A flight instructor was doing practice maneuvers with a student when he said, “I think it’s time we head back to the airport and land this plane. Are you ready?”
The student replied, “Let’s do it.”
As the plane approached the runway, the instructor noticed the student pilot seemed surprisingly calm for being new. The normal sweaty palm, tension and wide-eyed attention were replaced with a confident, nonchalant, inattentive attitude.
Suddenly the plane descended and hit the runway with all three wheels slamming the pavement. The plane bounced a couple times and spun 180 degrees, coming to a jolting and sudden stop.
The instructor broke the silence and said, “Son, that was the absolute worst landing any student of mine has ever made.”
“Me?” the student gasped. “I thought you were landing the plane.”
It is critical to know who is flying and landing the plane, just like team members need to know that their leaders have their best interests clearly in their sights.
This example from Glenn Van Ekeren in his book “Little Leadership Lessons, Volume 3” illustrates the point that the student pilot is like a team member, and the team leader is the instructor. From take-off to landing, the leader must make everyone become independent pilots flying the plane and making that perfect landing.
It is always a mystery to me when you look at how much money is spent on payroll but how little is invested in training people and increasing their skills.
“Training is a catalyst that can transform lives, companies and even nations,” said Tony Robbins, author, coach and speaker.
Training employees and enhancing their skills is absolutely crucial, not only for the growth and competitiveness of the business but also for the personal development and satisfaction of the employees themselves. Let me explain why this is so important from several perspectives:
Keeping pace with industry changes. Industries evolve rapidly, with new technologies, methodologies and best practices emerging all the time. Regular training ensures that employees remain at the forefront of these changes, which in turn keeps the business competitive and innovative.
Enhancing productivity. Well-trained employees are more efficient and productive. They can perform tasks more quickly and with fewer errors, which leads to better outcomes for the business. Training can also foster creativity, enabling employees to find new solutions to problems and improve processes.
Employee retention. Offering training and development opportunities shows employees that the company is invested in their future. This can increase job satisfaction and loyalty, which in turn reduces turnover rates. High turnover is costly, and retaining skilled employees can save the company a significant amount of money in the long run.
Attracting talent. A commitment to training and development can also make a company more attractive to potential employees. Top talent is often looking for opportunities where they can learn and grow. By offering these opportunities, a company can attract better candidates.
Risk management. Training employees in regulatory compliance and safety is essential to minimize risks and avoid costly violations. Employees need to be aware of the latest regulations affecting their work, and training is the most effective way to ensure this.
Empowering employees. Training empowers employees by giving them the skills and knowledge they need to take on new challenges and responsibilities. This can lead to a more motivated and engaged workforce, as employees feel more confident in their roles.
As Anne Mulcahy, former CEO of Xerox Corporation, said: “Employees who believe that management is concerned about them as a whole person – not just an employee – are more productive, more satisfied, more fulfilled.”
One bit of advice: If you are taking the time to train people, make sure the training is effective and interesting.
An employee once told me that the first day is the hardest — taking the tour, meeting co-workers, getting the employee handbook and then going to your desk and wondering what to do next. I like to assign mentors who can work with trainees and show them the tricks of the trade. We want our well-trained employees to come back for the second day and for a long time after that.
Investing in employee training is not an expense but an investment in the future of the business. By prioritizing training, a company can not only enhance its operational effectiveness but also create a more dynamic, engaged and skilled workforce.
Mackay’s Moral: An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.