Planning An Outbound Training Program

Whether you call it outbound learning, outdoor learning, outdoor training or outbound training, the main purpose of this program is to build trust, communication, coordination and cooperation between teams of an organization. This technique was started in the early 90s in Pune, and has been followed in the metro cities of Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad every since. Organizations in the technology, marketing, insurance, pharmaceuticals and petroleum sectors utilize this outbound training technique the most.

Selecting a learning partner

Based on methods including questioning and processing, a professional partner is required to facilitate such a training program. You need to be very careful while selecting your learning partner so that your decision has a positive impact on the program and your employees and organization in turn. You need a training company that focuses on experimental learning and have a great expertise in design and delivery of the programs you need for your team. For this, your learning partner should be able to understand the needs and requirements of your business well. They should be able to design the program keeping your goals and objectives in mind. They must be capable enough to coach, mentor and evaluate the impact and outcome of the program. One such name is MARG who has been providing exceptional outbound training programs in Bangalore since the past many years and has a list of satisfied and happy customers.

Selecting the facilitators

After you select your learning partner, you need to find out the best facilitator for delivering the program. The facilitator should be an expert and have relevant experience in delivering outbound training programs. You must personally get in touch with the facilitator well in advance to discuss the objective and outcomes of the training program. Another important aspect your must consider is the number of facilitators you will need. For every 10 participants, it is advisable to have one facilitator. Accordingly, you can decide upon how many facilitators you will need.

Other considerations while planning an outbound training program

Once you have a respected learning partner and required facilitators in hand, you need to sit with them and discuss on what you need. But before that, you must be sure of what you want for yourself. Listed below are some additional considerations you need to make in order to plan up a successful training program for your staff.

What is your expected outcome?

Consult the various Business Heads and the participants too to analyze what you should be expecting from the training program. Find out why you want this program in the first place. Identifying the reasons you are looking for such training will bring you up with what you expect from the outcome.

How should you divide your objectives?

If you have a long list of objectives to achieve, you must make sure not to merge all of them in a single day training. In a single day program that comprises somewhere around 6 to 7 hours, you must not out up with too many objectives. Focus only on one or two objectives per day.

Which location should you choose?

The environment you choose for conducting a training program is of high importance. You need an environment that is safe for learning and one that involves a sense of belonging. Opt for green serene environments like Nature based camps, or resorts or banquet halls.

Once you have a perfectly planned training program, execute it and gain the maximum out of it. However, remember that an outbound training is not a one-time fix. You will require regular assessment at intervals of training to notice behavioural changes.

SUMMARY

If you want to build trust, communication and coordination between the members of your team, an outbound training program can greatly help. To plan such a program, you need to find the perfect learning partner and facilitator, and lots more to consider.