At Profitable Growth Partners, we work with organizations to develop their strategy and develop their people. On occasion we have heard clients wonder “What if we train our employees and they leave?” We often respond “What if you don’t train them and they stay?” We believe that the real question is not “if” we should invest in our people, but “how” do we do it to insure increased productivity and profitability.
Many organizations have tried sending people out for “training.” Often they go to half day, one-off seminars designed to teach a new idea or skill. Unfortunately most people report little behavior change as a result. We have all experienced coming back from such a session “fired up and raring to go.” Unfortunately the day-to-day responsibilities of our jobs soon dominate our thoughts, and within a short period of time we have lost the passion to change the way we do things.
At Profitable Growth Partners, we believe that “spaced repetition” is one of the keys to developing new skills and new behaviors. For example, our Boot Camp for Managers program is a series of 12 half-day workshops that are designed not only to teach new skills, but to build in accountability, coaching, and practical application between sessions.
Spaced Repetition is just one of the ways people development at Profitable Growth Partners is different that traditional training classes.
2 comments:
Randy,
I love your philosophy. I've worked with companies who just don't get it and aren't willing to invest in enhanicng the skills of their people. Even if an occasional person does leave after being trained, the opportunity for performance training sets an example and creates a culture in which employees are more motivated. If employees are leaving after training, then I think the company needs to ask themselves the question: is there something else going on here? a non-competitive compensation system, an inadequate performance reward and recognition system, poor quality training, nonsupportvie culture, etc. At any rate, I checked out your website and am impressed by what you do!!
Thanks Robert. I couldn't agree more! The good news is that more and more companies are seeing the value. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend the book How to Measure Training Results by Jack Phillips and Ron Stone. Its has some great insights into measuring the impact of training and development on a company's bottom line.
-Randy Bancino
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