Good Training is Fun
Good Training is Fun. But not all fun training is good.
Training should be fun. It should be fun because learning IS FUN.
There is a certain thrill of excitement that you feel whenever you know you are learning useful, new stuff and making rapid progress.
Making rapid progress feels like fun. So good training is fun.
BUT that does NOT mean that "all fun training is good".
Some trainers and training courses, make the faulty logical leap from thinking: 'All good training is fun, so if I make my training fun, then it will make it good.'
They then concentrate their efforts on making the training day FUN.
They introduce Fun games, and Fun activities, Fun ice breakers, and train by playing games.
But it is important to note that having fun on a training course, does not mean that the training course was good.
You have to ask yourself, "What benefit, other than having a few minutes of fun, did that game leave in the mind of the delegates who played it?"
Did the learners manage to extract any definite principle; or behavioural laws; or practical tips; or rules of thumb; that they could take back to the workplace, and use immediately, to improve the performance of the team?
Because ultimately, the net result of any training should be the application of proper principles that will improve the performance of the team.
Which is kinda fun.
But pure fun, in and of itself, is NOT the purpose of a training course.
So, when on a training day, tell the trainer to put away the Lego and the Plasticine.
And let's learn exactly what we should say and exactly what we should do, to get the best performance from yourself and the rest of the team.
And that would be a FUN thing to do.
We can provide you with excellent, FUN training courses. Which topic are you most interested in?
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Definition: effective training
Effective training is a business process that aligns clear learning aims with real work tasks, gives staff practical tools they can use at once, measures success by better job results, and keeps people engaged with purposeful activities rather than empty games.
Show CG4D Definition
- Aligns learning aims with workplace tasks
- Delivers practical principles and skills
- Measures success through improved performance
- Uses engaging yet purposeful methods, not gimmicks
Article Summary
Great training feels fun because our brains love progress, yet the real test is whether the session gives clear skills that improve work the very next day. Games and ice-breakers can spark energy, but only training that links ideas to real tasks turns that energy into higher performance. When you pick a course, look beyond the laughs and ask, “What lasting value will I apply at work?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
Why should training feel fun?
Is fun training always effective?
What is the main aim of any training session?
How do I judge if a training game adds value?
Which questions should I ask the trainer beforehand?
How can I measure the impact of training?
What is a training needs analysis?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
The 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report shows that 90% of UK L&D teams now track business impact metrics, up from 54% in 2020. Gartner’s 2023 “Building High-Impact Learning” survey found that only 17% of employees apply new skills at scale when the course relies mainly on games and ice-breakers.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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