On longer L&D programmes, such as Manager as Coach (MAC), there are a range of ways you can innovate. For example, if you have the capacity, you can factor in a small amount of ‘scaffolding time’ – this is extra structure that enables you to shape and facilitate an even better programme. In my experience, extra ‘scaffolding’ makes an incredible difference to the quality of a programme.
Two ‘Scaffolding ideas’
It’s useful to have the (internal or external) facilitator connect with the participants, or/and their managers a few weeks before the programme. Especially if the participants don’t know the participants or their managers (I build this extra small cost into the programme budget). This connection can lower participant resistance to learning and can increase participant buy-in and increase ROI.
For example: Plan in 30-60 mins for the facilitator to create a pre-programme online survey, so that participants and their managers can contribute to shaping the programme. This consists of questions such as ‘What would make this learning useful for you/your staff?’ I’ve used this on Team Away days successfully.
At another organisation I facilitate and coach with, we have a ‘welcome to the programme’ 30-minute briefing session, a few weeks before the programme. I meet all of the participants online, share an overview of the programme, and ask about what resonates from the programme overview. We ask about any apprehensions.
That input contributes to improving the programme design.
About the author: Andry Anastasis McFarlane is director of THE LEARNING MOMENT. She is a qualified teacher and qualified and highly experienced executive coach and mentor. She has worked as a Senior Lecturer in FE and an assessor in HE. Her work on The Really Resilient Guide has been featured on BBC Radio and iMagazine
If you’d like to speak with Andry about coaching or MAC programmes please get in touch: andry@thelearningmoment.org or find out more about what our clients say here.