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by:
Eric Myers, CITEC Field Engineer
Higher
profits... greater return on investment... more market share...
reputation for quality, value and fast, friendly service... better
cash flow to pay for new product development, capital equipment
and facility expansion -- the
performance of your employees is critical to success in these
areas. More training seems to be the answer. But training can
be expensive and time consuming and may not always produce the
desired results.
To
improve performance, plan the training so that it will address
specific performance deficiencies on the job... where the actual performance
falls short of the performance that is required.
Be
sure standards are in place to define the expected performance
on the job under consideration. With performance expectations
clearly defined, tools and practices can be put into place to
measure job performance.
Before
you train, be sure your employees have the physical and mental
capacity to learn and perform all the job tasks. Remedial training
may first be needed to bring employees to a level where they
can be successful in their job.
In
addition, to work at their best, your employees need:
- A
reasonably comfortable, well-lighted, safe work environment
- Proper
tools, equipment, parts, and supplies that are readily available
- Work
areas that are organized
- And
enough time to do the job right the first time
Once
the training is completed, employees need specific, timely, frequent
and accurate feedback so they know how they are doing with respect
to the standard. Feedback needs to be given in a way the employees
accept by someone whose opinion matters to them.
Perhaps
most importantly, employees need to have enough control over
their work so they can make the changes necessary to respond
to the feedback given.
Finally,
employees need to have some incentive for performing well. The
best training in the world for the most talented employees under
ideal conditions is no match for a lack of motivation. Find out
what motivates your employees on the job by asking them and
then follow through on their suggestions.
Training
is an investment in your people and the performance of your company.
Like any other investment it is good practice to weigh its costs
against the expected benefits. If it means better performance,
you'll be glad you made that investment.
EM
Eric
Myers, based at CITEC's Plattsburgh office, has proven capabilities
in analyzing the training needs of Northern New York companies,
as well as training program design and implementation. Call Eric (518-563-7565)
or e-mail him for more information. |
