The world of training has changed significantly since I attended my first corporate training session (I won’t say how many years ago!). I remember sitting there while the instructor droned on and on. Note-taking was discouraged. Visual aids were non-existent. Training was serious business, as demonstrated when the instructor’s hand suddenly slammed down on the table when we didn’t understand a concept. 
Now our classrooms are filled with color, music and props. We move, we laugh, we play games. In the midst of it all, learning takes place and skills are refined, far better than in training sessions of the past. However, it is easy for those who don’t have an understanding of how adults learn to think that only serious, lecture-filled training classes are effective. Have you ever had someone walk by your room and say (or think), “All that training department does is play.” Does your training have the reputation for being all “fluff”? This can occur when we are not considered as full partners within our organizations. The result is that training staff and budgets are reduced because training is not perceived as valuable. Training departments can position themselves as essential links to organizational performance by being proactive in several areas. Here are some ideas:
- Review the same results reports that the “front line” operation receives. Be alert to specific performance issues that may be training related. Proactively present viable training solutions.
- Attend operations meetings. Keep your department “in the know” about operational issues.
- Ensure that the training department is included when decisions are made. Help prevent your organization from “throwing training” at a problem by offering needs analysis and assessments.
- Educate your organization about training and why certain techniques are used. This education can help staff dispel thoughts that training is all play.
- Establish a training department budget. Make sure that all expenditures are necessary and justifiable. Adopt the same attitude about budgets as the operations staff in your organization has.
These five simple steps can help your training department be recognized as an essential link to performance and a respected partner in your organization. Along with all the fun, training is serious business.
(c) 2010 Linda M. Farley
Photo courtesy of 3M Young Scientists Challenge @NASA Goddard via Flickr
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