Do You Need Training?

What type of training is needed?

Senior Managers know the benefit of training their people: reduction in churn, better productivity, higher engagement, improved team work, personal responsibility…and the list goes on.

However, how do they know who are the right people to train, and when is the business ready for training?

To get the best results out of your investment, consider the following questions.

1. What are your Company’s goals for the year?

What is it that you want to achieve to drive success in your business? These goals should focus on business growth and success over the coming year.

2. Does anything need to change in the company to meet these goals?

The second stage is to think about what changes you need to make in your company to meet those goals. These may include such changes as staffing numbers, team structures, software, target market, and current processes.

3. What skills will your team need to reach the goals?

Check out all the required skills your team will need to ensure you meet your goals.

4. What skills does your team already have?

Perhaps they already possess a lot of the skills you require them to have.

5. What skills or knowledge is missing?

Once these are known, prioritise those that are the most important and plan to do this training first. For example, it is of value to ensure that Team Leaders or Managers are skilled to give ongoing encouragement and informal training once their teams are upskilled.

6. What type of training will close the gaps?

This will be dependent on the needs of those to be upskilled. Some options are:

• Seminar: Lecture style when one person gives out information or instructs. This is of value when updating on product knowledge or upcoming events
• Online: Usually a mix of reading & videos but may include quizzes. Useful for refresher training or product information.
• Inhouse Training: Having experienced staff with good product / service knowledge coach for new products or systems use. High value as there is a depth of knowledge and ability for ongoing coaching as required.
• Facilitation: An external provider who can objectively guide a group to manage discussions, getting the best from each member, and bringing the sessions to a successful decision or solution. Most value with Senior Managers / C-Suite
• Workshop: Have external trainers tailor a workshop to meet your desired outcomes. Use a variety of techniques to engage with new information, demonstrate and then practise. Highly valuable for long term, sustainable change.