The Talent Pool Conference 2010: a Little Bit About the Day _{8 July 2010}

The day started with delegates networking with each other at the Kilworth House Hotel in Leicestershire. It wasn’t long before they were asked to complete a short exercise that required them to create a Leadership ‘Top Trump Card’ for a famous figure such as David Cameron, Richard Branson or the Queen.

Richard Smith, Managing Director of Lloyds Pharmacy shared his thoughts on ‘Engaging for Success’, explaining that in his experience engaged employees achieve better results. Richard brought to life how good Leadership can influence performance and left people to think about how they were developing their own leadership style and if they were actually walking the talk.

Finding the time for Personal development can be a case of priority, convenience and being inspired. I have found the Talent Pool’s approach to be completely different to any kind of Personal Development programs I have been involved in — it really is truly motivating, engaging and a result I have naturally made my own development a higher priority.

Delegates then selected one of three development workshops suited to their personal development needs this ranged from helping them to manage change more effectively, helping them to develop their influencing skills and understanding and developing their communication skills.

In the final session delegates looked at the Leadership skills required of a new England football team manager — a topical issue, which many of us may also have some views about — before placing their bid as to why ‘they’ personally should be selected for the job. Throughout the day key learning points were captured so that everyone could go back to work and do something differently, making a practical difference to what they do and how they do it.