by Jonathan Jones
A CFO once asked a CEO, “What if we train our people and they leave?” The CEO responded, “What if we don’t train them and they stay?”
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, employee development has emerged as a fundamental aspect of improving both the culture and foundation of a company. Employee development programs provide employees with opportunities to enhance their skills, knowledge and abilities, preparing them for future growth within the company and ultimately leading to an increase in productivity, efficiency and job satisfaction. A strong focus on employee development demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, which attracts top talent and positions the company as a leader in its industry.
The choice to invest in training begins with leadership, both in terms of selecting a proper curriculum and fully supporting that training. It is important for leaders to choose a curriculum that ensures employees receive relevant and valuable knowledge that aligns with the company’s mission and strategic objectives. Additionally, leaders must provide full support to employees throughout their training journey, offering resources and guidance to help them effectively apply their newly acquired skills in their current roles.
Training should be geared to assist employees in achieving their personal objectives to foster a sense of individual growth and development. This not only enhances employee motivation and engagement but also helps them acquire new skills and knowledge that can be applied to their current roles. The company’s investment in its employees’ long-term success can serve as a powerful retention tool in today’s competitive job market.
By investing in the growth and skill building of their workforce, organizations not only foster a sense of loyalty and engagement among employees but also lay the groundwork for long-term success and innovation.
Jonathan Jones (Jonathan.jones@vistagechair.com or 314-608-0783) is a CEO peer group chair/coach for Vistage International.