New Year’s Resolutions can be a productive use of time IF one plans to actually carry out the goals and objectives they desire. Especially during this last week of the old year, I think it is a perfect time to reflect on your purpose and what needs to change in the coming year.
For those of you following this blog, you know that the purpose of The Training Physical is to Diagnose, Treat and Cure Your Training Department so that you are able to meet the purpose your company depends on for their success. When training is running at top efficiency, than they are able to prepare the employee population to perform their job skills. When everything is in alignment, then success is possible.
I have three New Year’s Resolutions I would like the Training Manager to add to their list of resolutions.
First, if you do not already operate with a strategic training plan, make this an immediate action item to create one now! Then implement it as soon as you are secure in the knowledge that it will support the company’s goals. The key is to implement it, you know, actually get things done.
Second, I would like you to concentrate on increasing the professional development of each staff member in training. Whether it is their facilitation skills (classroom and virtual), their design skills (classroom, online and virtual) or their performance consulting and needs analysis skills, target an aggressive development plan to bring everyone up to speed this year.
Third, start to realize that training is an investment in the personnel of the company. You as the training manager need to focus on Exceeding the return on the annual investment your company is spending. You are not a cost center, and if you operate that way then you may find training is the first to be cut this coming year to reduce expenses. Your operation needs to save the company money, make the company money, increase sales and service levels, and exceed expectations.
I feel these resolutions will give you a more fulfilling New Year, and prepare you and your team to meet the challenges ahead.
Happy New Year!