Photo by: Natee Meepian via Canva
Congratulations, your team has just participated in a training session! Afterwards, there can be a temptation to jump right back into business as usual. But here’s the thing—training doesn’t end when the session does. The real challenge is to ensure your employees retain and apply what they’ve learned. So, how do you, as a manager, support your team post-training?
Here are five tips that can make all the difference.
1. Reinforce Key Concepts Regularly
Just because the training is over doesn’t mean the learning should stop. Schedule regular check-ins to review key concepts. Whether it’s a quick team meeting or a brief email, consistent reinforcement helps solidify new skills.
2. Encourage Immediate Application
One of the best ways to retain new skills is by using them right away. Encourage your team to apply what they’ve learned as soon as possible. Assign projects or tasks that align with their recent training. This hands-on approach not only reinforces learning but also boosts confidence in their new abilities.
3. Create a Supportive Learning Environment
Your team should feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help even after the training. Foster an environment where continuous learning is the norm. This could be through an open-door policy, peer mentoring, or even setting up a dedicated communication channel for post-training discussions. When employees know they have ongoing support, they’re more likely to keep their skills sharp.
4. Offer Additional Resources
Learning is a journey, not a destination. Provide your team with resources like articles, videos, or even additional workshops, to deepen their understanding. These resources can act as a refresher or offer new insights that complement their training. Plus, taking this extra step shows you’re invested in their long-term development.
5. Recognize and Celebrate Progress
Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Recognize when your team successfully applies their new skills and celebrate these wins—big or small. A little acknowledgment goes a long way in motivating employees to continue developing their abilities. It also reinforces the value of their training, making them more likely to retain and build upon what they’ve learned.
Supporting your team after training helps them apply and retain new skills in their daily work. When you create a continuous learning environment, you ensure ongoing growth and success. Remember, training is just the start—your support makes all the difference!
If you’d like more management tips and strategies, check out these workshops: The Successful Training Manager and Evidence-Based Management and Leadership.
