Can training that only appears to improve business performance on the surface, actually boost personal career objectives and staff motivation?
The aim of training at work can be different depending on who you ask. Most businesses, quite rightly, would aim to invest in training that will help them achieve their overall objectives, reduce costs or increase efficiency and productivity.
Employees, on the other hand, want to learn new skills that will put them in a better position in their current role, and also provide opportunities to further their career elsewhere.
But can you get the best outcome for both without compromising on either?
Business objectives vs personal goals
Lean Six Sigma is often held up as one of the best Business Improvement methodologies in the world. It provides organisations with the tools they need to identify where their processes are wasting time or resources, with the main aim of improving the customer experience and increasing the overall quality.
However, can training in a methodology aimed at implementing a continuous improvement culture within organisations also improve personal development, motivation and retention?
Driving personal growth
Our research and discussions with previous delegates have shown that Lean Six Sigma training can improve employees’ experiences at work, and even provide a prospect for a different career path. A survey of those who have already taken Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training revealed that 55% said the training had provided them with a better professional outlook, and a similar number said it had given them improved opportunities.
55% of Black Belts trained with 100% Effective say it has given them a better professional outlook, and 68% have introduced significant cost savings at their firm
Lean Six Sigma training provides the toolkit to go into a business and make real, significant and lasting changes. Green and Black Belt training provides some of the most sophisticated business tools the world. And having the tools to save a company hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of pounds at their disposal makes those who have trained an attractive proposition.
Indeed, two-thirds of the Black Belts we polled said they had introduced significant cost savings at their company, and our average return on investment at Black Belt level is 7:1 – although we have seen this figure considerably higher.
Improving motivation
Training can also give you exposure to other people in the business with whom you may not have been in contact with before. This can open the doors within an organisation and provide opportunities that may not otherwise have developed.
But training itself can be a motivator too. According to research by BlessingWhite for its Career Research Report 2014, just ten per cent of people polled said that financial reward was their biggest motivator at work. However, 46 per cent said they think their next career move is outside their current employer.
As an employer, identifying what career progression your employees have in mind and using training as a way to help them get there could help with staff retention.
So can Lean Six Sigma help you meet your personal career goals and business objectives? The answer is absolutely, yes it can. The secret is excellent communication, a genuine understanding of the core teachings of Lean Six Sigma and a focus on long-term, sustainable improvement rather than short-term gains.
If you’re interested in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training, or want to find out how 100% Effective can help you achieve your career goals get in touch online or call us on 0800 066 3749.