Here’s the thing. I have been a corporate trainer and facilitator now for 20+ years (yes, yes, I know you are wondering how I was possibly doing that at the ripe old age of 12! LOL)
I’ve studied it, I’ve practiced it, I’ve studied some more from experts in the field, and I’ve facilitated loads and loads over those years. Typically, trained and facilitated - face to face. In-person.
Fair to say, I was pretty happy and proud of the feedback I was getting as a trainer and facilitator! So when we moved to virtual training, whilst excited, I have to admit, I was also a little apprehensive.
Here’s why.
I had some limiting beliefs. Some assumptions about how this new way of training and learning might be impacted negatively (probably from my own poor experiences in the past).
My top five assumptions were:
Virtual training would lead to greater participant drop-outs
Virtual would be less engaging: my energy would not translate through the screen
Virtual training would reduce the connection between participants
Virtual training meant we’d have to water-down our precious content
Virtual training would lead to more ‘passengers’ as participants
Surprisingly, here has been my experience:
Virtual training has led to greater participant rates, with attendees dialling in on-time (vs rocking up 10-15mins late as they do sometimes in face-2-face training)
Virtual training can be highly engaging, thanks to the increase and innovation of amazing tech tools for delivery. Plus, I have discovered, when you present with energy, in person or virtually, the participants feel it.
Virtual training can actually increase connection. Yes, increase it! It allows participants to attend from anywhere, at any time. Previously I found that regional areas were sometimes disadvantaged when it came to learning and development due to time and budgetary constraints. Distance and budgets are no longer a barrier. This is a HUGE advantage.
Virtual training has led to more efficient training. We have known for years that long, face-to-face programs can overload the human brain, so this forces us to chunk down our content and helps make learning stick. Plus operational demands of organisations means that long facilitation days are no longer viable.
Virtual training can actually feel a safer, more inclusive environment. Some participants (such as the introverts) sometimes struggle with the face to face format, whereas they thrive in a virtual environment.
Plus added benefit (and my favourite)
Virtual training allows us to spend the other parts of the day (that we usually spend commuting) on other important tasks or activities. AND I get snuggles in between sessions with my favourite four-legged child!
WINNING!
I am happy to confess that my assumptions about virtual training proved to be wrong.
I am happy to eat humble pie. Really I am, as in this case, everyone's wins!
What’s your experience been like with virtual training, I’d love to hear.
Keep smiling, keep connecting 🙌🏻
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Yes, 2021 finally arrived and we are all wanting to have that boost of energy to shake off 2020!
Starting the new year on a positive note is important as it often sets the tone for the whole year ahead of you! Forget about new years resolution, be practical and uplift your daily life and work performance. Our Daily Kickstarter Challenge Kit will help you do that, so bring back your mojo and boost your awesomeness!
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BLYTHE ROWE & Her Life on Heels.
The founder and director of Human Incite, is widely recognised for her passion, energy and her ability to shake things up. Blythe is brilliant at revving-up productivity and performance in organisations. She is on a mission to rid our workplaces of toxic behaviours, build meaningful relationships, personally and professionally and create workplaces worth belonging. Her enthusiasm simply is infectious!