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Hints & Tips Resources

Hints and tips for MS Office and other applications. Contributions from our team of talented trainers.

  • Power BI Gauge: Mastering the Art of Data Speedometers

    Power BI Gauge: Mastering the Art of Data Speedometers

    Tue 21 May 2024

    Power BI’s Gauge visual is a champion for presenting data in a clear and captivating way. Imagine speedometer-like dials instantly conveying performance against targets – that’s the power of gauges! This blog post dives into common gauge limitations and equips you with solutions to create impactful visuals.   Gauge Advantages: Why They Shine Clarity at […]

  • landing your dream role - being successful at interviews

    Landing Your Dream Role

    Wed 15 May 2024

    Being successful at a job interview is a hurdle we all face at some point. By adopting the right strategies, you can transform this nerve-wracking experience into an opportunity to showcase your talent and secure the role of your dreams.   Preparation is Power Imagine sitting an exam unprepared. How do you think you would […]

  • Memory improvement for increased efficiency

    Fri 3 May 2024

    In personal and professional development, improving our memory is often overlooked despite its pivotal role in enhancing overall efficiency. The memory is a muscle and benefits from constructive exercises just like any other. Beyond recalling dates or facts, a good memory empowers individuals to make faster, better decisions, reduce time relearning material, and tackle more […]

  • How to Create and Deliver Amazing Virtual Presentations

    Mon 29 Apr 2024

    Remember the days of whiteboard jitters and projector mishaps? The world of communication has evolved, and virtual presentations are now the new normal. Whether you’re connecting with colleagues across continents or captivating clients remotely, mastering the art of online presentations is key to success. By testing your equipment beforehand and having a backup plan, you […]

  • Setting Objectives Effectively: Reach your desired Outcomes

    Fri 8 Mar 2024

    Success rarely happens by chance. It’s the result of careful planning, dedication, and effective goal setting. Whether you’re striving for personal growth, career advancement, or business success, setting clear objectives is essential. One popular framework for setting meaningful anhttps://www.stl-training.co.uk/time-managemend achievable goals is the SMART objectives method. In this blog, we’ll explore the SMART methodology and […]

  • Team Management Tips from the World of Jazz

    Thu 15 Feb 2024

    Have you ever wondered what jazz music and management have in common? Jazz is a musical genre that originated in the African American communities of New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterised by improvisation, syncopation, swing, and complex harmonies. Jazz musicians often play in small groups, where they communicate […]

  • How to be Assertive with Senior Managers and Clients

    Wed 17 Jan 2024

    In the professional world, the ability to be assertive is an invaluable skill, especially when dealing with senior managers, clients, and stakeholders. Assertiveness is expressing your needs, opinions, and boundaries with confidence and respect. Here are 8 useful strategies you can adopt as you aim to master this essential art in the workplace. Recognising the […]

  • Handy Tips for Making an Impact in Meetings

    Fri 12 Jan 2024

    The best way to make a positive impact in meetings, is to contribute meaningfully. By doing this, you are helping your team achieve its goals. Here are 14 key strategies to ensure that you make a positive impact at meetings you attend. Whether you are a project manager looking to improve processes and reduce risk, […]

  • Embodying Confidence – Even when you don’t feel it

    Thu 11 Jan 2024

    Confidence often takes centre stage as a key ingredient for success at work. It is not just about what you say or do, but also about how you carry yourself. It’s about embodying the qualities of a confident person in your posture, tone of voice, and body language.  But what happens when you find yourself […]

  • Essentials of Project Management – In 3 Minutes

    Mon 27 Nov 2023

    Any project at work can bring about exciting challenges and changes. Read on to learn more about how to identify them, and what the phases of projects look like to help you to run them efficiently and accurately. Rest assured all the content covered here has been tried and tested on our very own project […]

  • Macros: A Hidden Time Saver in Excel

    Tue 14 Nov 2023

    here we share the much-overlooked Excel Macro feature – and how it can save you considerable time every day. How do Macros Work?   The Macro Recorder in Excel is a useful tool that allows users to automate repetitive tasks by recording the steps. The Macro Recorder generates Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code. It […]

  • Speak Up with Confidence: Guide to Assertive Communication

    Thu 9 Nov 2023

    Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful workplace. Among the various styles, assertive communication stands out as a powerful tool for fostering healthy relationships, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that your voice is heard. In this blog, we will explore the art of delivering assertive messages in the workplace and why it is essential for […]

  • Minute Taking: An Often Overlooked but Important Skill!

    Fri 20 Oct 2023

    What Are Minutes? Meeting minutes are official records of what transpires during a meeting. They serve as a historical reference, document actions, decisions, and discussions, and provide a clear record of a meeting’s proceedings. Minutes are essential for accountability, tracking progress, and ensuring that agreed-upon actions are followed through. Whether your meeting is in person, […]

  • Categorising the Importance of Tasks

    Fri 25 Aug 2023

    The ability to manage our time and tasks effectively has become a valuable skill. The “Urgent-Important Matrix” is a simple but powerful tool, which can transform how you approach your to-do list and maximise your productivity by placing each task in the appropriate quadrant. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of the Urgent-Important Matrix […]

  • Engagement And Motivation: Turning Apathy Into Productivity

    Fri 16 Jun 2023

    Highly productive people are motivated, engaged, and willing to go the extra mile. They care about the quality of their work, their colleagues, and the success of the company. They know this reflects on them. People generally feel this way on the first day of their new job when they are excited. They want to […]

  • Assertiveness Simplified

    Fri 9 Jun 2023

    Assertiveness – what exactly is it? Getting your own way? Saying how you feel? Being upfront and honest? Telling it how it is? Well, many people get hung up and confused about what exactly assertiveness is and how you act in an assertive manner. If you research dictionary definitions, you’ll find the following: “confident and […]

  • Power BI – New features February 2023 Version

    Thu 6 Apr 2023

    Microsoft Power BI has introduced a plethora of new features that are designed to improve the user experience and help organizations improve their return on investment (ROI). These new features include everything from improved data modelling capabilities (new DAX functions) to new visualization tools and advanced analytics integrations. In this blog post, now that we’ve […]

  • Power BI – Advanced options to make forecasting models

    Tue 4 Apr 2023

    Finally, there are new advanced options to create forecasting models in Power BI. Microsoft introduced the LINEST function and LINESTX function in the Power BI desktop February 2023 version. The LINEST function in Excel has always been an important tool for perform linear regression, leveraging the Least Squares method, to calculate a straight line that […]

  • How to ‘Freeze Panes’ in Excel

    Wed 22 Mar 2023

    How often when using Excel have you had to scroll down to find what you’re looking for in a huge spreadsheet only to find your top headings disappear off the screen? Well worry no more. The solution lies in using an incredibly handy tool called Freeze Panes. This tool ‘freezes’ the top row and left […]

  • Tracking Performance using Conditional Formatting in Excel

    Thu 2 Mar 2023

    Conditional Formatting is one of the most powerful tools in Excel. It can do so much to help you track data with relatively little time and effort. This ‘Quick Win’ tool can be mastered in a few simple steps. The blog will look at what Conditional Formatting is, how to apply it to data and […]

  • Performance Management part 4: Developing Individuals

    Fri 3 Feb 2023

    This is the last in the Performance Management series.  We have already looked at the first 3 stages of Performance Management; Setting Expectations, Assessing Performance and Performance Reviews.  Today we will look at the final stage in the process, Developing Individuals. The first 3 stages will enable you to identify any learning and development needs.  […]

  • Performance Management part 2 – Assessing performance

    Fri 20 Jan 2023

    Assessing Performance – targets Before we dive into assessing performance against targets, a quick reminder of part 1: In the first blog in this series of 4 – Setting Expectations for Performance, we looked at how expectations can be broad. With that said, we can break them down into two broad categories: Measurable Results and Targets […]

  • Performance Management Part 1 – Setting Expectations

    Tue 10 Jan 2023

    To perform well, employees need to know what is expected of them. Well-defined expectations produce effective teams with employees who know the role they play and the purpose they serve. When you and an employee set clear expectations about the results that must be achieved, and the methods or approaches needed to achieve them, you […]

  • Effective Communication: Having Difficult Conversations

    Wed 2 Nov 2022

    In all our careers there will be occasions where we need to have difficult conversations with our colleagues, these may be focused on performance management, poor behaviour, giving bad news, or be of a personal or sensitive nature, whatever the issue is, many of us do not look forward to these moments. Why do we […]

  • Power BI – Create a Perfect Chart Visual

    Tue 25 Oct 2022

    Power BI Desktop can work with a large number of visuals to make sure that the audience of your reports are best informed to make the right decisions. It is your responsibility to make sure that the data is presented a way, so the audience of the reports are given a clear picture of the […]

  • Navigating to visuals: Bookmark Buttons in Power BI Desktop

    Fri 21 Oct 2022

    Your Power BI report needs to be as user friendly as possible for an end user to make insightful business decisions efficiently. So, what better way to grab their attention with the most salient sections of your report than to use Bookmark Navigator buttons. These buttons usually appear on the opening page and work by […]

  • Power BI – Dynamic text for detailed reports 1: text boxes

    Tue 11 Oct 2022

    If you want to add dynamic text to give your audience more detailed Power BI reports, you can follow STL’s LinkedIn page. This is first part of the series, but more will follow. In another series of blog posts from STL about AI visuals, you could see how the smart narrative visual could analyse another […]

  • Presentation Skills: Nerves and Structure

    Fri 7 Oct 2022

    Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking or giving a presentation, is extremely common. Experts estimate 77% of the population has some level of anxiety when giving presentations or public speaking. There are many things you can do to feel more comfortable when presenting, but practice and preparation really are the key.   Our fantastic Presentation […]

  • Power BI AI Visuals Part 4 – Smart Narrative

    Fri 23 Sep 2022

    Microsoft has created some very interesting AI (Artificial Intelligence) visuals for Power BI. Power BI offers four AI visuals – Q&A, Key Influencers, Decomposition Tree, and Smart Narrative. This is Power BI AI Visuals Part 4 – Smart Narrative. AI visuals are very useful. All four can provide your report with insight information from your […]

  • Power BI AI Visuals Part 2 – Key Influencers

    Tue 20 Sep 2022

    Microsoft has created some interesting AI (Artificial Intelligence) visuals for Power BI. Power BI offers four AI visuals – Q&A, Key Influencers, Decomposition Tree, and Smart Narrative. This is Power BI AI Visuals Part 2 – Key Influencers. AI visuals are extremely useful and all four can provide your report with insight information from your […]

  • Telephone Techniques – How to use your voice effectively

    Fri 16 Sep 2022

    The words we say make up only 30% of our communication. So we need to think about how we say them. To ensure that we are communicating effectively on the telephone, therefore, we must make the most of the 30% we have. Read on for four areas to focus on to improve your telephone technique. […]

  • Power BI DAX – the mysterious Calculate function 4 – tricks

    Wed 7 Sep 2022

    DAX (Data Analysis eXpressions) is the function language in Power BI desktop. When DAX is used to create measures, it can hard to understand the logic at times. Especially one piece, the Calculate function, can be challenging.   This is the fourth part of a series of blog posts, which will investigate the mysterious Calculate […]

  • Effective Communication – Making an Impact in Meetings

    Tue 6 Sep 2022

    If you need to make an impact in your meetings, you’re going to need some tactics. Our Facilitation and Meeting Skills and  Effective Communication courses discuss some ideas to help you do just that.   Statistics reveal that 11 million meetings take place every year. 91% of staff admit to daydreaming, 95% admit to missing […]

  • Power BI Mysterious Calculate Function 3: Time Intelligence

    Mon 5 Sep 2022

    DAX (Data Analysis eXpressions) is the function language in Power BI desktop. When DAX is used to create measures, it can hard to understand the logic at times. Especially one function, the Calculate function, can be challenging.   We visit the mysterious Calculate Function for the third time, in this four part series of blogs. […]

  • Power BI’s Mysterious Calculate Function 2: Filter Context

    Thu 1 Sep 2022

    DAX (Data Analysis eXpressions) is the function language in Power BI desktop. When DAX is used to create measures, it can hard to understand the logic sometimes. Especially one function, the Calculate function, can be challenging.   This is the second part of a series of blog posts, which will investigate the mysterious Calculate function. […]

  • Power BI’s Mysterious Calculate Function: 1 – Row Context

    Tue 30 Aug 2022

    DAX (Data Analysis eXpressions) is the function language in Power BI desktop. When DAX is used to create measures, it can hard to understand the logic sometimes. Especially one function, the Calculate function, can be challenging. This is the first part of a series of blog posts, which will investigate the mysterious Calculate function. The […]

  • Business Writing: Tips for Efficient Communication

    Thu 28 Jul 2022

    You can improve your profitability by ensuring clear and concise communication. Business writing is present at every level of any organisation and assumes many forms. In this blog, learn 5 key tips for business writing, as well as a checklist of considerations.  Business Writing – what is it? Business writing is any type of writing […]

  • How to land a great presentation from an idea

    Mon 18 Jul 2022

    In this piece, Professional Development Trainer Karen tells us how to make sure Presentations hit the mark. From preparation to delivery, there are six crucial elements to consider. Karen shares them with us here. In conversation with Karen from our learning solutions delivery team Karen, we were talking about the welcome growing levels of face-to-face […]

  • How to build spectacular relationships

    Fri 12 Nov 2021

    When a Director once gave a talk on the importance of developing relationships, I was left thinking I had to buy someone a gift. Maybe it isn’t too far from the truth. When developing skills that can influence a relationship, having a giving attitude is what can help make them spectacular. Find out here how […]

  • 4 Tips to Resolve Conflict

    Mon 18 Oct 2021

    The Right Language for Resolving Conflict In English speaking workplaces, it is important to voice complaints and frustrations by using the right language. When you are dealing with problems, the right approach and level of directness can ensure you don’t cause offence. This article looks at essential language along with 4 tips to resolve conflict […]

  • 5 Quick Ways to get a Response to Emails

    Mon 28 Jun 2021

    Why won’t you answer? So many time’s we send emails praying to get a quick response. Far too often that one reply necessary to move forward on our work doesn’t materialise. So, what are the secrets to getting that quick response? In this article we will try and shift the power back into your corner. […]

  • How to Plan A Presentation

    Mon 7 Jun 2021

    If You Fail To Plan, You Plan To Fail! How to plan a presentation The success or failure of a presentation is determined long before you walk into the venue and try to engage the audience. Let’s consider how you can plan your presentation effectively, making it as relevant, concise and targeted for your audience […]

  • The Secret to Successful Presentations

    Mon 12 Apr 2021

    The nature of nerves Several years ago, a survey was conducted to identify the top 10 public fears. What came in at number one? Public speaking! Apparently, the scariest thing we can do in our lives is stand in front of people and speak. What is the secret to successful presentations? Why the fear factor? […]

  • How to Train the Trainer

    Mon 5 Apr 2021

    In this post we’ll look at the essentials for any Train the Trainer course or programme. What should be included, how and why… Why bother with a Train the Trainer? Many people think that anybody can be a Trainer, it’s just a matter of getting up there and doing it. Of course, that’s not the […]

  • How to Build Rapport: 4 Techniques for Success

    Mon 22 Mar 2021

    How to Build Rapport When you are trying to develop rapport with others, make the Oxford Dictionary definition your mantra: “a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other’s feelings or ideas and communicate well”. What does it take to accelerate “close and harmonious” communication with those you want […]

  • Stages of Team Development and how to Maximise Performance

    Tue 16 Mar 2021

    Together Everyone Achieves More! 4 Stages of Team Development What’s a team? How about ‘a group of people working together to achieve a common goal or objective’? And if you like the definition, do you have a team? If the answer is no, then how do you get one? Questions, questions! Let’s look at some […]

  • Manage Stress and Relieve Anxiety with Circles of Influence

    Wed 24 Feb 2021

    How To Accept The Things We Cannot Change The ability to manage our own stress levels is a wonderful thing, but we need to approach it with realistic aims. It is extremely helpful to acknowledge straight away that some sources of stress in our lives are unavoidable – for example, economic downturns or the loss […]

  • The Secret to Creating a High Performing Team

    Mon 25 Jan 2021

    The Secret to High Performing Teams: Do I have a High Performing Team? The aim of any manager should be to create an effective team, also known as an HPT (High Performing Team). After all, the performance of a team reflects upon whom? Technically, everyone, but the manager or leader of the team in particular! […]

  • 5 tips to improve Listening Skills for better Leadership

    Mon 11 Jan 2021

    If you read any book or article about what’s needed to be a great Leader, effective communication skills are key, particularly the ability to have great listening skills. In these tips to improve listening skills for better leadership, we will explore how listening mastery is one of the five key essentials in communication that every […]

  • Check your tech for the Online Classroom!

    Mon 9 Nov 2020

    We take many steps to ensure you have a productive and engaging learning experience in our online (virtual) classroom but we need you to check  three simple areas on your IT setup  before your training session. Contact us on 02079873777 or info@stl-training.co.uk if you need support with the below. Please note that if you are […]


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