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Management & Training

Dick and Doris Kelsey

2004-09-01 12:08:00

: How do you plan a safe and fun office party?

ANSWER: Before long the talk around the water cooler will be "what are we going to do for the company Christmas party?” Someone will pop up and say, "Let's do something different this year… but what?” The first thing you might want to do is send out a "brainstorming" memo where you ask people to submit any ideas they have for a Christmas party no matter how crazy it might be. Get the ideas flowing. In a good brainstorming session, people share ideas without worrying about whether the idea could work or not. Then compile your ideas and have a group go through them one by one.  What's the budget and who's paying? Check with the person who gives out the money in your company and see what funds are going to be available. If no company money were to be had then how much would each person be willing to pay? Who is to be included? Are spouses or significant others invited?  These questions need to be answered so you know how many people will be involved and what kind of venue will work.  What about a theme? A party can be planned around various themes. A western theme, 50's night, or a theme based on another country and their customs could provide a unique angle to your party. A good theme party takes some planning and good communication. If a man never bothers to tell his wife that you are suppose to dress in western outfits and she shows up in a party dress, that couple will not have a fun night. Consider an old fashioned Country Christmas at a remote location, with a roaring fire in a stone fireplace, and co-workers sharing hot cider and toasting marshmallows. More and more companies are doing away with alcohol at company parties. It is unfortunate but true that when some people get some alcohol in their system their behavior changes and not for the better.  People can have a really fun time without alcohol, and by not supplying the opportunity to drink at your function; your company is not liable for their behavior.  This year do something different. Plan a safe and fun party that people will share happy memories about for many months.

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Management & Training

Dick and Doris Kelsey

2004-08-01 08:22:00

: How do you improve group dynamics? 

ANSWER: When doing training or having a planning meeting, how do you improve the interaction and dynamic of your group?  The setting:   Where your group meets will have a direct effect on the dynamic of your group.  Is the room the right size for the number in your group?  A large room and a small group can have a negative impact on your meeting.  Do you set in a circle or in rows?  If your group is less than 20 then a circle will increase interaction.  If writing is required then you will need tables or some means for people to write.  Is the room airy, well lighted and does it "feel good".  Most people do not like to feel closed in.  Even the color of the room can affect the attitude of the group.  Soft colors will make for a softer feel to the meeting.  The leader:   The tone and effectiveness of any meeting is set by the leader of the group.  I often teach "everything rises and falls on leadership."  This is especially true of a training session or planning meeting.  The attitude of the leader will determine the attitude of the group.  If the leader has a positive "can do" attitude, the others present will adapt the same frame of mind.  If the leader is in a negative frame of mind, the group will quickly become negative.  A group leader can create a positive atmosphere with some of the following techniques:  A. Compliment some of the people in the     group as you start the meeting.  B. Have a joke or humorous story to tell     as the meeting begins.  C. Have some of the people in the group share     something positive they had experienced     in the past few days. D. Do a group "cheer" such as they do     with most Wal-Mart employee meetings.  E. Start the meeting with a skit that leads     into the subject of the meeting.  The results: Any sessions should be geared to some result or action.  To meet for the sake of meeting has little value.  What actions do you want people to take as a result of attending your training session.  To get results, have the participants write down two or three things they plan to do within the next week as a result of their being at your session.  You might even have them share those with the group since that will tend to reinforce their determination to actually follow through.  Be sure their goals are specific and achievable.  Then tell them how you, as the leader, intend to follow up.  Do you want them to email you when they accomplish what they said they would do?   Will you call them?  Remember most people will only do something if they know someone will be following up on them.  You can have a tremendous meeting.  But it will only be such if you decide to make it such.

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Management & Training

Dick and Doris Kelsey

2004-07-01 09:50:00

Question: My employees have asked me to look for a physically challenging, corporate team-training program. Any suggestions? 

ANSWER:  A physically challenging team-training program can do a great deal to create team spirit with your employees. It can expand peoples view of what they can achieve, and to help them to believe in themselves and others. Does jumping from a platform 40 feet in the air trying to catch a trapeze bar sound like a fun corporate challenge? It can be! There are over 1000 ropes/challenge courses in the United States. Each course is designed with various "elements" that provide different challenges for both individuals and groups. When researching challenge courses, look for those that offer programs personally designed for individual groups depending on the needs and desires of the group's leader. Effective programs usually involve a full day. Make sure there are trained facilitators available to insure safety and maximum benefit from the program run ropes courses. Safety is always number one. All harnesses should be checked and rechecked. Ropes should be inspected before every use. Serious attention to detail is a part of every good ropes course program.   The most effective courses use the term "challenge by choice". No one is pressured to do something that they do not feel comfortable in doing. People need to learn to say no and feel comfortable with their choice. They do not need to yield to "peer pressure".  What will you gain from this kind of training?  First your people will improve their skills in communication. Do we really understand what others are saying? Secondly, improved teamwork will become evident with your employees. For many of the challenges people must work together. Third, people will expand their belief in themselves. They will do things they never thought they could. Hopefully this will carry over in the work place.  Fourth, they will have fun. We ought to enjoy our work and ideally, we should enjoy working with our fellow employees. A good ropes/challenge course will give you new and greater appreciation for each other.

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Management & Training

Dick and Doris Kelsey

2004-06-01 08:57:00

: How does one plan effective leadership training?

ANSWER: Everything rises and falls on leadership. This truth applies to all organizations and companies. Effective leadership is learned. Every leader must be trained in their area of responsibility. How does an organization plan effective leadership training?First, the person planning the leadership training must have a clear view of what he or she wants to accomplish. Are you trying to improve specific skills or are you trying to develop greater teamwork? Your goal will determine who attends the training. The goal will also determine the facilitator. Write out your goal for the training. Be sure it is precise, achievable and compatible with the overall goals of your organization.  Second, determine where and when the training will take place. Any training that will exceed more than a couple of hours is usually done more effectively if it is off premise from where everyone normally works. This eliminates the possibility of interruptions, people leaving the training to "take care of someone who came in", and helps the participants to focus on the training at hand. An informal setting will allow your employees to be more relaxed and respond better to the training.Third, choose the facilitator(s) carefully. Make sure the person is not only knowledgeable in the field but can keep the interest of your employees. If the training is more than a few hours long, have more than one presenter. You can combine in-house presenters with outside speakers. Variety will help hold the interest of your employees.   Fourth, vary the pace of your meeting. All lectures will tend to make for a dull meeting regardless how good the presenter may be. Outdoor activities, such as a ropes challenge course, can add a very different dimension to your training experience. Brain storming groups, feed back sessions, and morale boosting prizes can all add to the variety of your training session.  Finally, we must accept the fact that most people do not look forward to training meetings. The idea of sitting in a room for a long period of time is not appealing. Thus, be creative. Look for a different place to go. If it is all day training, be sure to provide a nice lunch. Have adequate breaks. (You don't want the smokers having nicotine fits sitting through 4 hours of straight meeting). Training can be a very positive experience if you make it such. Be sure to have an evaluation process so you can make improvements for the next training session. Give certificates for attendance and completion of that particular training. Plan for good things to happen as a result of your training and they will.