Train for Success

In these trying economic times, the training budget is a sure casualty. Even in good times, most companies today spend less than 1% of their payrolls on training. World-class organizations are spending 5% or more of their payrolls on training.
There are two elements to consider when setting up your training processes: hard skills (job processes) and soft skills (culture and attitude). Most organizations do a fair job of teaching the hard skills of the job. The soft skills are at best glossed over, or at worst completely ignored. It is important to create a customer-centric culture in good economic times; in times of economic uncertainty, however, it’s a necessity.
How much soft skills training do your employees receive? Is it reserved for the higher level “professionals?” Success comes from unleashing the talents and ideas all employees, not just the so-called "professional" managers. The attitude that "the front-liners are non-professionals," translates into behaviors that damage organizations.
The Walt Disney Company sends every new employee through a multi-day Traditions course on the Disney culture prior to on-the-job training. But remember… training alone is not the answer. All training must be reinforced through focused experiences and continuous feedback.
During your next rounds of budget cuts, try to maintain the core elements of soft training that instill your culture, vision and values. Economic times will get better. Will you be ready for the up turn with a core group of employees who radiate your culture? Or will you be trying to catch up to the world-class competition?