There are obvious benefits of professional development training, such as improved professional worth, a hike in the paycheck and more skills. These goals can be achieved faster and their value retained for years if you prepare for a training program. The preparation must involve the physical, mental, emotional, and professional.
Professional Development Training Tip 1: Prepare for the Added Physical Stress
If you are planning to get trained in coaching and mentoring, you must consider the additional stresses such as going to attend the classes or studying after work hours. Prepare yourself for the physical challenges before the start of the course. You may seek help for household work for a few days, drop the kids to their grandma’s, or take a leave from work for a day. It is important that you prepare for the additional stress that your body will take. Exhaustion not only affects the body, but also the mind.
Professional Development Training Tip 2: Prepare for the Mental Challenges
The mind is accustomed to the amount of work you do every day. If you suddenly raise the threshold to your maximum capacity, the mind will become slow at grasping information and will have a reduced capacity of retaining it. Before you take professional development training, make sure you have a good night’s sleep and that your workload for the day(s) you are receiving the training is reduced or minimised.
Professional Development Training Tip 3: Deal with the Emotional Stresses
When you are receiving training, you need to be fully present. You must resolve any problem at home or work that may cause you emotional stress during the training. It may be that you need to rush off to the lawyer after the training, or your kid is unwell at home. Such stresses can take your mind off the training and not allow you to get involved in the learning.
If you can, choose a suitable date and a time for the training. If you cannot, advance or postpone the date of another responsibility that may cause you emotional stress, or make suitable arrangements to deal with the stressor until you are away.
Professional Development Training Tip 4: Resolving Professional Difficulties
If you are undergoing training without the knowledge and/or support of your employer, it is important to not let it affect you when you are at the training session. Answering phone calls, text messages or emails during the training will distract you and others. You may resolve the problem before the training session by asking a colleague’s help or taking leave from work.
Preparing yourself and those around you for the training session will allow you to enjoy, fully participate, and get the maximum advantage from the training. If you are spending time, money and effort in getting professionally trained, it pays to spend a little to prepare for the training.