(Picture: TiE Oregon Event, Heathman Hotel​)

Strategy 4 Saturday Blog (<4 minute read)

Employee Training = $102 Billion

In 2024, corporations are projected to spend $102 billion on employee training, yet according to the Harvard Business Review, only 10% of that will be effective. This means $91.8 billion will yield little to no tangible results.

Does that mean we should abandon training altogether? Not at all. But it does mean we need to rethink how we train.

Why Most Training Fails

Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers popularized the “10,000-hour rule,” based on Anders Ericsson’s research. The theory suggests it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert in a field. Whether it’s medicine, law, or accounting, deliberate practice, not just time spent, is what separates top performers from the rest.

The difference between deliberate training and regular training is simple: it’s the difference between shouting “Score a goal!” and teaching someone how to position their body, aim for the lower-left quadrant, and strike the ball with precision.

The Sports Metaphor Continued 

In sports, yelling “Get a rebound!” might motivate a player in the moment, but it doesn’t teach them how to box out their opponent to secure the ball. Similarly, telling someone to “Close the sale!” in the workplace is less effective than teaching them how to build rapport, ask insightful questions, or execute a follow-up strategy.

Deliberate training focuses on the how rather than the what. It’s actionable, measurable, and repeatable.

23 Ways to Make Training Deliberate

Here are some proven tactics to make training more effective:

  1. Set Clear Objectives: Define what success looks like before you start.
  2. Break Down Skills: Focus on one skill or behavior at a time.
  3. Use Real Scenarios: Simulate real-life situations to build confidence and relevance.
  4. Provide Immediate Feedback: Correct mistakes in the moment for faster improvement.
  5. Measure Progress: Track performance against key metrics.
  6. Encourage Reflection: Let participants assess what worked and what didn’t.
  7. Create a Safe Space: Encourage learning through trial and error.
  8. Tailor Training to Roles: Make it relevant to the participant’s daily work.
  9. Practice Under Pressure: Simulate high-stakes situations to build resilience.
  10. Repeat Frequently: Reinforce skills through regular practice.
  11. Gamify Training: Use competition and rewards to boost engagement.
  12. Make It Visual: Use video or interactive content for better retention.
  13. Leverage Peer Coaching: Foster collaboration and shared learning.
  14. Focus on Micro-Learning: Deliver content in short, manageable sessions.
  15. Apply Cross-Training: Teach related skills to increase adaptability.
  16. Use Expert Demonstrations: Show how top performers approach tasks.
  17. Encourage Questions: Foster curiosity and critical thinking.
  18. Test Knowledge: Use quizzes or challenges to solidify learning.
  19. Incorporate Fun: Keep engagement high with creative activities.
  20. Make It Hands-On: Let participants learn by doing.
  21. Role-Play Scenarios: Build confidence in handling tough situations.
  22. Focus on Transfer: Ensure training connects directly to on-the-job performance.
  23. Celebrate Wins: Recognize progress to keep motivation high.
The Importance of Tradition

As we focus on deliberate actions in training and life, it’s also vital to build meaningful traditions.

In 1990, my high school friend Grant Stockton and I began a Christmas shopping tradition at Washington Square Mall. Over the years, despite life’s changes—marriage, kids, careers—we’ve kept this tradition alive. This year marks our 35th consecutive outing.

Traditions remind us of what’s important. They anchor us in what matters most, whether it’s the personal joy of an annual event or the professional commitment to teaching skills that deliver real results.

Here’s to deliberate training and meaningful traditions—both of which stand the test of time.

Shoutout to Grant: Thank you for 35 incredible years of Christmas shopping!

Speaking of Tradition

The 125th Annual Army, Navy game will be played today in Landover, Maryland where the Washington Commanders play. This is my first Army, Navy game in person and we look forward to seeing this famed tradition. Our son Tyler will be walking onto the field with 4,000 other Midshipmen before the game. It should be a special moment. Go Navy!

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