Creative Training for Tough Times

During a time when employers are hesitant to hire except for critical positions, training and developing the employees you have becomes even more important. No matter the economic times, you cannot afford to lose the competitive advantage that skilled people who continue to develop and play at the top of their game give your organization.

I have written about one of my preferred methods for providing training that makes a real difference in how people manage their work environment. Dave Ulrich and Norm Smallwood expand this idea and recommend how to create the best training and learning environment for adults. I have also discussed the expectation you need to have that employees, who have participated in a training or conference event, share their new knowledge and experience with coworkers. These methods maximize the bang you get for the bucks you spend on training.

Conferences and training events and seminars are not your only opportunity to train employees. Think creatively and you will identify a myriad of alternatives. I have listed ways in which organizations can pursue training and development opportunities for their employees.

These opportunities for training exist both internally and externally. Advances in technology are making customized training easier and more accessible. Factors in your work environment such as the expectation for and the appreciation of learning matter, too.

Benefits such as tuition assistance and a flexible schedule may make all the difference in an employee's ability to afford college.

What Training Opportunity Have I Missed?

I have shared some of my ideas about how to make training a vital facet of your culture. I have also shared several ideas about environmental dynamics that will promote learning in your organization. What do you do in your organization - or wish that you did - that I missed? Please share these opportunities in "comments" below.

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