An Incomplete Education?

In 2008 a friend gave me a book titled “An Incomplete Education.” The book contains “3,684 things you should have learned but probably didn’t.” It’s a delightful book full of information ranging from the trivial to the significant. The title of the book captures your attention immediately. And, it makes you think. When is an education “complete?”

In every organization, employee-related and legally-related (risk management) training such as harassment, safety, etc. is mandatory. This training, when properly presented, helps reduce the risk of inappropriate behavior in the workplace and the potential, resulting lawsuits. Another standard reason an organization provides an employee with training and/or development is when a performance appraisal indicates improvement is needed.

But let’s step away from the subject of mandatory training and discuss training as an “investment” in your employees.

The education and development of employees have a large ROI for the employer. With proper training, employers may see increased productivity, increased efficiencies in processes and reduced employee turnover. Employees may experience increased job satisfaction. Additionally, an increase in skills and knowledge leads to better pay, promotions and positions. Properly trained employees can carry out their work responsibilities with greater effectiveness and efficiency. `

When the decision is made to move forward with a training program, there are many things for the employer to consider:

• Identify the employee to be trained.
• Ensure that the training is relevant to the employee's job (conduct a needs assessment).
• Does the employee see the connection between his/her job and the training so that he/she understands the value?
• Consider the employee's ability to learn the material and use it.
• Is the training program designed with the employee in mind (identify the training process)?
• What will be the method of training? Will the training be "on" or "off" the job? If "on the job" training what technique will be used (mentoring, job rotation, coaching)?

As adults, many employees are motivated by training and continuing education that may provide a future reward rather than immediate satisfaction. Well trained employees are the key to your success!