Why Should I Train My Team?
Training employees is one of the best things any company can do for itself and for the employee(s). No matter how much is spent on training, it is always considered a wise investment.
In the busy corporate world of today, many managers are reluctant to let go of their employees and have them miss a day of work in favor of a workshop or course. Everyone has enough to do without missing work, regardless of how noble the cause is. But, it is the duty of every manager, and also the measure of a good manager, to accommodate his/her team members’ need/right to training. It is always a good idea to factor in employees’ “training days” when planning for departmental projects and assigning tasks; if you know in advance that one of your people will not be available at a certain time, it eliminates any nasty surprises.
Following are some of the reasons that should encourage all supervisors and managers to play an active role in the learning and development of their team members.
Importance of Training
Prosperity and business growth demand a top notch workforce:
· Organizations need to invest in people
· Individuals need to achieve their full potential
· Learning must be accessible, relevant and stimulating.
Implications
To the Company
· Has a positive impact on turnover and recruitment; a company that spends money on its people cares about its people.
· Increased productivity; training opportunities allow employees a welcome break from the office, and they also get to come back with new things to help them with their work.
· Task expertise; naturally, the more you train your people, the better they become at what they do.
To The Team
· Teamwork can be improved through training and development
· Exchange of views and information; it’s always a good idea to send your employees to training events with employees from other companies- the exposure will do them good. Even customized training for your employees only is a good experience- they will get he opportunity to interact with a professional in their field of interest and exchange professionally valuable information.
· Generation of ideas; naturally- when employees meet people outside the scope of their daily work, it is inevitable that they will pick up a new idea or two that can be customized and applied.
To The Individual
· Motivation
· Stimulation
· Proactive learning/Knowledge.
Responsibilities
It is important to realize that training and employee learning and development do not only happen in a classroom. It is an ongoing process that involves both the manager and the employee all year round. Both parties concerned have specific roles to play.
Managers/Supervisors are Responsible for:
· Working with their teams to select cost–effective, learning opportunities, best suited to individual & group needs.
· Coaching and actively supporting employees with career planning and career transition, and highlighting training opportunities in accordance with the plan.
· Evaluating the benefits of training provided, and where possible linking training to on the job application.
Employees are Responsible for:
· Their learning and continuous development through planning and implementing personal learning and development plans.
· In consultation with their supervisor, selecting learning initiatives aligned with personal performance plans, career goals and the business direction of the work unit.
· Actively participating in and contributing to team –based and organization-wide learning initiatives as an integral part of their work priorities.