T is for… Training

It is important as part of your feedback process (whether by formal appraisal or otherwise) and your own self-analysis that you use the feedback/analysis as an opportunity to identify any skills gap. It is important that you follow through and take positive action to plug these gaps.

Usually, the simpliest way to do this is through training. So ask for your employer for training. If you don’t have a formal training programme in-house (or you are self-employed) you could go a step further and design your own soft skills training programme.

Why is training important to employers?

Simply put your employer wants (and needs) you to be capable of doing your job. So a business case for any training for essential skills should be straight-forward. However, what may be more difficult is additional soft skills training that is perhaps geared at preparing you for a promotion (where there is no defined career path) or training for skills that are outside your job description/role.

However, more and more employers (and good bosses) are fully aware that training and professional development is a piece of the job satisfaction puzzle. Therefore they understand that ongoing training is important for staff retention. Therefore if you make it easy for them they are more likely to be happy to consider your request for additional training.

Write your own soft skills training programme

1. Identify the skills gaps and the training that you require. Set goals.
2. Check internal (in-house) training resources and check what is already on offer.
3. If there is nothing ask your colleagues/boss/L&D team or other internal resources for any recommended training.
4. Do some research into available courses (locally and online) and the objectives and content of them to see if they align with your needs.
5. Write up a programme (e.g. over course of a year) with suggested training including where possible a mixture of internal and external courses.
6. Not all training is done through courses. Sometimes it can be done through different kinds of work experience. Include in your programme of learning resources and activities.
7. Review and amend your plan as you progress through your plan.

Further Reading:

• T is for … Training (write a training plan)
• Training Record
• Career Progression Goals and Meetings Notebook