How to Get the Most Out of Company Training

Your boss is sending you to a staff development conference. The agenda promises enhanced leadership skills, improved communication, professional effectiveness and a day out of the office. Sounds great, right? Attending a company training or seminar for work is a positive experience as long as you keep in mind the following steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. First, keep an open mind because you might learn something! Even if you walk away with one new tip, the seminar was worth it.
2. Look on the bright side. Attending a company training or seminar for work provides you with a day out of the office to gain a new perspective on work related tasks and loads of networking opportunities.
3. Wear comfortable, yet appropriate, clothing. Bring along a light jacket in case the meeting room is a bit chilly. You'd be surprised how the temperature in the room can affect your attention span.
4. Take notes during each presentation and include questions and comments in your margins. Follow up with the speakers to clarify any questions you may have.
5. Participate in training activities. If the seminar speaker challenges the group to a team building activity, step outside of your comfort zone and get involved.

Tips & Warnings

• During the presentation, and when appropriate, ask questions to engage the speaker.
• Exchange business cards with fellow attendees, but also network with the seminar speakers and hosts.
• Avoid being the "know it all." It's true, you might know more than the speaker, but keeping a humble disposition will increase your networking potential.