Page 382 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 10 11/20/02 1:11 PM Page 371
Get Senior Management Involvement Celebrating Successes 371
Request that a member of senior management come in at the beginning or end of the
session. Ask the manager to stress the importance of the program and thank attendees
for their involvement and investment of time.

Incorporate Ceremony and Ritual into Your Programs
You can add ceremony and ritual by doing simple things. For example, whenever
someone offers a solution or a perspective related to an issue or problem, have all par-
ticipants join in a round of applause for the person. You can also recognize some
important learner event such as an anniversary with the organization or a birthday. You
might bring in a small cupcake with a candle or sparkler on it and have everyone sing.
Be cautious about celebrating birthdays unless you are sure that it is acceptable. Some
individuals do not celebrate such events because of religious or cultural beliefs. When
in doubt do not celebrate; find an alternative way to recognize the person.

Decorate the Room

Use colorful signs or posters to make learners feel that they are appreciated and antici-
pated. For example, put up a brightly decorated “Welcome” banner in New Hire Ori-
entation programs. You can buy vinyl-bordered blank banners at party stores and use
dry erase markers to write in whatever information you please or you can create paper
banners with computers. Personalize the banner or sign by listing the names of new
employees on it. Perhaps even take a group photo and give each new hire a copy later
as a memento. They can later review the pictures on an anniversary date with others who
started working at the organization when they did.

Schedule Training Offsite
Whenever possible, conduct your sessions away from the workplace. This prevents
learners from going back to their office during breaks and returning late, but it also keeps
supervisors from sending someone to get learners or ask questions. In addition, it often
makes participants feel special or important to go off to a program.

Arrange Site Visits

There is something about an effectively planned site visit that makes a program seem
more valuable. Most learners love the opportunity to see how others are using the tech-
niques or tools that they are being taught. They also like to see how problems similar
to their own are being handled. Such trips can also enhance the perception of a pro-
gram’s importance and usefulness.

Provide Ongoing Kudos

Throughout your session, give kudos for achievements by learners. These might be
coupled with tangible rewards.