I am just back from holiday, rested and tanned. There is no doubt that a good book, good company and a good pool sums up my favourite way of passing time. Those of you who are alert to my foibles will note that there is not a mention of wine! A lapse of concentration perhaps?!
Now back at work – what is my favourite activity? No contest here – it is developing developers! I have built additional practice sessions into the CIPD Foundation qualification for Learning and Development professionals to meet the needs of a client. We have been able to look at the particular skills required for
- 1 to 1 training of a practical task
- Group training techniques
- Facilitation skills
- Feedback skills
- Coaching skills
The Industrial Training Boards may be just a bit of the UK’s training history but to me they developed real skills in trainers and more importantly those who trained trainers to train trainers. How many of you are still out there doing this I wonder?
In those heady days we placed great emphasis on behaviour change and this was achieved by practicing new skills and receiving direct and specific feedback. The reward being improved skills for the trainer and a real sense of satisfaction for the trainer of the trainer. Working in a vacuum and not getting feedback on your techniques is never good as we can all benefit from the views of someone we respect. Of course developing trainers means that you need to be personally credible and able to role model excellent training techniques at the drop of a hat. This is why it is so stimulating to do! There is a direct requirement to be alert to the situation, come up with alternative techniques, be generous with praise where it is due and be able to challenge where necessary too.
So the next time you wonder what to do with your trainers or learning and development professionals give a thought to the expertise that is available to you via Cullen Scholefield. One thing you can rely on is that we will come up with a number of creative ideas for you to play with!
Do remember that there is potentially a bottle of Ridgeview bubbly for the best three. Deadline date for entries 1st October 2013. I will be on route to Bangalore that day so next week’s blog will let you know how I get on!