I spent a lot of money getting a masters degree in pursuit of the question: how do you get training to “stick”?  I wish someone had simply given me a textbook that went something like this… 

Supervisor, supervisor, what do you see?

I see a skills gap looking at me.

Skills gap, skills gap, what do you see?

I see some new professional development goals looking at me.

Professional development goals, professional development goals, what do you see?

I see well-constructed learning objectives looking at me.

Learning objectives, learning objectives, what do you see?

I see participants who will be able to explain, describe and demonstrate skills to me.

Participants, participants, what do you see?

I see a presenter who knows how to engage me.

Presenter, presenter, what do you see?

I see flipcharts, case studies, role plays, simulations, videos and just a touch of PowerPoint looking at me.

Training materials, training materials what do you see?

I see learners ready to transfer new skills engaged with me.

Learners, learners, what do you see?

I see…

• A variety of well-put together training materials
• Skilled and polished presenters
• A roomful of engaged learners
• Action-oriented, learner-focused objectives
• Professional goals aligned with the learning objectives
• A clear skills gap to fill
• And a supervisor who – both before and after the training – knows how to support me

That’s what I see!

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Named a 2011 Top Young Trainer by Training Magazine, Brian Washburn has been working in the fields of instructional design and adult learning for over 14 years.

Currently, Brian leads the incredible team at Endurance Learning. He previously served as the Global Training & Development Manager for SightLife and as the National Training Director for the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association. Brian has developed and delivered training workshops at local, state, regional, national and international events including the ASTD TechKnowledge Conference.

Brian also spend time as the mascot at The George Washington University and for the (now defunct) Washington Wart Hogs professional indoor soccer team.

The Train Like a Champion blog combines Brian’s passion for high performance and results oriented training with his passion for sports. After all, high performing presenters, facilitators and educators have a lot in common with high performing athletes.

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