I recently conducted a Cleaning Smart Trainer workshop and one of the attendees reminded me of the reason we do what we do. He explained that his school system has a mix of old, young, experienced and inexperienced people on his staff. He also explained that most of them did not even have high school educations and those that had graduated oftentimes had poor reading skills, low comprehension and struggled with feelings of inadequacy.

He was very proud of the fact that as his program required everyone to take a series of classes related to custodial operations before they were eligible for a raise or consideration of supervision. As he outlined the very basic classes he taught and how even then many of his staff struggled with the materials he shared that he was going more to pictures, videos, laminated cards, hands on training and even verbal testing that they all seemed to appreciate his efforts. Hands on testing was mandatory based on what their tasks involved.

With tears in his eyes, he related that when they had their “graduation” ceremony with caps, music and an executive presenting the certificates, they oftentimes related that this was the first certificate they had ever really earned. What a victory!

Who is our staff? Oftentimes just like in the story I relayed, they are well meaning, highly motivated people who have hope for a better life and advancement for perhaps the first time in their life. This is due to your inventing in them. The impact on not only their lives but their families is incalculable.

Is training of value not only to your company but also to the people you train? I will let you answer that question in your own way.

Your comments and feedback are always appreciated. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean…

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.


posted on 4/12/2017