Sometimes you must go slow to go fast

The importance of the opening of any training session, retreat or workshop cannot be stressed more. It simply sets the tone for whatever comes after. Just like beginning a conversation,

this is the time to build a structure to support the training session and reach clear and mutual agreement about the purpose of the session with the important goal of setting everyone’s expectations before beginning on the content and courseware.

In addition to setting the right expectations of your audience, the opening of a session is also an opportunity to share valid information, explain reasoning and intent, and testing for agreement.

Problems do often arise later in a workshop or training program that could have been resolved by spending a bit more time understanding who is in the room and what their expectations are. Confusion and frustration are also avoided by agreeing about some procedural guidelines for working together. Yet frequently you see trainers, facilitators and leaders dive right in without investing time on doing proper introductions or guidelines. Always remember the value of going slow to go fast as you open your session.

Proper introduction guidelines for a one day or multi-day training session.

Listed below are some suggestions to guide you in introducing yourself as well each of your audience to the group. We believe this introduction is important because it helps people get to know each other better, set the right expectations from the start and get agreement on the purpose of the session.

Instant download training package Front Line retail selling skills (Click to read more) In Retail, selling in isolation of ensuring a positive customer experience does not work in terms of increasing sales – they go hand in hand. There are techniques you can learn to “sell”, you can acquire knowledge about what you are selling, and you can develop skills in selling. price: $ 199.95  $ 179.95

Instant download training package Handling angry and difficult callers (Click to read more) It’s no fun being on the receiving end of a frustrated angry shouting caller who just had a bad customer experience and out to get his/her revenge, particularly when the caller’s issue was not even your fault. price: $ 199.95  $ 179.95

Information we suggest sharing and the reasons for sharing this information:

1. Your name—what you like to be called.
Reason: So that each person will know how you like to be addressed when they speak to you.

2. Your job and how long you have been with your organization.
Reason: So that each of us knows the jobs of the people in the room, your level of experience, and how your jobs relate to one another. This will help you create effective learning partnerships.

3. Something important about yourself that others may not know.
Reason: A fun way to get to know and appreciate the talents of other people. Also helps you identify some of the group’s commonalties and differences.

4. The concerns, if any, you have about this training.
Reason: Allows instructors and group members an opportunity to help you address your concerns and clarify assumptions about the workshop.

5. What needs to happen for this to be a good learning experience for you.
Reason: Allows instructors and others an opportunity to make adjustments to meet your expectations, identify expectations that cannot be met in this workshop, and make adjustments for your unique learning style.

To plan your time accordingly and depending on your group size, keep in mind that with twenty-four people, this can take up to forty-five minutes, which allows one and a half to two minutes per person.