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 the American Society for Training & Development (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!