Ajit Kamath Wizzes

This was a question raised by Naina Mehta in Trainers Forum. My answer: Thank you for the question which everyone probably wanted to ask but dared not? Before we get stuck-up with blaming our Indian fascination for everything 'phoren', let me offer a perspective. As I have been a 'Certified Trainer' in International programs as well as I deliver my own conceptualised "Training Programs", I hope to present a balanced opinion 1. What is an International Certification? A certification allows you to deliver a particular training program with it's modules (this generally is an Intellectual Property program which has it's base on some research, book, thought or philosophy). This certification allows one to deliver this program across the globe or pre-defined areas (as per the contract signed with the intellectual property holder). Usually these modules are very structured (a few cultural variations allowed) but the trainer can't bring in his own content...

I have uploaded the soft copy of the presentation which I delivered at the ISTD Regional Conference at Pune on 16 Jan 2010. Check out http://tinyurl.com/yfxcepr Awaiting videos ... that would be uploaded too.

How much of ‘entertaining’ is advisable in Training? What is the role of humor and fun in a learning environment? The question also how and how much? (The above were questions asked in linkedin) My thoughts: Games, Activities, Humor etc. surely make learning "Fun". I'm unsure whether we can call this 'entertainment' because this can take the Trainer away from the objectives of the learning session. I use instant humour more in the post-lunch space or if I feel that the energy levels of the participants has dipped. I would also decide the "how much" part of it, by mapping my audience well. For e.g. if it's a young crowd (college-going) then the session would be laced with humour and fun, but if it's a senior profile that I am handling, then I would 'tone-down' the humour and fun bit. In certain training programs such as Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Negotiation Skills etc. the 'fun' element can be integrated as part o...

Last week I was in a meeting. The HR Manager announced that we would be meeting the CEO of this company for a discussion on the training intervention. I was surprised because normally this doesn't happen in the first meeting itself. The CEO was young and dynamic. He was briefed about me well by the HR Manager and we immediately got into the training objectives, the program and the effectiveness (In most cases, whenever I meet senior Management, I have to first give an introduction of myself (either the HR hasn't briefed them about me or the senior hasn't read the brief that was sent). The meeting was focused and ended well. The CEO also gave me required inputs about the targeted group too. I was highly impressed! Meeting over, I had a thought: Why can't more CEO's get involved in the training of the organisation? Why is it difficult to have their perspective of the Training need? Does it mean, I don't trust HR? Absolutely not!!! But my experience is that many HR...

It's really really funny. I know of Training Companies whose Trainers are made to claim (who dares ask for proof from the Trainers?) on the floor that their training interventions reduced attrition in client companies, but when it comes to their own Trainers they haven't been able to reduce attrition at all. Many Trainers are leaving sooo soon and that too "hurt" . One of the reason is that most Training Companies (my previous experience and of my network of trainers experiences tell me) don't have any HR processes at all. The Owners / Franchisees run Training Companies like "lalas" with autocratic form of leadership. They don't even let their teams know how much business they do. These are the same guys who 'teach' client participants that other styles of leadership should be used. Another reason is payments of dues... I remember a hilarious incident.... I and the Training Co's BD Manager, were observers to a training program being deli...

In L&T, for a particular division in Mumbai, I coach small teams in delivering an effective presentation internally to their organisation's seniors. At times the coaching is to Supervisors who have to deliver a session to their newly promoted Supervisors. Recently it was for a competition. The fun of coaching such teams is that I'm working with practical application of the learning. In training workshops, the skills are surely enhanced but chances are many of these participants may not get an opportunity to present for the next many months. Presentation Skills / Public Speaking isn't like cycling or swimming.... once learnt, learnt for life. With these skills if you loose out on applying it regularly (at least once a week) the 'enhancement' starts coming back to the original position. If organisations, do not provide opportunities to practice the skill on a regular basis, then the training effectivness (and thus the ROI) may suffer. Can the trainer really be ...

Hi Friends I have just started blogging and am getting used to this. I am a Trainer in Soft Skills and Behavioural Programs and located in India. I deliver trainings on modules such as Presentation Skills, Public Speaking, Communication Skills etc. My journey in Training has been all of 16 years and it's been an enriching experience. I am located in Mumbai (Bombay) India. More thoughts later. Regards Ajit