HR Solutions: Preparation, presentation key to getting HR messages across

Lynne Haggerman is president/owner of Haggerman & Associates, a firm providing outplacement, retained search and management consulting/training on human resource issues.

In-house management training is critical to the success of a business. The training is typically outsourced to a professional trainer or conducted by a member of the human resource department. However, unless mandatory, attendance might be lower than desired by the human resource department. Recognizing and correcting seven roadblocks will radically increase the desire to attend and the likelihood of implementation.

First, be sure the topics and training material remain tied to organizational goals. Conduct a needs assessment to confirm the training is relevant and will provide solutions. Some directors already feel the human resource department isout-of-touch with the real issues in the corporation. Operations managers have no time to waste and many already believe that programs and policies from the human resource department waste their time.

Second, rectify each reason for any prior seminar disappointments expressed by team leaders. Was the trainer poor? Was the attendees' time wasted? Was the program boring? Was the information presented either irrelevant or wrong? Privately express the resolutions to each supervisor and eliminate those objections to attending. Remember, just a few poor experiences will put a bad taste in directors' mouths for a long time to come. Accordingly, do everything possible to guarantee each program is successful.

Third, be sure the trainer thoroughly understands self-esteem issues concerning adult education. He must be able to tactfully handle a manager who begins exposing a lack of knowledge regarding a topic. This is especially critical if subordinates will be attending. A supervisor might balk at training because he feels threatened that his staff might know more than him.

Fourth, passionately advocate the event. When preparing the promotional pieces, utilize the exact words used by team leaders during the needs assessment. Constantly sell the benefits of attendance. Managers must clearly see that this training will fix problems and assist in the attainment of company objectives. Since human resource department associates traditionally do not possess sales skills, take advantage of the experience of the outsourced trainer or an in-house sales representative to create persuasive marketing materials and speeches.

Fifth, avoid the "nothing will change" mentality by guaranteeing the material taught is implemented. The most critical step is to confirm the complete buy-in of executive staff prior to holding the event. Following the program, develop required, hands-on exercises the team leaders must do that reinforce the information learned. Perform personal observations, provide praise or correction, and conduct further, one-on-one training as needed. Be sure the director of each manager is fully aware of the skills taught, so he will be able to follow-up and place the new skill sets on the performance appraisal.

Sixth, if the training will initially increase the workload of the attendees, sell how the training will ultimately free up more time. If the increased workload will be permanent, the benefits must be strongly stressed. In addition, provide training regarding the advantages of change.

Seventh, confirm that all potential attendees realize the seminar is available. It is so frustrating for the human resource department to hear afterward, "If only I had known that was being offered." If time permits, develop a verbal sales presentation and personally call or meet with each prospective attendee. Promote the program and close the sale by asking for a commitment to enroll. Do not accept a lack of time as an excuse. Time is not the issue. If the value is seen, the manager will know it is time well spent.

To stop the frustration concerning attendance rates at much-needed seminars, provide relevant programs by an exceptional trainer and properly sell the event.