Reflecting on my journey through different types of training, I’ve experienced both effective and less-than-helpful approaches. My training as a Lululemon educator stands out as particularly impactful, whereas my experience in cycle instructor training left me feeling unprepared. Analyzing these two experiences sheds light on what makes training successful—and what can make it fall short.
The training at Lululemon was well-structured and practical, giving me essential life skills in sales and handling diverse situations. Through role-playing and hands-on scenarios, I learned how to communicate effectively, respond calmly to challenging situations, and understand customers’ needs on a deeper level. This type of training aligns with common goals in job and technical training, which aim to impart skills that directly improve performance and empower employees to handle job-related tasks confidently. Additionally, the training fostered skills I could carry beyond the retail floor, providing lasting value in both personal and professional settings.
On the other hand, my cycle instructor training fell short in terms of structure and practical teaching. The sessions lacked clear objectives and were poorly organized, with little emphasis on developing the tools and confidence needed to lead classes effectively. Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model underscores that effective training should result in measurable improvements in knowledge and job performance. As a result, I found myself having to piece things together on my own. Without a strong foundation from the training, I relied on trial and error, learning through observation, and experimenting during actual classes. This lack of structured support made the learning curve steeper and left me feeling less prepared than I would have liked.
Comparing these experiences has deepened my appreciation for well-planned, outcome-focused training programs. A thoughtfully designed program doesn’t just meet immediate needs but also empowers employees with transferable skills, fostering long-term growth and confidence in their roles.
