S1 E9 Into the Fire: The Culture of Sink or Swim

In Episode 9 Dee & Brad explore how your company can be 24% more profitable - you heard me! When we throw people into the deep end with no training and then sit back and expect results, we are making a bet that will take a long time, or may never pay off. The sink or swim culture - you know the one, where you are hired, receive no training and are expected to "just know" what you are supposed to do. The construction industry is famous for this but it applies to many other industries. Changing the sink or swim culture to a swimming lessons culture can have massive benefits to your company and your people. Gain knowledge, revenue, profitability, and GASP! Happier employees who stick around! Find out how in this cast!

Takeaways

• The construction industry often has a sink or swim culture.
• Many new employees feel unprepared for their roles.
• A beginner's mindset is crucial for learning in the industry.
• Listening and asking questions can accelerate learning.
• Training programs significantly impact employee retention and engagement.
• Companies with comprehensive training see higher revenue and profit.
• Not all training is equal; compliance training is not enough.
• Investing in employee growth signals a positive workplace culture.
• Younger generations prioritize growth opportunities in their careers.
• Mentorship and internal training are vital for skill development. Investing in employee training signals long-term commitment.
• Training is essential for employee retention and satisfaction.
• Assuming senior employees can train juniors is a flawed strategy.
• Internal training often lacks structure and effectiveness.
• Companies must prioritize relevant and engaging training.
• Training should be ongoing, not a one-time event.
• Effective communication is crucial in project management.
• Human skills are as important as technical skills.
• A culture of continuous learning enhances company performance.
• Creating a structured training plan is vital for success.

Chapters

00:00 Into the Fire: The Sink or Swim Culture in Construction
09:57 The Economics of Sink or Swim: Promotions and Learning
19:53 The Importance of Comprehensive Training Programs
29:51 Employee Engagement and Retention through Training
30:31 The Importance of Training Plans
32:49 Challenges of Internal Training
36:43 The Cost of Not Training
39:56 Understanding Employee Training Needs
40:53 The Importance of Effective Communication
45:48 The Need for Human Skills Training
49:33 Building a Culture of Continuous Learning
53:27 Creating a Training Plan for Success