The more-successful companies also tend to emphasize different training topics and approaches. They also give greater attention to developing their senior and middle managers, through leadership training, regular management conferences, and other interactive forums. It can happen in a class, in meetings, on the job, and on your own, and it can add value to all levels of the company, including senior management. For example, more than four out of five companies surveyed by Mercer say they incorporate customer-focused objectives in their employee training. Managers at growth companies, however, are more likely to build on this training to gain more insights on customers.
Informal communications can be another learning vehicle.
Continuous learning as a way of life is the essence of a learning organization, and the more-successful performers in our survey are clearly headed there. But you need to start with the right types of training activities and the full commitment of senior management.