These two words - training and communication – can and should be used by every business to improve operations and, ultimately, net profit.
First Step and Final Step
Generally, the first steps in the hiring process of employees are the typical resume review, interview, reference check, background check and, perhaps, a credit check or aptitude test of some type. The employee when hired is given minimal instructions about the job and expected to perform with utmost perfection. For many businesses, this first step is also the final step. After beginning the job, there is no training and little communication. If the employee excels and customers are satisfied, the end result luckily turns out to be positive. If on the other hand results are bad to mediocre, the employee will probably depart one day...either fired or quit...leaving in the wake, a trail of dissatisfaction's for the employee, business, and customers encountered along the way. This is unfortunate for the business when the efforts of the first step of the hiring process also becomes the final step of any real attempt to make a success of the job for all concerned parties.
Intervention
Businesses regardless of size should strive to make every employee as successful as possible. Both sides prosper when this happens. Genuine success, however, is a byproduct of continuous training and communication. Irrespective of the level of position or experience, employees need guidance on best practices and updated knowledge for their particular job and skill level. Training is another important ingredient adding to business success.
Training
Training is not simply a one-off instructional session...meaning relevant training is not something that happens only one time. The real value in training comes from consistent training, oversight, and feedback coupled with additional training. This process when repeated, produces more positive results than training that rarely occurs or happens at random times throughout the year.
From top level to bottom level, every employee needs to be constantly refreshed and updated regarding their job. Little, insignificant details or even larger, more significant details, have a way of being forgotten or overlooked if not periodically reinforced. Whether related to sales, administration, management, engineering, service, or customer relations, training is what keeps employees in sync with the objectives of a business.
Communication
While training is one important element leading to business success, communication is another important element. When discussing the context of training, communication is closely related. Communication cannot be one-sided. There must be back and forth dialogue, so the person being trained feels comfortable in asking questions and seeking additional guidance. If this situation does not exist, then training cannot achieve the highest level possible.
Communication is also about keeping employees informed about current and future events, changing products and services, customer feedback, management observations, ideas for change, career opportunities, or revised business objectives. Employees love being informed and need to be informed. This can only be achieved when clear and constant messages are communicated from one level down to each subsequent level depending, of course, on the size of the business.
Simple But Forgotten
Training and communication...so simple, yet so often forgotten. Efforts on the front end can produce surprisingly significant, positive results on the back end; certainly a great return on investment.
Comments