Personal Development Training for Women

Snéha Khilay of Blue Tulip Training gives us an insight into their value:

Organisations have made significant efforts to recruit and retain women over the past few years, currently highlighted through the talent management remit. This initiative aims to help ensure a steady supply of trained, competent staff with a level playing field between men and women at all levels. One approach taken by organisations to tackle the current imbalance between men and women, particularly at more senior levels, is organising personal development programmes to develop women’s personal skills and competence both in and for the workplace.

Having led personal development training programmes over recent years, it is apparent that these sessions have consistently had huge, positive impacts on the personal and professional lives of the women concerned. Typical course elements resulting in this positive outcome include assertiveness training, as well as effective communication and presentation skills.

These programmes ‘allow’ women the space and time to reflect on their goals (and dreams) and establish new strategies in pursuing these. This is supported by the empathy and good humour of fellow participants and understanding of the difficulties / obstacles encountered. Women feel better able to discuss these difficulties, saying that they would feel anxious and vulnerable in discussing these with male colleagues, the perception being, that, in sharing their difficulties (with male colleagues), they might be seen as ‘unable to cope under pressure’.

By the end of a programme a support system is created among participants through a networking process that develops naturally into long-term friendships. An added value is a better work-life balance for the women who feel they have more options and better choices.

Sylvia, a 43 -year-old woman, attended a programme initially battling with the angst that “she did not have any skills” and had been ‘plodding along in life’, focusing on her daughters and their development. Over the course of the programme, Sylvia’s confidence increased and she was able to realise (with some pride) her nurturing skills and that she had been a capable driving instructor in a previous job.

She later - sheepishly - confessed that both her daughters were at Oxbridge – the electrifying response to this in the group together with working through her limiting beliefs gave Sylvia the confidence to pursue her dream of doing a PhD.

She assertively asked her organisation to support her in a postgraduate course whilst working at the same time. Sylvia has now progressed to Director level within the same company and is a published author of a book on effective management. Sylvia claims that her loyalty to the organisation is fundamental and has valued their support; they, in turn, have benefited from Sylvia’s personal development and progression into a senior role.

“Other women sharing their experiences and how they overcame challenges was not just motivational but inspirational " Quote from a Participant

Organisations who make the effort to reflect on, and evaluate, women’s experiences have a valuable insight into how well they ‘do difference’ in all aspects of the organisational structure. By focusing on recruitment, retention, promotion, development, there is a better understanding of how these processes are managed and implemented effectively. At a practical level, an organisation can reap benefits not only through the reduced costs of fewer grievances; but by a greater number of women applying for promotion or seeking further professional qualifications after attending a personal effectiveness training programme. By maximising employee potential, it has a direct impact on employee and organisation effectiveness, productivity and profitability. It is more cost effective to maintain and develop a satisfied employee than to hire a new staff member

And what of the women who attend these programmes? Women feel more confident in confronting sexist comments from work colleagues, as well as more competent in dealing with any incidents of bullying and harassment.

Rachel, a tall majestic woman, was visibly distressed during her programme when she told of her experience of being shouted at by her manager. The same manager regularly swore and criticised her work publicly, with the result that Rachel dreaded going to work. Her dread was so bad that, at the start of the day, she would often sit in her car, overcome with anxiety and unable to go through the door. Through a combination of support from fellow participants and coaching from me, she was able to deal with the situation effectively. The change in Rachel was amazing - I didn’t recognise her when I saw her a month later – she looked radiant.

Other women participants have greater confidence in setting boundaries, often seeking out an internal mentor who can support their ongoing personal development.

Overall, there are very few women (I have yet to meet one) who regret attending a personal development programme or feel they’ve not benefited from such a valuable opportunity to reflect and re-focus on career and life issues.

If yould like to find out more, why not check her website, give Snéha a call or, if you prefer, send her an email.

Blue Tulip Training
Essence of Equality
Suite 122
186 St Albans Road
Watford WD24 4AS

Tel: 01923 467885

Mob: 07788446191

Email: sneha@bluetuliptraining.co.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This article was created on Monday, 3rd August 2009. It was last tinkered with on Tuesday, 12th January 2010.

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