Training Trends
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- We are highly experienced. Training & Development Solutions, formerly known as the Charles I. Ecker Business Training Center, has been serving Howard County for more than 20 years.
- We have the knowledge you need. Occupational advancement is what we are all about. We are here to provide the answers, solutions, alternative approaches, fresh ideas, and resources you need.
- We encourage and embrace change. We understand that change is not always easy, but we also understand that it is imperative for growth in today’s competitive marketplace. Our team is here to guide and support you, with a positive spin on how to accept and embrace change.
- Our team of trainers is superior. We connect you with expert trainers who will take the time to get to know you and map out a strategic approach to professional development, in line with your goals, opportunities, and challenges.
- Our service offerings are diverse. We know that no two businesses are the same, and everyone faces different challenges. Our line-up of programs, services, and courses reflects that understanding. We have something for everyone.
- We believe customization is key. Through a process of discovery, we get to know each client on a very personal level, and then build unique training programs in line with what each individual client needs. Customized solutions set us apart, and assure you will see a positive return on your investment.
- Where you learn is up to you. Some clients choose to train at our site, located at the Maryland Innovation Center at Gateway. Others prefer that we bring our program on site at their location. And some ask for virtual courses. We are flexible and work to accommodate clients based on the training format that is most ideal for them.
- We adopt industry best practices. Our team stays abreast of the latest, most advanced, most innovative, and most effective growth strategies, proven by some of the most successful businesses in America. We leverage the experiences and outcomes of others to cultivate an exciting and outcomes-based teaching environment where everyone thrives.
- We serve individuals and teams. Looking for executive level coaching? We offer that. Interested in opportunities for specific members of your team to participate in a training program? We can accommodate you. Searching for a program that will engage every person you employ, across a wide range of job functions? Yes, we can tailor a program to match your needs.
- We make it fun! We believe professional development and training opportunities open a door for people to get out of their everyday work zones, loosen up a bit, and connect with their colleagues in new and exciting ways!
- Planning. This process lays the foundation for project. It is when the purpose of the project is clarified, along with goals, people who need to be involved, tasks and expectations, timelines, budgets, and intended outcomes.
- Teambuilding. This process allows for identification of a leader or set of leaders, a team or set of teams, with clearly established roles, to facilitate the project from start to finish.
- Communication. It is important to map out who needs to know what, in what level of detail, when, throughout the direction of the project. Along with that, it is important to understand what internal or external communications systems can and should be used (for example — email blasts, Intranet pages, or printed materials for internal audiences, and email blasts, web site and social media pages for external audiences).
- Documentation. Process plans, task charts, key notes, key findings, data, outcomes, and details on next steps should be documented and are often reported out to leaders and stakeholders as projects are facilitated.
There are so many reasons to partner with TDS as you look ahead and identify your organization’s professional development and training needs. Here are our top 10!
Think about all of the things that need to take place from the time a project in the workplace begins, to the time the project is considered completed. There are big projects that require time and talent from many team members and could call for a tremendous investment in resources. And there are small projects that may not involve as many people or as much of an up-front investment, yet are still important. The common thread is that strong, solid, and strategic project management is vital for success, regardless of the size or duration of any project. This is why more and more business owners and leaders are choosing to invest in project management training and certification, for themselves, the team leaders, and those within their organizations that demonstrate leadership potential for the future.
Some of the things project managers need to account for, regardless of the size or duration of the project, include:
Strong and solid project management is critical as business owners and managers identify challenges and opportunities, and embrace change that can lead to positive impact. Project management is relevant to all industries, regions, and methodologies, but its value has proven to be especially apparent in government, healthcare, technology, education, and business / consulting-based organizations.
Let’s consider, for example, a technology firm that wants to introduce a new service platform. The company’s leadership team will likely designate a project manager, who will become the “keeper” of every detail associated with planning, building, introducing, launching, and sustaining that new service platform. In addition to establishing tasks lists and timelines, building teams, and facilitating communication, that project manager will also assure decisions are made and approaches are determined in line with the big-picture project goals. It could be about delivering a service that clients are demanding, increasing profit, decreasing costs, or implementing agile approaches for reducing time to market in order to produce higher returns.
“Having a strong project manager at the helm gives the project the highest likeliness for success,” said Izzy Nalley, Director of Marketing, and Learning and Development Manager for APB & Associates, an established partner of Training & Development Solutions at HCC. “It’s the person who is going to ask the deep and hard questions, determine the best ways to approach the various components of the project, and ultimately assure the time and effort going into the project is going to produce a worthwhile return.”
These days, the number of professionals seeking certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI) is on the rapid rise. Certified Project Management Professionals (PMPs) are trained to lead based on the highest industry standards and best practices. They understand the importance and benefit of being a change agent, and are committed to leading – strategically with a focus on value-added business outcomes.
“Certification as a PMP gives you credibility and a competitive advantage as you are looking for job opportunities or ways to advance and grow in your career,” said Nalley. “It tells employers that you have the knowledge, experience, and skills to lead when it comes to solving problems or pursuing promising opportunities.”