Many supervisors have weekly meetings because “it has always been done that way”. Ask yourself these questions before getting started in this guide.
Why do I have these meetings with my crew?
Is this the most efficient way to provide information to them?
What does my crew expect from me and what can I expect of them?
Is there a way to improve my communication at these meetings?
Take some time to reflect on these questions before you give the next morning meeting.
What is a “Very Short Training”?
If you look at social media these days, blocks of information are shorter and shorter. Videos that are the most popular are less than two minutes! (Source: http://www.journalism.org/2012/07/16/video-length/)
You also want to have your people in the field, but a focused 15-20 minute discussion (VST) once per week can accomplish a variety of objectives:
- Gives you as a supervisor a way to deliver short pieces of information to your people on a regularly scheduled basis
- Allows you to get to know your people on a more personal level by showing that you care about their professional development
- VSTs can help mitigate potential risks out in the field and keep job safety issues fresh in your employees mind
What makes a VST successful?
- The topic is short and focused
- The topic is relevant to your crew
- It is delivered in understandable “chunks”
- The crew is comfortable (i.e. there are enough places to sit, or if they prefer to stand, they can see and hear you clearly)
- The meeting starts on time and ends on time
The meeting includes discussion. This should not be a one-way lecture