In the first of a series of exclusive blogs from specialist training provider and CMJ approved supplier Virada, managing director Debbie Barrow shows how if you create an environment of continual learning, you’re more likely to keep people working for you, build an inspired team AND attract motivated staff.
There are ten ways to make that happen:
1. Hold interesting brainstorming sessions
For example: How we can save time on X? How can promote Y? This activity encourages creativity and initiative.
2. Promote research
Ask team members to research useful topics, for example body language, handling objections, or tips for sounding confident.
People could also assess service and sales approaches in other businesses, then share what they’ve learned.
3. Use the “who do you know who…” approach
If someone wants to improve a skill, ask ”Who do you know who is good at this?” Ask them to talk with that person, then observe what they do and how they do it.
4. Initiate “microscopic” learning
If a team member plans to observe someone (or you) interact with a customer, brief them to note EVERYTHING in detail. For example tone of voice, wording of questions, specific presentation approaches. EVERYTHING counts.
Then ask the team member to share those learnings.
5. Validate self-driven learning, to create more of it
I once coached a salesperson who’d struggled to get sales success. I kept him reading about and listening to topics such as sales, rapport building and confidence building.
As he shared his learnings, I validated by saying things like, “I’m so impressed with what you’ve learned”, “I love that you’ve initiated this activity” and “What a great observation.”
His confidence grew rapidly. He became a top performer within six months, then was promoted to manager.
6. Find inspiring articles or stories
Find stories or articles that reveal important qualities, for example the person who used determination to achieve what seemed impossible.
Encourage others to search for inspirational stories.
7. Leave inspiring reading around the place
When I bring books to training sessions, people often write down the titles. Many ask for book recommendations. Some even order books during the lunch break.
You could leave small, inspirational books in staff areas. Now, you might say to yourself: “I can’t imagine some of my people being interested in reading any of this.” But you’d be very surprised at what happens when you leave inspiring books around.
8. Encourage discussions on thought-provoking quotes
This can create an inspired discussion. Here are some of my favourites: “Ships are safe in harbour, BUT that’s not what they were built for.” “Seek first to understand, THEN be understood.”
9. Use the power of music
Looking for learning in lyrics can be a fun team-building activity, especially when the music is played.
10. Play audio learning
Some clients play our five-minute sales audio or video lessons in the morning. One client did this for weeks and the effect was powerful.
Now imagine if you did ALL these ten activities. The team will become inspired learners AND the initiators of learning activities. That’s when results become game changing.
Debbie Barrow, managing director of Virada Training, wrote this blog exclusively for the Company of Master Jewellers. To find out more about how Virada can support your business now and in the future, contact Debbie on hello@virada.co.uk or visit their website.
