What are we actually training people to become?
A few years ago, I heard someone ask a mentor, "What if I train people and they leave?"
The mentor smiled and replied, "What if you do not, and they stay?"
That quote has stayed with me for years. But over time, I found myself asking a different question.
What are we actually training people to become?
It is easy to train people to follow a process. It is much harder, and much more valuable, to develop people who know how to think, solve problems, communicate well, and lead.
Several years ago, we made a decision at Fulling Management & Accounting that quietly changed our culture.
Every week, we dedicate 20 to 30 minutes to leadership development for every member of our team. Not just managers. Not just our leadership team. Everyone!
As a fully remote company, we knew relationships would not happen by accident. Those 20 to 30 minutes each week have strengthened relationships, built trust, increased collaboration, and given our team the confidence to think critically and serve one another well.
One of my favorite comments we hear from our team members is, "I love the people I get to work with."
What has been even more rewarding is seeing our clients experience the difference.
When our people grow as leaders, our clients receive far more than accurate financial statements. They experience a team that communicates clearly, collaborates naturally, and genuinely cares about helping them succeed.
The more clarity our team has, the better clarity we can bring to our clients. That is how healthy cultures become exceptional client experiences.
Healthy organizations are not built simply by hiring great people. They are built by continually developing great people.
If you want a team that simply follows instructions, train followers.
If you want a team that thinks critically, takes ownership, serves others well, and makes your organization stronger every day, develop leaders.
Every one of them.
Looking back, those 20 to 30 minutes each week have become one of the greatest investments we have ever made.
Rusty Fulling