wright has now returned from her overseas trip and will be running a series of Teacher Aide Professional Development workshops throughout 2007 – she came straight back and enrolled in a Fire Walking course to challenge herself and get that whole mind-over-matter thing happening again.  Well, she’s been on cloud nine ever since, crowing about her success, despite the Fire Brigade turning up, wanting to put the fire out ("Four times!! I walked the length of it four times!!") and we’re all very pleased for her – Laurie, Benita, Nirelle and now Shez, to name a few from Mindworks, have successfully done this extraordinary thing.   And no, before you ask, it's not for me - I’m interested in developing & challenging OTHER areas in my life, which I do on a regular basis (every time I get on a plane voluntarily, without being pushed in from behind, is a huge personal victory) but bungee jumping and firewalking?  Versus Tim Tams?  …..Hmmm – someone put the kettle on!

What we teach you is real.  It’s proven.  It works.   

And people keep coming back for more…

 

Lindel Smedley - Office Manager

VISIT THE MINDWORKS HOMEPAGE

 

P.S. Remember this?  Question:  If you take a bottle, put a coin inside and seal the bottle with a cork - how do you get the coin OUT of the bottle without damaging the bottle in any way or removing the cork from the bottle?

Congratulations to Antonia Medhurst from Griffith University - Nathan Campus for being the first to come up with the correct answer, closely followed by runner-up Julie Somers (also from Griffith Uni - Gold Coast Campus) and Maree Weir from Dept. of Defence in Canberra.  Well done everyone - the answer, was, of course (and you'll kick yourselves when you finally read the answer......) to push the cork into the bottle and shake the coin out. 

 

P.P.S. Are you interested in what Mindworks can offer your company, but would like to "try before you buy?"  Our next Showcase/Morning Tea is scheduled for 21 March 2007- come along as our guest, bring a friend or colleague to experience Laurie's delivery first hand and get a sample of the Mindworks Magic!  We guarantee you will be amazed and entertained!  

VIEW OUR SHOWCASES  

P.P.S. Did you know that the average goldfish brain weighs a mere 0.097g and that they CAN remember things longer than the myth of 3 seconds?  And did you know that an average bottle-nosed dolphin's brain can weigh up to 200g MORE than an average human's?

2007 DATES NOW AVAILABLE

Do you need to note your diaries with our Public Course dates for 2007 to make sure you can attend?  Our website now has a full display of scheduled seminars for you to choose from - have a browse and email or call us to book your preference.  We're waiting to hear from you.

QUINTESSENTIAL QUOTES

"Whether you believe you can,

or you believe you can't - you're right either way"

Henry Ford

(We can show you how powerful your visualisations, focus and thoughts on your actions can be)

MAXIMISE YOUR TRAINING IMPACT - Public Workshop

   Laurie and friends having fun at the last MTI seminar

Training and facilitating requires a knowledge of how to target your audience for best reception & understanding of your material.  Our "Maximise Your Training Impact" workshop is a proven success.  It's a highly popular seminar, aimed at increasing your "toolbox" and ensuring you have an understanding of your audience's learning abilities, and the accompanying techniques to make your presentations worthwhile, effective and enjoyable. 

This is a must for Cert. IV holders to "add value" to their existing qualifications, and for anyone who is regularly presenting material to groups of trainees or learners in any capacity. 

Come along to our FIRST Public Workshop for 2007 on the 23rd February at Mercy Place, Bardon and join us for a fun day of exceptional training - we "train the trainer" to be "even better".  Book NOW!!

Here are some comments from recent attendees at our September M.T.I. course:

  • As a presenter, this has opened my mind to many new possibilities and practical options.  My clients will be most grateful.  Thank you! - Nadia Murphy, Outside-In Coaching.

  • First course I have ever been on where I feel as fresh and alert at the end of the day as I did when I arrived.  - Joanne Greenwood, Child Support Agency

  • Thank you very much, I have come away from this course with many great ideas.-  Anon.

  • I have thoroughly enjoyed this day and have learnt many practical techniques to engage participants during training courses. - Anon.

  • Hugely valuable, the concepts involved are immediately applicable to my training courses.  I am excited about introducing them to the programme. - Tim Fisher, Australian Insurance Holdings.

  • Laurie, thank you again, another great day, full of ideas, gems and activities - and it's already 4:30 p.m.! - Carole Vacher

  • Exceptional energy Laurie, that ensured entire group gained learning and development, with relevance to individuals. -  Lynn McIntyre, Outside-In Coaching.

  • We kept energised throughout the entrie session and, for the first time, forgot about lunch!! - Adam Cook, Centrelink.`

(All our courses are $350 per participant which includes welcome tea/coffee, morning & afternoon teas, lunch and take home workbook covering the days programme.  Discounts available for group bookings.)                                                                                                  

If you've already experienced this seminar with Laurie, we would love you to pass on your recommendation and comments to your colleagues - as I've said before, 95% of our business is via word of mouth promotion & recommendation!  

And if you can't make the 23rd February, we have all new "Maximise Your Training Impact" workshop dates scheduled for the rest of 2007.  We'd love to see

you there - Book now!                                                                                  Laurie Kelly, Mindworks

LOOKING FOR A CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER? 

Then look no further - Laurie has been a much loved Conference speaker for years and is perfect to either:


•  Open your Conference and Open your delegates minds at the same time to accept

    what is to come

•   Deliver a Key Note address
•   Provide interactive Workshops to really get your participants thinking
•   Be the "After Lunch Energizer" - Laurie will get your delegates focused and back

    into the swing of things immediately following the refreshment break

 

We are now booking 2007 conferences - if you're planning your next Conference and you want the best speaker - get in early and book Laurie Kelly.

VIEW CONFERENCE INFORMATION

LETTERS THAT WE LOVED

Thank you all so much...it was our pleasure doing business with you ...

 

Laurie, I participated in the "Flexing the Mental Muscle" workshop with you in August to help enhance my memory retention and study skills. As a stressed student, I wasn't feeling confident with the strategies I had been using. The morning of the workshop, I felt physically sick with the stress of going, not because I was worried about being there, but worried about all the work I should be doing and wondering how could I possibly justify a whole day of not working on my studies. Now, I wonder, how could I have afforded not to go? The skills I learnt on the day, I have been constantly applying and sharing with as many people as possible. I love using my most powerful tool (your words, Laurie), my coloured pen. My notes from my lectures now look like Egyptian hieroglyphics, one page of pictures that transforms into the content of the lectures in one easy to understand page. My mindmapping & brainstorming now helps me to give structure to all of the information racing around in my head and the peace of mind I had before walking into my exam was remarkably different to how I used to feel. I've even used the memory pegging activity with a bunch of 30 restless year 8 high school students, with great success. They did really well and I remembered all of them that we had done, although the kids laughed at me when I acted out the licking of my cream bun. Overall, what an invaluable experience and with 9 years experience as a high school teacher, I wonder why I never had the opportunity to learn these skills before? I guess it's never too late. Thank you Laurie. Kind regards Cherie Smith

 

Laurie, I was at the course on Thursday the 5th of October that you gave to Australia Post staff. I thoroughly enjoyed it, Laurie and am saving to bring some of my family along to it. The benefits for everyday living would be amazing. I was telling my husband Tim about remembering the 20 words that you gave us and guess what?..........I remember every one of them this morning at 6am!!!!!!! Thank you again, you were very enjoyable to listen to and gave us all something to think about. Leah Gaffney, Spring Hill Post Shop  

 

Hi there, I would just like to say how beneficial I found the session that was run by Laurie at our Reach Out day for Brisbane North TAFE and Open Learning TAFE.  I have not stopped talking about it to colleagues.  Great Stuff!

Regards & Appreciation, Tanou Siebenmann

RETENTION TIPS

When working with groups during reading and answer sessions, don't forget that everyone reads,

processes, outputs and expresses ideas at different rates - some zip along and finish their work in record time, others take just a little longer, and some take extra care of detail and, in consequence, extra time.  We have all dealt with "Energiser Bunnies" and "Thoughtful Turtles" - so what do you do with the "Engeriser Bunnies" to keep them engaged, entertained and therefore not disturbing others who are still working? 

Before you set them their task, explain what they need to do, and then tempt them with a carrot - when they have finished their work, ask them to join you somewhere away from the main group for a fun challenge.  Why do this?  Well, for a number of reasons - (1) to keep the early finishers entertained and not interrupting their colleagues; (2) to give them a reward to look forward to after their hard work is complete; (3) insert a little fun in your training and (4) to give the slower ones a goal to move a faster if you have set a certain time limit on the activity - there is nothing like a little curiosity as to what the other group is doing to prompt them to hurry.

Laurie demonstates a couple of these during his seminars - remember the cork and the pencil challenge?  If you don't know these, then you'll just have to come along to our "Maximise Your Training Impact" course to find out!!

A HINT OF THINGS TO COME

At Mindworks, we are constantly looking for new ways of doing things, ways to help make you "even better".  One of the areas we are very interested in is the ever increasing problem of Stress and Anxiety in the workplace.

To this end we are developing an exciting and educational look at WHAT is Anxiety, WHY this happens, WHO this happens to, clues that IDENTIFY who is at risk and WAYS to nurture those that are suffering.

We are organising a Showcase for company Human Resource personnel and Managers to introduce you to a colleague of ours, Jeannie Jones. 

Jeannie has been doing wonderful things with Melbourne organisations in managing stress in the workplace, and we'd like to introduce her to our Brisbane clients.  She has 28 years of training and experience in welfare, youth work, social work, teaching, training and counselling,   Jeannie has trained internationally in Provocative Therapy (use of humour and paradox in therapy) and has a Masters in Counselling;  Advanced Diploma in Hypnotherapy and is a certified External Supervisor.

This Showcase, set for the 15 February 2007, will highlight ways that Managers & HR personnel can help prevent losing their "GEMS" - the staff that give 150% and sometimes end up paying the price.                                   Jeannie Jones

Remember - Underachievers NEVER suffer from Stress! Don't lose valuable and key staff when you can so easily prevent it.                       

This will be a Showcase NOT TO BE MISSED.  Come along and enjoy a morning with Jeannie as she shares her vast experience, that could help save your organisation thousands in staff retention....

CREATING THE THINKING ENVIRONMENT

Our 2006 final "Creating the Thinking Environment" seminar with Eric Frangemheim will be the 4th December - our last workshop was considered extremely worthwhile by all who attended, judging by their comments:

  • Everything was great for adding variety to my training.  Awesome course.  Very different to MTI so helpful in its own way for meetings, facilitating and training.  Thank you.
  • Good to take the opportunity to explore work ideas. – Rachael Uhr, Local Government
  • Great tools and tactics that I can use every day at work and home. – Leiza Wood, Metro South Institute of TAFE
  • This is a great course to engender excitement and new ideas when you are stuck and your work issues need to be looked at differently.  It will help our team to succeed.
  • All of the strategies were great to experience and participate in.                                      Eric Frangenheim
  • I'd like to be able to practice more but time is limited - would love 2 days! 
  • I'm a slow learner!  Excellent idea generating tools for trainers - Fabulous trainer, you've inspired me Eric! – Paula Maxwell, trainer.
  • Time flew, Eric, you kept me engaged all day.  Well done and thank you.
  • Great and innovative tools which will help me facilitate training & meetings. – Kay O’Connell, Dept. Immigration.
  • Eric - Thanks heaps for recently providing a copy of your presentation from the Mindworks seminar in August.  It was a useful refresher and complemented your book, which I have used extensively since the workshop. Thanks again. All the best, Terry Harper
  • Hi Lindel, Thank you for sending the evaluations through to me.   I am really pleased with the results.  Eric was fantastic as well and both Natalie and I found the course very valuable.   Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to attend. Regards, Kay O'Connell, Manager - Quality Assurance and Staff Development Qld Borders DIMA

Make sure you don't miss out on this incredible workshop, packed full of innovative and inspirational tools to get your participants thinking creatively.  Call us to book your seat.

TEACHER AIDE WORKSHOPS IN 2007  

Mindworks will be presenting a series of workshops in Brisbane for Teacher Aides beginning 27th February 2007 "Switching Kids on to Learning"

with presenter, Shez Wright.

Don't miss out on this opportunity - call us for more details.

PUBLICATION PURCHASES ON WEBSITE

For those of you who have attended Eric's workshop and would love to get your hands on a copy of his book "Reflections on (classroom) Thinking Strategies" incorporating his information gathering tools, or his new "Thinking Skills Framework" wallchart, then we have some good news for you. 

Our Website has been upgraded to include and Publications Order Page for Eric's products - order now!

BRAINGYM WORKSHOP

Nirelle McCoy from Nirelle's Excellent Life Strategies

(Catering for the Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual well-being of all, through Brain Gym®; Educational and Transformational Kinesiology and Himalayan Goji)

is holding a Brain Gym workshop in

Toowoomba: 216 Hume St, on Saturday 13th to Tuesday 16th January 2007

This is a FOUR DAY COURSE THAT GIVES YOU THE TOOLS NECESSARY TO GIVE SIMPLE BALANCES AND TO USE THE BRAIN GYM MOVEMENTS FOR:-

Maximum potential in Brain Function

Release of Stressful Patterns

Memorizing with Ease

Good Focus, Organization and Balance

Whole-brained and Whole-hearted Goals

Finding and Living your Passion

Self-motivation

Easy Breathing and Movement

All Learning Tasks

Ability to manage Emotional Stress

Restful and Refreshing Sleep

Good Communication

[The perfect tool for all those working with children!]

Nirelle's contact details are as follows if you are interested in enrolling in this BrainGym 101 course:

Nirelle McCoy, 7 Brunner St, Toowoomba Qld 4350 Phone: 07 4636 2541 Mobile: 0402 205 414

Email: nirelle@aapt.net.au: Websites: www.braingym.org.au and www.nirellemccoy@freelife.com

Share your Warmth! Shine Your Light! Keep Your Flame!

EXCITING NEWS & FEEDBACK

After the hugely successful June tour this year, Mindworks has been invited back to New Zealand in August 2007 for a series of workshops all over the North Island - tell your Kiwi friends and colleagues that we're coming their way and to take the opportunity to book Laurie while he's in their area. 

Comments

Thank you for your feedback. Below are comments received in September & October from some happy Mindworks participants:

  • Education sector:

  • Wonderful!  Fantastic! This workshop was the highlight of the day and the Facilitator very charismatic and energetic.

  • This should be taught in infant school.  We could do with these tools earlier in life, it would save a whole lot of emotional stress we put ourselves through. – Rebecca Owen, GC Tafe

  • Wish I had this training in early grade school.  Carmen

  • I found it to be very inspiring and didn’t realise how much negative self talk I use.  – Marie Granroth

  • The workshop was thoroughly enjoyable and the presenter was excellent.

  • Would have liked another hour!

  • I found this session great and know it will be of benefit to me in all areas of my life.  I believe I will have a good chance at the Australian Gold medal in Veterans Rowing that I am trying for. – Del McLaughlin

  • Excellent, entertaining – presented in easy to understand format. – Suzie Poleston

  • Most enjoyable and beneficial course of the day.

  • Fantastic delivery by the Trainer. I left feeling positive and energised.

  • Would have liked more – presenter was engaging and enthralling. – Tracey Castle

  • Excellent presentation - thoroughly engaging, practical and useful. – Martha Goldman

  • Very entertaining, interesting, enthusiastic presenter - thank you. – Claire Davies

  • Laurie was great;  I could listen to him all day!  Bring him back for another session mid-year (for retention purposes!) – S.J. Gourlay

  • It was an excellent presentation - enjoyed immensely.

  • Thanks for an entertaining and USEFUL session. – Susan Hurley-Luke

  • Excellent, truly makes you think in another way. – Morgan Batt

  • The whole session in more depth over more time please.  This was a very relevant, useful, easy to understandand apply, and really turned the lights on for the whole group.
  • Most captivating speaker of the day.
  • So glad I did it - last session of the day - brilliant! – Marie Bloxham
  • Fantastic session, Laurie was full of energy and passion which drew you into the session.  Charlotte Bowley
  • How do we get this information/knowledge to educators/managers of our education systems?
  • Every teacher and student should participate in a session such as this. – Jan Galloway
  • Energetic, insightful, practical and effective. – Fiona Batty
  • Would love to do a full day on this!  Great!  Loved it! I want more! – Janelle Devery
  • Excellent presentation.  Informative. Colourful
  • Government sector:

  • Excellent!  Thank You.  I have a lot to take away with me and practise. – Rachael Holmes

  • An excellent insight into how our minds work and how we can communicate and work better with each other. – Janelle McLoughlin

  • Fantastic day of learning.  Can't wait to put the techniques into practice. – Kay Coombe

  • Laurie - so much energy and very engaging - I was riveted the whole day! – Angela Gardiner

  • Training sector:

  • Interesting all day - best course I've done for keeping me interested - enjoyed thoroughly. – Margot Eremenco, Comalco

  • Excellent day - will help with my presentations.  Okay to be challenged. – Gavin Vea Vea

  • Really great session. Different from other training I have completed.  Wasn't distracted from the session at all (mind normally wanders). – Kirsten Clark

  • Awesome, best ever training especially for being new to training myself.  Will help me immensely. Thank you. – Jodie Ahwang

  • Excellent course, significantly more value than traditional training improvement courses. – Brad Tomlinson

  • A fun-filled, positive experience.  Love the Music! – Ian Watson

  • Excellent - opened my eyes to the many teaching techniques that can be used. Greg Milles

  • A great day that involved the participants and kept the energy levels up the whole day. - Vicki Ravensdale

  • The best presentation I have seen and been involved in - well done! - Anon

  • Showcase & Presentation attendees:

  • Excellent, thought provoking material very well presented. – Brad Hogg, Ergon Energy

  • A real refreshing view of how the mind is influenced and influences our ability to accept and process information in a work & personal situation. – Rick Higginson

  • Top 5 presentations ever attended. – Francois Liebenberg

  • Laurie is infectious!  He's uplifting and motivating.  I walked away feeling great about myself. – Michelle Fitton

  • Captivating and Motivating - thank you for sharing.  Melinda Nichols - Outside IN Coaching.

  • Flexing the Mental Muscle comments:
  • An excellent day. Helped to re-energise my thinking and great to share it with the whole team. - Lawrence Booth
  • I found the whole course beneficial - it has revitalised my thinking!  There are some very helpful and powerful messages received here. - Muriel Green
  • A day that was enlightening and uplifting.  Most useful for refocusing my mind and life. - Anne Borg
  • Very enlightening!  Changed my way of thinking!! - Anon
  • I came thinking I was losing half my weekend but I gained my future. - Anon
  • A great course.  I have never been to one so enlightening before. - Anon
  • Very enlightening - enjoyed the whole day.  Presenter GREAT!!!!!! Loved it :) thanks heaps. - Anon
  • Opened my eyes / mind.  Totally enjoyed the day.  Excellent. - anon
  • I felt frustrated with my lack of time management and balance before the workshop, now I’m looking forward to applying strategies learnt to improve. Cherie Smith
  • Fabulous, thought provoking! – Megan Buxton, Bremer Institute of TAFE
  • Should be compulsory for every student!  Really enjoyed it, can’t wait to go and do it. – Matthew Roach, Uni student.
  • The whole day was fantastic, can see how we can relate this to home and the workplace. – Tracey Dudas, Australia Post
  • Laurie spoke to our group in a way we all could understand.  He was great to watch and was fun for the whole course. – Kim McCullough

VIEW OUR COURSES  

Results

An Evaluation of our programmes from your response forms:

 

Number of responses Excellent Good Acceptable Disappointing
2039
1785
246
8
0
 
87.5%
12.1%
0.4%
0%

 

DID YOU ENJOY THIS NEWSLETTER? - WHY NOT SHARE IT!

If you have enjoyed reading this newsletter and have a friend or colleague that might benefit from the "Mindworks Magic", please forward it on to them for their perusal. 

After all, most of our business comes via word of mouth and that fact that we're still here after 20 years means we must be doing something right!

This monthly email is our only regular form of contact with our clients and we've emailed this to you as someone who has participated in training with us or shown an interest in enhancing your skills - however, if you no longer wish to receive the Mindworks Newsletter, please advise us via the "unsubscribe" link and we will remove you from our database.

Mindworks is committed to compliance with Australian privacy laws.

Thank You.

MINDWORKS - Helping to make you "EVEN BETTER"

407 Cedar Creek Road, Samford  Qld  4520   Ph: (07) 3289 4977  Fax:  (07) 3289 4992 

Email:  Info@mindworksteam.com.au    ABN:  52 086 503 960       Website: www.mindworksteam.com.au