Employee training can be a costly endeavor, especially when it comes to those who require higher levels of training. Many companies send their senior leaders on training retreats or use programs created by experts, but these aren't the only effective ways to provide team members with the skills they need to perform well.
From looking within to making use of free and low-cost apps and videos, there are plenty of ways to ensure that senior leadership learns management skills when your company is on a tight budget. Here, 15 members of Forbes Human Resources Council discuss the practical tools they use to strengthen senior leaderships' management skills without spending an arm and a leg.
Forbes Human Resources Council members share their insights.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.1. Strengthen Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are essential to effective management. While mid-level managers may only need to communicate in a few directions, senior leaders must master 360-degree communication. By ensuring leaders are effective communicators and providing those who aren’t with training, companies can help build trust throughout the organization and reduce employee disengagement and turnover. - John Feldmann, Insperity
2. Reflect On Leadership Framework
Leadership development is not necessarily about how many resources, financial or others, I have to invest in hard training or skills development. Reflecting on what leadership framework to establish is the critical part. It is about who we are as an organization, what behaviors we expect our leaders to embody, and very importantly how we will visibly reward such behaviors. - Pedro Neiva Botelho, Schlumberger
3. Establish A Formal Mentoring Program
A formal mentoring program can be established for little or no direct costs and yield years of benefits. Partnering mentees with mentors (internal or external) who can enhance their skill sets and develop additional experience allows you to be able to positively impact both parties and create teamwork and synergy. Define guidelines and touchpoints so that both parties stay on track with the program. - David Hawthorne, Pacific Bells
4. Tap Into Internal Excellence
Companies can strengthen senior leaderships' management skills on a tight budget by tapping into internal excellence. Gather information about strengths that exist on your leadership team. If the VP of finance is also excellent at communicating clear goals or creating action plans, tap this leader to share quick best-practices training or an open Q&A for the team on what the VP considers best practices. - Niki Ramirez, HRAnswers.org
5. Create Culture Of Continual Learning
Creating a culture of continual learning is a cornerstone for top leadership. As we know, everything flows from the top. Implement a Standard of Excellence committee supported by top management. Include all generations as well as representatives from all departments. - Patricia Sharkey, IMI A Global People Company
6. Strategize Lines Of Communication
Invest time into creating strategic lines of communication. It’s crucial that information is seamlessly relayed throughout the entire team so leaders can make well-thought-out decisions that are successful for the company and budget efficient. Effective communication can help teams meet their deadlines faster and channel their energies in the right direction, even with a tight budget. - Jason Lee, DailyPay
7. Ask For And Receive 360 Feedback
I think 360 feedback is key. This enables a manager to get an honest insight into how they are perceived. It provides different perspectives from management, direct reports and peers. Working in a senior leadership position is crucial, as to how you interact with others is essentially what motivates your team. This then prompts conversation, enhances self-awareness and in turn increases accountability. - Sarah Skillin, JDX Consulting
8. Balance Strategy, Execution, Culture
Help them realize they are not functional experts. Running their specific function well is the basics. They need to be an executive leader with the whole company in mind. They need to balance strategy, execution, people and culture, all as part of their work. - Erin Lanciani, Sage Therapeutics
9. Offer Bimonthly Training Through HR
One cost-effective way that our company strengthens leaderships' management skills is by offering bimonthly training, taught by the HR team. We address several topics and leadership skills throughout the year. We have collaborative discussions, where we learn from one another and engage in some role-playing opportunities on newly introduced leadership skills. - Sherrie LeCheminant, Blackstone Products
Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?
10. Make Use Of Podcasts And Websites
A practical and frugal approach to strengthening your leadership skills is to utilize podcasts and websites. These are typically free and include a ton of resources to help. HR professionals know which skills are needed, they can ensure the podcasts and other resources are targeted to those areas. You can either sit down, listen and then discuss together, or you can have them listen to it on their own, and then afterward, sit down with the group and discuss. - Greg Henderson, Whirks
11. Tap Into Peer Learning Circles
When on budget, consider tapping into peer learning circles. Develop an action learning board or cross-functional learning circles. Based on the principles of self-managed agile teams, they regularly set their learning targets and share personal strengths to develop others. An additional benefit to the learning circles is self-accountability and increased leadership engagement in their learning. - Sabahat Bokhari, Mentors
12. Connect With Charities And Nonprofits
Connecting leaders with charities or non-profit organizations to serve as non-exec directors, trustees or critical friends to the board. They will be exposed to great leaders in the organizations, and on the boards, while expanding their 360-degree knowledge of how to make an organization and executive team successful. The added bonus is they get to volunteer their time and expertise to a meaningful cause. - Bontle Senne, Virgin Media UK
13. Set Up Cross-Functional Advisories
Set up cross-functional advisory relationships. Senior leaders hold unique functional knowledge, but all showcase the same competencies that got them to the leadership position they’re in today. By getting leaders to brainstorm and run ideas by someone new, you’re giving them the opportunity to become involved in unexpected relationships and perspectives to be considered and implemented. - Jennifer Rozon, McLean & Company
14. Use The Gallup Training Tool
I have found the Gallup training tool to be a very effective and well-liked training tool that is budget-friendly. Many organizations can offer the Gallup strengths test for managers and supervisors for around $20 per person. An option is to collaborate with a certified Gallup coach to present the material and have occasional training sessions for a coherent, effective and engaging leadership program. - Alden Coffin, Forward Merch LLC
15. Lead A Discussion Group On Skills
There are many great resources out there for no-cost or low-cost skill development. I love leading a book study or discussion group around different skills. Many organizations have internal experts in areas that can lead training but we don't always take a skill inventory to know all the skills our people have. I also recommend using your network to find low-cost experts. - Katie Ervin, Park University
