“Post-training relapse prevention” – Yes, I saw this delightful phrase in one academic paper I read to describe the practice of a follow-up session to try to prevent trainees from returning to their old patterns of behaviour.
Of course, this assumes they adopted the required new behaviours after the initial training.
I think that this should start earlier, in the initial training event.
Encourage trainees to think ahead and imagine using their newly acquired skills.
Ask them what barriers they will face? People, systems, operating procedures, culture…
In one organisation, the new way of doing things was considered ‘stupid’ and so people were ridiculed for doing it that way.
Every barrier mentioned is real to them, even if you don’t think it is real or significant.
Therefore, you need to work with them to develop strategies for dealing with each barrier to allow implementation to proceed without hindrance, and to avoid relapse.
It is hard enough for people to change within themselves, let alone in the teeth of a headwind…
