H U M A N R E S O U R C E S F E AT U R E The Workforce Development Picture BY ANDY SPRENGER & RENEA QUIRE Training Specialists
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Bath #3- Fixer Bath. This is where you can fix, remove, THERE IS A COMMON THEME when defining the word or change what is needed to continue moving forward in “develop” and that is “process.” Use the development of film your development. as an analogy. You may be thinking, “who still develops film the “old” way?” And that’s a valid thought; however, let this article develop in your mind and create a useful “picture.” “Picture” 3) The Refinement Process is where the picture comes back refers to your goal, vision, or growth you’d like to see as a into the light. professional. a) Washing- Water is used to wash away the fixed chemicals. You’re almost done with the development of Film development has three general processes. your goal. This could take the form of taking a test to get Developing your “Picture” a completion, certification, degree, etc. This could also be 1) Exposure Process that the information is still fresh in your mind and you’re 2) Chemical Process taking the useful from the process and starting to apply it. 3) Refinement Process 1) The Exposure Process is done after you’ve taken the “picture.” This stage is about how you want to develop as a professional.
b) Drying- In this phase the picture is permanent and resistant. This is where the goal is achieved, the vision is seen, and the knowledge is now wisdom.
a) Remove the film holder from the camera. This could Workforce development focuses on more than how to do your be the notes, general research, or initial ideas concerning job and includes relationship skill building which allows for growth and resilience. The Employers’ Association offers classes the goal you have. for all stages of development. Some of our most popular topics b) Exposure. Before unraveling the film from the holder, in this area are: you need to have the right amount of light to expose the • Effective Communication - sharing the skills of active film too. Comparably this could be choosing when to bring listening, becoming familiar with body language, your ideas forward to the decision makers. Give the film and improving a leader’s ability to communicate too much light and you’ll lose the image. Give too much professionally and productively. information at once, or choosing the wrong time to present • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking – providing your vision may prevent the image you have in mind from the tools for leaders to work through situational and being seen. systemic problems that arise in the workplace. • Providing Constructive Feedback – demonstrating the *Lesson: Within the Exposure and Chemical process complete importance of regular, constructive feedback, and best darkness is needed. There may be times when you don’t know practices for delivering a critique that leads to better or can’t see the picture in your life. Trust the process and realize outcomes in the future. that coming into the light of your growth is the next phase. • Building and Maintaining Trust – providing leadership tools for leaders to encourage collaboration in a safe 2) The Chemical Process occurs after you’ve presented your environment. initial goal and now the company would like to see the image. • Coaching Employers to Higher Performance – This process has three baths that the film will go into. demonstrating the tools to empower different employees and the value of encouraging employees to Bath #1- Developer Bath. The Developer Bath is a realize their full potential. mixture of compounds that agitate the film. This could • Creating an Inclusive Workplace – understanding be collecting more information on why, how, and what is that employee’s perceptions and actions are strongly required to develop and achieve your goal. Pause: This influenced by the environment created by the leaders does not mean you have to have all the data at once. Most of the organization and tools to create a welcoming likely you won’t, and there will be aspects of the mixture environment for everyone. you didn’t realize you needed to develop. Bath #2- Stop Bath. It’s in the title, it stops the developer bath process. This could be the time to re-assess your process, your training, or your developing goal. Maybe there was a person peeing in a pool in the background of your wedding photo. So, you need to take another picture, because there were things in the background you weren’t anticipating. Maybe it’s taking the picture longer to develop, so you need to be more patient. Maybe everything is moving forward and you’re ready to go to the next phase. 16
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So, while Workplace Development can mean different things and be applied in many ways, the training and development of your current and potential future team members is an integral part of increasing morale and productivity. If you trust the process, if you’re willing to be flexible and adapt, if you’re willing to give it time to develop, then you’ll be ready to hang the picture on the refrigerator.
