The difference between training and management development tends to lie in timing. Typically, training is the process by which people are taught critical skills. Participants gain knowledge to carry out their current responsibilities. To goal is to improve performance in the short term. Development activities, on the other hand, tend to prepare people for additional job roles for the long term. Training usually refers to organized group events, such as workshops, classes or seminars that have a beginning and end date. Development tends to refer to more personalized, individualized experiences, such as a certification process, job rotation period, coaching or mentoring. Small-business owners can take advantage of the Small Business Administration Training Network for both training and management development needs.
Training professionals develop and deliver instructional programs to produce performance changes in participants. Training courses usually include detailed agendas, explicit learning objectives and a clearly defined formal curriculum. Less formally, human resources professionals coordinate management development programs to motivate, inspire and generate personal growth. These programs enable succession planning and ensure that qualified personnel have the skills, knowledge and experience to take over company leadership when older executives retire or reduce their role in the company. Small-business owners can guide employees to use Internet websites that provide free training resources, such as MindTools, for career development.
Companies typically offer both training and management-development programs to their staff to foster growth, provide opportunities and build employee morale. Employees appreciate these programs because enrichment opportunities allow these workers to improve operations and accept greater challenges, possibly resulting in higher pay. Training programs usually address remedial problems and improve on-the-job performance, making it possible for employees to work safely and effectively. Management development programs enable employees to progress in their careers. Small-business owners can utilize free resources, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's free online course materials website, to provide enrichment opportunities to themselves and their employees.
Providing training and management-development programs to employees benefits employers by developing the team skills required to achieve organizational goals. Training programs motivate employees to reach higher standards, improve operational efficiency and increase customer satisfaction. Longer term, management-development programs prepare employees for promotional opportunities and tend to decrease employee turnover, increase morale and spark innovation and creativity. Successful small-business owners use training and management development to grow and expand their business by developing their staff.
Determining training needs involves assessing employee performance to develop a skills-gap analysis. Employees may request training themselves, when presented with a new assignment or task, changes in technology or process and procedure updates. Changes in the company’s mission or value statements often dictate the need for management development to match the new direction. Additionally, performance reviews may demonstrate the need for both remedial training and management development opportunities, depending on the individual.
Training programs usually include traditional instructor-led courses, workshops and seminars as well as newer options, such as web-based training, video-based courses and distance-learning alternatives. Training topics typically include how to use software applications, follow procedures or use hardware products and services. Management development programs typically provide resources for personnel to increase their skills in communication, business acumen, project management or customer service. Training tends to include formal events, such as orientation training, diversity workshop or work/life balance seminars. Management development activities tend to occur on an informal, flexible schedule, based on the individual employee’s needs assessment. Effective small-business owners plan for both training and management development activities that fit their budget and strategy.
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