Latest Training and Personal Development News - 2011

It is now over a year since I completed the Navigator Programme and the positive effects of the experience are still with me. Not only in the shape of the changes that I made whilst on the programme (I'm still swimming a kilometre a day), but also in meeting the challenges and achieving the goals of day to day life. Navigator was like nothing I had ever experienced before, unique in its approach and endlessly inspiring, an opportunity to engage with other men in an atmosphere of confidentiality, trust and mutual respect and support. To be able to facilitate further programmes within the Force was an opportunity too good to miss, knowing first hand how far reaching its impact can be.

At the time that I commenced the programme as a participant, I was in the midst of a rather unpleasant civil litigation, which had left me deflated and emotionally exhausted. The positive atmosphere and environment fostered within the group enabled me to be open about how I was feeling, and the support and encouragement that I received was truly overwhelming. Sharing experiences with colleagues, and witnessing how ordinary people had triumphed over adversity was inspirational, and the positive lift that I needed to reassess what was truly important to me.

Looking back on my time in the Navigator Programme, it seems strange to think that I had so many barriers to achieving goals that I had created myself. Taking just four days to spend quality, guided time, looking at where you are, what you are doing, and what you want achieve sounds so simple, but when do we really get the opportunity to do it? For me that is the real value of the programme. That this is provided by ones employer is even more special, and bound to bring benefits to the organisation, as well as the individual. The positive impact that participants reported during the final session was staggering as the facilitation of the course is subtle, guiding rather than instructing, supporting rather than telling, encouraging rather than forcing.

One of the unique features of the programme for me was the environment that was created in the group, due in no small part to the facilitator. Participants spoke candidly about some very personal issues, safe in the knowledge that they would be listened to and respected, and that confidentiality was built in.

The role of men in society has gone through a significant sea change over the last fifty years, with historical preconceptions and stereotypes being challenged and reviewed. Examining who you are for yourself helps to put other areas of your life into perspective. That sort of realisation can't be taught or forced, it's something that you come to for yourself with the right guidance, but the impact on your outlook and general attitude cannot be underestimated.

I was keen to 'spread the word' of the Navigator programme, and have enthused about it to my colleagues, who I have encouraged to take part. I believe that delivering the programme is possibly the best way for me to encourage future uptake, as word of mouth is great advertising, and hearing first hand of the positive impact on people's lives is always the best testimony. Navigator is certainly something from which you get as much as you give, and it has been a great challenge to throw myself into delivering the programme with the same energy and commitment shown by my facilitator. I am keen to utilise my potential, and see my new role of Navigator facilitator as an excellent way to develop myself, and in so doing, assist others to develop their own potential."