Interview with Terrence Donahue: Part I

Terrence Donahue
Presenter for the July 9 Program
"The Case of the Teflon Trainee: Overcoming Obstacles to Make Training Stick"



A BRIEF PROFILE

Terrence attended Eastern Illinois University ( the Panthers) in Charleston, where he earned his BS in Education. He attended on an athletic scholarship, competing for the Panthers in both cross country and track. He has worked as VP of Instructor Quality, Director of Training, and Senior VP prior to establishing his own business, the Performance Maker Group, in Muskego, Wisconsin. He is the father of 2 boys and 2 girls, all under 14 years of age.



Terrence's favorite spectator sport is (drum roll, please) ...professional football. His favorite team? The Chicago Bears. His favorite meal is a tossup, either ribs or pizza.



Called "The Trainer's Trainer" by his clients, his trademark is providing clients with practical processes and tools to succeed in their roles.



A FEW MINUTES WITH TERRENCE

"Terrence, how can T&D professionals ensure that line managers do appropriate follow-up to "make training stick?"



Mr. Donahue

There are several ways T&D can accomplish this.

1. Emphasize the cost of training given, but not applied


2. Influence the influencers, since T&D doesn't have authority to ensure change occurs


3. Help managers understand their role in the training process

*****

"You stated in an earlier interview that the value of T&D professionals' work will come 'not in the things, we say, but in the questions we ask.' What has helped you become a better listener?"

Mr. Donahue
Watching other people listen. I learned this from observing my mentor, both in business meetings and in social settings. I made a conscious decision to work on my own listening skills. If you can ask good questions, people never argue with their own data.

*****

"What's the biggest obstacle to learning that trainers overlook?"

Mr. Donahue
Trainees don't know why they're taking the training program or what will be expected of them upon completion of the training. This needs to be reinforced by the trainee's manager, both pre- and post-training.

In 2 weeks, we'll post Part II of Terrence's interview. Find out if his favorite actor is:

A) Will Smith
B) Charles Bronson
C) Bob Hope
D) Leonardo DiCaprio