Business Training Tips
This article discusses some of the challenges faced by those purchasing business training and issues confronting business training providers. If business is being done with integrity these are closely related as both purchasers (e.g. CEOs, HR managers or training managers) and training providers want effective training that does the job.
Challenges Faced When Purchasing Business Training
Not Sure What Training Is Needed
In order to determine what training is really needed a company should do a training needs analysis (TNA) so as not to waste their time and money.
Not Enough Time
People in businesses are busy and often do not have much time for training. Training can be thought of as an investment and companies can get the most out of training with focused aims and pre- and post-training support from providers.
Not Enough Money
Training need not be expensive. Using small companies with low overheads helps and government grants like Train to Gain in the UK can help. Again being targeted with aims is useful. E-Learning may be cheaper but often does not do the job and lacks the essential "human touch".
Not Enough Trust
How do you know if a trainer provider is any good? Ask for references from past clients and a free taster session with your own team to build trust before embarking on a large scale training program.
Not Sure If Training Works
It is important to measure return on investment of training by asking ahead of time, "What would success look like here and how would we measure it?"
Challenges Faced by Business Training Providers
As Above
Training providers face many of the same problems of those purchasing training. Doing things in less and less time, and with less budget is the modern challenge. A good training provider will help clients find out what is needed, make good use of pre and post course support to maximise limited contact time and help evaluate training success.
Delegates Not "Bought-In"
Delegates turning up late or not wanting to learn is a problem for many trainers. This often indicates an issue with the commissioning process as delegates have not bought-into the training as something desirable. It may mean the TNA has not been done correctly or the "internal sell" was handled clumsily. One solution is to establish learning aims in line with what delegates want at the start of training and make it clear that participation is optional.
Inadequate Facilities or Technology
A good training provider makes use of what they have and has a low-tech plan B for when the technology breaks down.
Delegates Tired or Bored
Keeping training interactive and experiential will alleviate this problem. Use teaching appropriate for different learning styles and take regular breaks.
No "Real-World Transfer"
Training has a bad reputation in many businesses as people will often go on a course, then promptly forget everything they have learned. It is important to embed learning in real-world applications and give participants ways to continue learning after the contact time.
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Mark Walsh is the founder of Integration Training, a leading UK training provider. They are specialists in business training - working with stress management, team building, communication, time management, leadership and management training.management, team building, communication, time management, leadership and management training.
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