Jeff McLanahan
Contributing Writer
Direct Energy

Every sword begins as a piece of steel.  The swordsmith heats the steel in a forge until it is red hot, removes it with tongs and begins hammering it into shape on an anvil.  When the steel cools and loses it glow, he puts it back into the forge until it is malleable and continues the process of hammering it again.

This process is repeated over and over again until the piece of steel begins to look like a sword.  Make no mistake, this is a hot, labor-intensive job.

The final step of the forging process is called quenching, where the sword is heated a final time until it is red hot and then it is dipped in a vat of oil to cool rapidly.  This hardens the blade and the sword is finished by grinding and polishing it, and adding a hilt, hand guard and other elements.

When you think about it, training your team closely resembles this process.  A trainer takes an employee and begins the process of shaping them to be successful in their role.  They utilize classroom training, online training, webinar training, or a combination of these to provide the required knowledge.  Their hammers and anvils take the form of lectures, tests, script writing, role plays, etc.

The employee then returns to the job where the manager holds them accountable to apply what they have learned on the job.  This follow up and reinforcement is generally in the form of content review and daily huddles.  This accountability turns up the heat on the employee achieving results.

When all parts of the process function properly, the employee uses what they have learned and positively impacts the business.  But eventually, their performance levels out or their enthusiasm fades and the trainer continues the process through refresher training.

Again, if all parts function properly, the employee is successful in their role and adds value to the business.  This process could be repeated several times to keep the employee at the top of their game.

With time, many employees will reach a plateau in their job, but learning is a continual process and when employees are proficient in all aspects of their current role, it is time to add other skills to their repertoire to allow them continue to grow.  This is where employers must invest in training to upskill their workforce.

If these new opportunities are not available, studies indicate that many employees will look for them elsewhere, including with another company.

Business is sometimes difficult and we have all spent time in the fire.  These times have made us stronger and will do the same for our employees.  Continue to forge you team and your business by providing continuous learning and development opportunities.