The A-Z of Training: M is for Management
For M in this series we're taking a look at training management.
What is training management? Training management is the process of managing and organising your training activities. I consider it to be all of the tasks that don't fit into curriculum development, training delivery or personal development. When I'm running a course this probably includes:
- E-mailing course joining instructions
- Sending reminders
- Collating feedback
- Generating reports
- Room bookings
- Ordering refreshments
While all of these tasks are necessary, they take up a considerable amount of time which could be better spent elsewhere. With any process there is always the chance of missing a stage- I always seem to end up worrying about lunch!
As a software developer I learnt that documenting processes was a good step towards getting them done reliably since there was a reference to point to and tick off all of the tasks. This helps but it still relies on the human element- remembering to check the process. The biggest gains were made when I began to automate processes, so that tasks could be done automatically as required or on a fixed schedule. This completely removed the mental burden, and helped to ensure that processes occured when they were supposed to.
Now I'm not suggesting that all Training Managers learn to program a computer, but here are a few tips that can help:
- Setup automatic reminders. If you run a course on the first Wednesday of each month, get your calendar to remind you to book a room and order luch on the last Friday of each month.
- Use e-mail templates. Create an email template for each set of joining instructions, so that you can get them sent out without any effort.
- If your courses are always full, then set up a regular order with your caterers to make sure that everyone gets fed.
One of the goals of Prodeceo is to help Training Managers get on with the task of training rather than getting bogged down with admin. If you like the sound of less time spent doing admin, then get in touch!
