And so we come towards the end of 2010. I find myself with just a few days work left before the festive period, so this is a great time to reflect on the 12 months gone by.
In some ways this year has been the best of times. The economic situation has forced companies to think more carefully about the training that they offer their employees. This has meant that the invisible trainer has been involved in designing some the most diverse projects than at any time since going into business: Global 'bite-sized' communication skills programs, flexible induction programmes, commercial awareness training, and tailored management development programmes. Each project has been challenging, interesting and fulfilling. I've worked closely with knowledgeable people to create learning solutions that link closely to business priorities, and fit in with operational practices. I've enjoyed myself, and been stretched professionally too.
But in some ways, it has also been the worst of times... You will notice that there are no 'sheep-dip' programmes in the above list, no generic 'off-the-shelf' training, and this has had an impact on the amount of work that has been completed, and so my earnings for the year. Of course I'm not alone in this. When budgets get squeezed, training is often one of the first casualties, and being an 'invisible' trainer means that very few people notice that you are not around as much.
So, is my glass half empty or half full? I think that in six months time when I look back on 2010, I will look back with pride. This year I did some of my best work. This year training and development departments really thought about the business impact of the learning interventions. This year, there was a real effort to make sure the learning supported the business objective. This year we started to think more creatively about how to deliver learning and development within our organisations.
... However, it is a shame that I will be reaching those conclusions in a tent in the Lake District rather than sat on the beach in the Caribbean!
Sheridan Webb
