But the 6 weeks that has been, has certainly been a Great refresher for me as I have done TTT before in the Professional/Corporate scene. Now as a Coach and “best of all” with a bunch of fun-loving, enthusing and passionate Coaches…this is truly the Icing on (any) Cake!

So what have I learn? As I reflect back on the lessons that have gone by…it has thought me 10 Key Steps;

• create smart learning Goals/Objectives
• link them to Delivery Strategies
• take into consideration the “Audience”
• set out clear Action Plans
• flow with a proper Timeline
• be fluid to Change
• Celebrate along the way (at every milestone)
• evaluate / Reflect on Insights
  
• be open to Continuous Improvements
• have FUN!!!

The learning above has helped me further develop my skills as well as my Confidence in leading / facilitating a tele-class! I will also certainly remember the Feedback Learning Tool that I shared with the class called T-A-G! (Take-Aways, Application, Gaps). As I write this last blog…it reminded me of the time when I was first introduced to the word “Learning Leader” and as closing, this is what I will aspire to Always Be >>> a Learning Leader!! I acknowledge that I am not there yet but everyday as I choose to Lead…I will Be Blessed as I Learn from Everyone I come in Contact with!

I wanna say BIG thanks to Karen and Sheri…you both mesmerize me with your fun-filled, flawless and LOVE-LOVE-LOVE mantra “co-facilitating” that’s is just so beautiful to be a part of. Also to Michael (my Mentor Coach)…thanks for your assistance and encouragement for the tele-class I lead on Perspective!

Finally Kudos to my many Coach-friends that I have met along this journey…let’s continue to blaze along and drive Coaching in our parts of the world…I’m sure one day our paths will collide again. ; )

Shine with Passion!

Coach Mel @ Learning Leader

For example, when buying a new gaming console (a PS3) we would pay at least AUD$650 for it and we know the returns to that are; many hours of high-octane entertainment, top of the range graphics, Blu-Ray Disc playability and a high image/value to visiting friends!

I like how Donald Kirkpatrick’s Evaluation Model consists of 4 Levels that measure;

• Reaction of Student (Feedback – Written or Verbal)
• Learning (Increased in Knowledge)
• Behavior (Effects of Training that Changes a Person)
• Results (Effects on the Business and Environment)

The first two levels are much easier to achieve, as it can be possibly an instant “Win” with an Effective Training session. It is the 3rd and 4th levels of what I call “Sustaining and Impacting Change” that in my opinion can only be impacted with the help of COACHING!

Coaching as a tool/medium must be practiced after every Training session or Periodically either by an Internal Coach (Supervisor) or an External Coach (Trainer/Coach follow up) to allow lasting and positive change to happen!

In many companies today, a Coaching Culture is being adopted as many now see the value of the benefits and more importantly RESULTS of Coaching (alongside Training)! Research shows and proves that point every single time.

It is not always easy to put an ROI (Return on Investment) on everything, but perhaps this can be jointly coordinated with an ROE (Return on Effectiveness). This can measure Effectiveness in many “soft skills” areas using a 360 Feedback approach (Over Time – Using a Before and After);

• Initiative
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Innovation and many more…

In my personal Reflection as a Learning Leader…I believe I have learnt the importance to take time to Open the “SHARING” aspect of any class. The Richness that comes from the Collective Power (the Group) is Greater than the Power of One (the Trainer).

This course has taught me to be more Confident (as a Trainer) and not to be afraid to view my comments and build on comments that come from others. It has yet to achieve all of my Goals, especially the Goal to be employed by ICA as one of their Teleclass Coaches…but it might have just opened up the door for it. ; )

In one word: the TTT Class experience being lead by Karen and Sheri is…”PRICELESS”

When I think about this…I am amazed of what Karen Capello shared today and before about LOVE-LOVE-LOVE. It got me thinking of what ”MY 3 versions of LOVE” were. For me it would be;

• LOVING GOD > LOVING PEOPLE > LOVING MYSELF

I can learn a lot about Leadership Qualities from the “Best Teacher” in my Life…He is none other than my God & Saviour, Jesus Christ. He taught me so many things…but the 3 key things that really stood out for me was “His Serving Attitude, His Love for People and the Passion to Live His Purpose/Call”.

I believe I’m far from getting there…but on a daily basis I’m continuously “Learning” and I think that is definitely a Quality of any Leader…being able to Contribute/Impart but being open to LEARN as well!

At the start of the class, we were asked to share our 3 Key Leadership Qualities…it was a little hard at the start (to think on the spot) but I managed to come out with…Being Creative, Encouraging and Rubbing on the “Passion”.

I’ve also learnt from the wonderful sharing of the Class…on becoming a Teleclass Learning Leader;

• Giving Guidelines (about the running of a Teleclass)
• Being Aware and Open to the Different Possibilities for Learning & Learning Styles
• Creating a “Safe Environment” for Learning
• Assessing the Needs of the Learners (e.g.: Language levels)
• Solicit and Draw-out the Best in them
• Connect with them in their “Element”
• Enthusing ALL – the Loud & Quiet Participants to Grow (using different techniques)

I love the closing exercise at the end of today’s teleclass, which really fits with the Reflection portion of the module…”Creating Our Vision of a Learning Leader”

MEL’S VISION – I am a Learning Leader who loves to Bring out the Best in People using Creative Ways; Always Serving, Loving, Encouraging and Rubbing the “Passion” On! 

The Competencies that links with the above Vision are;

• Demonstrate the Belief in the Group and its Possibilities
• Facilitate Learner Self Awareness, Reflection and Learning
• Create a Creative Pathway to Achieve Outcomes
• Practice Equality, Respect and have a Humble Serving Attitude
• Encourage a Safe Environment for Learning
• Drive / Grow the Passion to Positive Thinking & Forward Action

And the Class says…YES you can!

As part of today’s Reflection;

1) I feel one of the most important part would be the Trainer’s Sensitivity of Where the Students are with the Understanding the Course Material and How they could Apply it to their everyday lives. At the end of the day, the assessment is about achieving a Competency that can be used in the “real world” vs. the Textbook theory!

2) Deviation from plan can happen in a few scenarios; although it should not alter the Objectives and Learning of the Training. The Methodology or the Medium used for the Delivery can always be Changed (in my opinion) to better engage the Students in a closer and more effective manner.

Today’s teleclass was also very special for me as I was given the honor and opportunity to close the class with a simple little closure tool I created called T-A-G. Which stands for…

T = TAKE-AWAYS (INSIGHTS) : “what is the 1 thing that you will take-away from class?”

A = APPLICATION (ACTION STEPS) : “how and what would you apply and commit doing this week?”

G = GAPS (NEED MORE?) : “was there anything you missed out and wanted further clarification?”

TAGs not only talks about the above…but it also empowers the students to feel “COMPLETE” at the end of the class. I’m looking forward for more of these wonderful teleclasses.

Lastly, let us remember a great quote we learnt today…“Trainers are people who can change the world…one teleclass at a time”

Till the next time…

I believe it is about Realizing the Competency. Some get this realization from people around them (like getting an approval of sorts)…with the common…”hey, you’re pretty good at it” or “well done, keep it up”. Some get this realization from having worked-their-bottom over many many years to “earn” their place of competency. Whilst others, just “claim” competence just because they have the confidence to carry things out and making them “look” competent. Whatever the case, being Competent in my opinion is; simply having the right Skills/Mind-set, Behavior (Characteristics) and Call for Action to “the” task at hand.

One of the classes that I will be facilitating next year with a local college for adult learning (in Melbourne) is entitled “From Dreams to Vision – Don’t just Dream…Live It”. I chose this topic because I felt many people go on with their lives not living in their potential or ever realizing that they are allowed – to live their Dreams. This really ties in with my whole philosophy of “living this life – Loud and Meaningful”.

Some of the Competencies that I hope will be passed onto to participants in class are;
1) Self-Discovery (Uncovering your Dormant Dreams)
2) Empowerment (Saying Yes to your Dreams)
3) Taking Action (Plan Little Steps towards Living your Dream)

I really love the challenge and adventure that life brings and I just want to share that excitement to everyone out there…so we’d all be “hooked” on life!

So are you “competent” enough? (well at least…give us your best / most convincing answer!)

I have completed a separate Training and Assessment course in 2007 and am currently Lecturing at one of the RTO’s (Registered Training Organization) in Melbourne city. Even so, I am REALLY Exicited and am looking forward to see how “a COACHING approach” would be delivered in this course…I just can’t wait!!

The 4 Reflection Questions are as follows;
• What outcome would I like to receive from this class?
Seeing how “Coaches” could assimilate into Training…as I believe the approach of the Coach can complement the Delivery of Training and make it ever more Exciting and Interactive!

• How do I create a safe space?
I do this by being ever open and honest, to accept all thoughts, questions and comments that I would hear in a teleclass with an unbiased mind.

• What do I do to be present before I begin class?
I usually sit down, quiet down my thoughts, take a few deep breaths (do a 1 minute meditation) and get focussed in the “Moment”

• How and what would I do in my first training session to insure that I provide the opportunity for learners to take that first step in participating?
This I guess (for me) would be for the next class; keeping things “light-hearted”, give short comments (with examples) that are easy for All to understand, stay away from jargons, acknowledge appropriately and just keep it “real” (the fun-loving and open in tone and manner)

Really looking forward to chatting and sharing in class…as a bunch of Wonderful Coaches coming together!!! So much to Offer, so much to Learn! ; )