Training is often used to describe wasteful time spent on learning something that isn’t based on reality. This category will focus on training that multiplies ROI.
It seems like no matter the size of the company, you will hear people complaining, “our training here stinks…oh wait, what training”. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule where training is seemingly over-the-top. However, even at these places you’ll hear people saying, “why are they teaching us this…it’s such a waste of time”.
Trust me, I’ve worked in both of these environments! There is no such thing as a perfect training program!
Great customer service isn’t always as common as we’d like. As a matter of fact, it’s fairly uncommon. If that’s true, then why don’t more businesses use great customer service to insure their success?
Let’s start by taking a look at the image above. How does it make you feel? Maybe it’s no big deal to you. It’s a nice looking sign. Someone spent some time having it made. Pretty innocent, right?
Wrong!
Personally, when someone tells me they have a secret, I usually role my eyes. In this case, I considered the source, and actually decided to listen. I’m SO glad I did!
Of course, what I’m referring to is the book, “The Secret of Teams” by Mark Miller. Mark is a long-time Chick-fil-A executive and is well known for his work there. So, I decided to pick the book up through my Audible account and listen while working out. I’m also very happy that I chose to consume it this way!
This post is Part 2 of 3 in a series of posts on giving your boss a leadership makeover. Check out Part 1 here.
This series was inspired by another series of posts titled, The Problem With Parenting Today, by Matt McWilliams.
Ok, so in my last post we talked a little about personal accountability via the QBQ’s. Get rid of the who’s, why’s, and the when’s and add in the what am I gonna do about it; that’s a recipe for success. This is a simple, but powerful way to overcome some pretty big obstacles. Did you practice it? Let me know.
Next on the makeover list is what I’m calling servant leadership. I’d love to say this is the one where you get to walk up to your boss and tell him how terrible he is in front of everyone. It’s not. I promise that’s the next one…
This post is Part 1 of 3 in a series of posts on giving your boss a leadership makeover.
This series was inspired by another series of posts titled, The Problem With Parenting Today, by Matt McWilliams.
We’ve all had bosses that are, well, less than stellar. Just like anything else in life, good ones are few, and great ones are rare. With that being said, there is one trait that I’ve noticed that makes all the difference. Do they want to get better?
If the answer is yes, then you are already working with a potential great boss. A real leader may be in there somewhere. Congrats!
If the answer is no, then you may have a tougher road ahead, but all hope is not lost.
This week I had the pleasure of sitting through a very technical training course. I’ve been through many of these over the years and could easily pick apart the session for it’s lack of innovation and engagement. However, I’m not going to do that (what fun would that be?).
Employee training is vital to an organization for several reasons:
These aren’t the typical reasons that you think of when you talk about training. Notice I focused on one word in most of these, “people”.
This is about people at the end of the day, no matter how technical the information covered.
After the training I sat through this week, I had two separate encounters. One team member who was eager, appreciative, and energized from the experience. The other bored, frustrated, and underwhelmed by the exact same session. It was like Jekyll & Hyde.
Both had similar levels of experience. Both were very intelligent and successful in their respective positions. So, what’s the difference here?
Attitude.
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. -Winston Churchill
The first person I spoke with had gone into the meeting looking for reasons to learn, grow, and enjoy the experience this training session had to offer. The other had gone in assuming that this would be boring and worthless. Of course both of their visions came true.
Interestingly enough, the team member with the positive attitude asked more questions of the presenter. By doing so, he turned a lukewarm presentation into a much livelier debate with stories and anecdotes that made the entire experience better for everyone in attendance.
There is no doubt that when it comes to training, attitude is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Question: What is your attitude when it comes to training?
Memory like an elephant – Evernote
Just over a year ago, I discovered an app that literally changed how I live my life. I realize that sounds pretty fantastic and kind of hyped, but it’s true. Let me share with you how I use the Evernote App to squeeze more out of almost everything I do!
If you are already familiar with Evernote, then I’m preaching to the choir here. However, I run into people all the time that either haven’t heard of this simple note-taking app. Most likely because it’s just been drowned out by the zillions of other seemingly useful apps.
For me, the key to Evernote’s practicality is the fact that it can be used via your computer’s browser or from your phone. This allows me to punch up my notes on any subject using my keyboard and then jump in my car and go!
Here’s some of the things it replaces in my home:
Photo by Lydur Skulason
The word “training” is not a four letter word! This may come as a shock to many leaders and business owners. That’s because it’s often only associated with a cost. Meaning that much like paying taxes or getting a mole removed…you only do it because you have to.
Obviously, I’m going to go ahead and disagree with you here Mr. Leader / Biz owner. But let me preface that by saying, if training is done properly there should be significant ROI. I’m also going to go out on a limb and say that “one-time training sessions” are mostly a waste of time if you’re looking for significant change.
Let me repeat that in a different way…significant change doesn’t happen in a classroom or in any of the following places:
Ideas are planted there, but true change and mastery of skill, happens over time.
I help bosses engage their people and people engage their bosses. Creating a more profitable and fulfilling work environment. Join me...
