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Why Does Training Work?

Why Does Training Work?

Terry Hawkins looks at why you need to start training your staff……and never stop!

About three years ago I decided (well a group of we crazy parents decided!) that it would be a great idea to learn how to surf. We booked our sessions (three in total) and headed for the beach on a cold, windy October morning. I am so glad I paid for the entire three lessons upfront because after that first lesson, I can honestly say that I did not enjoy the experience and probably would not have turned up on that second or third week.

I now consider myself and expert – but before you jump to thinking I am an egotist, let me explain……

What am I an expert at?.......
LEARNING! And falling off the board, of course! My relatively new sport has taught me the importance and the excitement of learning.

At first I was terrified – I can still feel my heart pounding in my chest as I gripped that board and it sped through the foam – yes, the foam! Someone said to me once, are you not scared of sharks? I have to tell you, the size of the waves I surf in, they would end up with belly rash!!

My greatest fear came from experiencing something that I had never done before.
The more I faced those waves and the more I attempted to jump up on my board, the easier it became.

How I looked, how I felt and what “might” happen was over-ridden by the sheer exhilaration of a 15 second ride into the beach. For one reason or another I didn’t get the opportunity to surf for about eight months in the second year and I was surprised at how easily I had forgotten almost all of what I had learnt. It felt like I was back at square one!
Surfing is now something I do on a regular basis so I don’t lose my skill level or miss out on the enjoyment.

STAFF TRAINING IS EXACTLY THE SAME

Training is not an occasional thing but an “all the time” thing. If we want to continually improve and develop the standards within our business we need to ensure that coaching and training become a part of our daily routine.
So many business people want great results. They spend a fortune on marketing, promotional activities, great facilities and yet the one area of their business which can give the greatest return on investment, their people, is given such miniscule focus.
It amazes me that a lot business expect all their problems to be answered by attending one course or having one meeting. Some of us spend more money having our company cars serviced that we do on the entire development of ourselves or our people.
What you believe is appropriate as an investment in your people depends on what you value. If you value education or growth, then you will see the importance and difference this will have on your overall bottom line.

I believe we owe it to ourselves and our people to constantly look at ways to improve. If we’re not getting better, then we are getting worse. There is no room in the development of your business to have the “I’ve done it, tried it!” attitude. That’s like saying “I went to the dentist in 1973, why do I need to go again?” as you ask someone to start your tomato off for you because all of your teeth have fallen out!
Anything worthwhile requires an investment of time, money and effort. If we want to take our standards and performance levels to the next notch then we must be willing to do what it takes to make that happen.
Training and coaching, whether that be internal or external programmes or both, allows for a business to continually evolve. That’s better than only ever hiring experience, and then wondering how to keep these people inspired and loyal. Continual education is food for the soul and the mind, and in the workplace it is one of the key factors in high staff retention and morale.
It may be important to use the checklist below to determine how on track you are to providing a supportive and development-based infrastructure.
I understand how hard it is for a small business to find funding for intangible things such as training. I constantly get the question, “what if I train my staff and they leave…” I love the answer, “what if you don’t train them and they stay!”
The best piece of advice I can give you is to make it inspiring. If you make it fun, interesting and add element of people skills with the work skills you’ll have them coming back for more and more.
Training is like starting a health care regime….it takes a little while to see the results but once it starts, it just keeps building. We have clients who have been on board for 16 years and have prospered incredibly from a commited and dedicated approach to the development of their staff.
We also have clients who have just come on board and panic because they are not getting instant results. It’s about being in it for the long haul, not having a series of one hit wonders!
The hardest part is getting started and staying on track. Is it hard?.....YES! Is it rewarding?.…In every way possible! Just DO something!

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