Will Kenny
"Think Pieces"
(free articles)
Best Training Practices
Will Kenny
3927 York Ave N
Robbinsdale, MN 55422
612-978-3050
"Why?" . . . Not Feel Like a Kid Again?
as a training professional, sometimes you must question opportunities
(reprinted from The Training Tipsheet)
Any parent knows that children of a certain age respond to just about anything you say with the question, "Why ?" And when they don't accept our explanations, we eventually resort to the final word: "Because!"
If you run a training department, or work as a training consultant, clients (internal or external) come to you from their respective departments or functions to say, "We have to train our staff on X", or, "You have to pull together a class that will teach them to . . ."
And that's a great time to ask, "Why ?"
That's not how the training function usually responds. As trainers, we're typically the ones saying that the company needs to do more training, so we tend to pounce on any invitation to whip up a new course or event.
But sometimes training isn't the best solution to a problem or need. Or sometimes the manager asking for the training is locked into some preconceptions about the content and approach of that training, and as professionals, we shouldn't just accept the manager's assumptions.
You are the training pro, the one who has the experience, knowledge, and skills to ensure that training produces results. Instead of just saying, "Yes, let's get started," you should be making sure that applying your training resources to the manager's request produces a benefit for your ultimate client, the company.
So ask, "Why ?" What you are looking for is more information about the problem the manager sees, and why that person believes that training will solve the problem. You are looking for reasons that not only point to a positive outcome for the company, but that suggest that that outcome will justify the required investment of resources to create and deliver the training.
Now, when you ask, "Why ?" some department heads and managers will answer with, "Because!" (And some will answer with stronger language, taking offense when you question this opportunity to ply your trade.) That's when you have to decide whether avoiding confrontation, or taking every opportunity to be seen doing training, is what's important to you.
Sure, it's easier to just jump on the training opportunity. But a lot of things that are easy do not lead to long term value, or sustainable success. Make sure that all of the work you do produces a return for the company. Have the courage to speak up when the suggested training isn't the answer.
Maybe there's another way to tackle the problem, or maybe it just has to take a back seat to other priorities at that moment. But over time, your company will value you more if you demonstrate that you are willing to protect their resources for the best possible applications, that you value quality of outcomes over quantity of delivery.
Because that's why you got into this training business in the first place.
© 2010 Best Training Practices -- Will Kenny
More Reprints | "Think Pieces" | Case Studies | About the Tipsheet
| Enter your e-mail to sign up for The Training Tipsheet |
| I never share your e-mail with anyone! |
