Approach
In creating and conducting the training, our approach is to focus on the outcomes that the client is seeking, and design the training accordingly. A priority is integrating the learning with the actual work processes of the client and the work of participants. This outline is for the full and most comprehensive workshop. We can also provide shorter "awareness sessions" of half a day or less.
With our full program, each participant is surveyed, either by e-mail or in small onsite groups. This gathers information on their work situation, background experience, and specific needs. Key stakeholders such as Purchasing, Legal, HR, or Sales may be involved to provide input on their roles and requirements, and ensure buy-in.
We work directly with the group manager, or project sponsor for the workshop, for providing required information to Think180 and for internal arrangements. Where the workshop is for a team, the manager is encouraged to be an integral part of the training.
Process
Our process is designed to be as painless as possible for the group manager or project sponsor, while maintaining their key role as the driver of the initiative. To this end, we create draft communications about the workshop, project plans, and send out detailed workshop instructions to the participants. If the client chooses to use an external venue, we liaise with the venue contact to make all the arrangements.
Below are the typical steps in the process:
- Client identifies need for workshop
- Think180 works with client to agree on the focus, outcomes, timing and budget
- Think180 submits a Statement of Work
- Client approves workshop(s), and fixes dates for training
- Group manager or project sponsor notifies the participants
- Think180 e-mails participants for background, and describes pre-work required
- Think180 arranges onsite meetings with participants and key stakeholders, if appropriate
- Think180 creates and produces all materials
- Think180 conducts workshop
- Think180 submits an evaluation report and discusses with client
Also view Think180 Training Process diagram
Materials
Each participant receives a binder, tailored with the client company's name and logo, containing:
- Complete handout notes of all slides used, with additional text and information
- Exercises that become participant's own reference material
- Sample documents of agreements, RFPs etc.
- Checklists and templates for a number of key task areas
- Participant's own case studies revised and formatted consistently
- Laminated tipsheets on areas most valuable to the group
- Internal company (client) documentation, where appropriate
In addition, each participant typically receives a reference book on the subject of the workshop.
Training Design
The training event has a goal to ensure the learning outcomes are applicable immediately back at work, as well as longer term. A Think180 workshop:
- Uses a pre-workshop assignment to tailor the training to the meet participants' needs
- Focuses attention on solutions that have immediate and ongoing practical value
- Covers more ground though increased classroom interaction with two experienced facilitators
- Is paced to meet the group’s learning needs while providing individual attention and feedback
- Guides participants through practical exercises provided by Think180
- Uses hands-on practice and case studies drawn from participants’ own work
- Maintains content flexibility to adapt to needs that may emerge during the training
Each workshop has a selection of structured exercises to bring out key learning experiences. Exercises most relevant to group needs are determined in advance and included for each workshop.
Participants' work experiences and current work projects form part of the workshop, through structured small group work on issues and problem situations submitted in advance as part of required pre-work.
Short breaks are scheduled on the hour, as well as the usual main breaks of lunch and mid-morning and mid-afternoon. This ensures participants are able to maintain energy and attention throughout the day.
Instructional Style
Where the group size exceeds 15 people, Think180 may utilize two facilitators. The complementary styles and backgrounds of the facilitators ensure a broader industry and professional experience base, as well as relating to a wider range of participant learning styles.
The workshop style is structured participation against a planned curriculum, supported by accompanying notes and exercises. Because the facilitators have good practical experience of their subject matter, they easily adapt the emphasis and pace, depending on group needs as the workshop progresses. Questions or issues that arise in a workshop are used to focus on a key point that has application to the group, either through discussion or mini walk-throughs of a situation or communication.
Facilitators are flexible and adaptive. Humor and candor are an integral part of the Think180 style. Workshops tend to be fast-paced and cover a lot of ground. Participants often say they wish there was more time.
Group Size
The optimal size of a full workshop is 15. Groups may be as small as 10, or as large as 20.
If a larger or smaller group needs training – either for a single work group, or to include key outside participants such as vendor delegates or customers – then a workshop can be customized to meet the needs of the specific audience and achieve the desired outcomes.
Evaluation
Participants rate the workshop for quality, learning, value for time and personal benefits. This covers workshop content, materials, instructors and process. Questions are included that relate to attainment of the overall workshop objectives.
Each participant also lists actions for post-workshop implementation. The information is collated, analyzed and incorporated into a report provided to the client. Participants remain anonymous, and individual evaluations are strictly confidential and remain with Think180.
Custom Options
In addition to the regular workshop outlined here, the client may feel that there would be increased value from having Think180:
|
