Training and Development – Enhancing Transformation

If we observe Fortune 500 companies’, the effect of the training measured by the impact on productivity is appalling – the actionable transfer rate was between 0% & 20%. The best of the training companies were hired and the numbers did not change.

So the quest to find out the answer to the question, “What then can make the difference?” continued…

Factors determining the impact of training and development:

Three factors were identified to impact change in participants:

1. Mindset of the participants
2. Using questions to explore challenges
3. Openness to stretching the boundaries

Mindset of the participants:

Those participants who are in a constant search for growth and change are the ones that benefit the most from programs on training and development. A supportive learning environment within the team and clear rewards and recognition for new approaches will encourage the participants to bring the learning back into the workplace. Hence it is important for Leaders and managers to be intimately involved in the training process to help provide the support and impetus for guiding their employees as they apply their learning in their daily functioning.

Training therefore is only the first step, not the total solution.

Using questions to explore challenges:

“The power to question is the basis of all human progress.”- Indira Gandhi

As new ways of doing things are implemented after the sessions on training and development, almost always resistance is encountered. Most people abandon the change at this juncture as they find the change too difficult. But using questions at this point to understand the other person’s apprehensions will allow you to possibly understand his/her fears or discomfort. This does not mean you will like all the answers you get but answers you know are less frightening than the answers you do not know at all!

In Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “A’ No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.”

So make the transformation with the deepest conviction.

Stretching beyond the boundaries:

“If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.” - William Blake

Growth only comes from the understanding of infinity. The narrow confines of assumptions and boundaries cannot nurture exploring the unexplored.

The participants who approach training and development as an opportunity to be exposed to different points of view, will be able to stretch the boundaries, exploring what is possible, and beyond. They will be able to push themselves and the issue, test and probe to breakthrough the boundaries of the tried and familiar and stretch to the infinite.

The edge of inventiveness is often beyond the realms of knowledge. Stretching thought into areas that are not possible in reality stimulates creative insights.

Einstein's experiment in thought helped him develop the Theory of Relativity. He imagined riding on a beam of light. Although this was not realistic it resulted in his understanding of how light and time worked.

“If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.” - Albert Einstein

In 1836 Sir Francis Pettit Smith, one of the early developers of the screw propeller, tested his design. During the test, half of the screw propeller broke off--what a failure! His initial dismay turned to joy when he realized that this cause the boat to increase in speed. Thus was formed a new and more efficient design of a boat.

To sum up, the participants who make the major changes are the ones who are open and enthusiastic to generating new and innovative ways of doing things. They are the caterpillars that are excited about turning into a butterfly even though they know that they have to go through a grueling process of transformation in the cocoon. Most importantly, they are the caterpillars that are excited about being a butterfly with full awareness that the butterfly only lives for an average of 15 days. They are the ones who strive to live to their highest potential in the present moment.

As Vergil once said, "They can who think they can."