Pointless Training
The Consequences of Inadequate Training Strategies
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Introduction Have you ever walked out of a training workshop, a webinar or even after completing an eLearning course and said to yourself, that was a waste of time or pointless? All too often employees are being forced to participate in training that not only do they feel is pointless, but it really was unnecessary for them to attend. Maybe they already had the skills. Maybe it lacked what they really needed to know. Maybe they just didn’t see the purpose. For whatever reason, the time and expense it took to develop and attend this event was pointless to them and probably pointless period. All company executives, not just the Human Resources Director and the Training Director, should be asking these questions. Is your training a series of pointless events? What do employees say about your training efforts? Do they long for more information, different skills or a more engaging environment for learning? While we never set out to develop pointless training solutions, pointless workshops or an entire pointless training department, it sadly happens way too often. And each time it does happen, it makes a turnaround that much harder to implement. This book discusses the big skill areas that most companies should be developing in their employees and how to make a purposeful impact and avoid pointless processes. You no doubt will recognize times you have experienced or implemented pointless training yourself. But while recognizing pointless training is step one, the real learning comes from understanding what you can do differently going forward. In my first book, The Training Physical: Diagnose, Treat and Cure Your Training Department, I explored what it takes to have and maintain a healthy training function. In this book I continue my training philosophy using similar medical analogies to draw the reader into a quick understanding of how to engage learning and where employees are applauding the training function, learning applicable skills and increasing the effectiveness of the company. Like a bandage on a cut, it has its purpose when used appropriately. But when the cut needs stitches, it is pointless to use a bandage. If you are ready to develop purposeful training solutions and avoid pointless training, then let’s begin the conversation. Whether it is a book, a blog, or an article, I write as if I am talking directly to you the reader. And although I attempt to always be polite, you may at times be offended with my blunt tone. I believe that being honest and speaking directly is my best bet of getting your attention. I am not helping you at all if I play word games and you miss learning the truth. I’ve spent over 25 years in the learning field, and my number one objective is and always will be that the learner learns. If you are ready to learn, let’s get started! - Jim Hopkins
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About the Book
Is your training a series of pointless events? What do employees say about your training efforts? Do they long for more information, different skills, or a more engaging environment for learning? While we never set out to develop pointless training solutions, pointless workshops, or an entire pointless training department, it sadly happens way too often. And each time it does happen, it makes a turnaround that much harder to implement. This book discusses the big skill areas that most companies should be developing in their employees and how to make a purposeful impact and avoid pointless processes. You, no doubt, will recognize times you have experienced or implemented pointless training yourself. But while recognizing pointless training is step one, the real learning comes from understanding what you can do differently going forward. In his first book, The Training Physical: Diagnose, Treat and Cure Your Training Department, Jim Hopkins explored what it takes to have and maintain a healthy training function. In this book, he continues his training philosophy using similar medical analogies to draw the reader into a quick understanding of how to engage learning and, where employees are applauding the training function, learning applicable skills and increasing the effectiveness of the company. Like a bandage on a cut, it has its purpose when used appropriately. But when the cut needs stitches, it is pointless to use a bandage. Are you ready to develop purposeful training solutions and avoid pointless training from now on?
About the Author
In late 1990, Jim Hopkins transitioned from a retail banking career into the world of learning development. Beginning as a facilitator, he latched onto his newfound profession as work he had been seeking for a long time. “Nothing is as rewarding as watching the eyes lighting up when someone learns” is one of the many attributes Jim believes is part of a trainer’s heart. As this profession seemed a part of Jim’s natural DNA, it made perfect sense to learn instructional design, performance consulting, and organizational development. Using a previous management background, he was able to lead teams of facilitators, designers, and other consultants before accepting a role as a training director and then chief learning officer. In 2005, Jim launched a new chapter as an independent training consultant, and in 2010, he published his first book about a process he designed called a Training Physical. Since then, it has been his mission to help diagnose, treat, and cure training functions. He has built and repaired training departments in many different industries, putting companies on a path where training is returning on the investment being made. Jim has been a judge for the past three years for the CLO Media Learning Elite Awards and is a sought-after expert in the learning development field. He is always looking for new challenges and serious business connections. He invites you to connect with him if you have a question or an issue you think he can help you with. The first consultation is always free, so reach out today!