Training is a critical part of the work experience that can help employees to understand better their environments, their colleagues, the policies governing the space and more.
However, believing in myths can impede these necessary efforts. Instead of allowing false beliefs to stifle the business’s growth, consider how employee learning can lead to a more productive work environment.
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Training must take place in person
Recent history has shown that virtual platforms can be just as effective as in-person spaces for some work-related activities. Allowing employees to complete training at their own pace is an effective approach, and a virtual space lends itself to this experience.
While you will need to implement a clear deadline for the full completion of the training program, employees can move through the modules at a speed that allows them to absorb the material. If the training also involves hand-on components, you can develop a hybrid program.
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Training must be entirely lecture-based
During training sessions, conveying some information to employees in a lecture-based style is useful. However, presenting all of the content in this way can be boring. Lecturing also does not necessarily teach employees how to apply information.
You can put together a custom corporate training program that combines different approaches, such as lecturing, gaming, collaborating and taking quizzes. Varying instruction is a smart way to hold the attention of all of your employees.
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One person must establish the rules and guidelines
Think about how your employees might be more receptive to learning experiences if the information being taught was put together collaboratively. For example, maybe you want to teach your employees about new protocols for working with customers.
If you are the only one establishing those protocols, however, your employees might feel as though their input is not valued. Further, they may question why the protocols do not allow for any variation.
Depending upon the nature of the learning material, you could assemble a task force to build the content, or you could distribute questionnaires to all employees asking for their input.
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Training is for new employees only
When people envision training on the job, these individuals often think of their first few days in a new position. However, learning is an ongoing experience. Your business should offer training sessions for both new and seasoned employees.
Consider the vast opportunities that exist for training and learning. You may need to educate employees on new policies from the state, or you might want to train your team members in techniques for more effective writing emails to clients. Learning and training can be ongoing processes at your business.
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Training isn’t for you
As an owner or manager of a company, you might think of training as an experience that you lead. However, you should also participate in training sessions as a learner. Establishing training sessions for managers and taking part in learning opportunities yourself are also important.
When employees see that you’re also willing to learn, they can feel motivated and empowered to sign up for training sessions themselves. Further, by including yourself in the learning community, you’re showing that you recognize your own need for growth and development. In other words, you aren’t giving employees the impression that you know everything already.
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Learning is a one-time experience
After the training session, you might have the unreasonable expectation that employees will incorporate all of the newly taught skills immediately. Keep in mind that learning new skills and actually implementing those techniques are different processes.
You’ll need to decide what approach to take depending upon the nature of the lessons. For example, if employees are violating new health and safety codes, you will need to take more serious steps than if your team members are struggling to implement some of the strategies for writing more effective web content. One possibility is to schedule a follow-up seminar or to send out email reminders.
People have the opportunity to learn virtually every day, and the same is true for your employees. In the creation of training sessions, remember that all of your employees are different. The team members do not all learn in the same way. Therefore, using various methods and platforms for instruction allows you to better speak to all employees.
