How do you present a training opportunity to your staff?

“You’re required to take this class, and
it needs to be done today?”

                         Or

“We’re excited that you have the potential to be an important member of our team.  This training class will help you start to develop a working knowledge of our industry.”

The difference in impact is obvious.  But why do we continue to present training as an inconvenience?

No matter how you look at it, training isn’t free; whether it’s an on-line course, or a live instructor.

You need to consider:

• The cost for the course-either on line fees or instructor compensation.
• Keeping the property moving toward goals while someone is being trained.
• Property management doesn’t stop to wait while someone is in
  training.  Remaining staff members, temporary labor or staff borrowed
  from a sister property may be needed to turn apartments, give attention to the grounds or complete service requests for residents..
• Transportation To/From Training
• Time in transit, plus mileage
• Hotels for overnight stays.
• Meals, Snacks, Give-a-ways
• For internal training programs, meals, snacks, welcome gifts name tags, place cards and hand outs have to be planned, purchased and repaired.

A comparison of training opportunities using internal company provided speakers versus third party/commercial training opportunity might actually be comparable in cost when all of the related expenses are identified.

Selecting an individual for training is an investment both in the future of the individual and the future productivity of your team.  If an individual participates in training, ask them to give a quick recap at the next team meeting.

As a training opportunity is presented:

• Identify and recognize training objectives that are to be achieved.
• Look at the assigned work scheduled for the week in advance.
• How will the training affect manpower?  Make adjustments in advance.
• Meet with the individual who will attend the training.
• Provide an overview of the training.
• What will be expected of the individual?
• What should they expect from the training?

Presenting training opportunities as positive reinforcement, a reward for achievement, strengthening and building skills, or a step forward in a career path will have your team saying PICK ME!  PICK ME! when a training opportunity is available.