I had eight hours of training yesterday. I spent six hours of it listening to the questions of others, and hearing their complaints on how hard this training was. There were only three of us in the class.
Now I can be up front to the fact that I have been around and using computers for a very long time. I can also understand that this is my area of expertise. But, please tell me why on earth they would schedule eight hours for everybody? What a huge waste of time. I obviously realize that some people need the full eight hours, and in this situation, both of the other users did. However, I did not need to sit and waste 6 hours on what I feel to be “common sense” procedures. There has got to be a more efficient way!
My thoughts are to allow everyone the ability to test out of the training. They do this some, but why not for all? We are in a computer rich world, so let me train on the computer, take a test, and then if I don’t pass… torture me with eight hours of training, or better yet, give me access to a trainer one on one. This would save me and the trainer time, I could touch on the things I didn’t pass, and we could move about our busy days! I understand that everyone has limitations. I understand that some people cannot grasp the fact that you do not have to double click everything you see. Or that the button “confirm” actually means you have reviewed the data and confirmed that it is right.
I can even understand that to some people the delay of a page loading means that you should click every possible thing on the page so that the rest of the class can wait while you ask why there are 18 different pages open on your desktop.
I’m sure some of you are like “what’s the problem? it’s paid training!”
Sure! Thankfully it is paid training, but while I’m sitting there listening to the endless “double clicks” and the “oops, was I supposed to push that button?” and my now favorite question of the week, ” what does the “close” button do?” (I’m serious, this was asked!), all of my work is piling up on my desk!
Is it too much to ask for more efficient training? This wasn’t a computer training class by the way. It was on scheduling, and had nothing to do with the basics of the computer. Maybe that is the answer, maybe everyone has to attend, or test out of a basic computer class, so the time in training can be more efficient… Something has got to give!
What are your thoughts?
How about a class on common sense? :p
Please check out Iamyourcustomer’s blog about: Do it right the first time, but not too fast! It has a lot of common sense!
Flickr Tags: efficient training,employee satisfaction,support,common sense
This always makes them more mad for some reason…. and usually I get a dirty look… What’s wrong with a little holiday greeting? I can’t resist being that way.. COME ON PEOPLE.. Cheer up, or stay the hell home.. that’s what I do 
