As I watched the world come to a complete standstill at the beginning of 2020, and after I got over the shock and denial phase, my brain started to shift towards the acceptance phase and it was then that a choice had to be made. Do I wait for the world to resume to its pre-COVID ways or do I reinvent myself and pivot my strengths and resources to a new venture? And that’s when Filigree Training Solutions was conceived!
I promise that these articles will be kept short and sweet – I believe in quality rather than quantity. The purpose is to instill a thought, share a story or pose a question which might initiate a call for action, and needless to say, your comments and feedback are highly welcomed.
During my career experience spanning nearly two decades, I was humbled and grateful to have worked alongside and represented some of the best in learning and development, with an expertise in hospitality. I am thrilled to still be passionate about my role after so many years and my greatest satisfaction is witnessing teams and individuals develop their potential, as businesses successfully reach their goals. Although this was something I always wanted to embark on, life has a way of happening and it was somehow never the ‘right’ time. Until I came across the Chinese proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
So, how have different businesses been utilizing this unprecedented time? During uncertain days, the success of a business lies in how well it can reinvent itself, and although having an innovative product is crucial, the competitive edge is found in its people. Some industries have adjusted their offerings to create new revenue opportunities and remain competitive while others are so busy, they cannot keep up with demand. But in the meantime, is training being executed in a planned, structured manner or is it only happening ‘if and when we have time’? This holds true even under ‘normal’ circumstances; it is not uncommon for businesses to postpone and procrastinate when it comes to training. And that’s when the vicious cycle kicks in:
For those industries that have boomed, such as education and medical technology, this is when staff members need training the most; they need to keep up with high demand without compromising quality. On the other hand, for industries that have been hit the hardest, such as hospitality and travel, this is the best time to structure a well-thought out training plan in order to be fully prepared when demand continues to pick up. The workplace will look completely different when your staff members return and training will proactively help to rebuild their confidence by understanding the new nuances, the clients’ changed expectations and the revised role requirements.
Whichever way you look at it, the best time is NOW!