While your company may be recognizing the value of training front-line workers to step into leadership roles, you may be unsure of how to approach such an initiative. An effective program that prepares front-line workers to step into a lead role should incorporate a blend of technical and soft skills training that balances the operational and people management needs of your organization.
Elements of a successful frontline leadership training program to consider include:
Preparing to Step into a Lead Role
Transitioning from an individual contributor to a lead role requires developing the skills needed to lead others, including helping employees set goals, delegating work assignments, assessing job performance, giving feedback and motivating others. These responsibilities require developing an effective leadership style and using communication methods that engage and enroll others in the process.
Achieving Operational Excellence
Playing a lead role requires a deeper understanding of the company’s daily operations and the bigger picture of how the various processes fit together. Training in process improvement techniques can help a new lead person identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies and offer solutions to help cut costs and reduce defects.
Solving Team Problems and Managing Conflict
Understanding the basic principles of solving problems as a team and managing conflict are critical for effective leadership at any level of the organization. The ability to deal with differences and keep the lines of communication open can be developed through training programs that encourage group interaction and incorporate techniques such as role-playing that allow participants to practice problem-solving in a safe environment.
Other elements of frontline training will vary depending on the type of business and job requirements, but may include customer service skills, written communication, and computer skills training, such as Word, Excel or specific company software programs.
Developing frontline worker training programs requires careful thought and planning, but studies show that preparing your frontline workers to move up the ranks is a worthwhile investment in the future success of your organization.
Contract Education at Chabot-Las Positas Community College District can help your organization develop and deliver customized, on-site training for all levels of your organization, including frontline workers, supervisors, and managers.
To learn more about training options, contact MariAnn Fisher at 925.249.9372 or contact us online.
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