The business environment of today is one that is tough; this is why management training is so essential if a company is going to remain stable and competitive in any market. Management training is all about strong interpersonal relationships, handling fast-changing conditions in the workplace, and managing stress – but it’s also about having the skills to motivate others (employees), according to a recent article in Bnet.
In this article written by Steve Tobak of Texas Instruments, the author talks about how important motivation is in management training. He goes on to say that in the early 80’s, the company made a commitment to quality. In fact, every engineer was sent to a management training class that lasted one week. What Tobak took away from the training had a huge impact that still remains today: Most problems in the workplace are actually related to bad management.
According to the article, management training should focus heavily on employee motivation; after all, a huge factor in whether a company is ultimately successful is the people it employs. At times, nearly every employee needs a little motivation in order to get the job done. Effective management training helps those in positions of authority know which employees can be motivated, which just are not cut out for the job, and the best strategies to use to get those workers motivated.
Exceptional management training should help those in a leadership position recognize that some people just cannot be motivated, and that sometimes it’s best just to let them go. For those employees that a manager feels have potential and are capable of doing the job, it is essential that they feel appreciated and recognized, and that they are compensated fairly for their work. Aside from that, there are some motivation techniques that are taught in an effective management training program that include:
1. Lead by example. Any management training program worth its salt will teach you that employees watch what you do, and often emulate you. If you work diligently to achieve results and don’t waste time, your employees will likely do the same in order to gain your approval.
2. Help employees understand their part in the overall picture. Employees want to feel that they are contributing to something meaningful and important. You can motivate most employees by simply explaining why their part is important to others, and how it all relates in the scheme of things.
3. Set goals – and hold employees accountable. All too often today, managers set goals for employees or have the employee set a goal, then never follow through to see if the goal was met. In management training, you should learn that employees must be held accountable for their responsibilities and meet the goals that are set.
These are just a few of the aspects of management training in regards to motivation. Good managers understand that they need to provide feedback to employees giving them the good and the bad – and to expect the same in return. Being open, communicating, promoting their accomplishments and taking responsibility for their failures are all important in an effective leader.
Good management training will give you the skills to motivate employees and others, helping them develop good attitudes, work ethics and most of all, desire to get the job done.
