Forum training is beneficial for employees in a number of ways. It’s an ideal learning platform where all participants are given an opportunity to speak. It improves productivity and develops skills. The facilitator plays a significant role to make forums successful. Training sessions are organized by corporate houses to hone employees’ decision making and problem solving abilities. Team leaders and managers are always there to find effectual solutions during business crisis but organizing forum training is imperative for maximum utilization of resources, improving productivity, knowledge sharing, and enhancing team skills. These learning programs are organized by companies to discuss critical business problems in an informal setting. Generally, the venue is offsite in a peaceful location. There are arrangements for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Current issues are discussed along with the solutions to a crisis situation. In this article, we are going to discuss the benefits of such training programs and the role of the facilitator. All Participants Get an Opportunity to Speak In a seminar or conference, all members do not get an opportunity to speak and express their views on a subject. In corporate forums, the facilitator ensures that every member is given a chance to
speak. The facilitator plays a significant role in making management retreats successful. Even those who are introvert by nature are encouraged to communicate by asking questions and sharing opinions. Great Learning Platform: It is an ideal platform to learn and grow by sharing knowledge, professional experiences, discussing issues, and finding solutions to problems. Games and activities are part and parcel of these forums helping team members get valuable inputs from like-minded members. Boosting Productivity: Through training, employees learn to be a smart worker. The activities or exercises help develop expertise, thereby increasing efficiency and productivity. Participating in these exercises or games provides employees with better insights to implement effective solutions for the issues prevailing within the organization. Skills Development: The activities included in these training programs result in sharing of knowledge, best practices, and boosting individual skills. Participants learn about the company, the business goals, and how they can contribute to take the organization to the next level. New Recruits Get Inspired: Forums are beneficial for new recruits, as well. New joiners participating in group discussions and activities quickly develop skills and seek inspiration from senior team members to enhance their performance over time. Those who possess leadership abilities can be motivated to hone their leadership abilities. Now, let’s have a look at the role of the facilitator to make forum training successful: Encouraging More Participation: A professional trainer is one who has the ability to involve all participants into activities and discussions. His responsibility is to see no member is left out. He motivates each individual to speak freely about the problems they are facing in the company. Assessing Behavioral Traits: It is the responsibility of the facilitator to assess employee traits and personality. Who is willing to get involved in the discussion, and who is reluctant must be observed by the trainer. An experienced professional will be able to detect inconsistencies within a team and take measures to improve employee morale. To conclude, it can be said it’s both the quality of a facilitator and the involvement of the participants that contribute to the success of forums or management retreats. Only then an organization and its employees can expect growth and development with full potential.