The Snake Nests in Training

The Snake Nests In Training

A review of some of the most common training mistakes made by managers/supervisors.
Mistake #1: Relying on unstructured On-the-Job Training (OJT) for workplace training.
Unstructured OJT is an unplanned, uncontrolled, and unreliable training method. Unfortunately, we default to it often. Managers/supervisors do assign people to train other people, but that's often where our structure begins and ends. It's not enough.

If you're going to use OJT to train your people, you must carefully plan and control WHO does the training, WHAT gets trained, WHEN it gets trained, and HOW it gets trained. Only then can you expect consistent, effective training that improves performance.

See the topic - What is Structured OJT?

Mistake #2: Selecting the wrong employees to be OJT trainers.
Employees are often selected to train others because:

1) the employee is the "expert" on the job.
2) the employee has the most time to train others.
3) the employee is the supervisor.

None of these reasons (alone) are sufficient.

See the topic - How do I select an OJT trainer?

Mistake #3: Failing to adequately define training objectives.
It's no surprise that training, particularly when developed by non-training professionals, sometimes falls short of expectations. Often we're shooting without targets.

What (specifically) must the training accomplish for your organization?

You should never develop training or even consider selecting a training option until you've defined clear objectives.

Mistake #4: Assuming your people need training because you need to improve performance.

You can't apply a training solution to a non-training problem. If lack of training is not the reason your people aren't performing, training (no matter how good it is) won't help. Be careful in stating that you "need training." What you really need is performance. Training may or may not be the best way to get it.

See the topic - What is Performance Assessment?

Mistake #5: Assuming that training means having someone "put together a class."
This makes a training professional cringe. It's so uninspired! There is much more to training than classroom instruction, but you have to know which options are available and when to use them. Sometimes classroom training will not be appropriate for your needs.

See the topic - How do I select a training option?