Needle through the Balloon Trick
If you want to start your training off with a Big Bang, this one is for you. The magic kit comes with clear balloon and a long stainless steel needle. The magical effect achieved is that you or your volunteer pierces a clear or translucent balloon with a stainless steel needle and the balloon does not pop!
Purpose:
I have used this trick to introduce the following concepts:
The Importance of Proper Training
Active leaning Skills
Perception
Overcoming Perceived Barriers
Communication
Preparation:
Purchase Balloon Trick at magic store or on-line. Price range is $7 - $20. Here is a link to the cheapest one I found on-line http://www.wizardhq.com/servlet/the-5454/Magic-Top-Seller-Stage/Detail . The key to this trick is that the needle is oiled (wd-40 lubricant) and the balloon must be pierced at the thickened end of balloon and exits near the knotted end. Practice a few times yourself before you present in a group setting. Prepare an introduction and a debrief to tie the trick to your training topic. Below is an example of how I recently used the trick at an active learning skills workshop for trainers. For the purposes of this newsletter, I will include my debrief. Your debrief will vary according to your topic.
Delivery:
(Example)
Introduction:
I'd like to begin our evening tonight with a little experiment. I need a talented volunteer from the audience. Every training program requires a little magic - to engage the learner and to make the learning stick. Tonight I will be sharing with you tidbits of my personal bag of training tricks. Thank you (volunteer's name) for agreeing to help out with tonight's experiment. First, could you please blow up this clear balloon?
Now I'd like you to imagine that this balloon contains deadly micro organisms. If the balloon pops, the world's health and safety will be at risk. The only way to exterminate the micro-organisms and save the world is to inoculate the balloon with the antidote. To do this, you must pass the needle through the balloon with out popping it. Be extremely careful, because if you do pop it... the world will be destroyed. Are you ready? Are you a little nervous? Would a little training help? Whisper in the volunteers ear that he (or she) must puncture the balloon at the thicken end (base) - and out the thickened top (near knot). Volunteer does trick - the crowds go wild!
Debrief:
Ask the group: What is the point to this ice breaker? Group will reply: training is important if we want people to be successful. The facilitator suggests: Training is absolutely important, but the way we engage the learner is just as critical. This was an example of using a visual demonstration. This is just one of many ways that we can engage the learner in "Active Learning" This is the focus of today's training. Today we will explore a variety of active learning tools.
Obviously, your debrief will vary depending on your purpose of the exercise and the goal of your program.
Have fun and get creative! |
 The Coaching Corner
Focus on On-Boarding
Get Onboard or else you may find your new manager going Overboard!
One thing we all have in common is the experience of starting a new job. Stop for a moment and think back to your 1st day on the job:
- What do you remember?
- How did you feel?
- Did you receive training on day 1?
- How welcomed did you feel?
- Close your eyes and try to remember.
Now think back to the first month?
- What went well?
- What obstacles did you encounter?
- If you could change one thing in your orientation process what would it have been?
New employees have many obstacles and challenges during
their initial 90 - 120 days. Lack of Training, Relationships, Adapting to the Culture, Social Integration, Supervisor Support & Unclear Expectations
and Goals are just a few of the challenges new hires face.
Why not be proactive and take steps to facilitate a smoother transition. Employers have the power to improve the on-boarding experience for all new staff members and the pay off is significant. Better retention, less stress on the receiving department and a quicker ramp up period are just a few of the benefits. Below are my top ten strategies for successful on-boarding. How successful and consistent is your approach?
Anita's Top 10 Strategies for
Successful On-Boarding and Retention
1. Prepare for the new person's arrival (biz cards, email, keys, computer. etc)
2. Provide an Awesome Orientation - welcoming, informative & engaging
3. Ensure a Consistent On-Boarding Process
4. Define Expectations & Initial Goals
5. Map out a clear Training & Development Plan
6. Create opportunities for Peer & Team integration (social events, meetings etc)
7. Communicate the company's culture
8. Provide Ongoing Communication (continuous feedback)
9. Conduct a 30 day Check-Up Meeting with new hire to insure satisfaction
10. Offer mentoring opportunities and /or acclimation coaching.
Following these simple steps will help set your new employee up for a smooth transition.
For more on coaching and the possibilities available to you, your
company or organization, contact :
Anita Goldin at 949-387-3436
Website: www.TheCoachingCompass.com
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