In many of my recent classes, I have seen the stress level building among the class participants. And, that is as they just walk in the door. This is even before I have a go at them…just kidding!
At the beginning of all of my classes, I mention that I want the training to be an enjoyable learning experience. It cannot be enjoyable or even a learning experience if they are not engaged. I have everyone attempt to disconnect from their always-attached smart phone and try not to think about everything that is distracting them back at their desks.
Usually after the first 30 minutes of our training session, most participants realize that they are learning new things that will help them immediately in their current positions. At that point, I can see them relax some and can watch them visibly calm down. I am thankful that I teach such relevant software in class so that the participants can benefit right away from what they are learning.
There are some students over the years that I just have not been able to reach, though. They call of their jobs and urgent situations keep them away from class or do not allow them to come back after break, lunch, etc. They literally have an hour or two at most to be able to devote to training and so cannot participate in a half-day or full-day session.
If this is something you have experienced, I would suggest a desk side training session. I have conducted many of these training sessions and have never left anyone unsatisfied with what they have learned. A desk side training session is usually a one-on-one or one-on-two session that can last from one hour up to three or more hours. For the busy professional, desk side training can work wonders because all of the training is directly relevant. It is done at the person’s desk using the person’s actual files.
I have worked for clients who want to have a half-day one-on-one session with three different people. I spend one hour at each person’s desk, answering specific questions related to that individual’s files and job. One hour may not sound like much time, but when it is focused on just one person’s needs, an amazing amount can be covered and learned.
If you are in need of training like this to increase your technology skills without spending too much time away from your job, contact me. If you mention this blog, you can even get $50 off your next training class. See, I have even reduced your financial stress, too!
Today, I was privileged to do training for two really great women. I am always a little nervous before I meet a new client. I want to make sure I do a good job. Because of this, I am anxious to find out if I am going to be able to help the new client and answer all of their questions. 
Recently, I was talking with a colleague about his new puppy. He was pretty happy to have the sweet, excited, very big puppy. However, his older cat was not a big impressed with the new invader. He was doing the slow introduction process over a few days. 
As I am learning to parent my two year old son, I am realizing that I will never be a parenting expert. Honestly, I do not think I’ll ever move up from the novice level. I do not think that anyone can ever get to be an expert on children, since they are all so unique and change so much each day. Yes, I know that biologically they are very similar, but I am referring to children’s behaviors.
With 2010 over and better predictions for the economy in 2011, many folks are forecasting and making predictions. Are you just glad to be standing or do you have a plan for the year ahead? Does your organization just want to eek out what growth it can or is there a plan for moving forward? 
The other day, I was teaching a friend how to do some tasks in Access. She was getting so frustrated because she could not grasp a couple of the step-by-step instructions. She kept messing up or not being able to wrap her brain around how Access was functioning. I told her that she needed to learn to think like Microsoft. She said that she just wished I could dump my brain into her brain. 
Well, it is that time of year again. Time to reflect on your 2010 training successes, failures, and assess the needs for your 2011 budget. I know that not all businesses operate on the calendar year schedule, so you may have done some of this already or may be doing some of this at the beginning of 2011. (By the way, it just feels weird to be saying 2011…it is going to take some getting used to!) Whenever your organization does training evaluation and planning, it is important to learn from the previous year. You want to get closer to that 100% on-target success number each year.
In some of my recent reading, I’ve stumbled across mentions of our “snacking” culture towards information. Many of these articles/blogs talk about how we are snacking on information instead of really learning about any one topic in depth. We do not dive deep into a topic or concept. We just take small bites of information as we need them.
Last year I read a book by a friend and former colleague about how to work like your dog. This past week I spent time with extended family, who have a great, fun-loving dog. Their dog, Ellie, reminded me of that book. Ellie, is such a wonderful, friendly dog, who really enjoys life. She started out as a normal crazy puppy that jumped on everything and was a bit out of control. With some time, training, and natural maturity, she has become a fantastic addition to their family. 
There has been a theme across several blogs and articles I’ve read lately. I’ve noticed it in some of the news stories, too. Corporations are keeping their “useful” employees with more benefits and/or increased pay. It costs the corporation less to retain their best people versus hiring and training new ones. 
