Technical Training - Maximizing Effectiveness, Part 2 of 3

Welcome to Part Two in this three-part series. In Part One we discussed the importance of providing purposeful (not obligatory) training and development opportunities in the workplace. This involves creating a corporate training culture and the individual employee thirst for continuous improvement. It is also helpful to have consistency in format and variety in delivery. If you missed, please refer to Part One of this three-part article.

In Part Two, we will offer perspectives on topic selection, preparation and execution for an in-person classroom style training session.

Selecting the right topic is paramount. As suggested in Part One, when developing topics, prioritize based on the following criteria:

1.      Company mission alignment

2.      Address key corporate initiative(s)

3.      Efficiency optimization (providing tools/ productivity)

4.      Identified competency shortfalls

A tactic to determine the highest priority training topics could involve brainstorming subjects/ content and then force-ranking according to the above criterion. Use a scale of 1 to 3 for appropriateness of the topic for each consideration. Sum the results and the priority training topics should surface.        

At Maccaferri, we recently conducted a week-long, intensive Hydraulic Roadshow workshop for our technical, sales and marketing staff from US and Canada. Why? Because it was the most important thing in which we could invest. Here’s why:

• Mission and Initiative Alignment – Our Mission is to “Become a leading provider of advanced solutions to the civil, geotechnical and environmental construction markets.” Maccaferri’s first major gabion project was repairing a breach in the weir at Casalecchio di Reno near Bologna, Italy. Threrefore, hydraulic works solution training were deemed important as it related to our Mission and Corporate Strategy. 

Maccaferri's Mission: “Become a leading provider of advanced solutions to the civil, geotechnical and environmental construction markets.”

• During the class room workshop, we provided training on Hydraulic Modeling Software including Macra1 (channel design) and Macra2 (weir design). Improved familiarity with these tools enhances efficiency, establishes credibility, and increases employee autonomy.
• In 2016, Maccaferri conducted a global technical assessment which surfaced an opportunity to improve our internal understanding of hydraulic concepts and our related solutions. This needed to be addressed.

These points provide an example of the considerations made to identify the Hydraulic Roadshow training workshop as a priority event for Maccaferri. Using this approach, what is the most important training topic you can provide your employees or ask of your employer?

Once the topic is determined, then comes preparation. Here are some points:

• Generating training content - avoid the “Deck Dump” trap. Has anyone been to training which involves long lectures with a monotone instructor bound and determined to dump his/her PowerPoint deck of knowledge on your lap. Yawn!
• Limit the lecture and utilize exercises, role plays, interaction. Hugh Mickel would always stress the importance of the trainees to practice and verbalize the content. An effective method is a role play rotation, with employee, client, and observer. This approach is key for retention and requires adequate time on the agenda – make the time; it pays!
• Designate Pre-Read Material in anticipation of the training. Pre-read material helps maximize training effectiveness by establishing the expectation of baseline knowledge. If you can elevate and universalize the overall understanding of the material before getting started, you are ahead of the game!  Remember, you get what you inspect, not what you expect. Consider a survey monkey assessment or pop-quiz to ensure pre-read participation.

“You get what you inspect, not what you expect.”

Execution; maximizing effectiveness during the workshop:

• Handouts – challenge the status quo. When evaluating the cost of printing the technical material for the workshop, we realized that we could save over 40% buy purchasing tablets and loading the content in advance. Added value, the tablets could be used for future training, marketing or client interaction. The trainees were also thankful they could avoid stuffing a bulky 3-ring binder into your carry-on luggage!
• Curb distractions – no phones, no emails. This is easier said than done. It involves enforcement, consider the $5 per offense fine (which goes to charity), and make time for working breaks. Another distraction to be aware of and limit are side conversations.
• Avoid getting bogged down in the weeds. Appointing timekeepers who help manage the agenda and capture parking lot items.
• Review the material. Appoint an attendee to lead a review of the material from the previous day first thing the following morning. This will elevate the participation, comprehension and preparedness. This can really be effective depending on when and how you appoint the individual to lead the review.
• Credible Instructors – Paolo DiPietro led our Hydraulic Workshop and offers experience in hydraulic works applications from around the world.

Thanks for investing in this article about maximizing workshop training effectiveness. Please comment with questions, ideas and feedback. In the final article of this 3-part series, we will discuss ways to avoid the one-and-done “Training Event Syndrome.” What is the appropriate follow up, future training, reinforcement, and supporting activity that will providing lasting ROI?