Spanish

Second only to Mandarin Chinese in terms of the number of native speakers in the world, Spanish has one of the richest and most varied histories of all languages worldwide. Originating in the Castille region of Spain, it was carried by the Conquistadors to the New World in the 14^th and 15^th centuries and has since become an official language in the United Nations, the European Union, the Union of South American Nations, and many other international organisations. Whether you’re in school, in college, a working professional, or simply looking to do something new and rewarding, learning Spanish can truly be a ticket to success in the personal or professional spheres.

At Octus, we design our Spanish courses to not only make you a fluent speaker, but also to immerse you in Spain’s culture and traditions. Suitable for all backgrounds, our Spanish courses comprise small batches of students ensuring a high level of interaction between teacher and student. We are happy to tailor our courses based on the requirements of your group or yourself as an individual. It is our endeavour to make language learning as comfortable as possible, and so we ensure that our classes can be balanced with your professional engagements. Our classes emphasize spoken skills, which you have the chance to hone together with your instructor and your classmates.

So go ahead and sign up for an Octus Spanish Course today and give wings to your professional career!

Arabic

Arabic is spoken in more than 20 countries and has more than 300 million native speakers around the world. Given the prominence of the Arab world in global business, having good Arabic language skills can set you apart from the competition in job searches and business transactions. If you’re looking for solid training in the Arabic language to help you achieve your career aspirations, look no further than Octus!

Our highly trained language teachers ensure that you develop Arabic skills regardless of your background and prior knowledge. With focus on understanding and speaking Arabic, but also on reading and writing it, our courses come in highly flexible schedules that ensure your learning does not interfere with your job or other commitments. We are happy to accommodate groups of learners should you so desire, or work with you individually to offer quality training per your own needs.

Going beyond traditional language learning models, Octus combines interactive games and learning tools to make your learning experience truly unique. Our staff are capable of accommodating learners of all backgrounds and learning needs, ensuring an experience that will not only be rewarding, but also enjoyable.

Our Arabic Course is great not only for job-seekers, but also expatriate residents who are looking to make their home in the UAE. Learning Arabic affords you the opportunity of immersing yourself in Arab culture in a whole new way, while also enabling you to converse better with locals, creating good will.

French

As the official language of 29 countries across 5 continents, and the primary language of world institutions such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation French is truly one of the world’s most important and most powerful languages. In 2011, Bloomberg Businessweek rated French the world’s third most useful language for business. Power aside, French is truly one of the most international of languages, enjoying much application in literature, the arts, and science.

Learning French opens doors to some of the world’s most respected organisations and best institutions of higher learning. If you’ve ever wished that you could rattle off French like a native, look no further than Octus! With a steady and methodical approach to teaching French, Octus guarantees that you will soon be comfortable and confident in your speech, even if you land up in the middle of France! We tailor our training courses to our students and are happy to accommodate groups or even individual learners.

Our teachers, who are either native speakers of the language or have spent considerable time in French speaking countries, ensure that all students obtain a level of proficiency in Speaking, listening, Reading, and Writing French. Not only do their backgrounds ensure that they can teach French well, but also that they are strongly aware of French culture and traditions: themselves a great part of learning the language!

French shares its roots with many other languages, including English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, making it easy to explore learning other languages with French as a foundation. Convinced? Give Octus a call today to enrol in our French training programmes!

German

With the growing popularity of Germany as a destination for higher education and employment, knowledge of the German language can be a distinct advantage. With more than 20 million native German speakers in Europe and other parts of the world, the language forms the official or co-official tongue in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. It is the fourth most popular foreign language in the United States and the third in Europe. If you want to super-charge your resume, open up new avenues of employment, or just learn a new language for the fun and challenge, let Octus help you get going on your German journey!

The Octus Basic Training in German is aimed at students with little to no prior knowledge of the German language. It is intended to give students basic proficiency which will guide them in most common situations in German-speaking regions. Though our course is primarily classroom driven, we endeavour to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to practice their speaking skills in a variety of situations. The training is suitable not only for students in colleges and universities, but also to business and IT professionals, entrepreneurs, and homemakers.

Our highly trained staff will endeavour to not only teach you the language, but provide you with an immersive cultural experience that only a language can provide. So go ahead and get in touch with Octus today to learn more about our German course offering!

Italian

Are you looking to visit Italy for a vacation? Or perhaps you’re moving there for the long-term to study or work? Or maybe you’re just fascinated with the country and what it has to offer! Whatever your reasons, a basic Italian course from Octus is just what you need to get you going! Italian is an official language in Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, and western Istria. It is the third most widely spoken native language in the European Union, and is the second highest spoken second language in the EU. With more than 85 million Italian speakers in the world, Italian is a very useful language skill to have!

As with our many other language courses, our Italian course can be tailored to your or your group’s individual needs. Our teachers are highly trained in the language and have years of experience as educators. We ensure our students receive adequate training in grammar, speech, writing, and reading, enabling them to succeed in their chosen applications of the Italian language. Learning a new language is as much a cultural experience as it is a learning one, and we ensure our students receive great exposure to Italian customs, traditions, and the way of life.

Our courses can be scheduled so as to minimise conflicts with your professional commitments, allowing you to effectively balance your career with your learning. Sound Italian knowledge can be a great asset while searching for jobs in Europe, so don’t delay! Let Octus take you to a whole new level of proficiency!

Portuguese

The official language of Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and Cape Verde, Portuguese has a rich heritage that takes it as far as Goa, India, and Malacca, Malaysia. Spoken by more than 250 million people around the world, Portuguese is the 6^th most widely spoken native language in the world, and the third most spoken European language in terms of number of native speakers.

Learning Portuguese can be extremely beneficial if you’re looking for employment in Portugal, Brazil, or other Portuguese speaking countries. Given Brazil’s rising status as an economic power, it is very likely that its role in international business will increase in the near future. Pick up on the opportunity to gain Portuguese proficiency now with Octus’ general Portuguese training course!

Our highly-trained instructors will ensure that you develop confidence in reading, writing, and speaking Portuguese through a truly immersive learning experience. Learning the language will give you deep insights into the cultures of Brazil and Portugal as well, making for a learning experience that you will cherish forever. Additionally, Portuguese is among the easiest languages in the world to learn, making it perfect for the beginning polyglot!

Russian

Russian is the most geographically widespread language in Eurasia, and the most widely spoken native language in Europe with close to 260 million speakers. It is the official language in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and many other minor territories.

Aside from having produced some of history’s greatest literary minds, Russian culture is replete with the arts, opera, ballet, and theatre. Russia is also a large country with plenty to offer the adventurous tourist. What better way to appreciate it all than by learning the language!

Learning Russian has its business benefits too: as a member of BRICS, the G20, and the WTO, Russia is a hot destination for international businesses and professionals with competency in Russian are in great demand. Adding knowledge of Russian to your CV could be a great boost to your career prospects!

Join us at Octus for our excellent Russian Language Training course and develop competence in reading, writing, and speaking Russian. Our well-trained instructors ensure that you will gain the knowledge base and confidence necessary to converse in Russian. Not only that, we believe that a language can only be earned in the context of its home culture, and so we ensure that all our classroom training is as immersive as possible.

Korean

From a bustling tourism industry to some of the world’s largest and most powerful corporations, South Korea is fast becoming a global force to reckon with. As its influence spreads, so too does its language, and Korean is becoming one of the most sought after languages in training institutes around the globe. If you’re looking to gain a linguistic skill that will not only hold you in good stead in your career but also boost your personality, look no further than Korean and the Basic Training Programme from Octus!
With South Korean companies such as Samsung, LG Electronics, and Hyundai Motor Corporation expanding and attracting more and more foreign workers, gaining Korean language skills can truly set you apart from the crowd. Or perhaps you want to travel to South Korea and get a crash course in the language to add a new dimension to your trip? Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn the language, Octus has you covered! We are happy to tailor your learning experience to your needs and ensure that you emerge from the training program with everything you need to hit the ground running in South Korea!
Whether it’s simple conversational Korean, or in depth knowledge that will allow you to construct documents, Octus has the training program that you need!

Chinese

Chinese is, without a doubt, the world’s most widely spoken language with more than 1.1 billion people speaking Mandarin. Besides being spoken in China itself, Mandarin is spoken in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines. Mandarin is fast becoming a sought after skill in the western world as well, with schoolchildren as far away as the USA learning the language to get a head start against their peers.

Additionally, people learn Chinese as a means of deep diving into the culture of the nation. The cradle of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, Chinese literature and art are only truly accessible to those who understand the language they were created in.

As the Chinese economy continues to grow and Chinese businesses expand all over the world, knowledge of Mandarin Chinese is fast becoming an essential skill. Some of the world’s most powerful CEOs speak Chinese as a second language, and knowledge of Chinese can help make business deals that would otherwise have been impossible.

Many people think Chinese is intimidating. However, with Octus, you can rest assured that you will learn Mandarin in a comfortable setting with qualified instructors! Our training courses are geared towards each individual student, and we take pride in being able to design our programs to suit your individual needs. Get in touch today to learn more about our Chinese training programs and get started down the road to learning the world’s most widely spoken language!

Japanese

Japan is the world’s second largest economy, and with 126 million people speaking Japanese, the benefits of knowing the language cannot be overstated. Japanese firms such as Toyota, Sony, Honda, and Casio are household names, and job opportunities are numerous. However, the Japanese language remains a barrier for many. Will it remain a barrier for you?

At Octus, we ensure that our students develop skills in reading, writing and speaking Japanese to a level of basic and advanced competence. Although learning Japanese can seem intimidating, we ensure a pressure-free environment for our students to learn and grow. Join us, and you may be surprised at just how easy it is to learn a new language!

The Japanese are the third largest community on the internet, and tapping this large market can truly transform a business. Despite the spread of the internet and the widespread use of English, smart businesses leverage local languages to make a difference. Learning Japanese with Octus is the first step for you to take in this direction.

Japan is the world’s second largest economy, and with 126 million people speaking Japanese, the benefits of knowing the language cannot be overstated. Japanese firms such as Toyota, Sony, Honda, and Casio are household names, and job opportunities are numerous. However, the Japanese language remains a barrier for many. Will it remain a barrier for you?

At Octus, we ensure that our students develop skills in reading, writing and speaking Japanese to a level of basic and advanced competence. Although learning Japanese can seem intimidating, we ensure a pressure-free environment for our students to learn and grow. Join us, and you may be surprised at just how easy it is to learn a new language!

The Japanese are the third largest community on the internet, and tapping this large market can truly transform a business. Despite the spread of the internet and the widespread use of English, smart businesses leverage local languages to make a difference. Learning Japanese with Octus is the first step for you to take in this direction.

Urdu

While Urdu may not be among the most conventional choices of language to learn, it has many rewards that other languages simply do not offer. First, simple, conversational Urdu is very similar to Hindi, and learning Urdu will give you a head start towards learning Hindi as well. Second, the Urdu script is the same as Arabic, allowing those proficient in Urdu to circumvent the need to learn Arabic script from scratch. Third, it opens up a world of cultural possibilities, exposing the learner to the very best in culture from Pakistan and other places in the region.
Octus takes pride in its excellent Urdu teaching methodologies and staff, guaranteeing its students an environment conducive to learning and development in the use of Urdu. By joining Octus, your learning experience will be unparalleled, whether you are studying Urdu for professional or personal reasons.

Hindi

Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in Northern India and is the backbone of the Bollywood film industry. How many times have you wondered just what those Bollywood songs mean and what the movies talk about? Learning Hindi is the very first step to answering these questions!

Of course, the benefits of learning Hindi go way beyond movies and music. Northern Indian culture is deeply rooted in the Hindi language, and becoming conversant in Hindi can be a huge advantage should you choose to travel to the country’s north. Additionally, with India’s growing importance on the global economic stage, learning Hindi can be a huge advantage in tapping this lucrative market.

Hindi is the fourth most widely spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese, English, and Spanish and given India’s unstoppable economic growth, it is likely that Hindi will gain ever larger prominence on the global arena. If you’re looking for an institute with the knowledge base and expertise to help you develop your Hindi skills or learn the language from the ground up, Octus is the place to be! With experienced and highly trained staff, we assure our students the very best learning experience possible.

Latin

Why would you want to study a language that isn’t widely used any longer? Wouldn’t it be more practical to study Spanish, French, or Mandarin instead? The fact is that developing an understanding of Latin is hugely beneficial to learning ANY other language and can set you up for success with a lot less struggle if you’re able to pull it off. English is just one example of this, with more than half the words in the English language coming from Latin or having Latin roots. By learning Latin, you learn English better. Latin also helps hone your understanding of languages themselves, making topics such as grammar child’s play. Latin is the root for much of the modern scientific vocabulary, and forms the backbone of law, government, logic and theology. Perhaps most importantly, Latin trains the mid, making it flexible and able to adapt to learning difficult concepts in other fields as well.

Given these factors, Octus is proud to offer training courses in Latin for students of all backgrounds. Our highly trained and knowledgeable staff will ensure that you develop a deep appreciation for the Latin language and are prepared to take your studies to a further advanced level if necessary.

Greek

Before you ask, yes. On day 1 of the Octus Basic Training Programme, it really WILL be Greek to you. But worry not! By the time you’re done with the course, you’ll be confident that you know everything that’s being talked about, even though it’s still Greek!

The Greek language is the backbone of some of the word’s greatest epics and myths, and learning it is as much a cultural experience as it is a linguistic one. Greek is also at the very roots of many modern languages, including English, and learning Greek can help you see English in a whole new light.

You will also develop a deeper appreciation for the Greek culture, setting you up well for your next vacation there! Whatever you goal, you can count on our team of expert language professionals at Octus to help see you through to success!

Interviewing Skills:

Strong interview skills are as important as professional competence and level of experience. Without the ability to communicate effectively and sell yourself during an interview, the results are less likely to be satisfactory. The Interviewing Skills programme from Octus is designed to illustrate effective interviewing practices to trainees and then help them hone these in preparation for an actual interview. The programme will aid learners in forging strong relationships over interviews, in developing communication skills and strategies that will allow effective information exchange, and boost overall likelihood of success.

Learning Outcomes:

• Candidates will develop skills in speech and communication in the particular context of professional interviews.
• Candidates will identify their interpersonal strengths and learn how to apply them during interviews.
• Candidates will learn the dos and do nots of body language and self-presentation.
• Candidates will gain exposure to various interviewing strategies that will help them prepare for the myriad situations they may encounter during the job search.
• Candidates will be trained to identify and respond to the most common kinds of questions posed in the interview process across various sectors.

Target Audience:

• This course is ideal for those who wish to hone their interviewing skills in the capacity of either recruitment or job-seeker.

Problem and Conflict Solving

The Problem and Conflict Solving workshop from Octus is an excellent introduction to the various techniques of problem solving and conflict resolution. The course blends theoretical and practical applications of techniques in analysing problems and matching solutions to a given set of constraints. The training program, which culminates in a case study exercise, gives participants the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practical scenario.

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will benefit from general discussions on problem solving
• Participants will be trained in how problems are actually identified
• Participants will gain exposure to and practice in effective problem-solving approaches
• Participants will be trained in various methods of gathering information, data, and doing research for problem solving purposes
• Participants will receive insights into identifying criteria that form the solution of particular problems, how to generate the solutions themselves, and finally choose a solution that is best fit to the particular case constraints.
• Participants will develop the skills necessary to implement solutions, measure their success, and communicate the solutions to peers.

Decision Making

The art and science of decision making is among the greatest priorities of business leaders around the world. Whether yours is a large, multinational corporation or a small to mid-sized business, developing sound decision making skills is essential to bring growth and success to your enterprise. At Octus, we pride ourselves on conducting Decision Making Training Programmes that equip you with the specific knowledge, tools, and approaches to make sound decisions. Keeping in mind the fact that decision making is highly situation and person specific, the Decision Making course helps participants better understand themselves and how they respond to situations, build better creativity, evaluate people and situations, and better predict outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop the ability to analyse problems and apply various tools and steps to solve them
• Understand how to describe problems and present them to stakeholders
• Hone creativity, imagination, and insight directed at business problems and decision making
• Learn various formal approaches that support decision making and choose the one most appropriate for the problem at hand
• Frame and implement plans to evaluate possible implications of decisions prior to making them
• Learn common mistakes associated with decision making and the ways to avoid them
• Learn how to make sound decisions under pressure and to schedule
• Learn how to make decisions as part of a larger team

Presentation Skills

Effective presentation skills can make or break a product: think Steve Jobs and the iPhone for one of the most prominent examples of this. By captivating one’s audience and presenting arguments in a clear, concise, and convincing manner, one can truly take their personal or business ventures to the next level of success. Presentations skills are of utmost importance in sales, client acquisition, or even day-to-day presentation of work. Are you ready to stand out from the crowd? Join Octus today and be part of our Presentation Skills training course!

Learning Outcomes:

• Presentation Planning: How to plan and deliver presentations for maximum impact
• Delivery Planning: How to deliver a presentation based on varying audiences and messages
• Communication Techniques: How to carry oneself while speaking, and how to modulate speech while presenting
• Overcoming Nervousness: How to maintain composure while presenting to difficult audiences and in new environments.
• How to create professional looking PowerPoint presentations
• Engagement Techniques: Techniques to build audience interest and maintain it throughout the talk

Verbal Communication:

Effective Verbal Communication skills are the cornerstone of success in any professional setting. The Verbal Communication training course from Octus is intended to give participants a firm grounding in various Verbal Communications techniques and help them build the confidence to excel in situations of all kinds where Verbal Communications are critical. The course begins with helping participants identify their own distinctive communications style and how it relates to others. It progresses to train participants on how to strengthen their communication skills, and how to modify it according to the situation and audience in question. Although this may seem like a heavily theoretical course, participants are given ample opportunity to practice their learnings in real-world situations, ensuring that they are ready to apply their skills when the situation presents itself. Sign up with Octus today for the Verbal Communications training programme: we guarantee it will change your life!
Learning Outcomes:
• Identify and strengthen individual communication style
• Learn to recognise the communication and personality characteristics of peers and stakeholders
• Master the effective use of tone, body language, and sentence construction.
• Develop non-verbal and para-verbal communication skills
• Learn how to leverage listening skills to boost verbal communication skills
• Learn how to frame effective questions and how to build relationships with people based on verbal communications

Service Excellence:

How does one excel in a service company? How do you ensure that the impressions you leave are positive and lasting? With the Octus Package on Service Excellence, you will be trained in this and more to transform yourself into an impactful professional with the skills that matter. This course is ideal for corporate groups who wish to hone their professional skills but can also be beneficial to individuals looking for a boost. Covering aspects including communication skills, office etiquette and conduct, as well as basics of customer service, the Service Excellence package is truly what you need to bring a tectonic shift to your current business practices.

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants receive training in the basics of customer engagement, right from the first meeting through to follow-ups, and closures.
• Understand the intricacies of dressing professionally and effectively for corporate events and day to day work in the office
• Learn techniques to bolster your networking and enhance your reach to new clients and customers
• Learn the basics of professional communication as applied to a number of situations and scenarios
• Understand the basics of business ethics and how they apply to your enterprise
• Gain an overview of employee rights under prevailing law and how to ensure they are reflected in your corporate policy
• Learn how to identify and handle unethical behaviour

Target Audience:

The Octus training package on Service Excellence is an excellent option for the following:

• Business Owners
• Managers
• Sales Consultants
• Receptionists
• Call Centre Agents

Individual Units:

Excerpts from the following training programmes are incorporated into the Service Excellence package

• Business Etiquette
• Business Ethics
• Telephone Etiquette
• Customer Service

Lifestyle

Designed for those moving to Dubai for the first time, the Lifestyle package from Octus is ideal to get the grounding you need to settle comfortably in the city. Moving to any new place can be a daunting task, and even more so in one as culturally diverse and exciting as Dubai! The Lifestyle package will give you an introduction to the fundamental customs of the city, bring about basic cultural and linguistic awareness, and outline the various opportunities Dubai presents for recreation, professional development, tourism, and more.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain exposure to the culture of Dubai and the various customs that define its character
• Understand the roots of the people’s culture and history and develop and appreciation for the finer side of the city
• Learn how to foster strong relationships with the local populace and communicate with them effectively
• Avoid being struck by the Culture Shock that Dubai often presents, and identify and overcome obstacles to successful integration into the social circles of Dubai

Target Audience:

Ideal for expatriates who intend to stay in Dubai over the short to long terms

Units Included:

• Welcome to UAE
• Happiness Coaching

Personal Development

Developing oneself is the key to a more satisfying and rewarding life, however it is often the most difficult step one has to take in their lives. The Personal Development package from Octus is designed to help you take positive steps towards improving yourself and your day to day life. By developing the self-awareness, emotional intelligence, initiative, and communication skills, you will find that positive change is much easier than you thought.

 Learning Outcomes:

• Enhance your personal and professional influence on situations
• Develop communication skills that reduce ambiguity and improve assertiveness
• Develop the ability to actively listen, ensuring your communications with others are perfect
• Learn how to better engage with hostile or difficult people to achieve results you want
• Cultivate the characteristics and habits of highly successful people
• Develop the ability to empower yourself and others through soft motivation
• Boost your leadership skills
• Learn how to set tangible and achievable goals

Units Included:

• Neuro-Linguistic Program (NLP)
• Emotional Intelligence

Collaborative Performance Management

Managing performance is a challenging task that even the best managers sometimes struggle with. However, by increasing the level of participation of the employee in the performance management process, it is possible to not only ease the Performance Management process itself, but to enhance staff performance and motivation. This package course on Collaborative Performance Management from Octus is ideal for managers looking for innovative new ways to address employee performance management.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop the ability to provide constructive, regular, and effective feedback to employees and solicit it in return
• Understand how to identify poor performance, ascertain its causes, and address it before it has negative impacts on the bottom line
• Develop the ability to build rapport with staff to generate trust
• Learn the basics of mentoring and coaching, the differences between them, and how they are best implemented
• Recognise talent that best fits your organisation and how to attract it

Target Audience:

• Managers
• Supervisors
• Employees

Individual Units:

• Performance Management
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Talent Management

Closing Sales

The negotiations are done, the cards are on the table, and all that’s left is closing the deal. Think it’s easy? Closing is arguably the most stressful part of the sales process, and where the calibre of sales people truly expresses itself. The best closers are adept at using influencing skills to make people see things their way, create trust and bonds, and convince your client that you are the best person for the job.  The Closing Sales package from Octus is designed to give you the tools and exposure necessary to transform yourself into a closer without compare.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop the ability to actively listen to clients, understand their objectives and needs, and propose solutions that are in the interest of both parties
• Understand and learn the 10 techniques of closing sales
• Explain the basic kinds of negotiations and the situations in which to apply them
• Identify the degree of information to share with clients and how much to withhold
• Master basic techniques in bargaining

Target Audience:

• Sales Executives
• Business Development Managers
• Front-line staff dealing with sales

Individual Units:

• Selling
• Negotiation
• Motivating Others
• Influencing Others

Critical Thinking and Creativity

Everyday problems need not have easy solutions, and sometimes the smallest of problems can pose a real challenge. At times, simply obtaining a solution that works is not enough: one needs a solution that is truly elegant and ground-breaking. Critical and creative thinking are the tools necessary to achieve solutions such as these, and Octus’ Critical Thinking and Creativity Course is just what you need to get you going down the road of problem solving. Attendees will be primed to frame insightful questions, challenge the status quo, and frame innovative strategies with respect and thoughtfulness towards others.

Key Outcomes:

• Understand how to critically evaluate business decisions so as to make sound decisions that positively affect the bottom line
• Develop and hone your personal creativity
• Perform effectively under conditions of high stress, and eventually learn to thrive in them
• Understand how to select the best possible business decision given a number of possible choices
• Learn to critically evaluate assumptions and drawn conclusions from them
• Realise the many ways in which innovation manifests itself and how to develop business strategies that encourage innovation rather than stagnation

Target Audience:

• Business Development Managers
• Marketing Staff
• Business Executives

Units Included:

• Design Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Innovation

Harnessing the Power of Emotion

Emotions control how we use our minds and whether or not we attain our goals. Emotions shape us as people and decide the trajectories of our future lives. Developing Emotional Intelligence is an essential task for those who wish to achieve success in any sphere of life, and with the Octus Course package on Harnessing the Power of Emotion, we guarantee that you will have the tools necessary to get the job done.

By reining in your emotions, you will be one step closer to developing your own self-image, keeping yourself motivated regardless of external factors and forces, and developing the self-confidence and belief systems to take you places.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how Emotional Quotient (EQ) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) differ, and how to use them together to boost performance
• Learn the psychological background of emotional intelligence and how to hone it
• Develop the ability to confidently and respectfully showcase your opinions and thoughts
• Learn to identify the origin of negative thinking and how to eliminate it
• Learn how to politely refuse tasks
• Develop strategies to inculcate EQ development in others
• Target Audience:

For individuals who want to develop their EQ to have better control over their emotions

Individual Units:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Confidence and Self Esteem
• Self-Motivation

The Leadership Life

The Leadership Life, a first of its kind training program from Octus, helps develop true leadership skills in those in managerial positions in corporations. A true leader is one who inspires, and rather than enforcing direction upon his team, helps them seek their own directions to success and fulfilment. Through a structured and rigorous training plan, you will learn the defining characteristics of a leader and begin taking steps towards attaining those characters yourself.

Key Outcomes:

• Understand that Leadership is distinct from Management, and learn what the distinction is
• Identify what prevents managers from becoming leaders
• Identify the different types of leadership and forge a plan to achieve the kind you fit best into
• Learn how to inspire your team to achieve their best
• Build the ability to coach and mentor younger staff
• Strengthen active listening skills
• Use appropriate methods to rewards team successes so as to motivate further achievement

Target Audience:

• Business Owners
• Senior Managers
• Supervisors
• Team Leaders

Units Included:

• Leadership Skills
• Communication Skills
• Effective Management Skills

Making Impressions That Matter

It isn’t just first impressions that matter. Your portrayal of yourself every day defines your image in the professional world and is crucial to achieving your goals and dreams. Acquiring the skill necessary to make strong impressions isn’t difficult, and with the right training, you will be off on the right direction in no time. With the Octus training package on Making Impressions That Matter, you will make strong impressions immediately with the right communications, body language, and voice tone.

Key outcomes:

• Understand what makes a strong impression and how to cultivate such behaviours
• Identify particular aspects of communication that contribute to the development of strong and lasting impressions
• Learn how to tailor communications styles to particular audiences and communication preferences
• Learn the dos and don’ts of body language
• Learn the art of active listening

Target Audience:

• Managers
• Supervisors
• Administrators

Individual Units:

• Presentation Skills
• Verbal Communication
• Interpersonal Communication
• Body Language

Corporate Image Workshop

As an ambassador for your company, projecting the company in a positive light in public is essential. The Corporate Image Workshop from Octus is designed to give senior managers the training and exposure necessary to prepare themselves for media engagements, corporate conferences, and being in the public spotlight.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to carry yourself before an audience
• Learn the basics of effective presentation design and delivery
• Develop the ability to emphasize certain components of a talk for greatest impact
• Master techniques to deliver talks with confidence and develop a formidable stage presence
• Understand how to respond to questions from the press and media in public settings
• Learn the dos and don’ts of body language especially as applied to the media and public engagements

Target Audience:

This program is best suited to senior executives or PR staff in corporations who interact with the media on a regular basis

Units included:

• Body Language
• Public Speaking
• How to deal with media

Writing Under Timelines

Writing remains one of the corporate world’s most crucial skills, and yet many people struggle with achieving the necessary professional standards. The problem is compounded when timelines are tight and the stakes are high: who hasn’t been bombarded with last minute reports and documents? The Writing Under Timelines package will teach you or your staff everything you need to know about basic syntax, grammar, and editing to ensure your writing is at the standard necessary for modern businesses. We emphasize techniques for reducing time spent on writing without compromising quality. Recognising that writing is an active endeavour, Octus has designed this package to be highly interactive.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and overcome common errors in writing
• Learn how to proofread and edit documents while minimizing time spent on doing so
• Develop an understanding of the basic rules of professional writing and how to adhere to them
• Identify common errors in the writing workflow that reduce efficiency, writing quality, or more
• Develop an understanding of how to prioritise writing tasks based on several criteria
• Learn strategies to manage stress at times of high work volume

Target Audience:

The Writing Under Timelines package is suited for anyone in the corporate sector whose work is heavily connected with writing or proofreading documents

Individual Units:

The individual units covered in this package include:

• Business Writing
• Writing Reports/Proposals
• Time Management
• Stress Management

Strategy and Execution

The Strategy and Execution Package from Octus is designed to help professionals in framing solutions to problems across various scales and implementing them to add value to their business and to customers. These two elements are deeply interconnected, and neither can achieve success without the other. The implications of executing a poor strategy, or being unable to execute a strategy at all, are immense, and could cost your company significant amounts of money. In order to train professionals in the best practices of Strategy and Execution, the Octus team is committed to delivering to them the skills and training necessary for them to excel.

Learning outcomes:

• Develop the ability to identify problems, and frame strategies for their solution across scales. Learn how to implement solutions effectively.
• Learn various strategies to address challenging problems and implement appropriate frameworks for their resolution.
• Learn the rules of effective decision making and determine how to identify situations for their application
• Understand how to harness creativity to generate solutions to various problems
• Learn how to choose a particular solution from a choice of many with the intent of balancing constraints with desired results
• Understand methods of effective implementation of solutions

Target Audience:

• Managers
• Supervisors
• Administrators

Individual Units:

• Problem and Conflict Solving
• Decision Making

Interpersonal Skills

Developing strong relationships in the professional and personal stations of life is exceedingly important. In order to help clients develop the skills necessary for this, Octus is proud to offer a training course on Interpersonal Skills. This course aims to help people develop the skills necessary to effectively work with others in situations that focus on, but are not limited to, the workplace. By understanding the perspectives of others and aligning ones actions and communications to balance these, it is possible to build significantly stronger professional relationships.
Learning Outcomes
• Students learn methods to recognise the personalities and communication preferences of their peers
• Learn some of the common blockers of effective communication and relationship building, and how to overcome them
• How to vary tone, body language, and listening techniques according to varying audiences and for different purposes
• Students develop an understanding of how to ask open questions.
• Learn how to answer open questions

Business Etiquette

Maintaining professional behaviour is essential for all members of a corporation, right from the CEO to an entry-level graduate. As an employee of a company, a person is also the company’s ambassador in all social and professional circles. Seeing the importance of Business Etiquette to professional development, Octus is happy to offer its clients a dedicated course on Business Etiquette. Participants in this course will gain an understanding of correct dressing, workplace behaviour, conversation skills, how to behave in multicultural environments, and email and telephone etiquette.

Learning Outcomes:

• Professional networking skills, including dos and don’ts, techniques for success, and strategies to broaden professional reach.
• Business dressing and appearance, including proper grooming, dressing tips for various corporate scenarios, and dos and don’ts
• First impressions and how to make them good, including how to make small talk, how to introduce oneself effectively and how to pull off the perfect handshake
• Crafting the perfect business email and conducting the perfect business telephone call
• Business events and client dinners

Business Ethics

Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility are gaining greater importance than ever before as the internet and heightened public scrutiny examine businesses at all levels. In recognition of this, Octus is pleased to offer a unique course on Business Ethics to train professionals on the basics of corporate social responsibility and the ethics of business. The course aims to not only impart a theoretical foundation in ethics and responsibility, but to empower professionals to make business decisions within a framework of ethics and responsibility using the latest tools and techniques. By completing this course, individuals will be better prepared to assess critical ethical and societal decisions.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn the place and importance of ethics in modern business as well as the law
• Gain insight into ethics as part of a corporation’s moral responsibility
• Ethical decisions and how to make them

The renewed importance of corporate social responsibility as a necessity in successful business

Telephone Etiquette

Whether through the spheres of customer service or sales and marketing, Telephone Etiquette is a fundamental contributor to any organisation’s success. That being said, quality training for staff in the field of Telephone Etiquette remains largely unavailable. The telephone is often a potential customer’s first point of contact with your organisation: are you willing to risk losing a customer because of poor Telephone Etiquette?

Octus is proud to present a basic training course in Telephone Etiquette, specially designed to train individuals or groups in the art of customer service over the telephone. Trainees are instructed in best practices and placed in real-life simulations to impress upon them the basics of good Telephone Etiquette. Attendees will have the benefit of developing the skills to handle customer queries with care, while at the same time ensuring that difficult customers are handled with the right balance of firmness and respect. We are certain that by the time you are done with our course, the impression of your company over the phone will be nothing but positive.

Learning Outcomes:

• Master the communication skills and strategies needed to provide effective customer service over the telephone
• Gain the ability to portray an image of professionalism and dedication over phone conversations
• Effect a firm, assertive, yet respectful tone of voice over the phone
• Develop communication techniques that influence customer decisions
• Develop the ability and learn strategies to address difficult customers
• Learn how to ask insightful questions over the phone
• Learn strategies to employ during times of unusually high call volume
• Learn key words and phrases to use to enforce a professional and positive image

Customer Service

A good customer service impression may win your business brownie points and a couple of good reviews, but a bad one can be truly disastrous to your reputation. In today’s world of cutthroat competition, good customer service isn’t enough: you need to be truly exceptional. With the brand new Octus programme on Customer Service, you will learn the ins and outs of the trade, including the latest best practices and the tools and techniques to keep your customers smiling from ear to ear. The course is ideal for individuals working in the customer service field, or for groups in larger companies who wish to polish their skills. Whatever your requirements, Octus is sure to be able to help you out!

 Learning Outcomes:

• Gain a deep understanding of what Customer Service entails, what purposes it serves, and how to leverage it for greater success
• Understand customers as stakeholders, internal and external to your organisation
• Understand the importance of attitude towards shaping how customer service is implemented
• Understand analyses needed and techniques used to predict customer needs in advance
• Develop an appreciation for the different procedures needed for face to face customer service
• Learn techniques especially suited for excellent service via remote means such as online chats and telephonic conversations
• Learn how to address difficult customers and how and when to escalate service requests.

Business Writing

Written communication is untimely the most important form of communication in the workplace. All deals are formalised in writing, as are proposals, project overviews, catalogues, and a multitude of documents. Despite this importance, the construction of business standard documents remains a niche skill, and more often than not the quality of the final product is significantly below the requisite standard leading to constant revisions and strained customer relations. With the Octus Business Writing course, you will make tremendous progress in the development of your business writing skills!

Learning Outcomes:

• Review the basics of professional writing, grammar, punctuation, sentence and paragraph construction, and spelling
• Review business e-mail etiquette, the dos and don’ts of crafting professional emails, and the means of crafting influential e-mail
• Understand how business documents are structured for maximum influence and impact
• Develop an understanding of how proofreading is done, including conventions and standards and means of proofreading at greater speed
• Develop an understanding of business document construction in several international conventions

Proposal and Report Writing

Crisp, clear, and concise reports can do wonders for your customer relations. After all, what is more pleasing to a customer than receiving the information they commissioned in a manner that is easy to understand and action? Designed as a means to boost your writing skills, the Octus course on Proposal and Report Writing develops written communication skills with a special focus on highlighting information and data while maintaining accurate grammar and syntax. The course will be immensely beneficial for producing reports for both internal and external stakeholders.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop an intuition as to the reader’s requirements and tailor reports and proposals accordingly.
• Learn how to frame reports for maximum impact
• Learn how to plan the presentation of information for greatest impact and insight into the analysis conducted
• Understand the various international standards and conventions used in report writing
• Hone writing style to ensure clarity and impact while reducing redundancy and dependence on jargon
• Learn to critically edit and evaluate written reports of others

Time Management

Time management is arguably the single most important skill needed for a professional. However, in today’s low-attention world where distractions abound, this fundamental skill is getting harder and harder to maintain. With the Time Management training course from Octus, you will learn the most effective strategies to manage your time, leading to unprecedented growth in your productivity. By the end of the course, you may be shocked at the amount of progress you’ve made! Octus will teach you how to set time-bound goals, how to prioritise them, and how to maintain focus on their completion without procrastinating.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand some of the core concepts of modern time management such as the 80:20 rule and how to implement them
• Realize the difference between urgency and importance and how to classify your tasks as such
• How to handle e-mail so as to utilise an optimum amount of time while not losing focus
• Understand the basis for procrastination and strategies to overcome it.
• How to handle time pressure and perform at the same or higher level
• Maximise productivity using simple tools and practices such as delegation, daily routines, and meeting time management

Stress Management:

Stress not only affects your productivity, it can affect your health. Prolonged exposure to stress has been linked to the development of several serious health conditions, making stress management essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle today. While the pursuit of individual hobbies and pastimes is a common means of addressing stress, many smaller and simpler techniques may be added to your daily life to overcome stress and supplement your extra-curricular pursuits. With Octus’ Stress Management course, you will learn these techniques and set yourself up for a stress-free, productive lifestyle.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understand the origin of stress and its relationship with lifestyle choices.
• Understand how routine can be implemented to manage stress on a daily basis
• Learn techniques, both physical and mental, to better manage stress
• Learn how to address stressful situations through the three As: Alter, Avoid, Accept
• Develop the habit of using a Stress Journal to monitor sources of stress and create a plan to overcome them.

Performance Management

This programme is designed by Octus to address the needs of those in Management or Supervisory positions who are looking for guidance on how to better manage team performance. It focuses on performance improvement through effective communication and SMART goal setting. The course also emphasizes best practices to motivate your staff, monitor their performance, and coach them to achieve better results. Although this seems highly theoretical, the programme has several opportunities for attendees to implement their learnings through case studies, roleplay exercises, and more.

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will gain an understanding of how performance management is defined and develop an intuitive understanding of how it relates to their own teams
• Understand how to formalise performance management in a Performance Management System
• Understand the benefits of the SMART system of goal and objective setting
• Understand how to create and utilise a Performance Development Plan in conjunction with your team members and link it to a specific Performance Management Timeline
• Understand an implement an annual Performance Development Plan
• Realise the roles of the Line Manager and Direct Report in developing a Performance Development Plan and taking action on it
• Appreciate best practices in coaching team members during the performance management cycle

Coaching and Mentoring

The long-term competitive advantage of your organisation is dependent on effectively training, coaching, and mentoring your staff. This not only bolsters their technical and professional competences, but ensures that they remain motivated and committed to your organisation’s goals. Continuous learning and skill development has been cited by several studies as being the greatest incentive for modern workers to stay in an organisation, even more so than salary considerations. Mentoring and coaching therefore is essential to reducing attrition of solid resources and motivating them to perform at their highest possible level. With the Coaching and Mentoring Program from Octus, you will learn how to engage meaningfully with your employees to drive stronger performance while maintaining morale and ensuring long-term commitment.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand and apply the SMART goal-setting technique for performance management
• Understand and apply the GROW model for goal-setting and problem-solving
• Develop the capacity to understand the perspective of the employee so as to adapt a motivation or performance management strategy
• Develop empathy as a leadership quality, identifying appropriate coaching and mentoring means for them, and creating actionable plans to address these.
• Understand the roles trust and support play in enhancing employee performance and motivation
• Develop the ability to offer constructive feedback in a supportive and friendly fashion

Talent Management

Your organisation takes pride in attracting top talent, and want to ensure they deliver to their potential. However, are you really doing what’s needed to keep their performance at its peak? With the Talent Management training programme from Octus, you will equip yourself with the tools necessary to engage with your teams and bring them up to peak performance. Watch your business perform like it never has before with the Octus Talent management Training programme.

Learning Outcomes:

• The best talent is sometimes difficult to spot. Attendees will learn how to recognise talent that will truly make a difference to the working of their companies and how to match them to appropriate functions and tasks.
• Attendees will understand the minutiae of succession management and the challenges it brings, allowing planning of succession to be carried out effectively.
• Participants will understand the latest best-practices in recruitment that will ensure the top talent finds its way to your corporation
• Understand modern motivation strategies and how to implement them to bolster staff performance
• Strategies to boost staff engagement and motivation that balance development and coaching with enhanced responsibility and action.
• Understand the cultural factors that drive talent to perform at their peak and how to ensure their implementation in a multicultural workplace
• Recognising and overcoming barriers to staff development and engagement

Emotional Intelligence

Recent research has suggested that Emotional Intelligence, or the ability to control one’s emotions, is more important than intelligence in achieving professional and personal success. It is no surprise therefore that having a high Emotional Quotient (or EQ) is a major asset in the workplace today. While not everyone has high EQs to begin with, this can be achieved through training the mind. Octus is happy to present a unique training program on Emotional Intelligence for corporate teams or individuals looking to boost their EQ. The benefits of Emotional Intelligence include effective communication, empathy, adaptability, optimism, and good influencing skills. In short, having a strong EQ is a gateway to developing overall leadership potential.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the concept of Emotional Intelligence and the role it plays in our daily life, be it professional or personal
• Learn the skills necessary to develop strong emotional intelligence and the habits that over time ensure development of a high EQ
• Learn techniques to take control of one’s emotions in periods of heightened stress whether in the professional or personal sphere
• Understand the concepts of Social management and Responsibility and how they relate to Emotional Intelligence

Confidence and Self Esteem

Confidence is often stated as being among the most important traits in leadership, but it also plays an important role in other positions. After all, who is more likely to produce work at their highest: a confident employee or one who is not? The Octus Confidence and Self Esteem course delves deep into communication styles and skills, explores interpersonal interactions, and suggests techniques to boost Confidence in the personal and professional spheres of life.

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will develop the ability to express their opinions with confidence and respect, while understanding the differences between assertiveness and aggression
• Participants will understand the impacts of self-destructive behaviours such as negative thinking and self-talk and learn measures to control these behaviours and eventually eradicate them
• Enhance communication skills with the intent of gaining confidence when addressing groups of people or people with difficult behaviours
• Develop a sense of personal importance and self-respect

Self-Motivation:

Self-motivated professionals are able to excel in the most difficult situations, setting them apart from those who may buckle under pressure. This is an especially valued skill in any corporate setting, or indeed even in personal life as circumstances may prove challenging from time to time. Perfect for corporate teams or individuals seeking to broaden their soft skillset, the Octus Training Programme on Self-Motivation is an ideal way to build up the capacity to get work done individually under trying circumstances.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the concept of self-motivation and the place it holds in the modern office or home
• Learn various techniques of self-motivation, including their psychological background and how to implement them
• Develop motivational plans to sustain oneself or one’s team over a prolonged period of time
• Learn how to set defined goals as part of the motivation process

Selling

An excellent opportunity for the experienced and inexperience alike, the Octus course on Selling is a great way to boost your sales skills by taking advantage of the latest best practices and approaches in the market. Enrol today and watch your sales numbers skyrocket, the number of customers increase, and have your business soar to greater heights.

Learning Outcomes:

• Attendees will gain exposure to techniques of researching prospect needs using the latest analysis techniques
• Learn the latest listening and presentation skills to understand client requirements and sell your product
• Boost understanding of the sales management process through industry best-practices
• Understand how to better handle objections
• Learn the best closing techniques
• Develop strategies to forge long-term relationships and secure future business
• Understand how to set motivating goals for your sales teams

Negotiation

Strong negotiation skills are what set any manager or individual apart from the crowd. With a good negotiator at the table, you can be guaranteed to have your business scale new heights. Strong negotiators exude confidence, have excellent influencing skills, and at their best can drive growth for both parties at the table. In short, negotiation skills are what you need for success. With the Octus Training Course on Negotiation, you can be certain that your next venture will bear fruit. Sign up today and see the difference yourself!

Learning Outcome:

• Understand Negotiation and its types, and acquire the skills necessary to drive fruitful negotiations for both parties
• Learn the basics of information sharing during negotiations, such as what may safely be revealed and what may not
• Develop skills in soft bargaining and price adjustment
• Understand how to come to a successful agreement and set its terms
• Develop the ability to deal with difficult clients on terms that may be challenging to accept
• Extend the fundamentals of negotiation to problems of a more common nature such as workplace schedules

Motivating Others

One of the great qualities of a leader, and indeed of a team player, is the ability to motivate others working around them. Such individuals can single-handedly lift their teams and colleagues to unimaginable heights, and in doing so drive unprecedented success for their business. With the Motivating Others course from Octus, you will develop the abilities to become such a person and thereby add one of business’ most sought after soft skills to your repertoire. Attendees are trained on how to create the settings needed to motivate their peers and examine their current behaviours in settings that require motivation. By the end of the programme, participants will be prepared to act as mentors, guides, coaches and perhaps even assume leadership roles among their peers.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain exposure to soft techniques in workplace coaching and mentoring and implement them in role play exercises and case studies.
• Boost communication skills, especially those directed towards coaching and giving strong, constructive yet friendly feedback
• Develop the ability to hone an environment of motivation and support to enhance overall staff performance

Public Speaking

An excellent training programme for groups or individuals, the Public Speaking programme by Octus is ideal to tackle anxiety or nervousness that may present itself while addressing larger groups of people in public. A key skill of leaders everywhere, Public Speaking is a great way to boost other skills such as negotiation, body language, as well as building confidence and professionalism. The techniques of public speaking are easy to learn, and you may surprise yourself at how quickly you begin to excel on stage or behind a microphone.

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will understand the various aspects that collectively define a successful public speech, addressing each in turn until confidence is achieved
• Understand the role of the audience in a good speech or presentation, and tailoring the speech to the audience at hand
• Learn how to structure speeches and presentations so as to engage audiences and maximise impact
• Develop techniques to overcome stage fright or anxiety and instead have confidence while speaking
• Develop means to accept rebuttals and address questions effectively

Media Interactions

If your job needs you to frequently interact with the media for interviews, columns, or otherwise, this course is for you! By empowering you with the skills necessary to work with the media in public, the Media Interactions course from Octus will see you on the way to success. We will train you how to prepare yourself, in terms of content as well as mentally and emotionally, for the stresses of media interviews. We will teach you how to appear at your most confident and dynamic, so as to leave your audience with an impression that they will not forget. Attendees will also be trained on how to respond to challenging questions and scenarios, whether on screen, print, or air.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop the ability to confidently receive difficult questions and maintain composure while answering
• Gain confidence to portray messages with clarity and charisma
• Adapt to multicultural audiences and deliver strong interviews in challenging conditions

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking is more of a habit than a particular skill, and through the Octus course on Critical Thinking, you will embark upon the journey of acquiring this sought after ability. We will teach you how to critically examine your thought process and approach to problem solving, ask probing and insightful questions, and keep a clear and balanced head in difficult situations. You will be trained to empathize and make others’ views part of your thinking in order to achieve solutions that are balanced and successful for all.

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire perspectives on the background of the process of critical thought and its importance as a skill
• Learn how to frame questions and develop structured thought processes to address them
• Develop the ability to challenge established assumptions
• Develop the ability to make assumptions that are watertight and credible
• Learn how to channel thoughts and willpower into developing solutions from ideas
• Develop objectivity in the thought process, keeping externalities and their interference to a minimum
• Suppress emotional involvement in decision making
• Acquire mental tools to boost critical thought processes

Body Language

While we speak, write, and present, another, often subconscious, means of communication is the way we hold ourselves. Body language, though often not our primary focus, reveals much more about ourselves than we imagine. Developing the right body language can help you gain confidence, achieve greater respect among your peers, and have others take your words more seriously. With the Octus Body Language course, you will learn the basics of good body language, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. By combining strong body language with good communication skills, you will be prepared for success in almost every sphere of professional and personal life. Given that body language varies tremendously across cultures, Octus takes great care in ensuring you are made aware of how expectations vary across cultures.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop an understanding of the psychological basis of body language and the implications of subconscious actions
• Understand what is positive and negative body language and situations in which it may become important to pay attention to body language
• How to use your own body language to enhance your image, communication, and presentation skills
• How to interpret body language of others