For many c-store operators, learning management systems have streamlined many important training tasks. Training administrators and managers can now assign, track, and report on training at the touch of a button. Learners can take training courses at any time, and operators can be assured that every employee is receiving a consistent message. Does that mean that the training meeting is a thing of the past? Not at all. The success of online learning is dependent on effective in-person training meetings. The two strategies work hand-in-hand.
Train the Trainer
In training meetings, you can’t simply click play and expect to get the attention of everyone sitting right in front of you. Perhaps in part to the engaging elements of online learning, today’s trainees expect a lot more from you. Follow these tips to run a productive in-person training meeting.
- Own it. When you’re in charge of a training meeting, that means you own all of it. Create an agenda, set clear goals, and be prepared. You also own the clock – make sure you start the meeting promptly, cover the entire agenda, and end on time.
- Set rules. Important rules for training meetings include things like only one person speaking at a time, no cell phones, giving constructive feedback, and showing respect for each other. It’s up to you as a trainer to enforce these rules and, just as importantly, follow them yourself.
- Avoid tangents. Getting off topic is a sure-fire way to lose track of time and fail to achieve goals. However, training often brings up issues that affect the broader scope of your operation. Keep track of “parking lot” items separately and be sure to truly follow up on them at a later time.
- Ask for feedback. Training is a two-way street. Encourage trainees to give you feedback on your training meetings, including whether or not they feel the training goals were met, what information was missing or overstated, and how you performed as a trainer. Set up a system – using anonymous feedback cards if you have to – that makes trainees feel comfortable stating their opinions.
- Evaluate results. Online training has assessments, tracking, and reporting to help you evaluate an eLearning course. For live training meetings, use games, quizzes, and follow-up contests to see how well your trainees retain what they learned.
Convenience Store Training
Remember, training meetings should complement your online learning courses. Click here to take a look at the learning library offered by Ready Convenience.
