On The Job Training! How Spontaneous Training Can Pay Off!

Training new employees, or those with general skills, can be done in two different ways, planned and spontaneous. The focus of this article will highlight how training on the spot can be a real treat to your employees, as well as increase immediate productivity. Planned training, such as guest speakers, workshops and seminars are also great training tools. But training that you do yourself, especially for those of apprentice level, are economical.

Spontaneous training is just as it sounds, training on the spot. This can be done in several conditions. First off, it can be used to correct someone. Second, it can be done to show a new way of doing something that can then be performed immediately on the job.

In the first suggestion, you can use spontaneous training to help someone who may be doing something either wrong, or just in a very inefficient manner. Rather than scold or belittle someone for not doing right- maybe he thinks he is- you can stop him and start an impromptu one-on-one training session. First, you can ask him or her what their reasoning is for doing the task that way. Perhaps by doing this, you will notice a lack of experience in a certain area, as well as give him a chance to explain the action. You can take this opportunity to not only correct it, but also demonstrate and explain why your way works.

Then, let the person carry on under your direct supervision for a little while, so you can see the implementation be made, and how it is handled. Once you see that they have it down, you can compliment their work, and carry on with your own. They will be relieved that they now are doing work that pleases you, and also they are not hurt or embarrassed because you
made a fool of them. They simply got a quick training method, perhaps appreciated the one-on-one you gave them.

The second way of spontaneous training can refer to your whole crew, or at least a team of them that is working together on one task. The materials just got delivered and you are about to start the job. But maybe in the past week or so, you learned a new technique that can get the job done faster, or perhaps the materials you purchased are different than normal. Rather then expect the crew to know what to do, you can hold a quick training session on the new method or material and then monitor their work for while.

Afterwards, you can ask for feedback of the new method.
A small time investment in your workers for some spontaneous training will save you valuable time and cost later. Additionally, it is a well to build team morale and forge bonds with your workers. You are taking an active role in the work of your subordinates. It’s win-win for everybody.