Expert advice for putting together a training programme
Published
27th Jan 2013
by rachael
If you want to make the most of staff training, why not put together a programme to ensure that you - and your staff - are getting the most out of what you learn?
Training expert Simon Shaw has the following advice for getting your education schedule in order for 2013.
For the best results begin with the end in mind. I like to look at a training plan in the same way I address my own personal training - at the beginning of each season I set myself a fitness goal; for instance this winter I would like to add a bit of muscle on the top half of my body.
The first thing I do is take a realistic and objective look at my top half, taking measurements and noting them down. Then I will find information from either a trainer, books or the internet. Once I have done this I will write a programme for myself, and finally I will hit the gym. I will take measurements after six weeks to see how I am doing. If necessary I will make adjustments to the programme.
You can take these same principles and apply them to your team.
Think about the following:
1. What would you like to achieve from the training, and when would you like to achieve it by?
2. What is the current state of play. There is an old saying in management - "you can't move what you don't measure". If, for instance, you want to improve your retail, you need to know exactly what you are doing at the moment then set a goal for what you would like to achieve.
3. Once you have your goals, research the best training methods and decide whether you need someone external to come in. Use theIinternet, read books, and ask clients - one of the best things I ever did was an outward bound course that came out of talking to a client.
4. Make a written plan - research suggests we are more likely to achieve our goals if we write them down. I would suggest that the plan is broken into individual and team plans. I would always do this in discussion with the team and individuals involved.
5. Start working on the training plan and make sure that everyone involved is absolutely crystal clear of the objectives and their part in delivering results.
6. Review and adjust - take a look at what's happening with the goals, give it enough time to work but don't leave it so long that people think you have forgotten the plan. Make adjustments where necessary,
7. Lastly, communicate with the team. I am a big believer in celebrating success and paying less attention to failure; don't give the people who fail more air time than the winners.
