We’ve been working with a major national retailer whose execs do get involved.  Now not all of them are always focused champions and yet bar none they exceed every retailer we’ve worked with in terms of visible senior management support for training.

As an example, I was cc’d on a simple invitation that a client sent out for an upcoming session.  Along with all the session logistics right there smack dab in the middle of the invite was a text box.  What was in it was quite a sight!  The Senior Vice President had a statement of support that detailed what they’d be learning and why he personally thought it was a great fit for what they needed to accomplish and how the skills would prepare them to be better managers and leaders.  It clearly set expectations that he had for their learning.  It also included a reference to his interest in knowing what they learned and he’d look forward to hearing examples of application when they returned.

Now the final test of course is whether he actually does ask them what they learned and how they are using it.  Did he write the note?  Maybe not.  I do know he personally attended several sessions at the start of the implementation and gave opening and closing remarks about the value he saw.

Training is the beginning not the end.  This exec knows that and practices it.  This company is getting amazing measurable results from this program.  They’ve shared many examples with us.  Do your execs get involved in training initiatives?  Tell us how by adding a comment here or tweeting us @mohrretail.

Posted in Editorial
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About Michael Patrick

Michael held positions in retail management, merchandising, and human resources before joining MOHR Retail’s predecessor in 1986. In 1990 he purchased the retail division of that firm to form today’s MOHR Retail. Michael holds true to his retail roots by delivering learning that changes behavior—providing both immediate and lasting business impact. In addition to facilitating MOHR Retail training programs, he offers executive-level coaching in one-on-one sessions dealing with critical strategic issues such as succession strategies and executive team development. The author of “The New Negotiation Mindset: Guarantee A Bigger Slice,” Michael is a longstanding member of NRF as well as ISA: The Association of Learning Providers. He has a B.A. from San Diego State University, completed Master’s level work at Arizona State University, and lives with his family in New Jersey.