It’s that time of year again. As the holidays pass, you’ll turn your attention to the new year, and the inevitable compulsion to start making New Year’s Resolutions. We like to think of this as a way to set constructive goals for 2022.
Sometimes, the process of goal setting (or resolution setting, as it were) can benefit from a bit of reflection. That’s why we’re looking back at some of the most important lessons we’ve learned throughout 2021.
Applying these bits of wisdom to the new year can help make 2022 even more successful!
For many, 2021 has presented unique challenges. Over the last twelve months, we’ve spent some time discussing how to make sure these challenges don’t prevent you from taking care of yourself and your own mental health. We’ve learned to:
1. Take breaks when you need them. Incorporating breaks–both for trainers and for learners–can help avoid burnout in the long run.
2. Limit your time on your webcam. It’s okay to mute your image when you’re feeling like you’ve spent a bit too much time in the spotlight. Everyone has their own limit in terms of exposure.
3. Use pre-tests and post-tests to accurately measure participant learning and evaluate growth. This will make your progress feel more substantial and less subjective. Evaluations are a great way to invest in yourself and your skills.
In 2021, we’ve learned that giving yourself time for rest and relaxation is key to your continued success. In 2022, don’t hesitate to take care of yourself.
Get Comfortable with Technology
Everything went virtual in 2020–and just about everybody scrambled to present online. Everyone was improvising and jury-rigging. As we moved through 2021, trainers began using technology to really push and innovate in the virtual training space. Some of the technological lessons learned include the following:
4.Use quick games to warm up before virtual meetings. Fun icebreakers can help get your virtual meetings started on the right foot. Some of the best ice breakers include things like fill in the blank games or a quick round of trivia!
5.Incorporate music into your training. That’s right, music can be a great source of energy. So even when you’re doing virtual training, supply participants with a well-crafted playlist. This can really help everyone get on the same page!
6.Keep your cool when technology lets you down. Look, when trainers rely so heavily on technology, we have to acknowledge that tech is going to fail once in a while. The trick is to make sure you’ve got back up plans in place and not let a computer hiccup knock you off track.
A lot changed in 2021. And that’s why we’ve spent some time taking a look at some of the trends we have to look forward to in the coming year. Because once this innovation starts, it doesn’t stop! As you think about 2022, it might be useful to keep tabs on some of the biggest trends we’ve seen over the past year:
7. Hybrid training. This new mixture of virtual and in person training is likely to continue into the new year and beyond. Hybrid training offers a best-of-both-worlds scenario, so you get the benefits of in-person training with the convenience of virtual sessions.
8. Virtual training engagement. Engaging participants in virtual settings is becoming easier, but it’s no less important. As trainers use novel techniques to improve retention, it’s easier than ever to craft an effective virtual session.
9. An eye towards inclusivity and diversity. A training philosophy (and policy) that incorporates inclusion and values all kinds of participants will only make your instruction better and more effective. This includes making sure to respect people’s pronouns in all training settings!
Be Ready for 2022!
As you look back on 2021, you might realize that one of the best ways to stay sharp in the new year is to invest in your own skills!
Explore the How to Quickly Convert Classroom Teaching to Live Online Crash Course or consider signing up for the Train-the-Trainer Boot Camp to elevate your skills—and your career—in 2022!
There's Still Time to Boost Your Skills
All of these resources can be used throughout the year, whenever you have the itch (or need) to upskill quickly. Whether you’re trying to upskill at the last minute or just want to find a way to optimize your lunch hour, these fast ways to train can help you level up year-round—or get ready to hit the ground running in 2022!
Find out more about new upcoming Crash Courses, Better Virtual Meetings and Creating Effective Assessments, both coming in 2022!
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