6 Responses

1. Strategic Focus
   Can I start my reply by asking for the background to the presentation theme? That could give some pointers as to what to include.

   But from my point of view, if we are looking to the role of learning development as a business partner, then one of the differences is in the nature of the training delivered.

   At the head office level, the trainer will need to add value to the higher level strategy setting processes. Typically they will need to facilitate more, rather than present and may well need particular expertise in a certain field. They will be tasked to ensuring that the organisation innovates and stays competitive.

   At the regional level (and not knowing your organisational structure forgive me for any assumptions I make), as you get closer to “end user” of your company’s product/service, the trainer will be looking to add most value to the implementation of that strategy. Naturally, they should use facilitation skills here as well, but at times, there may be more of a presentation style where consistency of deployment is critical. They may not need to be a content expert as much.

   Where the two levels of trainer should not be different is in their relationship with their part of the business. If they are to play a key role in executing strategy, then they have to work with their internal contacts as true business partners, to listen and to learn to talk in business terms.

   The two should also work closely together, so that the strategy is allowed to cascade down from the head office to the regions.

2. Capabilites
   Lizzy we really need more info.

   What are you lacking?? What’s the title? How much help do you want? Are we expected to supply everything?

   Your post looks as if you are either lazy, inexperienced or simply incapable. Either way that doesnt curry much favour on this site where we arent being paid for our knowledge. Be specific and you might get more help.

3. Happy to talk it through
   Hi Lizzy

   I have delivered to both and written strategies for both in my organisation of 25 regional branches and a large head office.

   Please contact me offline and I will call to discuss if you wish.

   Best regards
   Steve
   smosley@williamwilson.co.uk

4. Presentation
   Lizzy,
   Is this presentation part of an interview process?
   What is the context of the presentation?
   What is the objective hoped to be achieved by identifying the differences between the two roles?
   Who is it you are presenting to? Who is your audience?
   kindest regards
   Buffy
   Rippleeffect

5. Difference? What Difference?
   Hi Lizzy

   The obvious question here is: Who decided that this was a meaningful topic?

   I mean, there may be more “political” issues to deal with at HO, and the list of subjects requiring training *might* be a little different (more admin-oriented at HO, more sales and support oriented in the regions, perhaps?).
   But apart from that why on earth would there be a difference?

   Do they have different species of trainee at HO as compared with the regional offices? Different learning styles? etc.

   In your place I’d be more inclined to demonstrate the essential similarities and try to create a better understand of what goes on in the regions, training-wise, rather that validating what looks to be an example of old-fashioned, insular, ill-informed HO thinking.

   But only if you can do it safely.

   If not, whatever differences you come up with will be essentially fictional.

6. same/ difference
   Hi Lizzy
   I am guessing that you are well into preparing this by the time you read my reply.
   The others have said some interesting and useful points.

   Are you currently inside the organisation? How does the organisation compare things – does it look for similarities or does it describe things ‘differently’?

   i.e. are ‘regions’ the same or different from HO?

   This is important, because if the culture of the organisation is to describe things as different – there is no point in trying to persuade them that things are the same – or vice versa. It seems as though this is as much a ‘test’ to your understanding of culture as it is actually solving an issue.

   As others have said HO tend to be ‘strategic’, and regions ‘operational’ in nature – but this is by no means a certainty.

   Whatever you do – do it with confidence, passion and honesty

   I wish you well
   Mike
   http://www.rapidbi.com