Where to Start in Employee Training: A Clear Guide
Training employees effectively can be a daunting task. This blog breaks down the essential steps to determine what to train and how to structure the training process. Whether you're training a new employee or refining an existing program, these insights will help you get started on the right foot.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Training Challenge
When it comes to training, many people face a common challenge: figuring out where to start. Sam discussed this issue in depth. He noted that organizations often have a plethora of materials and opinions about what to train, which can be overwhelming. This makes it hard to pin down what is truly essential for success.
In training new roles, especially in industries like mortgage lending, the challenge is even greater. There are expectations and standards to meet, but without a clear starting point, it can feel like navigating a maze. Sam emphasizes that identifying what success looks like is the first step in overcoming this challenge.
Defining Success in Training
Sam highlighted the importance of defining success for a role before diving into training. He mentioned that success can vary depending on the individual and the context. For example, if you're training someone who knows nothing about mortgages, you have to clarify what they should be able to do after training.
He explained, "What does success look like? How long are you willing to give somebody to achieve success?" By answering these questions, you can set a clear endpoint for your training program. This clarity helps both trainers and trainees understand the goals they are working towards.
Setting a Time Frame for Success
Setting a time frame for achieving success is crucial. Sam shared that in his experience, organizations often set a specific timeline for training outcomes. In the case of mortgage loan officers, they agreed on a six-month period for new hires to reach a certain level of proficiency.
This time frame provides a structure for training and helps keep both trainers and trainees accountable. It also allows for adjustments along the way. As Sam stated, “You have six months to get them there. That’s the end point.” By knowing the timeline, you can break down the training into manageable steps.
The Importance of Alignment
One major hurdle in creating effective training programs is achieving alignment among all stakeholders. Sam pointed out that getting all leaders to agree on what success looks like is often the hardest part. This alignment is essential for ensuring everyone is on the same page.
When leaders share a common vision of success, it becomes easier to design a training program that meets those goals. Sam emphasized, “We’ve spent lifetimes trying to get alignment on what success looks like.” The clearer the definition of success, the smoother the training process will be.
Using Burritos as a Training Analogy
To illustrate his points, Sam used a unique analogy involving burritos. He explained that just as you wouldn't start making a complicated burrito right away, you shouldn't begin training with the most difficult tasks. Instead, you should start with the basics.
He said, “In our case, success was a beautiful burrito, tightly packaged, nice and clean.” By starting with a simple burrito—like one filled with just rice and chicken—you can gradually build up to more complex combinations. This method allows trainees to master the basics before moving on to more challenging tasks.
Sam’s analogy highlights the importance of incremental learning. Just as a burrito gets more complex with each ingredient added, training should progress step-by-step, ensuring that learners are prepared for each new challenge.
Breaking Down Complex Tasks
When training employees, breaking down complex tasks is vital. Sam pointed out that understanding the final goal is essential, but so is recognizing the steps to get there. Instead of overwhelming trainees with everything at once, it's crucial to dissect the process into smaller, manageable parts.
For instance, in the context of mortgage training, Sam mentioned that trainers should start with the simplest version of a mortgage process. This allows learners to grasp the foundational concepts before tackling more intricate scenarios. By focusing on one small piece at a time, trainees can build confidence and competence gradually.
Starting with Simplicity
Starting with simplicity is a key principle in effective training. Sam emphasized that one should never begin with the most complicated tasks. Instead, he suggested beginning with the basics, much like rolling a burrito. “You start with just rice and chicken,” he explained. This approach ensures that trainees develop a solid understanding before moving on to more challenging aspects.
By mastering simple tasks first, trainees can focus on perfecting their skills without the added pressure of complexity. This method not only enhances learning but also builds a strong foundation for future growth.
Layering Skills Over Time
Layering skills over time is a strategy that allows for gradual growth and development. Sam compared this to adding ingredients to a burrito. Once trainees have mastered the basics, they can begin to layer in more complex skills and knowledge. “Now layer on some beans, some corn, some lettuce,” he suggested. This progressive approach ensures that learners are not overwhelmed and can retain what they learn effectively.
As Sam noted, by the time trainees reach the more complicated tasks, they will have had ample practice with simpler ones. This practice helps solidify their understanding, making it easier to tackle new challenges with confidence.
Stripping Away the Noise
Stripping away the noise is an essential part of the training process. Sam highlighted that there can be a lot of extraneous information that doesn't contribute to the learning objectives. “Anything that doesn't make sense in there, you strip away,” he advised. This focus on clarity helps trainees remain engaged and reduces confusion.
By eliminating unnecessary content, trainers can direct their efforts toward what truly matters. This streamlined approach not only enhances the learning experience but also leads to better outcomes in the long run.
Final Thoughts on Effective Training
In conclusion, effective training requires a thoughtful approach that emphasizes clarity, simplicity, and progressive learning. Sam's insights on defining success, starting simply, layering skills, and stripping away noise provide a solid framework for anyone looking to improve their training programs.
By following these principles, organizations can create training experiences that are engaging, effective, and ultimately lead to success. Remember, the journey of training is just like building a burrito—start simple, layer in complexity, and always keep the end goal in sight.
