Training: Skills Development
Developing a Training Curriculum
- Determine the organizational objectives
- Assess training needs
- Finalize the training objectives and budget
- Select trainers
- Select the training method(s)
- Develop and administer the training programs
- Evaluate the training
Download a PDF (20K) for detailed information about each of the recommended steps for developing a training curriculum.
Typical Topics of Employee Training
- Communications -- The increasing diversity of today's workforce brings a wide variety of languages and customs.
- Computer skills -- A necessity for conducting administrative and office tasks.
- Customer service -- Increased competition in today's global marketplace makes it critical that employees understand and meet the needs of customers.
- Diversity -- Usually includes explanation about how people have different perspectives/views and includes techniques to value diversity.
- Ethics -- Today's society has increasing expectations about corporate social responsibility. Also, today's diverse workforce brings a wide variety of values and morals to the workplace.
- Human relations -- The increased stresses of today's workplace can include misunderstandings and conflict. Training can help people get along in the workplace.
- Quality initiatives -- Initiatives such as "Total Quality Management," "Quality Circles," and benchmarking require basic training about quality concepts, guidelines and standards.
- Safety -- This is critical where working with heavy equipment, hazardous chemicals, and repetitive activities, but can also be useful with practical advice for avoiding assaults.
- Sexual harassment -- Usually includes careful description of the organization's policies, especially about what are inappropriate behaviors.
Programs and Educational Opportunities for AEs
When possible, participate in association-related educational conferences, such as NAR's Association Executives Institute (AEI) and Leadership Summit, American Society of Association Executive (ASAE) meetings, and state association-sponsored AE learning opportunities.
All REALTOR® association executives should encourage their staffs to complete the REALTOR® Association Management (RAM) Self-Study Course and to create a professional development plan that ultimately leads to the successful attainment of the REALTOR® association Certified Executive (RCE) designation.
The RCE designation is the hallmark of REALTOR® association management professionalism and proves that designees have a mastery of the skills necessary to successfully operate a REALTOR® association.
Training Vendors and Resources
Buyers Guides and Consultant Directories
- American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)
- International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI)
General Management and Professional Training (Management, Project Management, HR, Finance, Leadership, Sales and Marketing, Communications)
Information Technology Training
Customer Service Training
Disclaimer
This material was developed for use by State and Local Association Executives. Some of the information may not be applicable to other audiences. This guide is intended to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this information, the authors and editors of this guide cannot be responsible for any errors or omissions. This guide is not a substitute for legal or technical advice. Associations that need legal or technical advice should obtain opinions from their own legal or technical advisors.
Consulting Services Available from NAR Human Resources
Fee-based consulting services are available from NAR's Human Resources Department. For more information, contact Donna Garcia, Director Human Resource Services, at dgarcia@realtors.org, (312) 329-8311.
