It’s a question that we sometimes get asked by clients that leaves us baffled. Whilst many answers come to mind, the most obvious one is: “What happens if you don’t train them and they stay?”
We often hear business owners say that their staff is their greatest asset. That’s great to hear because I’m sure you would agree that without employees it’s almost impossible for most businesses to run.
So here’s a hypothetical: if you had a machine in your workplace that cost you $40,000 a year to run that generated income to your business, would you maintain it?
If the machine came with an instruction manual and warranty conditions that stated a regular service by a qualified technician was essential to keep the machine operating at its optimum, and failure to service the machine would render the warranty void, what would you do?
So if we believe that our staff are our greatest asset, why is it that when we ask many business owners how much money they set aside per year to train their employees the response is usually non-verbal and comprises a quizzical look on their face? This response is usually followed up with the usual excuses: “we don’t have time…” etc.
Time for a reality check – and we hope you’re sitting down for this one.
If you’re feeling frustrated by your employees who aren’t following procedures, turning up on time, keep making the same mistakes and so on, it’s time take responsibility and accept the fact that you get the people you deserve. Or as Giuseppe, one of our clients would so eloquently put it, “a fish stinks from the head down”. Any team reflects its leadership and the solution is confronting but straightforward. As Jim Rohn says “…don’t wish that life was easier, wish that you were better”.
To get better employees the formula is simple – become a better employer. It’s time to make time for team meetings: once a week is optimal. Run them to an agenda and stay on time and on track. If you run over time for meetings, you set the example that it’s OK to run over time on jobs and deadlines.
Run regular training programs for your employees. Put them in your 90 day business plans so you can schedule well in advance the topic(s), venue and attendees.
Training may consist of external guest speakers, it may be technical in nature or about personal growth and development. Some of the best training we see our clients do is where employees who excel in a particular area train other employees on how they do it.
The message is simple but powerful. Sure, some of your employees may move on. That’s a fact of life. We can guarantee that if you don’t train your employees and they stay, you may as well accept Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
For a free, comprehensive review of your management structure and systems, call Yellow Executive Business Coaching today on 02 4933 6622.
Posted by julianne, 9/10/12