I am always so inspired when companies decide to reach out for support from coaches and trainers. Not just because I am a coach and trainer, but because so many companies suffer from the mindset of “we’ve got this.” This is an attitude that fosters the “this is how we do it around here” attitude which leads to behavior where we continue to try more and different ways to improve, but always within the same system.
I serve on the Board of Trustees for a non-profit school here in Sacramento. Our school was suffering growing pains and for the last two years we have said, “we can do this ourselves.” We felt, from the most positive of intentions that if we just worked harder, we could make the changes needed. Then, almost on a whim, we hired a trained facilitator who led us through a 2 day retreat. We came out energized and empowered. We demonstrated commitment to our goals and found a way to achieve them because we allowed someone who did not know us to step in and say what he saw.
A qualified trainer can facilitate change in your organization faster than anything else. How do you know when it is time to hire a trainer? The short answer is this – if you haven’t hired an outside resource and you want to grow, then now is the time. Don’t wait for a sign.
Valley Oak Home Appliance Company (www.vohac.com) has been a client of mine for years, but just this year they took the leap to offer my class to anyone of their employees who wanted to take it. Today we graduated ten employees and managers (store staff and techs alike) who together achieved a higher level of commitment, a common language, a mindset of accountability and a far greater sense of team-work.
This is the third company to go through this 20-week program with me. All have reported greater profitability, measurable results, meeting financial goals, and improved teamwork.
If you are ready to take your team to the next level, find yourself a qualified trainer or coach.
And congratulations to Valley Oak for taking the leap and demonstrating commitment.
