Not everyone is born a natural leader. In fact, most people aren’t.
The good news is leadership skills can be taught. Unlike training programs of the past that used a one-size-fits-all approach, today employees expect something more tailored. Companies that invest in helping employees become better leaders can reap tangible benefits.
What is the purpose of a leadership training program?
Many employees aspire to management roles but don’t necessarily have the leadership skills to be effective. A program customized to an individuals’ strengths and weaknesses can set them up for success and encourage a “promote from within” culture. Talk to employees to understand their career goals so you can maximize their training and inspire a growth mindset.
How would my company benefit from a leadership training program?
Poor leadership can be very costly. Like an illness, bad managers can infect others and lead to disengaged talent, high employee turnover, low productivity and poor decisions. Your talent is an asset, so protect your interests! Boost your company’s bottom line by investing in leadership development:
- Increase morale and retention – By giving employees access to tools and training, you empower them to stretch their skills and advance their career. This fosters loyalty and engagement. Engaged employees are more likely to stay because they feel good about their contributions. A positive ripple effect within your corporate culture encourages good people to stay and saves you time and money on recruiting and training.
- Promote better decision making – Employees are expected to make critical decisions daily. Do they have a framework to help evaluate and prioritize them? Whether a recurring tactical choice or infrequent strategic decision, training can give them a process to follow. Informed decisions result from understanding context, exploring alternatives, questioning assumptions, analyzing data and supporting your company’s values and interests. Set them up for decision making success.
- Improve productivity – New skills can boost confidence and give employees a new sense of purpose. When employees feel prepared, they are more likely to use a solutions-oriented approach instead of feeling unprepared and defensive. They have the skills to tackle issues, make decisions and effectively communicate their ideas with team members.
Training is not a one-time event. It can only have a lasting impact if employees are encouraged to practice and implement their new skills. Take a hard look at your management policies. Do they encourage trial and error or do employees fear repercussions for any mistake? This must be addressed in advance if you want your training program to succeed.
As one of the first companies certified by the IRS*, MidwestHR is a leading Chicago PEO (professional employer organization) in Illinois. By outsourcing HR to our team of experts, you’ll have time to focus on your company’s training needs. We can provide guidance and share best practices while managing your employee benefits, retirement, policy development, help with hiring and so much more. Give us a call at 630-836-3000 and learn how we’ve been helping clients for over 20 years.
*The IRS does not endorse specific Certified Professional Employer Organizations. For more information, please visit www.irs.gov or our website at midwesthr.com.
