Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sharma, Psychologist & Trainer
My
name is Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sharma. I am a trainer and a psychologist with 25
years of experience helping people shape their professional and personal lives
productively and happily. I specialise in providing training and counselling
services in areas such as stress management, interpersonal relationships,
managing conflict, managing disruptive beliefs, mindfulness meditation,
leadership development, and behavioural therapy. I hold a Ph.D. in psychology
with research done on a very relevant topic, i.e., "Effect of failure on
self-esteem and performance of an adolescent and critical analysis of the
educational system".
Apart
from this, I have an MBA in marketing and an MBA in HR. I have various
professional certifications to my credit, such as Certified Thomas Profiler
(DISC), Certified Trainer in the Law of Attraction, Internationally Certified
in various psychometric tests, and Certified REBT and CBT Practitioner. I am an
active member of various psychological organisations, such as IAP, IAC, and
many more. I have been associated with various organisations such as GSK, IPCA,
Wokhardt, Macleod, Micro, Wallace, and Akumentis as a trainer and psychologist.
Currently, I am working on research to understand stress levels in various
specialties of doctors.
Journey of a trainer becoming a psychologist
I
cannot say that I was one of those who knew what they wanted to do from a very
young age. In actuality, I do not even remember thinking much about psychology
until I became a trainer and started coming across various people with
different social-economic backgrounds and belief systems. Since I was teaching
them various subjects that would help them do better in life, I simply got
involved in understanding the human mind and its intricacies and started
reading various psychological concepts, which pushed me further towards
psychology. I practise REBT, CBT, and mindfulness to help people understand
their belief systems and live a jovial life.
Could you share a standout experience where your training
had a significant positive impact on a group or an individual?
Let
me share an interesting incident that became a learning experience for me too.
The young man who came for training was from Odisha and was having trouble in
terms of the English language, because of which he was not able to understand
any subject and mingle with other audiences. At the same time, he was from a
poor family, because of which he had low self-esteem. I worked along with him,
counselled him, and helped him through REBT to lift his self-esteem and have
positive beliefs about him. Today, t this young man is a VP in one of the
pharma industries. My lesson is that everything is possible if you decide.
How do you take care of mental health in your day-to-day
life?
Taking
care of your mental health is a crucial aspect of your overall wellbeing. Here
are some practical tips to help individuals maintain good mental health in
their day-to-day lives:
a) Establish a routine: Create a structured
daily routine that includes regular sleep patterns, daily exercise, work or
study schedules, healthy meals, and leisure activities.
b) Prioritise self-care: Take time each day
to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This can include
hobbies, meditation, reading, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved
ones. Self-care activities help reduce stress and promote a positive mindset.
c) Nurture healthy relationships: Building
and maintaining supportive relationships is vital for mental health. Invest
time and effort in connecting with friends, family, or support groups. Engage
in open and honest communication, actively listen, and seek help or share your
feelings when needed.
d) Practise stress management: Stress can
have a significant impact on mental health. Practise stress management
techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or journaling.
Identify stress triggers and develop coping mechanisms, such as delegating
tasks, setting boundaries, and practising time management.
e) Stay physically active: Regular exercise
releases endorphins, improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety. Engage in
activities you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing. Find ways to
incorporate movement into your daily routine, even in small ways.
f) Maintain a healthy lifestyle: adequate
sleep, balanced nutrition, and reducing harmful habits like excessive alcohol
or drug consumption are essential for mental well-being. A nutritious diet,
sufficient hydration, and a good night's sleep contribute to improved mood and
cognitive function.
g) Set realistic goals and manage
expectations: Establish achievable goals that align with your values and
interests. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps to maintain
motivation and celebrate small victories. Avoid comparing yourself to others and
focus on personal growth and progress.
Designing and delivering instructional, operational, and
management skills
There
are various steps that many of my colleagues follow:
a) Needs Assessment: Begin by conducting a
needs assessment to identify the specific technical, operational, and
management skills required by the learners. This could involve analysing job
descriptions, conducting surveys, or engaging with industry experts to
understand the skill gaps.
b) Learning Objectives: Based on the needs
assessment, establish clear and measurable learning objectives for each skill
area. These objectives should outline what learners will be able to do by the
end of the programme.
c) Curriculum Design: Develop a
comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the identified objectives. Break down
the content into modules or units, ensuring that each one covers the necessary
knowledge, practical skills, and managerial concepts.
d) Instructional Methods: Select
appropriate instructional methods that accommodate different skill development
needs. This may include a combination of lectures, hands-on exercises, case
studies, simulations, group discussions, and practical projects. Use a variety
of methods to engage learners and cater to diverse learning styles.
e) Learning Resources: Provide relevant and
up-to-date learning resources such as textbooks, online materials, videos, and
external references. These resources should support the instructional content
and help learners deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
f) Assessment and Feedback: Create
formative and summative assessments to evaluate learners' progress. Regular
feedback helps identify areas where learners may need additional support or
clarification. Use a mix of assessments, including practical assignments,
quizzes, exams, and projects, to gauge skill development.
g) Technology Integration: Consider
leveraging technology to enhance the instructional program. This could involve
using learning management systems (LMS) to facilitate online learning,
interactive virtual labs for technical skills training, or virtual reality
simulations for experiential learning.
h) Facilitation: Ensure skilled
facilitators who are subject matter experts and experienced in instructional
delivery are available to guide learners through the program. These
facilitators should provide necessary support, clarifications, and effective feedback
during the learning process.
i) Continuous Improvement: Regularly review
and update the instructional programme based on learner feedback, industry
trends, and changes in technology or best actices. Continuous improvement helps
ensure the programme remains effective in addressing evolving skill
requirements.
j) By following these steps, you can design
and deliver instructional programmes that effectively cater to technical,
operational, and management skills, preparing learners for success in their
respective fields.
Benefits and efficiency of mobile-based micro-learning,
Certainly!
Mobile-based learning, also known as m-learning, has proven to be particularly
beneficial and successful in various contexts. Here are a few examples:
a) Language Learning: Mobile apps and
platforms offer interactive language learning programmes that allow learners to
practise vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation on the go. These apps provide
engaging content through quizzes, games, and audio-visual materials, making
language learning convenient and accessible.
b) Skill Development: Mobile-based learning
has been effective in developing technical and operational skills. For
instance, in professions such as healthcare or engineering, mobile apps provide
interactive simulations and virtual scenarios to practise hands-on skills or
troubleshoot problems. Learners can access these resources anytime and
anywhere, enhancing their proficiency in technical areas.
c) Professional Development: Mobile-based
learning is extensively used for management skills development. E-learning
platforms provide customised courses on leadership, project management,
communication, and other essential skills for professionals. Mobile apps enable
individuals to learn at their own pace, offering flexibility and convenience
for busy executives.
d) Micro-learning: Mobile devices are ideal
for delivering micro-learning content—short, targeted, and digestible lessons.
This approach has proven successful for just-in-time learning, where employees
can quickly access specific information or refresh their knowledge on-the-go.
Mobile-based micro-learning modules have been effective for training on
compliance, software applications, or new procedures.
e) Informal Learning: Mobile devices serve
as a gateway to vast informal learning resources. Learners can access
educational videos, podcasts, and articles and participate in online
communities dedicated to specific topics. Informal learning through mobile
devices allows individuals to explore their interests and expand their
knowledge outside of formal instructional programs. When designing and
implementing mobile-based learning, it is crucial to consider factors such as
device compatibility, user experience, and the availability of offline access.
Additionally, the content should be engaging, interactive, and accessible in
short bursts to align with the mobile medium's constraints and support seamless
learning experiences. Overall, mobile-based learning has demonstrated
significant benefits in various domains, empowering learners with flexible and
personalised education experiences while expanding access to education and
skill development opportunities.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest research and
techniques in your practise as a psychologist and trainer?
As
a psychologist and trainer, staying up-to-date with the latest research and
techniques is essential for providing the highest quality services to clients.
Here are several strategies you can use to stay current in your practise:
a) Continuous Learning: Engage in
continuous learning by attending workshops, conferences, seminars, and webinars
related to your field. These events often feature experts who share their
latest research, techniques, and insights.
b) Professional Associations: Join
professional associations and societies relevant to your practice. These
organisations often provide access to journals, newsletters, and online
platforms that disseminate the latest research findings and advances in your
field.
c) Research Articles: Regularly read
scientific journals and research articles published in reputable publications.
These sources serve as valuable repositories of new research studies,
methodologies, and therapeutic approaches.
d) Online Resources: Utilise online
resources, such as reputable websites, educational platforms, and forums
dedicated to psychology and related fields. These platforms often host
webinars, podcasts, and blogs that discuss and analyse current research and
techniques.
e) Networking: Connect with other
professionals in your field through networking events, social media groups, and
online communities. Engaging in discussions and sharing knowledge with peers
can help you stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in your
practise.
f) Supervision and Consultation: Consider
seeking supervision or consultation with experienced colleagues or mentors.
They can provide valuable insights, guidance, and information about emerging
research and techniques.
g) Remember, staying up-to-date requires
commitment and dedication. Make it a priority to allocate time for professional
development and be proactive in incorporating new knowledge and techniques into
your practise.
Post a Comment