Why train?

Previously, I wrote about how to maximize training gains. Now that I think about it, it seemed like I was putting the cart before the horse, because first of all, I should have written this article first!

Before one is able to maximize what he/she gets from training, one must first of all appreciate why training and other development programs are conducted in the first place.

According to Wikipedia, "Training refers to acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies as a result of teaching vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies." Training thus always aims to add to what someone already knows or is capable of doing. When one undergoes training, the horizon of his intellect and personality expands. 


But training does so much more than expanding knowledge skills and competencies!

• Training taps an organization's human resources so that organizational goals can be achieved. In our agency, this is the number one reason for coming up with development programs such as technical training.
• Training is an opportunity to develop an employee's behavioral skills. It is personally interesting to observe human behavior during trainings – through his interaction with others as well as display of attitude before, during and after the training.
• Training increases the productivity of an employee and the quality of his work. That is one actual goal of skills enhancement. When you are trained, it is expected that you will henceforth be able to deliver more results, with better quality.
• Training promotes cooperation. This is displayed during group workshops, where every participant is expected to be enthusiastic in working with a team.
• Training helps build a positive perception about the organization, as participants are exposed to their peers, subordinates and leaders. Interaction among the participants, especially if they are composed of our own employees and "outsiders," promotes a healthy relationship among all stakeholders of the environment.
• Training boosts the morale of the workforce. It sends a signal that management is willing to invest in employees by enhancing their skills. Additionally, this creates a better corporate image.
• Training helps develop leadership skills, motivation, loyalty, better attitudes and other aspects that successful workers and managers usually display.

Most of all, training helps develop the organization. Employees – whatever rank they may be – who are trained develop their decision-making and problem-solving skills in carrying out the policies of the organization they belong to.

It is thus disappointing to hear some employees' negative reactions when they are included in training programs. Some have a "been there, done that" attitude, while others think that, experts that they are, they no longer need training.

It is always a constant challenge for HR practitioners to pick the right training, trainer and trainees every time! It has been an uphill battle for the HRD Sections of the different offices under our agency to meet the needs of employees without training people for the sake of it, to meet quotas for accomplishment reports, or to spend budgets that we seem scared of losing.

On the other hand, it is also disappointing to know of some employees who seem over-eager to attend training, yet do not share their learnings to their colleagues nor utilize their skills in their designated tasks. This defeats the purpose of training in developing the organization. 

There is a saying that, "The more we learn, the more we know that there is so much more to learn." Let us all remember that training is necessary to maintain the relevance of our skills, to help us come up with better approaches to or delivery in services. Let us never stop learning!