Since the beginning of time, man has been transferring his knowledge. Others have learned it, only to pass it on to others. An endless loop in which knowledge is king. A concept that has defied the test of time, despite the technological advances of every era. It’s what enabled mankind to build cathedrals that are still standing, books that are over 500 years old, go to the moon, send a message with a single click.  

Do we master our subject 100% as time goes by and our knowledge advances?   

Can we be humble enough to stay in this perpetual learning loop?   

There are so many questions to ask. My imagination is running wild.  

Both parties are faced with a ton of questions. It is important for both sides to position their needs, priorities and objectives.  

To need training as a trainer is not a weakness; it is about having the integrity and ethics to offer the best to your learners.  

The stakes are high for both parties. Every decision will have an impact on their future.  You must be well-informed to avoid the trap of misinformation. We must be wary of information served to us on a silver platter. Trainers, be sure of the veracity of your teachings. Learners, look for credible and reliable training. 

Needing training as a learner enables us to acquire knowledge and tools for future endeavors.  

It’s an exchange, a wheel, a renewable and noble energy. It should be noble since it is what enables human beings to go further. Shouldn’t sharing knowledge be a priority for development and social well-being?  

Knowledge is the greatest source that can propel advances in all fields. The more knowledge is shared, the greater the possibilities. Why keep it jealously? If you could offer a training course, write an article, blog, podcast or give a talk, do it.  

If you’re lucky enough to have access to information, invest in it. Find out so you can share it with others. Every piece of information can be useful when you least expect it. Get off from autopilot and be fully aware so you can learn. To pass on your knowledge.  

Humans are social animals. They need a community to grow and learn. The community of yesteryear, where people talked in the public square, is a thing of the past. Communities are now online. We socialize at a distance and that certainly means accessibility to more resources. Online courses are proof of this; they make it possible to reconcile work and family, they save travel time, reduce carbon emissions, reduce paper use and much more.  

Still, your author has a certain nostalgia for the face-to-face connection, but let’s stay focused.  

Training and learning should be continuous. We begin at birth and continue until we die. It is up to us to make the most of it, to use what is available to grow personally and professionally.  

In business, training is essential. At every level. We all have to learn in an ever-changing world, with technology developing exponentially. Leadership needs to improve to remain agile in managing and supporting employees through change and transformation. 

Employees need to be trained to maintain productivity and a smooth flow of operations. Having a champion in the teams who can support colleagues is an interesting idea to look into, especially if someone demonstrates the interest and ability. Training also provides a feeling of being part of a whole, of being included.  

There’s nothing worse for an employee than to find out at the last minute that there is going to be a change without being warned and trained. His performance will automatically decline, as will his self-confidence. Training has a cost, of course, but it will probably save much more than the investment.  

Whose responsibility, is it? HR? Leaders? Managers? Employees?  

All of them. Remember: knowledge is the greatest source that can propel advances in every field. The more knowledge is spread, the greater the possibilities.  

We’re talking about growth, fluidity, collaboration, productivity, profitability and mutual support. It is a way of bonding people together and giving them a common direction.  

It is up to you to decide whether it worths the time and effort or not. 

There is a lot to talk about staff retention and the loss of qualified personnel. Admittedly, this is not the main cause, but there is surely a certain correlation. Training is necessary to have a qualified workforce, to have competent managers, to have cohesion within the company.  

Choosing or giving training can help improve so many aspects:  

• Growth  
• Finances  
• Development  
• Skills  
• Well-being  
• Balance  
• Fluidity  
• Employee retention  
• Knowledge  
• Talent diversification  
• Motivation  

Why do without?   

Trainers, don’t forget, you are the ambassadors of knowledge sharing. You pass on your knowledge so that it can spread and benefit society and its development. What would happen if we stopped sharing our skills? Future generations would be completely helpless. Technological advancement would become useless. Would they be able to start all over again? A good question for our philosophers.   

Learning and teaching are fundamental to the survival of our specie, in life as in business; it is a vital part of life. So, if I ask you “Training: to give it or to receive it?” What will be your answer? What will you decide? What impact will these words have on your mindset?   

Invest in yourself. Invest in others. Participate in the transmission of knowledge, contribute to the continuation of this loop that has allowed us to be who we are today. A population rich in culture, innovation and development. Let’s give future generations the chance to learn from the past with the how’s and the why’s.   

Photo by Sasint