If there’s one lesson the covid-19 pandemic has taught commerce and industry, it’s that training – of any kind – can be successfully provided by a video link.
The virtual meeting room became the norm for many businesses across 2020 and into 2021, and with careful planning, the right tools, and a good routine, a virtual training session – one-to-one or as a group or class – can be successful.
There are many changes underfoot in the way we do things in commerce and industry. One of the major developments has been adopting Agile working practices in more markets than had been expected. What is Agile, and why is it making waves right now?
That’s where we’ll begin this article before we move on to discuss whether training for Agile is best given in the classroom or can be done in a virtual training situation.
Let’s start by answering the first question: what is Agile?
What is Agile?
Agile has its roots firmly in the software development market and first came about via experiments in working practices in this field in the early years of the 21st century.
The basic idea of Agile is prompted by this question: “What if we could create workplaces that drew on all the talents of those doing the work?”
Think of it this way: the current traditional business setup features a hierarchy system, like the upper managers, middle managers, team managers, team members, and so on.
Those at the top dish out the work, and it filters down to those at the bottom, who are given a specific job within set parameters.
In asking the above question, the original thinkers who came up with Agile acknowledge that those team members may have talent and ideas that are not being fully utilized.
The next question asked:
“What if those talents were focused on delivering extraordinary value to the customers and other stakeholders for whom the work is being done?”
In other words, could we deliver a better product or service for the client by allowing those currently restricted to have key input into the development of the product?
Agile is about flexibility and giving those who would normally not have a say the chance to put their ideas forward.
It’s about empowering the workforce, stripping away that tradition and restrictive hierarchy, and installing a new working framework that equally engages all of the workforces.
Such a collective talent pool is a bonus.
Agile – there are many forms, and no one set framework as the working method will differ between individual businesses and markets – jumped surprisingly quickly from the software development world to other areas of commerce and industry where the benefits were soon recognized.
Let’s talk about why you may want to bring an Agile framework to your business, and then we’ll explain why training is necessary and look at the options mentioned in the title.
Why Choose Agile?
The benefits of Agile are mainly about flexibility. The Agile framework is easier to stop, change and start than the traditional ‘waterfall’ hierarchy arrangement.
As Agile is formatted in short, fast bursts of development rather than longer modules, the direction can be changed imminently.
A problem is discovered, and the client gets delivered in a shorter time. An Agile working system will also uncover problems and obstacles far more quickly than the old way of working as more input from different angles.
Why do we recommend you engage the services of a reputable Agile training provider to retrain your workforce?
Quite simply, it’s because there is an entirely new approach to the working day that needs to be adopted.
A different mindset must replace old ways of thinking, and some members of staff – usually those who have been around a while – will find this role-change difficult to adopt.
One of the trainer’s aims is to overcome the ‘we’ve always done it this way’ stance that many people adopt.
Change can be difficult to accomplish, but by showing your team the benefit, they will get from adopting Agile, a good trainer will soon have them on the side.
Now let’s talk about classroom versus virtual training and see if we can deduce which is the better option.
Benefits of Classroom Training
The classroom is the traditional place to train a team in a new process. Yet we’ve already seen that traditional methods are being usurped, and Agile and the future of working practices are taking over. However, that’s not to say a classroom-based training route is not the way to go.
The benefits of classroom training are clear – everyone is in one place, and there is no chance of a video link falling – but the drawbacks include:
- Setting aside the time.
- Getting everyone there.
- Ensuring it is convenient for all at the same time.
A good training provider will offer the option of on-site training, which reduces the problems somewhat. Let’s have a quick look at the benefits of virtual training.
Benefits of Virtual Training
Virtual training can take two forms: a real-time training session via video link or a pre-recorded training session that is put in the cloud for the trainees to view at their convenience.
The latter method neatly overcomes the problem of ensuring attendance. It also allows the trainee to watch parts more than once to make sure they understand.
In many ways, pre-recorded virtual training offers the most comprehensive solution. It allows the trainer to carefully plan the program and redo parts they are not happy with until they are satisfied with the product.
So, the choice is yours, but the virtual option may be more convenient. Before we finish, a look at some of the problems you need to overcome in the switch to Agile working practices.
Problems to Overcome
The move towards Agile and industry of all kinds has been rapid and with good reason. The problem lies – as we have said – with getting existing employees to accept that widespread change is necessary for enabling the Agile framework.
This may even mean real-time training sessions no longer having the responsibility they once had.
For some, this may feel like a demotion, but the simple fact is the old management structure is no longer needed.
Agile is about giving everyone the chance to display their real worth, including the managers above.
Conclusion
By engaging the services of a reputable Agile training company, you will get the point across better and explain what Agile is all about and how it will benefit everyone involved.
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