How to Leverage Training (Part 2): Our Initial Results

In my last post I discussed the concept of making training — rather the followup to training — something that the entire staff can take part in. If you missed it, you’ll benefit from getting the background with How to Leverage Training (Pt. 1) — How to Make it a Whole Team Activity. This sets the stage for what’s in this segment.

We’ll report on our progress incrementally

When I decided to write about our shared training experience I figured I would let it all play out, and then report on the outcome. That changed when I…

How to Leverage Training (Pt. 1): Make It a Whole Team Activity

Imagine if you could multiply the benefits of training, easily and in a way that produces greater value for all involved. That’s what I’m going to give you in this post.

Our story

We recently closed our company for a full day — mid-week — so that each member of our team could attend a leadership teleconference; 10 world class speakers and thought leaders, who deliver exceptional value that touches attendees in many ways.

For a small company this is no small undertaking. It would mean that work would pile up that had to be done the next day, and no sales calls would be made. It was a zero revenue day, and we had projects with deadlines.

Our manager felt that it would be a good time for the whole team to have a shared learning experience. I trust her judgment and during the course I began to think of a way to not just leverage the training benefit, but to…

It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Hello

Every year it is suggested that certain words be retired from our language. If it hasn’t already been nominated, I suggest we stop using “hello.”

No, I haven’t lost my mind.

This is actually a contextual thing.

I don’t want to take such a warm and wonderful word out of general use, one we use umpteen times a day when greeting people on the phone, in e-mails, or in person.

“Hello” has a permanent place in our language (and in my heart).

What I want to see become quick history is the other version:

Effort vs. Production — Getting People On the Correct Page

You have to love people who give 100 percent all the time. Athlete’s call it “leaving it all on the field.” There’s nothing left in the tank. You did everything you could to deliver the winning results.

Sometimes people in our organizations give this level of effort, and still fail.

What if a worker tries as hard as humanly possible, but fails on a regular basis? What should you as a leader do?

It’s a Great Time For Boomers

If you’re in the Baby Boomer generation I hope you feel the way I do — that it’s a great time to be in the workforce.

Sure, some changes are more difficult than others to accept, and technology can be a challenge, but the generational makeup is in our favor.

Jerry, reduce dosage

I can hear some people say, “Don’t abuse your prescription medicine, are you crazy — the generational makeup is against us.”

Well, it would be if the Gen Y (aka Millennials, Gen “We”) crowd was more like the Gen X-ers, but in reality they’re more like Boomers.