The Importance Of Training (And Reinforcement Learning) For Effective Operations

The Importance Of Training (And Reinforcement Learning) For Effective Operations

The organization invested in some expensive technology. Everyone was initially trained, but now it seems like certain groups aren’t leveraging the system as well as they could be. Do you have a comprehensive training program?

Continual training is important because it provides employees with the knowledge needed to effectively use the systems. Proper training helps employees understand and stay current with the latest features, functionalities, and best practices of the system. This can lead to increased confidence and productivity to streamline their work. And when employees understand the system, they are more likely to use the system correctly, reducing the risk of mistakes and errors.

Different Training Options

E-learning, online class, education, training concept

Did you know that individuals typically only remember a fraction (as little as 10% after two weeks) of the information from a training session? Everyone is unique and learns differently so offering a variety of training options can make the training program more inclusive. Plus, having multiple options is great for reinforcement learning. Also, individuals may be working remotely, or the organization operates in multiple locations. Some training options you may want to consider are:

1. Instructor-led training – recurring scheduled training sessions in a classroom setting where there is an instructor allowing for direct interaction with the students. These sessions may be in person or virtual.

  • Have some type of handout for individuals to take notes on.
  • It’s critical that the content is relevant (preferably with real-world examples) so that individuals know how to apply what they’ve learned!
  • Encourage individuals to participate in discussions. Engagement promotes retention!

2. Web-based training – training sessions such as videos that are recorded so that employees can access them at their convenience. This is great for employees who work “off hours” or outside the main office. Some options are:

  • Purchase a learning management system (LMS) which not only offers the content, but also tracks progress, assessments, and reporting.
  • Create self-paced interactive courses (with minimal technical skills) using tools like Articulate leveraging PowerPoint slides.
  • Create custom training videos with tools like Camtasia.

3. Written materials – some employees may prefer to read training materials on their own. This includes user manuals, online help, quick reference cards, or cheat sheets.

4. Train the trainer or SMEs (subject matter experts) within departments who can provide more customized training, especially for new employees.

Benefits Of A Comprehensive Training Program

Ransomware, malware, virus, cybersecurity threat concept

When new employees join the organization, there are many concepts including systems, processes, and policies that they need to become familiar with. A lot of new information is coming at them and they will probably benefit from some “refresher” training for reinforced learning. Having training options that accommodate how they learn best can help them ramp up and become more productive faster.

Besides reinforcement learning, other times when employees benefit from training are when there are changes. When employees get promoted or transferred to a new department, they’ll need training to acquire the new knowledge needed to be successful in their new role. Also, most software vendors will produce a major release annually. You want to ensure employees can leverage the new updates which could be compliance or regulatory related.

Cybersecurity threats are still on the rise so make sure you have a rigorous security training program. It may include phishing awareness, social engineering awareness, and the importance of using strong unique passwords.

Create a specific training site on your intranet so the training resources are in one central location and are easily accessible to all employees. It’s an easy way to make sure everyone has access to the most current versions of the training materials.

When the organization offers a comprehensive training curriculum, it shows that investing in the employees’ personal development is important. They provide employees with the tools and resources needed to excel in their roles. Employees will appreciate these efforts, which can lead to increased employee morale and motivation.

For more information on investing in a comprehensive training program to maximize the use of your technology, follow me on LinkedIn!

Emergency Preparedness: How Prepared Are You When The Next Disaster Happens?

Emergency Preparedness: How Prepared Are You When The Next Disaster Happens?

It’s not if you’ll be affected by a disaster but when! And whether it’s a major power outage or natural disaster, most employees’ priority will be to ensure that their family and property are safe before work or anything else. Help them be prepared so that they can respond effectively when a disaster occurs.

Having an emergency preparedness plan doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, most people are familiar with fire safety at home including the importance of installing smoke alarms and replacing batteries during the daylight savings time change. Or in elementary school learning to “stop, drop, and roll” if your clothes caught on fire.

A home fire is one potential emergency. Start a plan and continue building on it. You want to determine what types of disasters are common in your area. Are you susceptible to power outages, hurricanes, or earthquakes? Regardless, there are three things you should consider doing to be prepared for the next disaster:

  1. Make a plan
  2. Build a kit
  3. Stay informed

A great resource that I recommend is the Ready.gov website, which provides valuable information to help individuals and families prepare and respond to emergencies. It is a central repository with a wide range of information such as types of natural disasters, regional-specific information, and comprehensive preparedness guidance and resources.

Tips When Building Your Kit

Emergency evacuation kit / emergency preparedness concept

For example, there is a specific page to build a kit that has an emergency supply list. You want to make sure you have the essential items to support your family for several days in the event of an emergency/disaster. If you don’t want to buy all of the suggested items at one time, buy them when they’re on sale. Also, make sure you have some cash in your kit (and keep bills ≤ $20 in case merchants can’t provide change).

Start with the suggested emergency supply list and then customize it for your family’s specific needs. Does anyone in the family have prescription medications? Babies who need formula or diapers? Elderly parents who have mobility challenges? Don’t forget supplies and ID tags for pets and fur babies.

Make sure you inspect your emergency supply kit at least annually to rotate food/water and check for expired/damaged items. When you periodically check your kit, you can validate and adapt it to meet the changing needs of your family. Don’t forget to update any emergency contact information and/or important documents in your kit as needed.

More Valuable Resources

Are you prepared? concept / emergency preparedness concept

Another reason why I recommend Ready.gov is how inclusive they continually try to be:

  • The Ready.gov website is always enhancing. For example, it now has “Get Tech Ready” resources such as the FEMA app and uses text messages to connect with family.
  • They understand that it can be overwhelming to get started so they created “Low and No Cost Preparedness.” It identifies little or no-cost steps to get started such as creating an emergency communications plan, storing important phone numbers in a secure location, taking a CPR course, and storing important documents (e.g., birth certificates and insurance policies) in a waterproof container.
  • If English isn’t your primary language, they have several resources available in other languages such as Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.

When you proactively prepare for emergencies, you can enhance safety, reduce risk, and generally provide more peace of mind for you and your family in the event of a disaster.

For more info on how to prepare your employees for an emergency/disaster, follow me on LinkedIn!

Importance Of Cultivating A High-Performing Team

Importance Of Cultivating A High-Performing Team

When you look at your team, do you see diverse skills and perspectives, shared vision, and adaptability? If so, you have the key components that can turn a good team into a great team achieving higher levels of performance, productivity, and impact. Then you need to have a positive and supportive environment to cultivate a high-performing team (whether they be onsite, hybrid, or remote) including:

1. Clear goals – provide clear communication about the organization’s plans and goals. Ensure the team understands how their work contributes towards those goals. Then give them the latitude to do their jobs leveraging their strengths and interests. Have periodic check-ins to see if they need anything.

2. Open communications – the team must have meaningful conversations and feel safe expressing their ideas, opinions, and concerns to the rest of the team. Communication needs to be respectful, constructive, and solutions focused.

3. Collaborative spirit – the team works together to achieve its goals. Each team member is unique and brings something different to the table, so leverage their distinctive strengths. In the end, the team will have more innovative discussions and develop well-thought-out solutions.

4. Continuous improvement – the team needs to have a curious mindset enabling them to identify and address inefficiencies. Having a culture of continuous improvement will lead to improved efficiencies and better outcomes.

How To Support The Team

Team/teamwork concept at an escape room

Be intentional in your efforts to support the team by taking the time to understand their needs and preferences. How can you tell if the team dynamic needs to be improved? One way is to observe their performance. Is the team not embracing new initiatives, or is there higher-than-normal turnover? If you notice these types of symptoms, you may not be providing the support that the team needs to be successful.

Ask the team what type of support they need. Have you empowered the team to take ownership of their work and given them the autonomy to succeed? Nobody wants to be micromanaged! Or does the team need additional training or development opportunities to grow their skills? When you support employees’ personal development, they’re more likely to be and stay excited for what’s next (and potentially stay longer with the organization).

You may want to periodically have some fun team-building activities, which can be done either in-person or virtually. Organize a virtual coffee break or a volunteering event at a local charity or non-profit. If you have added some new team members, make the extra effort to welcome them into the team. For example, go to an escape room, which requires the team to work together to solve puzzles and escape a room within a certain time frame. The key is to choose activities that are fun and engaging that promote positive communication and collaboration among the team members.

Appreciate The Team

Team/employee appreciation concept

And last but definitely not least, take the time to acknowledge and show your gratitude, and celebrate significant achievements that the team has accomplished. The key is to be sincere even simply saying thank you or handwriting a note (because to me handwritten = personal). This will make the team feel valued and appreciated.

You must be employee focused, and genuinely support and take care of your team! For more information on the importance of a high-performing team, follow me on LinkedIn!