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The Bank Product Line - September 1999
Training & Development: Keep a Competitive
Edge
Managers of successful banks recognize
that productive employees are essential to gaining and holding a
competitive advantage. But staying current in a business environment
where change is the only constant is tough. Unlike capital resources
that are acquired to improve productivity within a business, process
improvements in human resources must be learned.
Thriving businesses today use the knowledge of each and every employee.
In order to respond flexibly and quickly to the ever-changing needs
of bank customers, banks must rely on their employees to think and
act creatively and responsibly. This requires training and learning
opportunities for everyone in the bank - not for just a select few.
TRAINING PROGRAMS ADDRESS EMPLOYEE NEEDS
Established in 1992, the Administaff University
division of Administaff, Inc., addresses the varied training needs
of employees at different knowledge and skills levels. Provided
as one segment of Administaff's fee-inclusive services, this approach
to training is an extremely cost-effective way to improve employee
productivity and retention.
TRAINING CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR NEEDS
The training needed may vary among individuals
and between banks. Most Administaff University seminars are useful
to every office environment, such as those that focus on how to
become a better listener or that reach ways to improve workplace
communication. Others are more appropriate to specific positions
in the bank, such as seminars on effective meeting skills or better
customer service techniques. Still others are geared toward supervisors,
like those on building better teams or improving interviewing and
performance appraisal skills.
HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE BENEFITS OF TRAINING
To ensure the training process achieves maximum
results, Administaff University recommends tailoring a training
program for each bank. Training needs are best determined by reviewing
job descriptions, observing job performance and talking with supervisors
and employees about what they feel they need to be successful in
their positions. Once these training needs are determined, an Administaff
University specialist can work with you to identify which Administaff
University courses can help meet those needs. The training specialist
can also help identify credible and respected sources for more industry-specific
training support.
Pre- and post-training discussions between the
employee and his or her supervisor will also increase the effectiveness
of the training activity. Explain to employees why they are being
selected to attend the program and its benefits. The training will
be more relevant if a review of the objectives and content of the
program is given beforehand, offering a picture of what to expect
at the session. Make employees aware of what they are expected to
learn from the training and how it relates to their job responsibilities.
FOLLOW-UP IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS
Based on research that shows new skills or knowledge
must be put into practice within two weeks of being trained, ask
for a commitment to an employee action plan to integrate this new
information into their job as soon as possible. Encourage the newly
trained staff member to share what they learned with co-workers,
thereby expanding the training experience further into your organization.
Check back several times over the next few months
with employees who have gone through training programs to determine
the status of employee action plans. Make them accountable for what
they've learned. Assign new tasks that involve the training content.
Notice opportunities for all staff to use new skills. Offer appropriate
feedback, whether praise or constructive criticism, and encourage
their efforts.
TRAINING MEANS IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
The small to medium-size bank will always be
competing with larger banks for customers, but training and development
can help level the playing field when it comes to employees. Sharing
the latest in training tools with employees can improve morale and
boost productivity. Administaff University can help its client companies
make that happen. For more information about Administaff, call 800-465-3800,
or visit the company's web site at www.administaff.com.
Reprinted with permission of Texas Bankers
Association.
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