How to Managing Time When Running a Training Course

Running an effective training course is largely down to the ability to manage training time. This however presents many challenges especially delivering sales training and management training courses as there can be numerous possibilities to every situation. The need to manage time is indispensable for these three reasons:

1. So that the topics can be conveyed to all attendees.
2. So that each subject is allocated sufficient time according to it's importance.
3. So that unplanned delays, like breakdowns, difficulties in understanding, etc., can be easily absorbed.

Time management of a training course takes place on two levels: A theoretical phase during the preparation and a practical phase during the actual training sessions. If you are new to training here are some suggestions in order to help you manage time effectively:

1. During the preparation stage set a specific amount of time for each part of the training. Estimate the time according its degree of importance and difficulty.

2. Include time for questions, handling any objections and difficulties in understanding that may arise. Put yourself in the position of the people being trained.

3. Incorporate “time cushions”. Allow 20% more time for each training session than will actually be used if it all goes smoothly.

4. Allow for breaks, place changes, structural alterations.

5. Ensure sufficient documentation, learning aids, etc. are prepared and check their quality.

6. Prepare the visual and any sound aids: visual slides, films, whiteboards, flipcharts, diagrams, samples, tests, tape recordings, etc. Seeing and hearing enhances the assimilation of the material covered.

7. Prepare visual concept structures. Arrange key concepts of subjects above, below or next to each other, on a whiteboard or screen, thus making the system of the subject area more visual.

8. Before the training session starts, examine the room and equipment, layout of the tables and chairs, heating, lighting and ventilation, and power points. Check that the equipment is working correctly, and that everything that is required is there.

9. Start each training session with a summary of the content and progression of the training course. This should include the aims of the course, key subject areas that will covered and the time allocated, subjects that are not covered, breaks and rules of play. For sales training and management training courses you can also encourage delegates to set their own learning objectives detailing what they would like to gain from the course. This information will help to identify what areas they will want to focus on and therefore those sessions might take longer than other sessions.

10. Insist on uncompromising punctuality. Start on time, even if some people have not arrived. Finish on time, even if an exercise has not been fully completed. Keep to break times.

11. Set the pace at the intellectual average. Avoid the following two dangers: Giving extra tuition to star delegates, and trying to cram basic knowledge into those who are lagging behind.

12. Give clear, unambiguous instructions. Always repeat instructions. Say what has to be done; how it is to be done; the results that are expected and how much time is allocated.

13. Supervise participants when they are carry out exercises, do not remain at the “teacher’s desk” or podium. Find out if there are any ambiguities in the instructions given and correct them immediately.  Deal with any difficulties in comprehension.

14. Give an indication of time during longer exercises, preferably after the first and second thirds of time available has passed.

15. If a lot more time is required than you anticipated, arrange remaining exercises in order of priority. Alternatively split up exercises amongst the working groups. Always have a few spare exercises or short sessions that you an add on the odd occasion when you are running ahead of time.

16. Do not get diverted from the core topics by side issues and questions. Either deal with side issues briefly or put them to one side for discussion during the break or highlight that they are not part of the course.

17. Interrupt those asking verbose questions: never allow secondary lectures to take the place of questions. Encourage those who are pompous or overzealous, in a friendly manner, to be brief with their comments, additions or issues and to keep to the subject matter being covered.

18. Keep the closing summary to around five minutes. Only remind people of the subjects covered and do not repeat them. You can end by having a review of the post course action plans that attendees have developed. This is especially important for sales training and management training courses.

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