There are many ways to construct a training and staff-development plan for the people in your business.
Here is one way to start.
Think about how the 80/20 Rule applies to the tasks performed by your people.
Create a list of the 20% of tasks that contribute 80% of the results you desire.
Then, for each task, answer two questions:
- "Is this a routine Task or is it a not-Routine task?"
- "Is it a Technical task [specific to your business & industry] or is it an Interpersonal task [people influencing people]?"
Create a 1-page picture [like below] and insert your Top 20% tasks into the 4 quadrants.
When this is done you will have a picture of the Top 20% of the work-tasks you want your people to perform.
This picture can be used to 'troubleshoot' your training and development programs...just ask,
"What stands out?"
- Not sure whether a task is Routine or not-Routine? [Better figure that out!]
- Too much emphasis on Technical tasks, at the expense of developing Interpersonal strengths? [Better balance that out!]
When you sort these things out and are comfortable you have the right balance, do a double-check: apply the 80/20 Rule again, then ask,
"What stands out?"
- Are you balancing your training and development programs across your Top 4% tasks?
- Are you balancing your training and development programs at all reporting levels?
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Why do this Routine/not-Routine/Technical/Interpersonal quadrant picture of your 80/20 Rule tasks?
Here's an introductory answer...
Business consists of 3 things: People, Process, & Situations. People create the Process. The Process consists of series of tasks. The People find themselves in various situations. Often, when problems arise, Situations appear more complicated. Often, simple solutions are missed and time, effort, and money are wasted. For this reason, it is important to ensure Routine tasks are not ignored and are supported by simple tools, including checklists. Much time, effort, and money is dedicated to R&D, invention, & innovation. That covers a very important area of tasks. However, when these not-Routine Technical tasks and processes are ruined because Routine Technical tasks were not performed properly...well, the lessons can be very painful. Consider, for example the crashing of the Flying Fortress during its highly-touted test flight.
Similarly, many businesses invest heavily in training and development for not-Routine Interpersonal tasks such as media training and handling crucial conversations while they fail to train people how to make decisions and listen to one another. These basic Routine Interpersonal tasks, when covered well, pave the path for top-notch business performance.
And NOTE: time has a way of eroding and changing memories. So, we must repeat, repeat, repeat if we want to ensure our people have the training and development they need to possess desirable business strengths. And to inspire...let's inject some creativity into it and make training and development experiences enjoyable. Failure to Repeat: Well, that's a fatal flaw!