Behavioural Skills Training Guide: Key Examples and Methods

In today's competitive and demanding work environment, technical skills alone are no longer enough to build a high-performing workforce. 

You need a team of well-rounded employees with key technical and soft behavioural skills.

These skills encompass a wide range of qualities and abilities, including effective communication, teamwork and collaboration, leadership and management, adaptability and flexibility, time management and organisational skills.

In this guide tailored for HR Managers in the UK, we'll delve into essential examples of behavioural skills and explore effective training methods to develop and enhance these skills within your team.

7 Examples of Behavioural Skills Training

1. Communication Skills

Effective communication lies at the heart of every successful workplace interaction. From verbal articulation to active listening and non-verbal cues, strong communication skills are pivotal. Training programs focusing on clarity in expression, empathy, conflict resolution and active listening can significantly enhance this skill set.

2. Teamwork and Collaboration

The ability to collaborate seamlessly within teams is indispensable. Training sessions that promote teamwork, encourage idea-sharing, and cultivate a positive team culture can amplify collaboration skills. Role-playing exercises, group projects, and workshops that emphasise collective problem-solving are effective tools for nurturing this competency.

3. Leadership and Management Skills

Leadership qualities extend beyond managerial positions. Training programs can focus on developing leadership skills among employees at various levels. These sessions may encompass aspects like decision-making, delegation, mentoring, and conflict management, nurturing potential leaders within the organisation.

4. Adaptability and Flexibility

Given the ever-changing nature of the workplace, adaptability is a prized attribute. Training initiatives aimed at developing adaptability can involve simulations, scenario-based exercises and workshops focusing on resilience, change management and agile thinking.

5. Time Management and Organisational Skills

Effective time management and organisational skills contribute significantly to productivity. Training modules encompassing prioritisation techniques, task scheduling, goal setting and stress management aid in honing these competencies.

6. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence plays a vital role in fostering healthy workplace relationships. Training sessions centred around self-awareness, empathy, managing emotions, and understanding others' perspectives contribute to enhancing emotional intelligence.

7. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Encouraging a problem-solving mindset through training activities like case studies, brainstorming sessions, and puzzles fosters critical thinking abilities. Developing strategies for analytical thinking and creative problem-solving enhances these skills among employees.

In conclusion, prioritising behavioural skills and investing in targeted training initiatives are paramount for HR managers in the UK. These skills not only enhance individual capabilities but also contribute to a cohesive and high-performing organisational culture.