Improve Your Coaching and Training Skills
Book

Improve Your Coaching and Training Skills

Patrick Forsyth
Kogan Page, 2008
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Though there are shelves of books about training, coaching and development out there, this book has the virtue of focus. Rather than trying to be a comprehensive guide, Patrick Forsyth teaches you how to train effectively without getting bogged down in theory, big budgets, politics or an endless number of possible approaches. He stresses how important staff development is to your competitive position, and shows you how to carry out on-the-job and formal training. His advice is practical and offers some surprising twists. Forsyth provides bulleted lists, checklists and a sample form or two to help you implement this. Although his use of colloquial U.K. English might make U.S. readers pause for a moment or two, it provides the right touch for his emphasis on action, simplicity and focus. getAbstract recommends this book to front-line managers who want to develop their employees.

Summary

Good Development Leads to Success

Every manager waxes lyrical about how important employees are to the company’s success. But, to take full advantage of this, you have to invest in staff development. It doesn’t matter what skills employees have when they join your firm – since the market itself is constantly shifting, staff members must continue to develop their talents. Your company must respond with new products and better services, which you must also develop, market and sell. You will be a more effective competitor when your team masters your latest offerings. Don’t wait for the world to beat a path to your door.

Staff development is crucial to commercial survival, despite what reasons you find to delay or circumvent it: You might think you don’t have enough time, your budget is too tight, you lack sufficient resources, or you have conflicting priorities. Think about the connection between career growth and retention, how skill development can empower your short-term objectives and fill performance gaps. Ask yourself how you are going to keep ahead of change in your market. Weaving employee development into your company’s culture makes this easier to accomplish...

About the Author

Patrick Forsyth consults on issues such as marketing, management, communications and associated skills. He has published widely and has more than 20 years of business experience. His other books include: Successful Time Management, Business Planning and Marketing in Publishing.

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