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Ask The Training Expert

I often train in short sessions, over several days, training second shift employees before their shift starts (say from 1 to 3 pm) and first shift employees after their shift ends (3:30-5:30pm.) The first shift workers are already tired; many have trouble staying alert, even nodding off. How can I deal with this?

Try to deliver your training in short segments, frequently varying the type of activity. I’ve had training schedules like this; when I do, I usually start with a hands-on activity. (Consider experimenting with samples of machine components – anything representative of the topic under discussion.) I may follow with a short presentation of new material, and then a small group activity. It is a challenge and requires you to be more aware of the timing of your class, but hopefully this will keep your trainees alert and interested. By the way, training for third shift employees can be even more challenging.

Is it ethical to use information obtained from one client in providing training for another client? Is it appropriate to use a negative example if it might embarrass a client?

I often will use examples gained from a client in another training.  My guidelines are these:

1. I never share information if it might be considered proprietary by the original client.

2. If I think an experience or event might help prove or show a valuable lesson, and there is some proprietary process or aspect, I will ask the original client for permission to use the example.  Sometimes it can be sanitized to prevent identification.

3. I never ever identify a previous client by name if the example might show them in a bad light.  I try to use positive examples whenever possible.

4. If a particular mistake was made that shows a valuable lesson and nothing proprietorial is involved, I will remove any information that might identify the original client before using the example. (See also #2 above.)

Apply the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have done to you. Don’t ever show a client in a negative way. After all, if you deliver training for me, and you bad-mouth another company, would I be wrong in thinking you might bad-mouth me next time?

Have questions for our Trainers? Whether it is class-related, or an issue you have come across in your training, let us know! Please e-mail questions to: Laura Johnston, PMMI’s editorial/conference assistant, at ljohnston@pmmi.org.