The written word holds firm for those involved in training and development looking to improve their own skills, according to TrainingZONE's latest poll.
The quick survey, run to co-incide with last month's trainer development feature, which asked members to choose the most common method of skills development they used themselves, found that 44% of respondents used books, magazines and other written sources of information such as TrainingZONE itself to build on their own knowledge.
A futher 18% said they networked with other colleagues to develop their own understanding, while 15% said they themselves attended courses and 8% attended conferences and exhibitions.
Worryingly, 14% said they never got the time to focus on their own development needs.
Poll results: How do you develop your own skills as a trainer or Training Manager?
| I never get time to focus on my own development | 10 Votes / 14% | |
| Attend open courses | 11 Votes / 15% | |
| Read books, magazines and other publications | 31 Votes / 44% | |
| Network with colleagues | 13 Votes / 18% | |
| Attend professional conferences and exhibitions | 6 Votes / 8% |
If you'd like to network with other members, Any Answers is a great place to start, with over 600 members contributing so far this year. If printed materials are of interest, TrainingZONE's reviews area offers over 150 peer reviews of training-related publications which have become available in the last few years - you can read what other members say, and purchase the books yourself through our Blackwells Bookstore area - all without leaving your seat!
