Competency and confidence expands, contracts or remains static depending on whether people receive the stimulation they need to develop — or not. The phrase, “I’m in a rut” is born of an individual’s languishing potential. 

According to GoHR.com, fully 40 percent of employees who receive poor job training leave their positions within the first year. According to the results of a Harris poll, 70 percent of  employees would be at least somewhat likely to leave their positions and take jobs with organizations known for investing in employee development. These statistics reflect the value of training in decreasing turnover and increasing satisfaction.

Owners, team members and companies all fall into ruts, but this must be overcome to experience happiness and success and increase potential. The way out of a stagnant state is through ongoing learning opportunities designed to expand the skills and mindset of the team and professional development that challenges and stretches the capabilities of team members over time.  

The success of any team depends on a highly effective approach of training, coaching and targeted professional development. Research the greatest companies, and you’ll find a solid business model that includes consistent and effective training as a key component to their exceptional successes.

Trainings provide opportunities for team members to learn, grow and develop their abilities. However, trainings are too often sporadic and lack follow-up and follow-through. For any training or professional development program to be effective, it must be conducted regularly and delivered by a competent and engaging professional. In addition, participants must be willing to learn and the training applicable and reinforced consistently in day-to-day operations.

People come alive with clarity, excitement, direction and motivation when working with a dynamic trainer or coach who connects with them. Those who desire to learn and grow stand out: They listen intently, ask questions and reach for even more with open eyes and minds. Most people want to learn. When their learning is supported in an ongoing and consistent way, they become more competent and confident.

Trainings also help identify team members who’re unmotivated, unwilling to learn and constitute obstacles to the success the rest of the team works to achieve. Once these people are identified, further work can be done with them on a one-on-one level to help them become an asset. If it’s determined that’s not going to happen, letting these individuals go positions your company to hire up and bring on potential top performers.

While providing trainings that solely enhance the technical skills of your team are better than nothing, it’s the trainings that teach your people how to manage their minds that are far more effective and long-lived. If you truly desire to stretch the capabilities of yourself and your team, trainings must be engaging, challenging and empowering to the very thought processes of those in attendance.

One of the best ways to assist yourself and your team members is through targeted trainings to overcome gaps in not only skills, but also behaviors, business acumen, emotional intelligence and motivation. The use of unbiased and statistically accurate assessments identifies specific gaps in individuals and teams. With this vital information, a professional development expert can target areas that present obstacles to top performance.

Targeted, effective trainings infuse your company with energy and strategies as well as new information and fresh perspectives. When talented and motivated individuals are stimulated through trainings and their growth is nurtured along the way through coaching and professional development initiatives, they rise to new heights in their capabilities and performance. Coupled with a sustained internal effort, the return on your investment is significant.

Talented, motivated and competent people are at the very core of successful companies. Their skills and the strength of their mindset empowers them to operate at their highest levels on a consistent basis.

If you make the wise choice to expand the competence and confidence of your team members in 2021, ensure a greater return on investment by making high-quality trainings, coaching and professional development a consistent and ongoing part of your business culture. The payoff will be more effective team members, improved customer satisfaction, decreased turnover and increased revenue.