Linking Training and Development to Company’s Strategy

Companies that learn how to use training and development programs to support their business strategy can establish a competitive advantage that increases profitability. Training and development affect a company’s business strategy by promoting the specific skills development needs to expand into new areas of business or fend off rivals looking to encroach into its business areas.

Mission Statement: Before you can align training and development to your company’s business strategy, you need to know what you want your company to achieve. Organizations that try to operate without a clear mission statement can find themselves floundering and eventually failing. A good mission statement usually begins with a commitment to effectiveness by each member of the organization, along with a commitment to effectiveness by the organization as a whole. With a roadmap in place, your training and development department then begins the process of preparing every employee to reach the high standards you have set for your organization.

Business Strategy: Effective training comes through a series of academic, hands-on and cooperative activities. An employee may learn as much from working with an experienced technician as he could in a dozen classroom lessons. The ultimate goal of your organization’s training and development plan is to produce employees who are able to provide your company with a competitive edge, whether those employees work in sales, manufacturing, logistics or management.

Company Needs: The modern fast-paced business environment requires that each business operation be completed in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Training and employee development allows a company to meet those challenges. Training managers should conduct an analysis of training effectiveness on a recurring basis. Valuable company resources are wasted if you are providing training that has little or no direct relationship to the operational needs of your company. Examine the exact training needs of the company and conduct an analysis of individual training needs, the instructional content of each training program and the return on investment of your company’s training program.

Human Resources: The goal of your organization’s human resources department is to ensure that all of your employees receive the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in your organization. Training programs offered by HR may include technical hands-on workshops, training tailored for leaders and supervisors and programs specifically designed to meet the needs of any department or division in the organization. Human resources may also provide classes and programs that support the career development of every employee. Professional development provides a means for your present employees to grow and become leaders prepared to help the company meet its strategic goals far into the future.