Some of you may be thinking that the sense of taste really does NOT have to be addressed in a training program. However, if you really want to create a positive learning environment, food can play a huge role. There are a number of reasons for this, so I'll just list the first four that come to mind. First, most people like to eat. Second, food is a traditional means of social bonding. Third, many people associate food with love or nurturing relationships. Fourth, chocolate can stimulate well do the same endorphins, making people feel loved.
Those who can participate in training in the private sector, continental breakfast in general, or at least coffee and sandwiches in the morning and cookies and soda offered in the afternoon. Participants can also expect that these and complain loudly, if not present, especially caffeinated drinks in the morning!
The experience of those in public sector train dramatically different, because usually there is nosuch gustatory amenities! That is why I bring candy of all kinds, including nut-free and sugar-free candy, to all of my workshops. It is an unexpected treat for the participants that creates a very positive and relaxed mood- especially if you have a variety that respects different tastes and dietary restrictions.
Sometimes, I will tell the story behind the candy. There is a tradition that when a Jewish child first begins to study the Torah, which is an important religious book, the child are asked to touch the Torah and then dip a finger in honey, to learn that learning is sweet. Now you know the origin cancel my line! It 'a proper greeting of the participants and an opportunity to strengthen its seems to take the time to invest in themselves and their education.
Over the years I have noticed a number of regional generation and personal preferences for sweets. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a watermelon Jolly Rancher candy on the race! In Wausau, Wisconsinpeople couldn't get enough of the caramels! In some locations, no one wants the dark chocolate Hershey squares, while in others, that's what the discriminating candy lover's desire. Baby Boomers really get a kick out of "old fashioned" candy mixes that include Bit of Honey and other candies they fondly remember from their childhoods.
However, in ALL locations, you can't go wrong with Hershey chocolate nuggets, both with and without nuts! I should have taken out stock in Sam's Clubs years ago, because of all the bulk candy I purchase there! Just remember to select individually wrapped candies and bring your own plastic stacking candy bowls!
Of course, there are considerations regarding the transport of candy- especially in warm months or warm climates. I made the mistake of bringing chocolates to Alabama in the summer and leaving them in the car for fifteen minutes. I came back to chocolate soup! Even in Wisconsin I have learned that I need a to keep intact candy cool during the summer months (particularly sweets, which actually melt faster than chocolate).
In winter in Wisconsin, I can keep the candy in my car or in my garage. The only restriction is that I have to warn participants not to bite because they can quickly lose a tooth in frozen candy!
So, bowls of sweets on the tables, and drinks containing caffeine and food in a convenient place to create, a warmenvironment. Cold water at each table is also a kindness, particularly if it is replenished after each break. Your participants are your GUESTS, and providing these food treats is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to establish a warm and relaxed learning environment.
If you keep the candy bowls filled and pay attention to the candy wrappers (so you can see what the individual preferences are!), you can also reinforce a caring relationship with individual participants! But don't move to quickly fill the bowls, because if the network participants receiving other dishes Candy-table to go! You will also find participants through bonding find favorite candy for each other.
Food can be as positive reinforcement or reward used during training. I like the hand Tootsie Roll Pops participants, the "Pop Up reward" during kinesthetic awareness exercises control. Cracker Jack to reward a pleasant surprise, and if you wanthow to motivate a real competition between the participants, they also offer small bags of peanut M & M's as the prize! A word of warning: To avoid creating conflict, you should give everyone a gift at the end!
If two participants, or groups are fighting for table or simply disagrees with the other, a way to lighten the mood is to ask that the offer of desserts a few others!
I also use food as a rite of passage. In Madison, Wisconsin (my home base), participants in one of mytraining that lasts for three or more days get a choice of the type of Kringle (a wonderful Wisconsin coffee-cake-like treat!) they want for the last day. They can select from a huge assortment of fruit and/or nut and/or cheese Kringle, and I always bring at least two to be sure to meet everyone's needs. This also requires remembering to bring a knife to cut the Kringle, plus napkins. In Kringle-less locations, donuts are an easy replacement.
A discussion regarding food in training programs would not be complete without mentioning lunch. Particularly if the lunch is provided as a part of the training program, you want to encourage the planners to avoid heavy meals and turkey on the menus! Both will put your participants (and possibly you!) to sleep afterwards. After lunch, your participants will appreciate finding mints in the candy bowl.
A positive gustatory experience can generate open, relaxed, and receptive learning engagement.
