One common challenge expressed by leaders across various industries is the lack of budget for team training. This concern is prevalent in companies of all sizes, especially given the current economic uncertainty. Despite financial constraints, neglecting employee development can lead to significant issues, such as decreased employee satisfaction, diminished creativity, stunted skill growth, and increased turnover rates.
However, even with a limited or nonexistent training budget, leaders can still foster team development by leveraging free online resources. Here are some cost-effective strategies to support your team’s growth:
Leader as a Trainer: As a leader, you likely have a busy schedule, but dedicating time to personally train your team can have a substantial impact. This could involve sessions on coaching, communication, writing, presentation skills or practical tutorials on human resources. Your direct involvement demonstrates commitment and can significantly boost team morale.
Webinars: Many industries host conferences that offer free live streaming or recorded sessions. There are also numerous free HR-related webinars available online. You can assign each team member a different session to watch and then present the key takeaways at a team meeting. This not only disseminates valuable information but also integrates new insights into your team’s development plans. Some recent online sessions that are available include:
- 2024 Trends: 5 Priorities You Need to Know
- Manual HR Processes: The Silent Thief
- How Business Analytics are Reinventing the Art of Talent Management
- Become a Talent Magnet
- The 2024 Online HR Technology Conference June 12& 13
Podcasts: Listen to industry-related podcasts like all those in the HR Happy Hour Media Network. Encourage your team to listen to these podcasts and then come together to discuss the topics. This method promotes idea sharing and collaborative learning within the team.
Articles: The internet is a treasure trove of information. Assign relevant articles to team members and ask them to present key points at a team discussion. This exercise fosters critical thinking and opens up valuable conversations about industry trends and best practices.
Book Reviews: Traditional book reviews can still be highly effective. Invite team members choose books from your leadership or business collection, summarize the key insights, and lead a discussion on these topics during team meetings. This method not only enhances learning but also encourages public speaking and critical analysis. Here are a few to get you started on current learning in our industry:
- Dare to Be Naive: How to Find Your True Self in a Noisy World by Joshua Berry
- HR Unleashed! Developing the Differences that Make a Difference by Steve Browne
- The Talent Fix Volume 2: A Leader’s Guide to Recruiting Great Talent by Tim Sackett
Team learning should aim to stimulate discussions and explore new approaches to challenges. By guiding your team towards various free resources, you can promote continuous development, resulting in better retention and a more engaged, knowledgeable staff.
What strategies do you use to effectively develop your team? Please share them in the comments.
A little travel, a little tech, a splash of watercolor—and probably snacks. 