What Makes a Training Tick?
We’ve all been there - a well-intentioned afternoon professional development experience that just — winds — down, like a watch with a failing battery.
Sometimes PD just seems like an empty ritual, at best a way to share information and delivering new company goals or training new recruits. Of course, trainings always include new content, and some trainings are all about content-mastery for certification. But wouldn’t it be nice if professional development matched the needs of the professionals involved, instead of imposing old schoolhouse strategies on adults?
It’s all about alignment:
aligning mission with the message and purpose of a training
aligning content with active learning
aligning community building with individual development
aligning ideas with best practices
At the core of alignment is building shared stories and experiences that increase knowledge and confidence. Innovation and change happen when people work well together and share a vision.
Managing change and building innovation are two of the most important resiliencies of 21st century organizations, and both require leadership that values ongoing learning. That’s why good professional development supports an evolving learning culture. According to the Harvard Business Review, learning forums promote learning organizations. “Opening up boundaries, with conferences, meetings, and project teams… ensures a fresh flow of ideas and the chance to consider competing perspectives.”
So what makes a training tick? Meaningful learning, active engagement, and alignment are the beating heart of successful professional development.