Training and Learning

Company and Personal Learning

Achieving the highest levels of performance requires a well-executed approach to company and personal learning. Company and personal learning is a goal of visionary leaders. The term company learning refers to continuous improvement of existing approaches and processes and adaptation to change, leading to new goals and/or approaches. Learning needs to be embedded in the way the company operates. The term "embedded" means that learning: (1) is a regular part of daily work; (2) is practiced at personal, work unit and organizational levels; (3) results in solving problems at their source; (4) is focused on sharing knowledge throughout the company; and (5) is driven by opportunities to affect significant change and do better. Sources of learning include: employee ideas; R&D; customer input; best practice sharing and benchmarking.

Company learning can result in: (1) enhancing value to customers through new and improved products and services; (2) developing new business opportunities; (3) reducing errors, defects, waste, and related costs; (4) improving responsiveness and cycle time performance; (5) increasing productivity and effectiveness in the use of all resources; and (6) enhancing the company's performance in fulfilling its public responsibilities and service as a good citizen.

Employee success depends increasingly on having opportunities for personal learning and practicing new skills. Companies invest in employee personal learning through education, training, and opportunities for continuing growth. Opportunities might include job rotation and increased pay for demonstrating knowledge and skills. On-the-job training offers a cost-effective way to train and to better link training to the company's needs. Education and training programs may benefit from advanced technologies, such as computer-based learning and satellite broadcasts.

Personal learning can result in: (1) more satisfied and versatile employees; (2) greater opportunity for organizational cross-functional learning; and (3) an improved environment for innovation.

Thus, learning is directed not only toward better products and services, but also toward being more responsive, adaptive and efficient - giving the company and employees marketplace sustainability and performance advantages.

Valuing Employees and Partners

A company's success depends increasingly on the knowledge, skills, innovative creativity and motivation of its employees and partners.

Valuing employees means committing to their satisfaction, development, and well-being. Increasingly, this involves more flexible, high performance work practices tailored to employees with diverse workplace and home life needs. Major