3 old school training outlines is the third in a series on training posts. Previously, I published How Not to Train and What To Do Before The Training Begins . This post is a more “nuts and bolts, here’s how it’s done kind of post, so let’s get to it.

3 Training Outlines

Group Role-play 

  • Put the group at ease with some general small talk for a couple of minutes
  • Explain the purpose of the session is to educate
  • Focus on one key area of improvement
  • Explain what to do, how to do it, and why to do it as trained. For example,
    • What to do?—Build the best widgets in the world
    • How to do it?—By following the outlined procedure on every point
    • Why do it that way?—The procedure has proven to cut down waste and use time and resources more efficiently, which makes you a better widget builder
  • Have someone who does it well perform the procedure
  • Have others repeat the procedure
  • Look for any opportunity to give recognition and reinforce positive behavior (never reprimand in public)
  • When the procedure isn’t completed correctly, show how to do it — then ask the group for differences
  • Have several team members complete the procedure. It’s ok to ask for volunteers (I will often inform and prepare team members regarding their participation before the training session)
  • Reinforce the procedure by explaining how it will help them
  • Get commitments from everyone that they will follow the training

Fill-In The Blank Worksheet

  • Prepare a sheet on one topic with keywords and _______ omitted (the example above would be and phrases)
  • Warm up the group with general small talk
  • Explain the purpose of the worksheet is to educate
  • Pass out the sheets and lead a discussion on the topic
  • As you come to the blanks, let the team attempt to answer
  • Only provide the answer if the team is unable to answer
  • Once the correct answer is stated, have everyone fill in the blank
  • Discuss what to do, how to do it, and why to do it that way
  • Reinforce the procedure by explaining how it will help them

Group Survey

Either before or at the beginning of the session, provide the group with a training-related survey. Keep the survey simple, use open-ended questions (who, what, why, and how), and limit the number of questions. Examples could be, “What is the best way to build a widget?” “What procedure needs to be improved?” “How can we….” “When can we…?” “Why would we…?” etc.

  • Have the individuals complete the survey
  • Discuss the survey either in the group or sub-groups
  • Discuss ideas to research or try
  • Recognize training opportunities. Who needs help with what?

What techniques have worked for you? What results have you experienced? Please share your best training techniques.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay