1. Analyze Your Team’s Work Styles

Understanding that each individual has unique learning preferences is key to effective reskilling. Some employees might thrive in traditional in-person training sessions, while others may prefer online or blended learning approaches. Before rolling out reskilling initiatives, take the time to analyze your team’s work styles.

According to Deloitte’s Business Chemistry Framework, employees generally fall into one or more of these four work style categories:

• Pioneers: Risk-takers who adapt easily and lead confidently.
• Drivers: Focused and task-oriented, often preferring to work independently.
• Guardians: Methodical and detail-oriented, favouring stability and structure.
• Integrators: Collaborative and empathetic, excelling in team settings.

Knowing these categories can help you tailor reskilling programs to individual strengths, motivations, and learning preferences. By aligning training methods with these work styles, you can create more effective and engaging learning experiences.

2. Emphasize the Distinction Between Training and Coaching for Effective Reskilling

To effectively reskill your teams, both training and coaching are essential. While they may sound similar, they serve distinct purposes and offer different benefits.

Training typically involves structured group sessions where general skills and knowledge are imparted. For example, sales training might include presentations and hands-on activities focused on overall sales strategies for the upcoming quarter. However, this approach is often not tailored to individual needs.

In contrast, coaching is more personalized and involves one-on-one interactions. Sales coaching, for instance, consists of individualized meetings between a sales representative and a manager to discuss specific areas for improvement. This personalized attention focuses on targeted learning tasks designed to enhance individual performance.

The coaching process is iterative, evolving over time as personalized performance data becomes available. Managers can use this data to shape next steps and long-term goals, recognizing that each employee learns and grows differently. This individualized approach not only helps employees develop into leaders but also fosters a culture of mutual learning and support within the team.

By integrating coaching into your reskilling strategy, you can significantly boost individual performance and overall sales results, while also enhancing employee engagement and satisfaction.

3. Embrace Automation to Optimize Efficiency

Maximize Sales Productivity: According to a Salesforce survey, sales professionals spend only 28% of their time engaging with potential customers, while the bulk of their week is consumed by tasks that can be automated, such as data management, lead generation, and administrative duties. This imbalance leaves minimal time for crucial skill development.

Leverage Digital Opportunities: The dynamic digital landscape necessitates frequent upskilling but also presents numerous opportunities. By automating repetitive tasks, you can significantly free up your sales team’s schedule. This shift allows employees to focus more on high-priority business activities and the development of advanced skills.

Implement Automation Tools: Integrating recruitment automation software and HR automation platforms can streamline various people-focused processes. These tools not only save time and resources but also enable your organization to invest more in strategic workforce planning and reskilling efforts.

Enhance Skill Development: By encouraging your team to embrace automation, you provide them with the opportunity to concentrate on more meaningful tasks and continuous professional growth, thereby fostering a more efficient and capable workforce.

4. Emphasize Hands-On Learning for Optimal Skill Development

When designing training programs, it’s crucial to incorporate hands-on learning experiences. While everyone has unique learning preferences, research shows that most individuals grasp concepts more effectively through practical application.

The adage “practice makes perfect” holds true here. Engaging in hands-on training helps employees master skills more quickly, enhances their learning speed, and boosts their confidence in applying these skills in real-world scenarios.

Key Benefits of Hands-On Learning:

1. Enhanced Skill Mastery: Practical application allows employees to understand, develop, and retain skills more effectively than theoretical learning alone.
2. Faster Learning: Employees can grasp concepts more rapidly when they can actively participate and practice.
3. Increased Confidence: Real-world application builds confidence, making employees more comfortable and proficient in using new skills.

Given the limited time employees have for skill development, hands-on training is an efficient way to expand their skill sets and ensure they can effectively apply what they’ve learned in their daily work. Prioritizing practical training methods can lead to a more skilled and capable workforce.