As a trainer, I see a lot that most customers never see. And after 20 years, one of my frustrations is seeing companies be reactive instead of proactive in their training — using it as a band-aid. Strategically-aligned training programs produce much better results, but far and few between are the companies that use them.

So after seeing a CNNMoney.com article by Fawn Fitter about a Philadelphia-based company that takes training seriously from top to bottom, I was tickled.

A few details from the article:

- The company employs over 300, with more than a third in management.

- Employees with 12+ months of service are invited to attend a management training program.

- The training is comprehensive, covering sales strategies, networking, conflict resolution, and building community partnerships.

The result? Eighty-five percent of management has been promoted from within, and in 14 years, the company has grown from two stores in Philladelphia to 25 stores in four states! Their customers are loyal, and so are their employees.

Attitude of the company leaders

It’s a story of great, solid growth, but it’s not just because of the product. People can get the same product anywhere. The key for success, I surmise, is the attitude of the company’s leaders. It’s obvious from the story they believe in a comprehensive training program and providing their employees “whatever it takes” to help them be successful AS PEOPLE.

In other words, for these company leaders, operating their business isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about making sure their employees are engaged and challenged to learn and improve — in alignment with some pretty significant core values.

My question for you, the reader, is this: What can you do to improve training at YOUR company to bring it in alignment with your core values? And if your company is currently using training as a band-aid, what can you do to change it?

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Filed in Training, Management, Leadership, Team Building, Workplace, Corporate Culture