FAQ | Ad Astra Human Performance

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What can I do to solve my organisation's performance issues?

To solve your organisation’s performance issues, it’s essential to identify and address the root causes rather than just treating symptoms. Often, these root causes can be traced to human factors. Here’s a structured approach to improving performance:

1. Understand Human Factors

Human factors stem from our natural tendencies and limitations, like how we respond under stress or make decisions. Understanding these dynamics helps identify behaviours that lead to errors or inefficiencies. Consider how the following impact your organisation:
• Stress and workload management.
• Communication barriers.
• Decision-making under pressure.
• The culture of blame or fear of making mistakes.

2. Foster a Just Culture

A Just Culture promotes accountability without fear of punishment for honest mistakes. It encourages:
• Open reporting of errors or near-misses.
• Learning from mistakes to implement preventative measures.
• A balanced approach to accountability (distinguishing between errors, risky behaviours, and intentional misconduct).

3. Train Your Team in Human Factors

A structured Human Factors training programme can:
• Raise awareness of how and why errors occur.
• Equip your team with tools to prevent and recover from mistakes.
• Build a culture of proactive safety and performance improvement.
Ad Astra’s two-day course is an excellent solution for organisations seeking impactful training. The course can also be tailored into smaller modules if needed.

4. Improve Communication and Collaboration

Performance issues often stem from miscommunication or lack of coordination. Address these by:
• Establishing clear roles and responsibilities.
• Encouraging cross-departmental collaboration.
• Using tools to streamline communication, such as checklists or structured debriefs.

5. Implement a Confidential Reporting System

A confidential reporting system allows employees to report concerns or near-misses without fear of reprisal. This data can:
• Highlight recurring issues.
• Reveal unknown risks (unknown unknowns).
• Enable proactive problem-solving.

6. Measure and Assess Performance

Use tools like the Ad Astra Performance Indicator Assessment to gain insight into your organisation’s strengths and weaknesses. For just £14.95, it provides actionable data to guide improvement efforts. This assessment is free if you book a two-day course.

7. Involve Your Team

Solutions are more likely to succeed when the team is involved in identifying and addressing problems. Encourage participation by:
• Holding regular feedback sessions.
• Involving employees in creating solutions.
• Recognising and rewarding contributions.

8. Commit to Continuous Improvement

Improving performance isn’t a one-time fix. Create a cycle of:
1. Identifying issues.
2. Implementing solutions.
3. Monitoring outcomes.
4. Refining processes.

If you’d like tailored advice or training for your organisation, we can guide you to the relevant resources or connect you with our experts at Ad Astra. Contact us for more information.
What is Ad Astra?

Ad Astra is a company dedicated to improving performance and safety through Human Factors training, Just Culture programmes, and other supportive services. We help organisations across industries identify behaviours that lead to errors and create systems to enhance decision-making, teamwork, and accountability.
Who are Ad Astra?

Ad Astra is owned and run by extremely experienced Airline Captains and Human Factors trainers who have lived and taught the Human Factors revolution that has made aviation 58 times safer.
How does Ad Astra define Human Factors?

Human Factors refers to understanding the relationship between people, processes, and systems. It focuses on how human capabilities and limitations, including stress, communication, and decision-making, impact performance. By addressing these factors, organisations can reduce errors, improve safety, and enhance overall effectiveness. We are all hard-wired to be fallible due to the limitations of our physicality - Human Factors addresses these deficits and turns them into assets.
What is the proof that it works?

Human Factors training is mandatory in Aviation making an immediate and remarkable impact. Flying is now 58 times safer as a direct result of its introduction.
What is involved in Human Factors training?

Our Human Factors training is a two-day course designed to explore why errors occur and how to prevent them. It covers:
• Awareness of behaviours that permit errors.
• Tools to prevent errors and promote safe decision-making.
• Practical strategies to apply these insights to real-world situations.
Can the training be customised for my organisation?

Yes, the course is all about you and your specific environment - we are there to share how these universal human traits work and affect us - you reflect on our monumental goofs and create your own processes to prevent and preclude error.

We can split the two-day course into smaller modules to fit your schedule. Participants can attend in small groups, so departments remain functional during training.
What size groups work best for training?

Training works best with groups of 8 to 20 participants. This size ensures everyone has the opportunity to contribute and engage fully with the content.

This also gives sufficient numbers so that as a group, you will realise you are capable of perfection that eludes us as individuals - emphasising the power of communication.

We deliberately mix groups as invariably another department has answers to your problems and vice versa. Everyone knows things that they believed everybody knew.
What is a Just Culture, and why is it important?

A Just Culture balances accountability and learning. It promotes reporting of errors and near-misses without fear of punishment for honest mistakes. This environment encourages openness, which helps identify issues and implement solutions to prevent future errors. It enables you to start to see the unknown unknowns - the small avoidable moments that sooner or later would progress to bigger problems or worse.
Can Ad Astra help set up a Just Culture programme?

Yes, we help organisations establish Just Culture programmes, including confidential reporting systems to collect data. These systems identify trends and potential risks, helping organisations act proactively.
How can Ad Astra help with performance problems in my organisation?

We address performance issues by identifying behaviours and systems that lead to errors or inefficiencies. Our services include:
• Human Factors training to reduce errors and improve decision-making.
• Confidential reporting systems to identify risks.
• Data-driven assessments to understand and address performance gaps.
What tools do you offer to improve performance?

Our tools include:
• Human Factors training programmes.
• Confidential reporting systems.
• The Ad Astra Performance Indicator Assessment, a tool available for £14.95 to provide actionable insights. It is free with our two-day courses.
How can I book a Human Factors course?

You can book a course by contacting us directly at anytime through our website or using the contact form. You can also contact us by phone during UK business hours - ‭+44 (0)20 7088 8164‬.

Let us know your requirements, and we’ll tailor a solution to suit your needs.
Do participants need prior knowledge of Human Factors?

No prior knowledge is needed. Our training is accessible and designed to benefit all levels of experience. Let us know your requirements, and we’ll tailor a solution to suit your needs.

Human Factors is all about our universal human fallibilities, fallacies and biases - we are all aware of these, but without the context that Human Factors training provides, hence it already makes sense to everyone and is personally tremendously empowering. There is nothing complex about Human Factors - it is all about you and your world.
Where does training take place?

Training sessions can be conducted at your organisation’s location or at a venue of your choosing. We’ll work with you to find the most convenient setup.
What other services does Ad Astra provide?

In addition to Human Factors training and Just Culture programmes, we offer:
• Confidential reporting systems to collect and analyse data.
• Proactive solutions based on predictive insights from reporting data.

We also specialise in AI led implementation of Organisational Resilience programs - systems to evolve as you do and permanently protect you against latent and unknown threats.
How does it compare to other improvement programmes?

Unlike general performance training, Human Factors training focuses on understanding human behaviour and the systems in which people operate. This holistic approach addresses root causes of errors and inefficiencies, delivering long-term benefits. Technical solutions work solely on prevention of one particular issue - Human Factors provides protection against threats and errors un-seen, as well as identified. It is incredibly cost-effective as well as hugely enjoyable and personally empowering. Delegates adopt Human Factors with enthusiasm in their personal lives as well as professional. It always becomes the favourite course in every organisation we have worked with.
How does Human Factors compare to technical solutions?

Technical solutions work solely on prevention of one particular issue - Human Factors provides protection against all threats and errors unseen, as well as identified. It is incredibly cost-effective.
How do colleagues take to Human Factors?

Human Factors courses are hugely enjoyable and personally empowering. Delegates adopt Human Factors with enthusiasm in their personal lives as well as professional. It always becomes the favourite course in every organisation we have worked with.

What can I do to solve my organisation's performance issues?

To solve your organisation’s performance issues, it’s essential to identify and address the root causes rather than just treating symptoms. Often, these root causes can be traced to human factors. Here’s a structured approach to improving performance:

1. Understand Human Factors

Human factors stem from our natural tendencies and limitations, like how we respond under stress or make decisions. Understanding these dynamics helps identify behaviours that lead to errors or inefficiencies. Consider how the following impact your organisation:
• Stress and workload management.
• Communication barriers.
• Decision-making under pressure.
• The culture of blame or fear of making mistakes.

2. Foster a Just Culture

A Just Culture promotes accountability without fear of punishment for honest mistakes. It encourages:
• Open reporting of errors or near-misses.
• Learning from mistakes to implement preventative measures.
• A balanced approach to accountability (distinguishing between errors, risky behaviours, and intentional misconduct).

3. Train Your Team in Human Factors

A structured Human Factors training programme can:
• Raise awareness of how and why errors occur.
• Equip your team with tools to prevent and recover from mistakes.
• Build a culture of proactive safety and performance improvement.
Ad Astra’s two-day course is an excellent solution for organisations seeking impactful training. The course can also be tailored into smaller modules if needed.

4. Improve Communication and Collaboration

Performance issues often stem from miscommunication or lack of coordination. Address these by:
• Establishing clear roles and responsibilities.
• Encouraging cross-departmental collaboration.
• Using tools to streamline communication, such as checklists or structured debriefs.

5. Implement a Confidential Reporting System

A confidential reporting system allows employees to report concerns or near-misses without fear of reprisal. This data can:
• Highlight recurring issues.
• Reveal unknown risks (unknown unknowns).
• Enable proactive problem-solving.

6. Measure and Assess Performance

Use tools like the Ad Astra Performance Indicator Assessment to gain insight into your organisation’s strengths and weaknesses. For just £14.95, it provides actionable data to guide improvement efforts. This assessment is free if you book a two-day course.

7. Involve Your Team

Solutions are more likely to succeed when the team is involved in identifying and addressing problems. Encourage participation by:
• Holding regular feedback sessions.
• Involving employees in creating solutions.
• Recognising and rewarding contributions.

8. Commit to Continuous Improvement

Improving performance isn’t a one-time fix. Create a cycle of:
1. Identifying issues.
2. Implementing solutions.
3. Monitoring outcomes.
4. Refining processes.

If you’d like tailored advice or training for your organisation, we can guide you to the relevant resources or connect you with our experts at Ad Astra. Contact us for more information.
What is Ad Astra?

Ad Astra is a company dedicated to improving performance and safety through Human Factors training, Just Culture programmes, and other supportive services. We help organisations across industries identify behaviours that lead to errors and create systems to enhance decision-making, teamwork, and accountability.
Who are Ad Astra?

Ad Astra is owned and run by extremely experienced Airline Captains and Human Factors trainers who have lived and taught the Human Factors revolution that has made aviation 58 times safer.
How does Ad Astra define Human Factors?

Human Factors refers to understanding the relationship between people, processes, and systems. It focuses on how human capabilities and limitations, including stress, communication, and decision-making, impact performance. By addressing these factors, organisations can reduce errors, improve safety, and enhance overall effectiveness. We are all hard-wired to be fallible due to the limitations of our physicality - Human Factors addresses these deficits and turns them into assets.
What is the proof that it works?

Human Factors training is mandatory in Aviation making an immediate and remarkable impact. Flying is now 58 times safer as a direct result of its introduction.
What is involved in Human Factors training?

Our Human Factors training is a two-day course designed to explore why errors occur and how to prevent them. It covers:
• Awareness of behaviours that permit errors.
• Tools to prevent errors and promote safe decision-making.
• Practical strategies to apply these insights to real-world situations.
Can the training be customised for my organisation?

Yes, the course is all about you and your specific environment - we are there to share how these universal human traits work and affect us - you reflect on our monumental goofs and create your own processes to prevent and preclude error.

We can split the two-day course into smaller modules to fit your schedule. Participants can attend in small groups, so departments remain functional during training.
What size groups work best for training?

Training works best with groups of 8 to 20 participants. This size ensures everyone has the opportunity to contribute and engage fully with the content.

This also gives sufficient numbers so that as a group, you will realise you are capable of perfection that eludes us as individuals - emphasising the power of communication.

We deliberately mix groups as invariably another department has answers to your problems and vice versa. Everyone knows things that they believed everybody knew.
What is a Just Culture, and why is it important?

A Just Culture balances accountability and learning. It promotes reporting of errors and near-misses without fear of punishment for honest mistakes. This environment encourages openness, which helps identify issues and implement solutions to prevent future errors. It enables you to start to see the unknown unknowns - the small avoidable moments that sooner or later would progress to bigger problems or worse.
Can Ad Astra help set up a Just Culture programme?

Yes, we help organisations establish Just Culture programmes, including confidential reporting systems to collect data. These systems identify trends and potential risks, helping organisations act proactively.
How can Ad Astra help with performance problems in my organisation?

We address performance issues by identifying behaviours and systems that lead to errors or inefficiencies. Our services include:
• Human Factors training to reduce errors and improve decision-making.
• Confidential reporting systems to identify risks.
• Data-driven assessments to understand and address performance gaps.
What tools do you offer to improve performance?

Our tools include:
• Human Factors training programmes.
• Confidential reporting systems.
• The Ad Astra Performance Indicator Assessment, a tool available for £14.95 to provide actionable insights. It is free with our two-day courses.
How can I book a Human Factors course?

You can book a course by contacting us directly at anytime through our website or using the contact form. You can also contact us by phone during UK business hours - ‭+44 (0)20 7088 8164‬.

Let us know your requirements, and we’ll tailor a solution to suit your needs.
Do participants need prior knowledge of Human Factors?

No prior knowledge is needed. Our training is accessible and designed to benefit all levels of experience. Let us know your requirements, and we’ll tailor a solution to suit your needs.

Human Factors is all about our universal human fallibilities, fallacies and biases - we are all aware of these, but without the context that Human Factors training provides, hence it already makes sense to everyone and is personally tremendously empowering. There is nothing complex about Human Factors - it is all about you and your world.
Where does training take place?

Training sessions can be conducted at your organisation’s location or at a venue of your choosing. We’ll work with you to find the most convenient setup.
What other services does Ad Astra provide?

In addition to Human Factors training and Just Culture programmes, we offer:
• Confidential reporting systems to collect and analyse data.
• Proactive solutions based on predictive insights from reporting data.

We also specialise in AI led implementation of Organisational Resilience programs - systems to evolve as you do and permanently protect you against latent and unknown threats.
How does it compare to other improvement programmes?

Unlike general performance training, Human Factors training focuses on understanding human behaviour and the systems in which people operate. This holistic approach addresses root causes of errors and inefficiencies, delivering long-term benefits. Technical solutions work solely on prevention of one particular issue - Human Factors provides protection against threats and errors un-seen, as well as identified. It is incredibly cost-effective as well as hugely enjoyable and personally empowering. Delegates adopt Human Factors with enthusiasm in their personal lives as well as professional. It always becomes the favourite course in every organisation we have worked with.
How does Human Factors compare to technical solutions?

Technical solutions work solely on prevention of one particular issue - Human Factors provides protection against all threats and errors unseen, as well as identified. It is incredibly cost-effective.
How do colleagues take to Human Factors?

Human Factors courses are hugely enjoyable and personally empowering. Delegates adopt Human Factors with enthusiasm in their personal lives as well as professional. It always becomes the favourite course in every organisation we have worked with.

Click or call direct on +44 207 088 8164

Our courses count for 16 hours of annual CPD requirement and the Assessment counts as one.

They can be spread over two days or more to suit your team's availability and we will shortly introduce modular online theory learning to reduce course footprint on your time.

This utterly transformational course gives you the knowledge to design and implement your own solutions to your unique challenges, embedding an enthusiasm within your organisation to create the perfect learning culture - one with eternal curiosity to seek out and eliminate error & one which feeds priceless lessons back into the organisational training cycle.

You do the course just once but keep the benefits for ever. We continue to mentor you and your teams as much as you need or wish and every course is backed up by a tailored program of critical learning reinforcement.