Posted on Jun 01, 2011 |
Tags: Not For Profit
Companies of choice develop their internal talent. Establish programs that continuously improve the skills of your enterprise's employees and make assignments that enable your staff to use those skills productively. Here are some opportunities, including one free source of training that you may have overlooked.
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Utilize Employees'
Special Talents
Talented employees rely on you to help them build their competencies. It's essential to their job security, and it's equally essential to your company's growth. Here are just a few opportunities you can provide:
- Advancement. Top employees are as ambitious in the development of their careers as they are in the work they perform. If you don't offer meaningful advancement opportunities, someone else might.
- Development. Providing ways that your staff members can constantly improve their job skills is imperative to the retention of high-impact employees. Remember, each staff member is an integral part of every product or service you sell, and should be viewed as such.
- Education. Many successful smaller firms offer reimbursement for part or all of employees' college tuition expenses, either to complete an undergraduate degree or to pursue an advanced degree. It encourages internal company growth and may provide tax breaks. Contact your accountant for more information.
- "360-degree feedback." Periodically exchange open and honest feedback on performance, business practices and suggestions for improvement.
- Responsibility. Providing increased responsibilities in line with employees' aptitudes leads to a challenging workplace that prepares individuals for advancement.
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Spread the Wealth
You could be overlooking a rich resource of knowledge that's right under your nose. On your payroll are employees with valuable skills and experience they can share.
The lessons won't cost you a dime and you'll be saving the big bucks you might have paid for a training program or professional development course. It's simple to tap your business's knowledge pool and set up a company campus:
1. Pass the word. Tell staff members that you're looking for people with certain skills, from e-mail etiquette to Adobe Photoshop.
2. Advertise. Post an ad for teachers on department bulletin boards, in e-mail and the company newsletter. Explain that you are looking for staff members who can offer practical, helpful information to other employees.
3. Do lunch. Hold brown bag sessions and invite everyone to come free of charge. These can be a one-time event or continue over several days. The seminars aren't meant to replace traditional training and professional development courses. But they can be an excellent supplement.
Other benefits: These courses build the self-esteem of the employees tapped to teach, making them feel appreciated. And the courses give your staff knowledge and skills that increase their worth to the company.
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