Be Fanatical About Training

It has been said (and I agree) that people are not your greatest asset, only the right people are. Well, assuming you have the "right" people in place, now it's your job, as manager, to make sure they can do the right job, the right way. To do this, you must be fanatical about training.

Training doesn't start when you have hired someone new. It doesn't even start when that person begins working their new position. No. Training starts when the manager decides what training materials and methods to use, when to use them, and how frequently to use them. Managers should create standardized training protocols, with standardized materials, that all people in the organization must complete, as a condition of employment.

Once these protocols and materials are available, then the decision of when and how often to train can be determined. The answer to this is immediate and often. Immediately train all new associates. Assign a pro to work with them in a standardized manner, 1-on-1. Test new associates on all training materials. Role play with them. Make sure they can do the job as easily as if they have been doing it for years.

Then, train often. Training is not a one-time event. The manager's job is to make sure all of the staff remains at the top of their game. New systems need to be trained along with older, existing systems. Use weekly meetings wisely and keep your staff working and thinking at a very high level by keeping them shart thru ongoing training.

Give staff relevant business topics to discuss openly. Quiz them. Give them new written materials to read and discuss from the internet. Ask them what problems they are having and what solutions they can recommend. Perform in-services on equipment, software, and communications. Emphasize customer service.

Educate the staff on an ongoing basis about exactly what it takes to remain a necessary and successful part of the organization's mission and goals.

A highly trained and educated staff will excel in every area. This staff will break records. This staff will be a REFLECTION of its manager. As a manager, ask yourself how you want others to see you when they interact with your staff.

To confidently answer this question, be fanatical about training.