Has training died? This past week, I got an e-mail that Nielsen Company decided to cease operations of Training magazine and Training magazine Events, responsible for producing the annual Training Leadership Summit, Training Conference & Expo, and other meetings. Aside from ASTD, these were some of the biggest training gatherings in the United States, maybe even the world. How sad is this? In a word: Very. What does this mean?
- No one needs training?
- No one values training?
- No one wants to invest time or dollars in training?
How short-sighted is this mindset? Again, in a word: Very. No matter how enamored we may be with tweeting, texting and blogging, none of it ever replaces skills practice, interaction with people and feedback. Fear seems to be the operative word -- fear of being fired, fear of spending money, fear of investing in our employees, so people are stuck. We can all learn a lot from the attitude and example that Olympians set during the recent Winter Games – which was the very opposite mentality: Push yourself, take a risk, go a little out of control, and recognize the need in some cases for yet more training and coaching. How else can we get the best from people? Clearly, I have a vested interest in the world of training. But, so should you!
