Measuring Non-Technical Skills and Providing Feedback
Managers play a pivotal role in reinforcing the importance of NTS, and in helping staff to develop. A large part of the success of the formal introduction of NTS into an organisation relies on managers. As well as demonstrating good NTS, and promoting the value of these skills, one of the most powerful things managers can do is provide constructive feedback.
The Action Model - A way to link non-technical skills and frontline tasks
This Action Model provides a simple explanation of how individuals take in information, make decisions, and take actions. Using the Action Model to discuss NTS can make NTS more relevant and easier to understand. This guide is designed for managers, assessors, and trainers. It describes the Action Model and how to use it to discuss NTS.
Using coaching and feedback to develop NTS
Coaching and feedback are essential tools for developing staff NTS. This guide explains what coaching is, how it differs from feedback and when and why to use coaching for NTS. It covers coaching and feedback models, practical tips for giving NTS feedback, and effective questions to use — or avoid — during coaching conversations. This guide is designed for anyone who works directly with frontline staff and has a role in developing their competence.
Managers’ NTS Tools
Training and development of NTS requires careful planning and an integrated approach within competence management systems. Here we share key resources and points for consideration for managers to plan and maximise an effective implementation of NTS training and reinforcement activities.
These tools support managers in the appraisal of staff performance by; providing a place to take notes, a reminder of risks and challenges, tips how to help staff, and how this can be discussed to maximise their learning.
The tools are:
- Measurement form - to take notes during the appraisal ride.
- Risks and challenges - as a reminder of the risks faced by the driver, and points for discussion.
- Questions - to gain a greater understanding of what the driver did and why (ensure their actions intended to address the risks and challenges during the ride).
- Tip sheets - for where improvements are required.
- Feedback template - to use as discussion prompts.
- NTS list and behavioural markers - clarification on each NTS.
The complete set is provided in our document ‘Manager NTS tools’.
Self-Evaluation
You can complete these self-evaluation forms before and after the training. They can also be used in coaching and feedback sessions.
Training and development
Leadership and management skills
We have prepared a checklist that managers can use to evaluate their leadership and management skills to better manage the competence of their staff. Here we also provide the research report and an organisational toolkit to help organisations determine how they can better support managers.
