Now that the SRA Competency learning and development framework provides a whole range of methods to increase your competency – how do you know if face2face training is for you?
Part 1 provided you with 7 tips for assessing whether a specific training event was worth your time and money by meeting your requirements. This blog is about how to maximise your time when you are there.
9 Tips for meeting your learning objectives at the event
- Get there early to network with other attendees: Take time to identify the people you want to speak to from the delegate list provided. At each break ensure you speak to at least one person on your list before catching up with the people you know. Swap business cards where appropriate.
- Meeting and sharing experiences with your peers: This is one of the most enduring reasons why people enjoy face2face training. Take time to get to know the attendees who are sitting near you and other delegates in the break.
- Be present in the training sections: Give it your full and undivided attention and be engaged in the class/table discussions. Take responsibility for your learning.
- Questions to ask yourself during the event (if these are not raised in the training/conference):
- How does this connect with or relate to my work?
- What is specifically useful that I can incorporate in my work and do I need to plan reflection time?
- What can I do differently when I go back to work?
- What can I share with my colleagues?
- What changes if any will be needed for my learning and development plan?
- What support will I need to implement my ‘learning’
- Where possible, if you need to access your emails, use the coffee or lunch breaks. If you need to take time out for this or phone calls during the session, speak to the tutor /presenter to give them the ‘heads up’ in advance.
- Ask lots of questions: This will give the tutor/presenter an opportunity to ensure that you fully understand the points and help you relate it to your particular work environment. If you need more time to complete an exercise, share this with the tutor/presenter so you can remain fully engaged.
- Tweet about the event during the breaks: What you have enjoyed or are looking forward to.
- When providing feedback, information about what you liked or found useful in addition to any improvements and suggestions are really appreciated.
- At the end of the event, complete your action plan so that you have the opportunity to discuss any questions about your plan with the tutor/presenter before you leave. Also consider any obstacles that might keep you from implementing your objectives. You can share these with other attendees and/or the tutor/presenter. They may be able to help you with strategies for removing potential obstacles.
This is part of a series of three blogs – look out for the part three on tips for ensuring you take the ‘learning’ back into your work.
Ann Page helps lawyers with their leadership and business management challenges so that they can create or maintain a sustainable business. She also delivers workshops on the new SRA Solicitor Competence Statement http://www.yorkshirecoursesforlawyers.co.uk/sra_competence/
As a motivational training specialist, Ann has delivered strategic coaching, leadership, management and interpersonal skills training to nearly 7000 lawyers since 2003. She holds N.L.P. and coaching qualifications, and is a member of the Professional Speakers Association and Professional Speakers Academy.
You can contact Ann on 07921540039 or get in touch should you need help in releasing your brilliance.