The year 2019 was transformative for Alkemy Partners, showcasing growth that many businesses aspire to achieve. We expanded our client base and team, and our employees effectively embraced their new responsibilities. This success was recognized by Inc. Magazine, listing us among the top 5,000 fast-growing companies for two consecutive years. The excitement was tangible, yet we recognized the need to address training gaps as new employees jumped straight into their roles.
This period highlighted a classic “Jekyll and Hyde” scenario. While rapid growth signified success, it also meant sacrificing some long-term development. It felt like advancing projects at the expense of preparing our team for lasting success.
During such periods of rapid expansion, formal training often takes a backseat. New employees learn on the job, sometimes missing foundational knowledge. While this experience-based learning is insightful, it can lead to performance gaps that might appear later.
At Alkemy Partners, we faced this situation squarely. Although our team rose to the challenge, we recognized that our infrastructure needed enhancement to provide thorough training before employees took on their roles. Our goal was to extend beyond basic training, finding ways to invest in our team without impeding progress. The solution was creatively supplementing training to match our growth pace.
Understanding the Need to Pause
In the midst of exciting growth, I learned the importance of knowing when to pause. Despite counterintuitive, taking a momentary step back can lead to multiple steps forward. It’s crucial to evaluate gaps, strategically hire, and refocus on training initiatives that fuel sustainable development.
Pausing doesn’t mean stopping. It means strategic recalibration, investing in people, and ensuring a strong foundation for long-term prosperity.
Strategies to Enhance Training Without Hindering Progress
Here are the strategies we employed to balance training needs with continuous growth:
- Engaging External Trainers: Organize focused, one-day sessions to fill key skill gaps. This approach delivers expertise without disrupting workflows for extended periods.
- Fostering Self-Paced Learning: Provide materials for continuous individual learning, creating a culture of growth that supports personal and professional development.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Encourage team members to share knowledge across departments, broadening organizational understanding and expertise.
- Mentorship and On-the-Job Support: Foster organic learning through mentoring, promoting collaboration without formal training complexities.
- Regular Training Check-Ins: Maintain regular interactions to address skill gaps and provide targeted support, ensuring ongoing development.
As leaders, it’s vital to periodically step back and ensure that team development aligns with overarching company objectives. At Alkemy, we discovered that assessing training needs wasn’t about slowing progress; it was about securing a sustainable future for our employees and our organization.
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