Problems and solutions regarding training's and references
As an ambassador for the teen transition track Ive come across a few problems, not only when doing training but when going through application forms too.
References
References tend to be used more on the listener side of things. They are used in some mentor applications so the leaders/ambassadors of a track can get a better understanding of a listener from someone else in the listener community.
Problem:
Listeners adding people as their references that they havent spoken to or encountered. And if they have, they havent been asked or agreed to be a reference to anyone. The references may feel pressured to answer when approached aboutit and may feel like they have to put in a good word because they have been put down.
Solution:
Dont put down someone as a reference unless you have asked them about it first and they have agreed. Also, make sure you know them and they know enough to be a reference as well.
Training Room
What is the training room? Its a room that holds different form of any and all training for certain roles, whether its mentors, group moderators, forum supports etc. With this, whoever has the ‘training badge can access the room at any given time.
Problem:
The issue at hand is that there have been some instances where listeners (or members) are entering the room if they werent specifically invited. They may have the training badge because they have a training on the same day, or because their badge wasnt removed after training. This can be hard for the trainees to focus when people are entering and talking in the room. They may feel pressured to answer in certain ways when people are coming in that arent apart of that training. It also becomes a problem for the trainer as they have to make sure the people that entered have left, but also need to continue their training so it doesnt run overtime.
Solution:
Ambassadors - please make sure the training badge is removed from trainees after their training is complete so everyone who has the badge should have it.
Members/Listeners with the badge-
If you see the room open and its not the time for your training, please dont enter. I know it can be exciting or it can play on your curiosity but for the sake of those training. Please dont enter, and if by chance you enter accidentally dont talk in the room and explain to the trainer it was an accident in pm. Then we ask you to leave the room.
@Kate @Laura
I have definitely experienced problems with those. To add onto what you have said @Yendi another problem relating to trainings/projects etc is username changes.
*Stealing your structure hehe*
Username changes
Username changes are useful at times when they are needed. (If you do need a username change check the section on username on this and you can find out if you are eligible for one).
Problem:
Now the problem arises when someone gets a username change and doesnt tell the leaders of the projects their own their new username or the leaders of roles they have applied to their new username. Leaders end up with old names on docs, sheets, and tag lists. And for that reason, they end up not being able to track your work, tag you, or contact you about the project or trainings, as they cant find you.
Solution:
If you have had a username change and have applied for a new role or you are apart of a team. Please let your leaders know, so they can update their tag lists, their docs, or your application responses.
@Yendi @anomalia mentioned the training room issue too. She made the following suggestions -
1) make a new Trainor badge - for folks who are regularly leading trainings in there.
2) Make the "training badge" expire after one week (or an agreed upon time)
Thoughts?
@Laura I am thinking along these same lines. Other ideas welcome but I like these proposed solutions.
@Laura
I'm all for these suggestions that @Anomalia suggested!! It sounds like it can work out a lot for both trainees and trainer in the end. Could there be a mass removal of the training badges (either before or after if this proposed new badge is able to be created)?
@Yendi - Yes - I definitely think it would be good to have a mass removal to make sure we're starting from a fresh place, but would need to make sure all ambassadors knew the date of that in advance so we could re-add the badge to anyone with trainings that day!
Perhaps a step by step process (note: if it's not hard to set up, I think this could all happen in a 3-5 day period):
1. Create trainer badge with access to training room and add all known trainers (ask ambassadors for the list of who needs this from their team)
2. Set up one week badge removal on training badge; select day to clear all and notify ambassadors with 24-48 hours notice
3. Clear all training badges; ambassadors re-add for those who have a training in the next couple days.
4. Ongoing: assign training badges as needed and remove immediately following training, but with 1 week expiration just in case someone forgets
@Anomalia
This could really work out for the best if we can have it formed and work out. Love this step by step process you lay out!
I'm glad that ideas are being brainstormed about this! It can certainly be a huge distraction for trainers and trainees! I like these ideas a lot!
