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How to Teach Employees a New Job Skill
When you hire new employees, there?s a good chance they don't already know how to perform each and every skill they'll be asked to do throughout their tenure. Chances are, you're going to need to teach them. This could be training on anything from a certain computer program to a piece of equipment or machinery. Whatever it is, there are certain steps that need to be followed to ensure that the teaching/learning process runs smoothly and that the skill is learned thoroughly.
- Step 1: Asses the employee?s knowledge.
Whether the employee has just joined the team or has been working with you for a while, you're going to need to spend some time talking and figuring out how much he or she already knows about the skill you'll be teaching. Don't assume the employee knows anything unless he or she has told you so.
- Step 2: Thoroughly explain the skill.
Use very simple terms to explain the skill. After you've finished explaining, ask if the employee understands or has any questions. Then have the employee repeat back to you, using his or her own words, how the skill is to be completed. If you don?t think the employee fully understands, keep talking through it.
- Step 3: Demonstrate in detail.
Now show the employee how you perform the task. Do this very slowly, all the while taking the time to describe in great detail what you are doing and why you are doing it. If the skill is rather intricate, ask the employee to take notes.
- Step 4: Allow the employee to try.
It's now time for the employee to try his/her hand at it. Let the employee demonstrate the skill for you, allowing him/her as much time as is needed. Have the employee explain the actions. If mistakes are made, interrupt and show the correct way of doing things.
- Step 5: Follow up and work out the kinks.
Even though the employee has not exactly mastered the skill at this point, let him or her start performing it alone. You can come back and check the progress from time to time and correct any mistakes in the process if need be. Remember that learning a new skill takes practice, so be patient with your employee.
