Considering investing in a training program? The possibilities are endless. Do you select the version with training books and instructional videos? Use the one with the international celebrity? Pull out all the stops and select the one with a famous speaker?
One of the most important facets that employees look for in a training program is the ability for it to really matter to them. It is what cultivates the desire to listen and motivates employees to act on what they’ve learned. According to Simon Sinek, individuals don’t follow a leader because of the leader. They follow the leader because they are motivated and inspired.
Employers who want to inspire and motivate their employees don’t need a big name and large following. They simply need a solid training program that can compel action based on the information that is presented. What should a quality training program include?
Offer Tangible Results Employees want to be inspired by someone to whom they can relate. They want to be offered a clear vision for the future, and a systematically laid-out path to that future. A speaker (or program) that offers employees something tangible they can work towards will be successful.
Present a Bold Future Encourage employees and staff to envision a bright future, with strong goals that they can use to help visualize themselves in that future.
Create an Environment of Teamwork The strongest leaders are the ones who are collaborators. Instead of offering mandates, they cultivate an environment where everyone works together to make things happen. When employees are encouraged to view their work as part of a larger picture, they are more inspired to push for success.
Encourage Employee Development One result of employee training should be an increase in employee self-development. Through the program, employees should be motivated to grow personally and professionally.
The Downside of a Famous Trainer
Big named training speakers can draw a crowd. Instead of producing big-time results, however, employers are sometimes left feeling as though the program was a waste of time. Often, employees are dazzled by the success and fame a speaker has acquired, and fail to take into account the years of hard work that got them to that point. They expect instant results and become disillusioned when they don’t see similar experiences in their own lives.
In some cases, employees have trouble identifying with the speaker because they seem ‘larger than life’. It is hard to relate to someone who travels the world as a speaker when you are a mid-level executive in a local company. The big-named speaker may temporarily inspire the employee, but the results are often not long-lasting.
Instead of investing in the expense of a big name, invest in a quality program that has proven results. Research driven methods can provide a valuable program that will have long-term positive results for your organization. A speaker who is invested in the success of your organization will be more approachable and relatable, giving your employees someone they can identify with on a personal level.
The next time you’re looking for a training program, ask yourself what the goal of the program will be. Are you looking for notoriety or for lasting change? Will the program you’ve selected offer employees the tools they need for success?
If you’re not sure what the results of a program will be, it may be time to contact the experts at
My Big Idea®. Our proven methods have given lasting results to companies just like yours - and we’d love to show you what we can do to help your business.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of
Blazing Agency and
My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.