Hard to Believe

Here's another article on "dumb things companies do to really screw up their training efforts" or "DUTHCODO TRESUTTE."

It always amazes me how companies that consider themselves to be training leaders can be so lacking when it comes to the little details. Like hot, crowded rooms. Or no "break-out" areas for classes that are case-study and discussion-group based. Or held in an area prone to outside noises or distractions. No white board. Flip chart. Markers.

Over the years I've adjusted to many of these conditions. I always bring markers and board erasers. I have a portable podium. Two portable white boards and a flip chart if needed. A complete PowerPoint presentation system. You'd be surprised at how much is lacking sometimes.

The best example was a company that had several seminar rooms. I did several programs there. Never without a hitch or a glitch. Last minute room changes without telling participants or instructor. Wrong room set-up (even though I tended to use a consistent setup). Deficient food service. Broken A-V equipment.

The clincher was a seminar that met once a week in the same room for four weeks. It had a white board covered by two doors. When you opened the doors, they would slowly swing shut. Each week I suggested they have maintenance correct the problem. Never happened. Each week the board was dirty. Each week I used my markers and eraser because they didn't have any. Each week I complained.

By now you are probably thinking "Oh, c'mon Dan. Get over it. Everyone has little problems. Everyone makes mistakes. Is this really worth a blog post?"

Yes, I think it is. You see, the participants were managers of a prestigious hotel, including the managers in charge of maintenance, food service, seminars and conferences. The seminars were held in their facilities. My complaints were addressed to the seminar participants, the managers responsible for the facilities. I often wonder how many other people paid to use that room with the swinging doors, dirty white board, no markers or erasers during the time we spent a few hours a week there.

About me: Before becoming a full time educator, my career experiences included being vice president of a consulting firm, vice president - finance of a publishing company, vice president - sales support services for a manufacturing company and vice president - operations for a distribution company. As a full time educator working principally in Rhode Island (RI), Connecticut (CT) and Massachusetts (MA). I am pleased to share my experiences and business philosophies with managers at all levels.

Copyright © 2009 Daniel W. Pelley
All rights reserved.