We are proud to introduce a new series of CBT modules on Softskills

One recent example of the response to several customers’ requests is that Seagull is pleased to announce the introduction of a new series of CBT modules dealing with “management” or “soft skills”, which until now, has not been addressed in any of the standard statutory certification courses. Many shipping companies have realised this is a very important ability for their senior ship’s staff, but have had great difficulty providing a suitable and cost effective solution.

Seagull, working closely with the well respected Danish training company, Green Jacobsen, management specialists, has produced 8 new modules on several important management topics on how to manage different and sometimes difficult situations.  Two of these modules deal explicitly with “Conflict Management” (CBT#250) and “Cultural Management” (CBT#251).

Conflict Management module:
Conflicts are everywhere. Wherever we go, we encounter a number of conflicts, as they are part of our everyday life. Handling our own conflicts can be a tough task, but it can also be difficult to help others settle their conflicts. But why is this difficult? Conflicts are, after all, part of our daily life. During any human being's life he, or she, will experience a number of conflicts and hopefully also manage to overcome them.
Conflicts can be managed in many ways; however, not all of these ways are constructive. Sometimes, we tend to ignore conflicts in the hope that they will just fade away. Far too often this is our “conflict management strategy”.
This module will provide some tools and advise to effectively manage this type of conflict.

Cultural Management module:
In recent years, culture issues were not regarded as crucial concerns of operations onboard ships, but nowadays people realize the significance of knowing the impact of intercultural differences on safety onboard, as well as on the work relationship of crew members.
Since different cultures exist onboard most international vessels, it is important to develop cultural understanding in order to avoid safety risks and poor ship operations. Knowledge on culture also helps us properly manage conflicts at work, caused by cultural differences. 
Hence, this course tries to provide answers to some questions that arise in an intercultural environment. It also provides the participant with some ideas and tools to guide him in the future. The participant may not change the behaviour of other people but hopefully he can change himself through the aid of this course.

Our next newsletter will talk about the other Management training modules.