“Continual Training – Get on Board!”
by Chris Reinhardt, feedlot specialist
Unlike things like technology implementation, the geographical location of your business, or any economies of scale your business may have, superior management of your most precious assets—your PEOPLE—are difficult if not even impossible for your competitors to duplicate. This is because relationships are not created through some cookbook formula that can be taught in a management theory class or a self-help book. Healthy relationships and a positive, rewarding, energetic work place requires long-term intentionality and sacrifice.
One way we can enhance the belief by the team is a commitment by the organization to helping everyone be better at each aspect of their job duties.
We normally think of training as either (1) for new employees so they learn the rudiments of their new job, or (2) some safety or compliance training to appease the liability police. But that completely ignores the third possibility (3) that training could make your business run better, your employees more skilled and more content in their work, and your business more efficient and more profitable.
Research indicates that a culture which is committed to continual training results in greater return on equity vs. a company which is not so committed. This may be because (a) the actual training itself results in significantly improved worker productivity over time resulting in greater returns, or (b) the company which is committed to continual personal improvement may also be committed to other factors which result in greater worker satisfaction and reduced turnover. Reduced turnover—provided the workers are valuable, dedicated, and talented—will in itself result in improved efficiency by reducing the productivity lag caused by open positions and the continual re-starting of the process of workers learning to do their respective jobs.
Find ways to keep workers engaged and growing in their role. Their output (personal productivity) will increase, as will their input (contributions to overall team productivity and morale). Every investment you make which results in enhanced job satisfaction and employee retention will yield huge benefits long-term in the form of company efficiency and productivity.
