We’ve all been there and done that, had to take those boring and seemingly pointless classes. Wouldn’t it be great if someone could show you how to survive those useless training classes and benefit from them?
If only there was something we could do to get out of those classes our bosses tell us we have to take. Most of us would do it in a New York minute without hesitation. However, our bosses know this and likely have little to no control over what you actually need to attend to. It’s probably a mandate from above for one of those Company Certifications that they always brag about saying the Company has.
So how are you going to survive those useless training classes and benefit from them?
o Ask questions: this seems obvious; however, I’m not necessarily talking about asking questions about the material. Instead, if the Instructor is a contract trainer, ask him how he got the job from him. Ask what other classes they teach. Ask if they add other types of classes frequently. Etc.
o Get Contact Information – Take this time to get everyone’s email and phone number. Also get the information from the instructors, you never know when you may need a job or information about your department or company.
o Study material and methods: The first thoughts that many people have when looking at the material provided have a lot to do with the quality of the materials. If the portfolios are of high quality and appear to be well thought out and an expensive investment, the impression of the training is enhanced.
o Analyze – Here I take all the information I have and consider the many ways it could benefit me.
1. Maybe I would like to teach a class like this, I could do better.
2. Maybe I want a new job and need one of these people to help me.
3. Maybe I can take their materials and improve what they’re doing and sell it to them. This is often done, just show them the material after you’ve improved it and tell them you thought it could be better.
4. Ask the Instructor if he could let you teach, one of his classes or something you can think of on your own.
5. Ask if you can record the class for their company, if they say yes you will have a lot of freedom to roam and get inside information about the training.
6. Ask if you can manage an online distribution of the class to other company locations. This can show off your tech skills.
7. Ask if you can write an article for the company Newsletter.
As you can see, there are literally dozens of actions you can take that can benefit you and your career. You can engage in one of your most enjoyable hobbies, use the computer, write, take photos, interview, maybe even get involved in Teach Yourself.
Good luck and let me know if I can help.