I’ve done a lot of training over the years, but two stick out. One actually helped me, the other… not so much.
The helpful one was a team communication workshop. Right away, it felt different. We didn’t just sit there; we broke into small groups, did role playing, and talked about real stuff we deal with at work. I remember thinking, “Huh, I can actually use this tomorrow.” It felt useful, not just theory, and I left energized instead of drained.
Then there was the software compliance training. Yikes. Slides for days, the trainer talking non-stop, no interaction. I zoned out more than once. When I left, I couldn’t even remember half of what was said, let alone how to apply it. It made me realize: if training doesn’t feel relevant or hands on, it’s basically wasted time.
Looking back, the difference was simple: engagement and relevance. The training that let me do something, practice something, and see real life applications? Those stick. The ones that were just passive listening? Forgettable. For me, training only works when I feel like I’m part of it, not just an audience.
Now, thinking about my own approach, I’ve started paying attention to how I learn best. I try to take notes in a way that’s actually useful, ask questions, and relate new ideas to my everyday work. Even small tweaks, like sharing what I’ve learned with a teammate, make a huge difference in remembering it. I’ve realized that being an active participant, not just a listener, completely changes the experience and makes me appreciate training instead of dreading it.