Ajit Kamath Wizzes

Q- I want experiences of trainers speakers on how they entered the training speaking industry. Is it better to work with a training company for a year to understand the industry better or is it better to launch yourself directly as a freelancer. My personal outlook (the Questioners') is that most successful trainers speakers today launched themselves directly into the industry. First there is a difference between Trainers and Speakers. Few of our colleagues do both, but I don't think the "Trainer Speaker" terminology isn't appropriate. Speakers who have directly launched themselves into this industry (I'm not sure whether they considered it an industry!) were experts in their field, either as Professionals OR have written books which have been successful. They were invited to speak at various Forums and they did an excellent job of the same. The audience loved them, learnt from them and understood their books better. More books got sold. Meeting organisers ...

I was asked a few questions on Training. I replied to them and thought would be interesting for my blog readers too. (This is from an India perspective) 1. what should one do to get into training sector? Depends on why you want to be in this field and what's your personal vision. Various ways you can get into this field: a. You could start by conducting sessions in schools and colleges. And then move on to training the entry level staff of companies. b. Join a Company in the Learning & Development Department (part of HR). You may have to initially get into coordination of Training and may be more of an observer. This would strengthen your content knowledge. Once you are comfortable in the modules, then you could start by handling small modules along with a co-trainer. c. Join a Training Company. Again initially they may put you in co-ordination. They may also ask you to first start marketing (i.e. developing business). Then again you may get chances to co-facilitate and thus b...

Yes, undoubtedly Story Telling is a powerful training tool. Not only in training but stories can be used powerfully in presentations, group motivation and discussions. My personal belief is that bulleted conversations has it's strengths but if one can use a appropriate story, the understanding is far better and deeper. I believe, "Leaders who use stories with their teams communicate much powerfully". As a Trainer, when using stories, I find the participant reflection richer and the retention longer ... and not necessarily only factual stories. Even fables, stories from the panchatantra etc. have the desired effect. But how many Trainer's use Stories? At times we get so involved with concepts and processes that the motivational aspect of why should one learn the skill or the behaviour is not at all tackled An additional thought: In India, (where I majorly deliver my training interventions), our culture supports Stories. Most of us live in a joint family system (nowaday...

Last week, I was at Pench as part of a Clients off-site. Pench is in the border of MP & Maharashtra (near Nagpur), a Wildlife Sanctuary spans about 7oo odd sq. kms. Saw lots of spotted dears, sambars and various other wildlife during our Safari. Birds were in plenty but the forest wasn't as green as I would have liked it to be (it was hot... about 40 degrees C). We ran here and there (in our jeeps!) for the sighting of the elusive Tiger, few of us managed to see a grown-male cub's bum. The sessions went off fine too but as the property (where we were staying) didn't have AC Conference Room, the participants were pretty hot & fried. Regards Ajit

March.... Possibly a month, where companies are concentrating on increasing their figures before the close of the financial year (in India). Planned Training would be at the minimum in March. Therefore in March, personally, I have a lot of time to reflect, meet clients, develop new business etc. Till last year, March was the time the smaller companies / unplanned HR / NGO's would rush to complete their (budgeted for) training. At times it was merely to complete an ISO requirement. But this year, due to market conditions these companies have no interest nor inclination. The heat of March!!!!

Sometimes I wonder, Why am I a Trainer? ... preparation for each and every program, ... meeting clients, understanding needs, designing a curriculum, ... negotiating with clients on rates, ... participant workbooks, ... delivering effectively, ... analysing feedback, ... meeting clients again, ... and much more. Won't it be better to take up a job? or do something else... Then I realise, I always wanted to be here, ... to make a difference in self through others Regards Ajit

Genuine appreciation is what one looks out for and one starts valuing the appreciation and the appreciator. Let's explore our Indian culture .... The Appreciator (the one giving the appreciation) How many of us genuinely know how to appreciate? The appreciator is clumsy giving it and if the receiver is of the opposite gender, the appreciator is worried about what the receiver would think! Nowadays appreciating someone from the same gender isn't easy too. Even a Leader doesn't know how to give it. When appreciation is given in a 'open' environment, onlookers make faces that range from "Why" to "Flirt!!!". Sometimes even the receiver tries to find out the 'underlying intention' behind the appreciation. The Receiver (the one being appreciated) Secondly how many of us know how to "accept" appreciation? When appreciated, we are 'embarrassed' , we don't know how to react or respond, so we start a 'defensive' proce...