So, You Are Going To A Conference (Or A Course) . . .

I was chatting recently with a fellow Maverick about creating a culture of on-going learning for him and for his team. He was sending a couple of his key people to our 2-day ‘The Art of the Tough Conversation’ course.

The question we were working through was how to ensure value for the time invested when sending team members to a conference/course.

Being around other leaders who are committed to learning and growing has been one of our key strategies for life long learning. Attending high-value courses and conferences has been a key part of that strategy.

As leaders we are always watching for opportunities to inspire, encourage and challenge those around us to keep growing. Courses and conferences are a tremendous tool to help that to happen. This issue is ensuring you get a good return for the time and money invested.

I know that a number of Mavericks will be attending the upcoming May 6^th, Leadercast event in their local community. Some leaders are bringing up to 18 people from their team. That is a BIG investment!!

(If you are from Guelph and surrounding area and are still thinking of attending click on the button below.)

Here are 4 reasons to consider when attending a learning event, such as the upcoming May 6^thLeadercast event.

1. Energize you and your team. There is a beautiful energy that happens when we engage with other leaders who are learning and growing.
2. Idea generating. Hearing from other leaders, even those not in your industry, is a catalyst for ideas you can use in your business.
3. Connection with other growing leaders. Over the years I have attended many learning events. As a result, I have a number of life-long friends and business connections who continue to add value for me.
4. Serve & bless others. A learning event is a tremendous way to serve and build relationships with your team, your clients and your suppliers.

So here is the question…

“If I or others attend a course or conference, how do I ensure that we get a good return for the time and money invested, including opportunity cost?”

Here is my version of a Socrates quote…

Here are 4 questions to help ensure you realize a significant return for your “Learning Day Investment”.

1. What’s my objective for them (for me) going?

• Is there a core skill needed for the future?
• What’s the value opportunity for them, for you, for the business, for the team, etc..?

2. What are the top 1 or 2 challenges that could be addressed by attending?

• What’s been getting in your way of achieving what’s needed?
• What are the implications of this remaining unaddressed? Does it matter?

3. What’s our teaching plan?

• How will we teach the event content to the rest of the team?
  • Tip: Break the content of value into small pieces so that the team can be taught over time?
• When and how will we do this?
• What will we want the team to do with this learning?

4. What’s the “leverage plan” post conference?

• What’s our plan to ensure we leverage the learning from the event?
• Who will do what by when?

A Maverick Application:

Consider learning events you and other team members have attended:

1. Using the 4 questions above, evaluate the past events in which you have invested?
2. What has been the return for the time and money invested?
3. What were the contributing factors (good or not so good)?
4. What will you do differently going forward to help ensure a greater return?