DEVELOPMENT: BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

As leaders, we are charged with the obligation of developing our team members so they can fully contribute to the organization’s success. When we think of “training and development,” many of us think automatically and exclusively of classroom education. While classroom education is a critical element of any development program, it should not be the only element.

Here are a dozen ideas, above and beyond the traditional classroom setting, for developing team members. Consider having a team member:

1. Work on a special project.
2. Chair a committee.
3. Cover for an absent employee.
4. Teach or coach others.
5. Lead a continuous improvement effort.
6. Implement a policy or procedure change.
7. Present or negotiate at a higher level in the organization.
8. Visit a client/customer.
9. Read an article or book and report highlights to the team.
10. Interview a role model within the organization.
11. Volunteer for a community or civic group.
12. Ask an expert to observe and provide feedback on performance.

Here’s to your successful training efforts!
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