Public and Onsite Seminars Motivate and Empower Employees

By: Charles (Bill) Carpenter

Public and Onsite Seminars Motivate and Empower Employees

Training for Change
    When asked, “What is one of your biggest challenges as a leader?” many managers, supervisors and team leaders answered, “Making necessary changes to keep up with changing times.” It seemed that employees just didn’t like change. After talking to the employees, we found that it isn’t so much that they are opposed to change, as they are opposed to feeling uncertain.

    It isn’t unusual for employees to be the last to hear of workplace restructuring, and then the information they hear is vague and filtered through the perceptions or fears of those passing on the information. Many employees stated that a little training would make them feel much more comfortable.

Training and Employee Retention 
    In the March 2002 issue of Entrepreneur, David Gauger was quoted as saying this about providing training for employees, “People are not as likely to jump ship – You have an opportunity to build on a stronger level of loyalty.”  A new survey released by CTIA showed that training and certification are crucial elements to increase productivity and credibility. The research showed that managers agree that training is critical to career development and quality control. At least 60% of managers cited that training produced higher levels of service. Seventy percent of certified managers said they would pursue training even if it didn’t lead to certification. The research also concluded that training was a key factor in retaining employees.

When is Training Needed? 
    There are telltale signs that tell you when your staff is in need of fresh training. When employees complain that, they are not sure how to do their job, it is time to consider training. High levels of conflict or breakdown in communication can also be remedied by training. When installing new equipment, software or techniques training should be provided for all employees that will be affected. Diversity training can keep conflict at a minimum when introducing new employees.

Training Options 
    Training comes in many shapes and sizes. Your two most likely choices will be onsite or public training. Both have advantages. Onsite training may be best if you have specific problems you want addressed in detail, or if you have a large number of employees to train. Onsite training can be custom tailored to meet your needs. Your contracted trainer can do most of the footwork and preparation based on the information you provide. The public seminar will usually offer great tips and pointers for solving many types of problems you may be experiencing. In two days you can take in the overall content of a dozen books or more. Publics are also a great way to network and learn from others who have been where you are.

Training is a Win-Win Solution 
    Whether you are trying to implement change or boost employee morale, training should be a part of your plan of action. Learning new skills will prove to be good for you and your employees. Training is a win-win solution to a multitude of workplace problems.

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