Professional development isn’t always seen as exciting. Often it is presented in a way that makes it boring, expensive, and required. Turn this notion on its head by making training opportunities motivating!
Let them choose
Give them the freedom of choice with their training. If a staff member asks for your suggestions try to lead them to making their own decision. “I notice that you are interested in STEM, so why not explore that as an option?”
Vote
If you are doing an on-site training let staff members vote on the training topic. Give them a list of choices or start from scratch with their input.
Access
With so many training options being online it is completely reasonable to give your staff access to the computer lab at your center to finish their training.
Trust them
If you are looking over their shoulder or demanding unreasonable proof of their training they will be much less motivated to complete their training.
Overall, training is important and beneficial to motivating your staff but not if it is a negative experience. Understand that there are roadblocks in the way more often than not. Be the help to make training a positive experience for all of your staff members and be open to suggestions. This will motivate your staff on many levels!