Year End Function

Hydrotec & Braaks Plants - 14 November 2008

De Wildt 4x4 and Game Park with its tranquilty was the ideal venue for Hydrotec & Braaks Plants to celebrate their year-end function. Blind folded 4x4 driving for the adventurous and Paper Towers as a breather to sit down for a while was two of the morning's activities. The Get the Picture session concluded the formal part of the day and they produced one of the most striking end products! A Braai in the Bos Restaurant was a welcome meal after a busy, productive and enjoyable day.

Team Development Session at Zebra Lodge

Department of Water Affairs and Forestry - 13 October 2008

The request was simple: they want to grow together as a team. The program consisted of a mixture of interactive lecture room and outbound activities. Zebra Lodge was the ideal venue for the day and program. The lecture room session lay the foundation for team development, elements of this session was emphasized during the teambuilding activities and consolidated after the afternoon game drive. The Chief Directorate: Water Sector Support team is committed to developing their team and will grow from strength to stength as a team. We look forward to accompany them on this journey.

In Search of Adventure & having FUN

Santam 8 & 9 October 2008

Day One-Team Development Session:

• 2 Rotating Teams
• 2 Busses
• 3 Destinations
• 2 Facilitators with the destination and activity information, only sharing it in riddles and pieces

The busses departed with the two teams, both unaware of where they are going and what they will be doing there. With a number of hints such as sms riddles, bus scrabble & limited information from the HPT facilitators the adventure started at 9:00 from their offices. As the day went by the destinations were revealed: Magalies Canopy Tours & Ox Wagon Trail. About an hour apart the teams arrived at the third destination: Lesedi Cultural Village. This was the final destination for the day and both the comfortables rooms & dinner were welcome. The team presentations of the day concluded the formal evening program, although it was definetely not the end of the social part. It was a GREAT day.

Day Two-Broker Function:

Three busses arrived at Kwalata Game Ranch from different departure points (Lesedi Cultural Village, Santam Pretoria & Johannesburg Offices). Brunch was served and then two groups departed on a cultural tour through Hammanskraal. Visiting a luxury venue, tin house, sangoma, tea garden (althoug they serve beer....) & a tavern, everyone got to see and experience a part of Gauteng not visited frequently. On arrival back at Kwalata an expert on whiskey gave a entertaining and very informative presentation on whiskey. Even if the presentation and tasting only confirmed why some of the guests does not drink whiskey, everyone at least learned a number of new facts. His insight of the history and production, as well as recitation of classic poems made this an hour well spend.

Feedback:

"Have gotten to know some members of the team better, made new / renewed friendships especially with those who are not working in the same office as I do"

"Brought us all closer and just a great team spirit that was built."

"That you can overcome various fears and actually enjoy the activity!"

We loved spending time with this stunning group of people and know they went back to the office with lots of new memories.

In Search of Adventure

Vodacom Financial Management: 19 & 20 September 2008

Human Performance Technologies had the privilege of hosting the teambuilding breakaway for Vodacom Financial Management.The purpose of the program was aimed at FUN and growing as a team.

A 24-seater bus picked the team up at their offices. The adventure-packed program started off with a Thought through Breakfast morning at Fly fishing venue in Muldersdrift. They managed to catch TWO fish in the short period of time given. The next stop was the Voortrekker Monument, although the burst tyre caused a bit of delay and a lot of quality time spend together next to the highway...... Their patience was rewarded with snacks and fresh air during the Oxwagon Trail. They had to solve a riddle or two, but it was done without any assistance. The "stokbrood" and wors was a hit, while the specially ordered take-away hamburgers had to stand in line for lunch! The last stop was abseiling & riverrafting at Pelindaba. Water and heights: overcome the fear and enjoy!!

The overnight destination at Lesedi Cultural Village was a welcome sight. African ambience, showers and the comfort of their rooms: MAGIC! The formal part of the program was concluded with a delicisious african lunch and a quick photo feedback session. Although the signs of exhaustion were visible on most of the faces we were told that some members only retired to their rooms at 12 o'clock.

After a well deserved night's rest, and breakfast they departed on saturday morning.

Thank you Vodacom – we trust that our paths will cross again soon!!!

Thought through Breakfast

Old Mutual - 29 August 2008

"IMAGINE a crisp morning. It is late winter, but it is early in the morning. It is dead quiet outside. All the elements are present to make it an unforgettable morning. Then you start hearing the gentle soothing whistle of your fishing line whisking through the air. You are in the company of yourself and your thoughts. " An Old Mutual group accepted the tempting invitation and spend the whole day at Brookwood Estate as a team. Trout fishing (16 fish, wow!!), fresh air, socialisation, a scrumptious brunch, mid afternoon braai (well, this was the plan when the HPT team left)......... The perfect way to spend a Friday.

"The second catch for the day"

Queen of the Jungle - 22 August 2008

We celebrate women's month in August. Queen of the Jungle is a HPT program exclusively for women in the corporate world. We had the priviledge of spending the day with an extraordinary group of women from Nedbank, Dick Prinsloo Electrical, Project Hub and Jakaranda Children's Home. Spending the morning with Bully, Three and the two toddlers Marthie & Hannah (African Elephants) was the first highlight of the day, followed by a three course meal on the veranda of Glen Afric and the proceedings concluded with a highly informative presentation on Managing Overload. There was something special for everyone to take home from the day!! (Patricia would have taken Marthie or Hannah if she could.....)

Statistics SA - 20 & 21 August 2008

Our On Course to Destiny program was presented to Stats SA at Bentley’s Country Lodge, north of Pretoria. The delegates who attended were those individuals that are ear-marked for management positions. Quality management and improvement was the pivot point of the entire process of the program. Each individual had the opportunity to scruninize his/her own CURRENT REALITY and indentify areas on personal development to improve quality throughout Financial Statistics.

The following issues also formed part of the program:
Ø Self-evaluation (personal swot analysis)
Ø Personal goal-setting

All the above was done all with the attempt to merge the “Who you are” and the “What you do” for an enriching career in one’s life. HPT takes pride being involved in such an important aspect in this groups's development

STATS SA

STATISTICS SA - 8 August 2008

Human Performance Technologies was privileged to facilitate their famous Get The Picture (GTP) / Teambuilding session for STATS SA – CPI Directorate at Klein Kariba – Bela Bela. The core business of the division was put into a picture format. It highlighted the effect the CPI has on the Department as a whole (STATS SA), the consumer (the nation) and also our economy. It was an “aha” moment for both the team and also the HPT Team.

The day was concluded on a high note with extreme interactive and energetic outbound activities with a hint of competition. The team’s logical thinking, creativity and a sense of humor were pushed.

To the STATS SA – CPI Team : “Thank you guys for your spirit, openness and also allowing us to have fun with you. It was great!”.

Roadshow 2008

5 August - Nelspruit
6 August - Rustenburg
7 August - Polokwane

+/-1 200 km, three days, four seminars, four great groups of delegates and three towns later and our annual Getting Inside the Mind of Your Client Roadshow 2008 is something of the past. Getting inside the mind of your client is the HPT sales development program and has proved to be a very powerful development tool for sales and marketing people. The delegates from various industries and companies benefitted from the half day seminars (in workshop format) and learned the following skills:

• Assessing the informational qualities of the situation that he finds himself in
• Determining the information processing style of the client
• Presenting the information that the client needs about the product in a format that is in accordance with the information processing style of the client.
• Managing his mind to fit the situation that he finds himself in

Feedback:

"Better understanding of client and collegues means better flow of information and better productivity"

"I’ve always probed for customer needs but once needs established I would give data according to the way I was thinking, not taking into account their profile. I need to change that."

"It gives me context of myself and others, particularly in how much data to give different types of people. Some people shut down or want a piece “quickly”. I find it difficult to give “a piece” of data and am inclined to “tell the story” giving context in order to get to the piece. I have done extensive personal mastery and leadership training but have yet to get a succinct understanding of left/right brain, processing data and the difference between the core dimension of cognitive & affective in such a practical manner."

What next?

We will be presenting the seminar in Pretoria on 10 September 2008, look out for the invitation in your mailbox or contact us at any time!!!

Get the Picture

Johannesburg City Parks: 20 June 2008



The Human Resources Department of JCP's workshop was concluded with an afternoon team building session facilitated by HPT. The perspectives and goals discussed during the morning session were summarised in a unique picture. Every team member contributed and the end result was remarkable!! The Get the Picture program once again proved itself as an outstanding team development activity as part of any strategic workshop/session.

"How we as the HR Department see ourselves in the bigger picture (JHB City Parks)" 20 June 2008

On Course to Destiny & Getting Inside the Mind of Your Client: a win recipe.

Technology Integrated Systems (TIS): 10 & 11 June 2008

Human Performance Technologies facilitated another session for a TIS team. Although the objectives and program were similar to the session in May the principles of On Course to Destiny ensured that the discussions and outcomes were unique to this group. The Getting Inside the Mind of Your Client segment of the program was a valuable input that can make a huge difference in their working environment.

Feedback:

"Already I look at people (clients) differently simply by creating a profile for them. “Getting inside the mind of your client” is a wonderful section of the course that teaches you the basics of knowing what type of client you’re dealing with. By understanding how the mind works gives me an incredible advantage on approaching customers. Well done!!!" 12/6/2008

Strategic Planning Facilitation

Department of Water Affairs: 3 - 6 June 2008

HPT facilitated Department of Water Affairs strategic session and lead group discussions at Glenburn Lodge. The session kicked off with ice breakers on the first evening followed by two productive days of discussions, presentations and strategic planning. The indoor and outdoor team development activities on Day Four concluded four succesfull days. Being one of our longstanding clients it was as usual a job made easy by a carefully planned agenda and time concious presentations.


"What is the progress at the development team?", 6 June 2008. Part of the indoor team development program.

Succesfull Team + Activities (carefully chosen) = Memorable Team Building

Mercedes Benz: 28 - 30 May 2008

Human Performance Technologies had the privilege of hosting the teambuilding breakaway for Mercedes Benz South Africa - Controlling at Kwalata Game Ranch.

The purpose of the program was aimed at one thing: FUN!!!

Operating in a high stress environment takes its toll and for 3 days the team could unwind in the tranquility of the bushveld.

The adventure-packed program started off with a clay pigeon shoot-out between two teams who referred to themselves as the ODDs and EVENs. The ODDs won the event with 23 to 21.

A Potjiekos Competition between the two teams added an additional spice to the objective of the session. Yes, it was fun all the way. In addition to simply making a potjie, the teams were surprised that they had to prepare hors doeuvres and desserts with any ingredients they could get hold of. Creative menus, entertainment at the table for the judges and themed restaurants were all elements that turned a normal evening around a campfire into a memorable bush experience. Who were the winners? In our opinion… the team spirit. But there were points allocated to each team and everyone knows the result.

On the morning of the second day it was time for Survivor Games. The team was divided into three smaller teams who participated in a number of mental and physical challenges on a round-robin basis. Team BLUE won, followed by team GREEN and team RED. Hope your trophies will get a special place somewhere.

CONGRATULATIONS Mercedes Benz!!! As promised we will introduce the Volley Ball Game to all our clients with the challenge of beating the score of Mercedes Benz South Africa!!! We will not say anything about your tactics :)

Then it was down to the Pienaarsriver for the afternoon adventure. The River Crossing on a cable 10 meters high and returning through obstacles such as the Cargo Net, Pole Walking and the Budgie Swings provided enough stress for some, and laughter and entertainment for others. Thank you Tiny!

Then it was time for the Safari Dinner. The game drive vehicle left at 16:45 and after a few game sightings it stopped for "hors doeuvres" at the Sable Dam. With a gentle stroll into the African night the group reached their second destination of their Safari Dinner - Sherries and Liqueurs in the middle of nowhere. Arriving back at main camp the camp fire was burning high and atmosphere was MAGIC! Although the signs of exhaustion were visible on most of the faces we were told that some members partied well into the night and even topped the party with a 3 o’ clock swim – brrrrrrr!!!! You are a BRAVE MAN Michael.

The highlight of the breakaway was without a doubt the Quad Bike Treasure Hunt on the Friday morning. A number of treasures were scattered throughout the game lodge. Three team embarked on a journey to find the treasures. Despite the noise of the quad bikes the groups saw some of the most beautiful animals on the farm.

The group left departed shortly after lunch – re-charged and ready to take on "most" of their office challenges with enough drive and energy. Hallo Monday!

Thank you Mercedes Benz – we trust that our paths will cross again soon!!!

Please send us your photos to info@hpt.co.za. We will post a couple of photos on receipt.

So who were the all-over winners? Wait until Wednesday late afternoon, think back on where you were a week ago. Do the same on Thursday and again on Friday... You will figure it out.

HASTA LA VISTA!!!

Two companies, two sets of objectives: Customisation of the same HPT programs

A combination of the On Course to Destiny and Getting Inside the Mind of Your Client was presented to two companies during the past week, each team with their own objectives.

Technology Integrated Systems (TIS): 20 & 21 May

Improved internal and client relationships, increased sales and team commitment were among the objectives. The Getting Inside the Mind of Your Client principles (customised for the TIS environment) were presented and discussed in a workshop format to enhance and develop the already technically equipped and skilled team members attending the inhouse session. In addition to the group development elements of the On Course to Destiny program was included for indivdual development.

IPES: Utility Management Services (UMS): 23 & 24 May

HPT had the priviledge to facilitate their annual strategic break away. In the tranquil surroundings of Kwalata Game Ranch the management team of UMS focussed on objectives such as identification of focus areas and workgroups. A combination of outbound activities, Getting Inside the Mind of Your Internal Client and On Course to Destiny were a perfect match for their clearly defined needs.

"As a team we can reach our goals if we work together"

Cable Walk Activity, 23 May

VLU Gholf Day

You could find the HPT team at Services Gholf Course (Pretoria) on 16 May 2008. We sponsored the 4th Hole for the day and each golfer had the opportunity to tee-off with his dominant eye covered. A simple test to demostrate how using the dominance (whether understanding information processing styles; or any of our programs/products to discover or redefine the strengths) in your business or industry can ensure enhancing the performance of your team. During the day we had the priviledge to interact with; and meet golfers from various industries. We look forward to a more formal discussion on how we can accompany them on course to their team's destiny.

APRIL 2008 - A Hectic Month

Human Performance Technologies had the privilege of accompanying a number of
organisations on Course to Destiny.



1 - 2 April: City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Department of Housing

The On Course to Destiny and Get the Picture programs were combined with a few traditional teambuilding activities to achieve their outcomes for the team development session.

Feedback:

"I think it will help me how to organise my day today work in the office.
It will also help me to understand the people I am working with better than before.
It will also assist me to take every thing I do important and valuable.
It will help me to include everybody in what I am doing (subordinates)."

3 - 4 April: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

The team development program consisted of a mixture between lecture room (training-type) sessions and outbound sessions.

The highly interactive lecture room session focussed on the following topics:
Stages of group development

The Languages we speak
- Your Information Language
- Your Compassion Language
- Your Conflict Language

Feedback:

"Because the section comprises mostly of lower level staff, I think that the programme was excellently put together. It wasn’t a overflow of information and it was also not undermining their intelligence. Some of the staff that attended some of these kinds of session before, even commended that this was the best teambuilding session that they have ever attended."

9 - 10 & 14 - 15 April: Southern Sun

The sessions in KZN & Gautend were presented and facilitated to GM's, DGM's and Head of Departments in the Garden Court Brand. Customer Service Mangement focus areas were discussed against the backround of the On Course to Destiny program.

Feedback:

"Being properly prepared for all challenges that lie ahead, must have correct tools and resources to be succesfull."

21 April: Liberty Life

Getting Inside the Mind of Your Client were presented in a workshop format session to a group of high level managers.

Feedback:

"Knowing the customer better, will ensure a better relationship"
"Would assist me in understanding my clients better"

17 - 18 April: Statistics South Africa

We presented the Getting Inside the Mind of Your Internal Client program to a group of executives. The program assisted in:
· Identifying the information processing style of your internal client
· Customising the information required by the internal client to make the decision in a format that is the same format as his information processing style

25 April: National Agricultural Marketing Council

Highly interactive team building activities were facilitated to the group as part of a two day conference. The activities set the scene for a internal group discussion on Day Two.

This is April in a nutshell. The sessions are customised according to the needs and outcomes required by our client. The programs are developed and presented as such to guide and assist the team with achieving their goals for the sessions as well as when they return back to the office.

NEW KIDS on the BLOG

So... here we are...

We are EXTREMELY excited about this new development.

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

We will keep you up to date with all the activities of Human Performance Technologies. You will be able to read and comment about all our program. You can submit your comments about our new programs and initiative and even book for upcoming events.

We look forward to meeting you in person!!!

THE HPT-TEAM