Category Archives: Training

#38 The life cycle of a training program: preparation

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A training program is divided into 3 parts:

  • The preparation phase.
  • The execution phase.
  • The reinforcement phase.
  • All phases are important, but the preparation phase is the most important of all. In this phase, you set the success criteria, goals, select participants, and the curriculum. This is followed by selection of the method of delivery. Some choices are self-learning, on the job learning, elearning, and instructor led courses.

    Your choice will be governed by the triage of the following:

  • The size of the Learning Gaps.
  • The budget at your disposal.
  • The business benefits and risk.
  • Level of customization required.
  • Feel free to pick a different set of topics you will use to triage to your choice.

    For “standard” training, this is straightforward. E.g., these days, compliance training is web based, and can be monitored and measured with minimal cost. Most leadership training that will drive transformation will most likely be instructor led. Such training will have “standard” components, but the real value add will come from the “customization” to your organization. Customization at the individual level will be “high cost, high benefit.”

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    #36 Measure the “flinch”

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    Be sure to suspend judgment as you gather this metric.

    Faced by ambiguity, some “leaders” will become risk averse. They may withdraw physically and mentally. They will play not to lose, rather than play to win.

    Other leaders, the true leaders, will take immediate steps to prioritize the ambiguity. If it is important, they will take steps to remove the ambiguity, and then solve the problem. Such leaders will solve problems worth solving and ignore the rest. If they are consistent, they will send clear signals on what they consider important.

    Don’t confuse this with those “leaders” who recklessly rush into problem solving without thought. They are like generals who lead their soldiers into a battle when victory is unclear. This may appear brave to the casual observer. Their actions are not only destructive, but create the wrong role models for your organization.

    Update your list of leaders with your findings, move the names around based on your insight.

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