Essential Training Skills for Managers

Today's manager lives in a world where change has2. Skills
attained Mach speeds. What holds good when you go3. Attitudes
home may not apply when you return in the morningMake a list of what is urgently required in any of the
to work place. Such a tremendous pace of changethree areas listed above by your direct reports. The
takes a heavy toll in terms of a dispirited and decheck list can clearly tell you what can be handled
energized workforce.quickly at your end and what requires more
World class products and services can only bespecialized training by external sources.
produced by workforce which is highly energized. AndIdentify major gaps in skills and knowledge that can be
a high level of energy is derived by a skilled andhandled by you without outside help. Attitudinal areas
knowledgeable workforce with the right attitude.may be more difficult to handle at your end and more
In this scenario keeping pace with the knowledge andspecialized intervention might be required. Skill areas
skills for himself and of his people is the key tomay be tackled easily by yourself or one of your team
managerial success. An ongoing training is the answer.members who are skilled in the desired area.
Each manager must ensure the up gradation ofYour job is not to become a trainer full time. Look at
knowledge and skills at his level rather than wait forproblems which need immediate correction and focus
the elaborate process of need identification, evaluationonly on them. For the more complex and long term
and availability of trainer and schedules before anychange requirements go to your training department.
training can be implemented. Basic training skills are anPrepare a short one or two hours a week training
essential repertoire of a successful manager.program to correct the gaps.
So how does one get started?That is all it requires. You are on as a trainer.
The first step in any training process is your own NeedA manager as a trainer has the distinct advantage of
Analysis.not having to wait for the elaborate process of
Who better than you as a manager of youridentifying training needs, setting up a training calendar
department or team to identify the needs and plug theand selecting the trainer etc. A quick intervention at
gaps. The needs analysis can broadly focus on threeyour level can make a major difference to your
areas.productivity levels. Above all a good leader needs to
1. Knowledgebe a good teacher and a trainer.