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Training and Education Feedback Responsiveness

Every quarter, we are required to attend a training seminar. For the third year in a row, one of the topics is time management, and it is the same class I attended twice already. When I told my manager we need something new, he said that time management is always worthwhile. Does this sound worthwhile to you?



It is ironic that a seminar on time management can be a waste of time. If this is the same course you already had twice, and not a new or more advanced version, then it does not sound particularly worthwhile.

While time management is indeed important, attending the same course three times is pushing the limit. Training programs should not be selected solely on the basis of a general belief that a topic is important. Rather, training should be implemented on the basis of needs. If there are real and measurable problems with time management in the organization, some additional training in this area is warranted.

A truly effective training program also includes specific objectives, cutting-edge training technologies, opportunities for practice and feedback, and an evaluation system to determine if the training has actually met its goals.

The fact that your company is making a commitment to employee growth and development is a very positive sign, but it sounds like the time has come to review the time management component and the objectives of the overall program itself.




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