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Business Review 2006 from
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Learning the holistic way
Sally Johnson and Anne King
directors, JKL Associates
What does training mean to you? We all make assumptions that it is something that is done to us or for us, or that we are coerced into.
What does training mean to you? We all make assumptions that it is something that is done to us or for us, or that we are coerced into.
Very often we cannot see any personal benefit and the output which is expected as a 'pay back' to our employer is not specified, and all it seems to mean, is that our in-tray grows while we are 'out of action' training .
Training is a nebulous word and does not convey the all encompassing process of learning, which although we assume, we do not really recognise as an integral part of our everyday working and personal lives, no matter what our job role is.
As employees we turn up for work and go about our regular activities, consult colleagues who may have different or greater knowledge, process the activity in hand and move on to the next. Is this training or learning?
Today's competitive environment requires that certain levels of professional and technical training are essential to be accredited to fulfil the role. This is not the case in every industry and so it is critical that we each seize any opportunity to grow and develop our skills, knowledge and understanding. Training and learning broadens our minds and helps us to think beyond the routine, adding value to all facets of our working and personal lives.
All too often we have heard employees/colleagues saying, 'don't know how to do this, I'd better get someone else to do it'; think again this is a 'magic' moment of opportunity to learn and add to your personal portfolio of experiences.
This is your opportunity to be proactive and present options to your employer rather than the more typical coercion scenario about the training that you think will enhance your performance and also add to your own personal development, BUT, ensure that you can support your request with a value added outcome for them, whilst further equipping yourself for future opportunities and personal growth.
Jersey has come a long way. We now have numerous local training providers and contacts beyond the Island who will deliver a wealth of training, assist in planning your personal development within realistic budget constraints to satisfy your personal needs and that of the business. This is a complimentary and winning combination, supporting appropriate levels and types of training to service all industries for soft skills and professional/technical requirements. What each of us as employees and employers have to do is ensure that there are objectives in place and therefore we are each taking responsibility for output which will justify the financial outlay on training, be it direct cash outlay or simply on the job training with a colleague which in itself has a financial implication.
Professionally qualified personnel are required to maintain a specified level of continuing professional development (CPD) and be held accountable for this. Regardless of whether you are an Engineer, Lawyer, Accountant or Mr/Ms Employee you owe a duty to yourself and your employer to keep abreast of the development that you are undergoing, so you can make sound judgements about what you may need to do in the future.
It is amazing how many people carry out 'management' level activities in their personal lives (e.g. committee roles) but are 'back room' people at work, and their employer has no idea of the latent talent that they have within their workforce. We urge those of you who fit this category to go out there and let your boss/MD/colleagues know the capabilities you have and then agree how you can harness this for your benefit and the good of the business you work for. Your working days will be richer.
We live and work in a competitive world but we are each responsible for managing our own development which will lead to varied or new opportunities. At the end of the day we spend a significant proportion of our lives in a work environment, so take control, think ahead, enjoy and grow.
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