October 11, 2022
Training is vital to enhancing individual, team, and organisational performance. However, to be truly effective, it must be meticulously designed and executed. The 6 Ps of Effective Training provide a structured framework to achieve impactful training outcomes:
- Purpose
- Plan
- Prepare
- Practise
- Present
- Pause
Purpose
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The foundation of any effective training program is a clearly defined purpose. The primary objective should be to address a specific need at the individual, team, or organisational level. Training should never be conducted merely to “check a box,” utilise budget allocations, or achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the number of trainings conducted. Instead, there must be a clear understanding of how the training will positively impact performance and what outcomes it will achieve. A well-defined purpose sets the stage for the subsequent steps by establishing the learning, transfer of learning, and impact objectives.
Plan
Planning is the cornerstone of effective training and involves several considerations to ensure the training meets the objectives. Key elements to consider include the learning objectives, the profile of the learners, learning theories, appropriate methods and activities, and evaluation strategies. Planning should address the following questions:
- What are the specific objectives of the training?
- Who are the learners, and what are their needs and learning styles?
- What methods and activities will be most effective given the objectives, learners, time, location, and resources?
- How will the learning be evaluated during and after the delivery?
Effective planning aligns the training with the learners’ needs and the organisation’s goals, ensuring a relevant and engaging experience.
Prepare
Preparation involves several critical activities to ensure a smooth delivery. These include:
- Researching to update training content with new information or trends.
- Preparing training resources, such as manuals, slide decks, and games.
- Conducting site visits and preparing the training room.
- Communicating with learners before the training.
- Ensuring that all training equipment is functional.
- Additionally, personal preparation is vital. Trainers should manage their emotional state, choose appropriate attire, and make necessary personal arrangements.
Practice
Practice directly influences the trainer’s confidence and effectiveness. It involves:
- Rehearsing the content.
- Familiarizing oneself with the tools and equipment
- Refining delivery techniques
Repeated practice ensures that the trainer is well-prepared to handle the material and any unforeseen issues that may arise during the training session.
Present
This is where the training comes to life. Creating a safe and supportive learning environment is essential for effective training delivery. Trainers should strive to put themselves and the learners at ease, thereby enhancing learner engagement. Key aspects of presenting include:
- Being authentic and adopting a style that feels natural and comfortable.
- Using your voice effectively to attract and maintain attention by speaking audibly and at an appropriate pace.
- Remember to breathe and maintain calmness and control during the presentation.
Pause
The final step, Pause, involves assessing the training program’s effectiveness. After implementation, it is essential to pause and evaluate what went well, what did not, and what changes are needed for future sessions. This process is known as outcome evaluation and should be guided by the initial purpose and objectives of the training.
Trainers should also pause after each of the 6 Ps to evaluate whether each stage has been adequately completed before moving on. This ongoing process evaluation ensures the training remains on track and meets its intended goals.
Finally, it is important to celebrate successes and recognise the efforts of everyone involved. Celebrating achievements can boost morale and motivation for future training.
Conclusion
When conducted effectively, training can significantly improve performance at individual, team and organisational levels. The 6 Ps of Effective Training provides a structured approach to developing and delivering impactful training programs. By following these steps, trainers can ensure that their training efforts lead to meaningful and lasting improvements.
References
Armstrong, S. J., & Fukami, C. V. (2008). Handbook of Management Learning, Education and Development. SAGE Publications.
Blanchard, P. N., & Thacker, J. W. (2013). Effective Training: Systems, Strategies, and Practices. Pearson.
Gagne, R. M., Wager, W. W., Golas, K. C., & Keller, J. M. (2005). Principles of Instructional Design. Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
Noe, R. A. (2017). Employee Training and Development. McGraw-Hill Education.
Salas, E., Tannenbaum, S. I., Kraiger, K., & Smith-Jentsch, K. A. (2012). The Science of Training and Development in Organizations: What Matters in Practice. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 13(2), 74-101.
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About the author:
Tricia is the Managing Director of ELP Solutions. She is a Corporate Trainer, Trainer of Trainers, Facilitator, HR & OD Consultant, Adjunct Lecturer, Speaker, and Event Host with over two decades of combined experience in helping individuals & organisations achieve their goals.
