- Knowledge and information.
Every field is changing. New methods, technologies, and approaches are being developed daily. It is now predicted that the amount of information in the world doubles every five to seven years! Valuable information you possess today can become obsolete tomorrow. Information and knowledge are abundant. There are literally millions of different sources and suppliers of information. Although knowledge and information are critical for team members to be productive, they are the most easily obtained. The difficult task is to locate and identify the right information at the right time. The key is to clarify the specific information and knowledge each team member needs and then make it readily available to him or her.
- Skills and behavior.
Management, communication, sales, and time management are personal effectiveness skills that can be sharpened by appropriate training. Training may be informal or formal. It may take place in brief segments or a long, connected period. It may be on-site or at another location. It may be conducted by a leader, by an organizational training department, or by an outside specialist. The type of training should fit the needs and personalities of the people involved.
- Goals, attitudes, and motivation.
Organizations spend enormous sums of money on teaching new information and upgrading skills through training for their employees. Unfortunately, most organizations neglect the most important area of personal growth – the goals, attitudes, and motivational factors of team members. People may have access to unlimited amounts of information, they may have received training in every conceivable skill, but if their goals are faulty or unclear, if their attitudes are negative or unproductive, or if their motivation is lacking, the huge investment of time, energy, and money will be for nothing. Information and skills are only the tip of the iceberg. Just like an iceberg, as much as 90 percent of a person’s potential lies beneath the surface, hidden from view. Ultimately, a person’s success is determined by his or her focus on clearly defined goals, an enthusiastic attitude, and compelling motivation. A person who has these qualities will always find the information and develop the skills necessary to succeed. Without these qualities, a person’s knowledge and talents deteriorate and waste away just like an unused muscle becomes weak without consistent and regular use.
