Over my 20 years in training, Barangay Chairpersons have been some of the most challenging leaders to teach. They come from varied backgrounds, with some overseeing a few thousand constituents and others managing tens of thousands. They often think they know better than anyone else—and sometimes, they’re right.
These leaders don’t take well to lectures or theoretical content. You might catch their attention with humor, but they truly engage in immersive learning experiences where they tackle real-world issues. They crave practical, actionable solutions.
As a result, I’ve become adept at employing a diverse range of training techniques tailored to their needs. In this article, I’ll share these methods with you.
If you’re looking for effective ways to train leaders who prefer hands-on learning, keep reading. I’ll show you how to meet them where they are and ensure they leave with valuable skills they can immediately apply.
Strive for deep learning.
Picture yourself planning a leadership training session. You know your audience is varied, each person with their own way of learning. Simply talking at them won’t make the lessons stick. It’s not just about the content you teach but how you deliver it that can really make a difference.
Your main goal? To select training methods that are DEEP: desirable, effective, engaging, and profitable. Every technique must not only draw leaders in but also offer real learning benefits, keep them engaged, and prove financially wise by boosting performance.
Effective training immerses leaders in the learning process. It helps them see why the lessons matter and how to use what they learn. This kind of deep dive helps them remember and apply new skills and ideas.
Choose methods that work.
The aim is simple: pick methods that click with leaders, suit their learning styles and encourage meaningful interaction with the material. This strategy doesn’t just help them learn better—it drives the success of your entire training program.
Yet, choosing effective training methods is easier said than done. A big hurdle is moving beyond traditional one-way lectures, which can dull engagement and make retention difficult. Leaders today need to be part of the learning, not just passive recipients of information.
Then, there’s the diversity of learning styles and backgrounds. Not every leader thrives in group workshops; some might benefit more from personalized coaching. Understanding and accommodating these differences can be a complex, demanding task.
Another challenge is ensuring that these engaging methods are also cost-effective. Training budgets are tight, and every dollar spent must justify itself by enhancing leadership effectiveness.
Truth be told, no single training method fits all. The success of your program depends on how well the chosen methods align with your training goals and meet participant needs.
The challenge lies in thoughtfully selecting methods that are versatile enough for various learning environments and groups. This takes a deep understanding of different training methodologies and a creative touch in applying them.
I use immersive learning experiences.
And understanding learning experience design helps a lot too.
It’s also about balance—mixing interactive activities with essential instructive elements, balancing costs with benefits, and blending traditional techniques with new, innovative approaches.
Steps to pick the right training methods.
- Assess Learning Styles: Begin by understanding the diverse preferences of your leadership group. Use pre-training surveys or assessments to find out which methods might work best.
- Define Objectives Clearly: Connect each training method to specific learning goals. Ensure every technique has a clear purpose that contributes directly to these goals.
- Incorporate Interactivity: Opt for interactive methods like workshops, simulations, and role-playing. These help leaders actively engage with the material and each other, boosting the learning experience.
- Utilize Technology: Use technology to enrich your training methods. Online platforms can host virtual workshops, webinars, and interactive content, engaging leaders in various ways.
- Pilot and Feedback: Test different methods on a small scale first. Collect feedback to understand what works and adjust as needed.
- Measure Effectiveness: Evaluate each method’s success using feedback, quizzes, observations, and performance assessments.
- Adapt and Iterate: Be prepared to tweak your methods based on feedback and changes within your organization or leadership group. Always aim for continuous improvement.
Choose training methods that meet leaders’ diverse needs and ensure your training is desirable, effective, engaging, and profitable. This thoughtful approach will make your training program resonate deeply with leaders and propel their growth forward.
Step 5: Craft Engaging Training Materials
