When did training become the only and often more expensive way to do the obvious tasks within our job?
When I started my business and came across something I didn’t know how to do, such as the HTML programme, I bought a book, read it and muddled my way through the procedure.
Similarly, when I needed to know about phone system set-up, organising an open day, or writing up accounts for my business, I researched online and did my best to get on with it.
I expect everyone starting a business does the same when training courses aren’t an option or when there’s no time or money.
Whilst a training course would have been a luxury back then and I could have learned more efficiently in some ways, this isn’t always an option.
In our business, we try to utilise training courses wisely and we highly value investment in our staff.
Therefore, we have many in-house training programs, like our gemstones course and ring making training for our new design assistants. We also send people out to various courses when required.
But in my opinion, when it comes to doing very hands-on work, like making jewellery, you can’t beat sitting on a bench, ‘mucking about’ and seeing what you can figure out for yourself.
Sometimes initiative and the more obvious strategies in business are ignored or missed with there’s an opportunity to attend a training course.
I’m frustrated when people I meet out of work tell me they can’t operate a particular computer package because they haven’t done the training course. It appears lost on them to just open the package and see if they can figure it out for themselves?
I think a healthy balance of training courses when needed and self-motivation and initiative are often the answers.
Sometimes training can take the satisfaction out of work. Rather than giving it a go, taking initiative and applying common sense, we follow a set of training rules, often resulting in the obvious.
Training courses have their place, but so does a practical approach.
Why does everyone think they need a training course before they can do anything these days?
