WORKING FOR THE FUTURE (3): TRAINING A TEAM
Training helps to improve the technical skills of team members and develop the managerial and interpersonal relations within a team. Review and upgrade the skills of a team constantly to meet current and future challenges successfully.
Assessing Costs
Despite the expense involved in training, it is cheaper than the cost of persisting without it, which will be damaging to performance. Calculate the costs of training, including training staff, materials, room hire, course fees, subsistence, travel, and loss of work hours. Weigh up these costs against the expected financial gains and improvements evident in team performance following training.
Training Team Members
When trying to optimize the various skills in a team, involve the whole team in planning its own development. The aim is to reinforce for strengths and eliminate the weaknesses of all the team members, and develop those skills necessary to seize future opportunities and see off any threats. Discuss these aims with the whole team, draw up a training plan, and work out with each individual what his or her own needs are now, and what will benefit projects and the team as a whole in the future.
Training Leaders
As a team leader, you should be exemplifying the qualities necessary to manage a team successfully. Ensure that you receive the requisite training to develop prioritizing, progress-chasing, delegation, and motivational skills. Make these an integral part of your personal development plan, and ensure that team members – especially your deputies – also develop their own leadership skills. Listening carefully, criticizing constructively, being tolerant of error while correcting mistakes, and retaining objectivity are leadership qualities that members should use within a team and in future projects.
Using Away Days
From time to time, it can be helpful to take a team to a venue away from the workplace for a training session. Make sure that team members understand that you are planning a determined strategic work session and intend to keep firmly to the agenda. Bring in outsiders to give constructive criticism and advice. Leave the venue with an agreed action program, and make sure that individuals are accountable for each aspect of its implementation.
TIPS
- At the end of every day, ask if the team has moved forwards.
- Listen to the feedback given by trainees about training courses.
- Find the best and best-equipped training facilities.
- Use consultants to develop in-house training courses.
- Use mealtimes on away days to plan informally.
……………………………………………………………
