Page 225 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 06 11/20/02 12:21 PM Page 214
214 The Creative Training Idea Book
Crayon erasers can help focus attention on self-improvement or goal setting. (Color
your world.)
Star shapes tie nicely into motivation. (You’re a star.)

Small Toys

Smile faced items can be used for customer service programs or virtually any other
topic, for example, stuffed animals, hacky sacks, or foam balls.
Currency or coins are effective for bank teller or cashier training.
Fish exemplify successful programs/projects when things are “swimming along.”
Zoo animals can add fun to virtually any subject or when discussing stress or a high-
energy topic when things are hectic, (e.g., It’s a zoo around here.)
Insects or bugs help in activities when discussing pet peeves or things that “bug” par-
ticipants, either in customer interactions or the workplace.

Spinning tops made of plastic can emphasize high sales or improvement levels (on top
of the world).
Back scratchers made of wood or plastic can be related to ways of “reaching or attaining
a goal.”
Sheriff’s badges can be tied into concepts of taking charge, leadership, authority, or
ownership of an issue.
Ducks made of rubber or plastic might be used to remind people that sometimes things
are not always what they are “quacked up” to be (when discussing problems or how
things can go wrong in a specific situation).
Hand-held pencil sharpeners can point out the need to ask direct questions or “get to
the point” when doing a customer service or interpersonal communication program.
Footballs, baseballs, sponge balls, or similar small items may help emphasize teamwork
or “getting on the ball.”

BRIGHT I DEA

Idea Excursion
ake an idea excursion to find as many different toys and incentives as you can
Tfor all the programs you conduct. This is best done on a weekday if possible as
some stores may not be open on Saturdays.
First, make a list of all the programs, then take a full day to just window shop.
Visit all types of stores—teacher supply, art/craft, toy, discount/closeout, department,
discount book, drug (chain stores), card shops, malls with science and discovery
type stores, and any other potentially fertile place for ideas in your area. As you visit,