I recently read an article about employee training as an investment.  Author Jeffrey Bodimer wrote:

“Whatever your reason for conducting an employee training session, you need to develop the employee training within the framework of a comprehensive, ongoing, and consistent employee training program.  This quality employee training program is essential to keep your staff motivated about learning new concepts and your department profitable.”

As the article continued, it spoke of training as a form of continuing education, where employees are provided opportunities to expand their knowledge base and apply that knowledge for their and the organization’s benefit.  As a lifelong learner and professional educator, I strongly agree with Mr. Bodimer’s assessment.  With the vast knowledge base that is out there, it can appear that when it comes to learning there are no limits.  And I also add to that, with every new skill that is learned, there is also the need to practice what is learned, again and again.

Nothing has surpassed repetition as the most effective way to learn any new skill: Repetition, repetition, repetition.  To know is one thing, to do is another.  No matter how much knowledge an employee may gain, if not given amble opportunity to apply that knowledge, to practice put that knowledge into action, the less likely that knowledge will have any lasting benefit.

When talking about communication training, this couldn’t be truer.  As the old saying goes, we are creatures of habit.  We tend to communicate the way we do because it’s the way we’ve always communicated.  There’s nothing inherently wrong with this.  However, when seeking to expand our communication repertoire, we can read and be instructed as to what skills may be more effective, but if never given ample opportunity and support to practice those skills, we’ve only taken one small step of a longer journey.

Practice, practice, practice, as an old martial arts instructor of mine would repeat again and again and again.  Comprehensive, all-inclusive communication skills workshops, over a period of weeks, not days, provide multiple opportunities to do just that, practice new skills in a supportive environment for everyone’s benefit.  Lifelong learning requires lifelong support and lifelong practice.  Without this, the challenges associated with change can appear to be great, and the old habits will reclaim their place, and everyone is right back where they started.

At Shapiro Communications, we work with organizations over a period of time, not just for a day or two, so employees are given the chance to develop and enhance new communication skills through supported practice.