Author: David Leigh
Price: £27.50
Publisher: Kogan Page
Pages: 192
ISBN: 0749447443
David Leigh has attempted to provide an indispensable source of practical advice and assistance for training and development, accessible to every reader, ranging from the student to the professional trainer. The layout is particularly helpful, in that chapters are mapped out clearly.
The summary of training methods identified are very useful in terms of breadth and analysis, with the benefits of each highlighted. The coverage on managing difficult behaviours echoed my own experiences of the different behaviour types: the ‘Talking Terror’, the ‘Jolly Jester’, and the ‘Pot Plant’. The identification of the cause of behaviours and the advice offered was extremely useful.
The section on room layouts was a surprising, but worthwhile, inclusion. But while the section on building rapport covered the basics, it really needed to include some more sophisticated approaches.
Leigh has kept theory to a minimum to ensure it remains a practical guide, but his desire to create a comprehensive and thorough reference source means that, at times, it can be too descriptive and analytical.
While there is great value in having one source for a wealth of information, this book may be of greatest value for someone with limited knowledge in this area who wants to learn more. An experienced trainer might find the tips rather obvious, and may crave more innovative ideas.
Useful? Four out of five stars
Well-written? Five out of five stars
Practical? Five out of five stars
Inspirational? Three out of five stars
Value for money? Two out of five stars
Overall? Three out of five stars
Reviewed by David Owen, business and life coach, New Steps
