How did you come to work in training?
It seemed like the logical next step at the time. I was a teacher, computer programmer, computer programmer trainer, then trainer. In between was a wealth of other jobs; betting shop manager, kite flying instructor at Butlins, you know - the usual.
Describe your role.
Management trainer or consultant or learning adviser or trainer... depending who's paying! Also as a freelance writer translating practical advice, top theories and experiences into useful, amusing articles.
What activities do you spend most of your time on?
Pre-event discussion - wanted/needed conversations. Plus sitting thinking of how to link two or more disparate ideas into a coherent set of words.
What are the best and worst aspects of your role?
Best is the people and worst is the hotels - although these aspects have been reversed in the past
What is your most over-used phrase?
I'll get back to you on that.
What is the best lesson you can pass on?
When in doubt, tell the truth. When not in doubt, tell the truth.
What has been your worst training moment?
In Poland - smugly I'd arranged to have my motivation slides translated into Polish and as they appeared I realised I didn't have a translation, notes or anything to help (I tend to work from slides). Luckily I recognised the shapes of Maslow, Herzberg, etc..
What influences do you think have had the greatest impact on the training sector in recent years?
Return on investment - over-rated.
Do you think that training professionals should have a greater say in planning national training policy?
If they would like to, I personally wouldn't.
How do you see your work changing or developing in the next few years?
Not significantly I hope. There are trends and things drop out of fashion then re-emerge. As long as there are people involved who aren't perfect we'll always be in a job.
