OJT - On The Job Training

IntroductionIrritability
Managers have two powerful ways of improving theBlaming others
performance and productivity of their subordinates,The most important sign to look for is a change in
which are counseling and on the job training.behavior or performance. For example, if a an
Counseling is the process of helping a subordinateemployee who has always been well behaved, with a
define and resolve personal problems that effectpleasant disposition suddenly becomes aggressive you
performance or in order to develop a good attitude tocan bet on him having some problem that needs
work.counseling.
On the job training is the process of explaining,Counseling
demonstrating and the structured supervision ofOn-the-job counseling is a process of talking about
specific skills or particular tasks. It is similar to thethings that affect the performance of the work. It
teaching process. On the job training is often referredinvolves sitting down in some quiet place and getting
to as OJT.job problems out in the open without hurting each
These are highly effective in three situations, whichother.
are:It's all about talking, listening, and trying to understand
Resolving people problemsthe other person's point of view. All supervisors are
All managers are faced with problem people fromcounselors whether they realize it or not. Sometimes a
time to time. Counseling and training are always thelong heart-to-heart talk is needed to clear the air or a
first considerations in these cases but they do notquick exchange will clear up a misunderstanding.
always result in success and sometimes more radicalPerhaps the supervisor does most of the talking; the
action is required. This is covered in the Problemnext time it may be the other way around. However,
People and Positive Discipline modules.counseling is more than a casual discussion resulting
Maintaining group standardsfrom an accidental encounter.
The management of people both as individuals andCounseling is a very effective management tool to
groups is a dynamic process as nothing remains staticincrease productivity by solving problems and
- problems are always arising. A good manager muststrengthening or repairing working relationships. Other
be aware of this and be constantly ready to usekinds of problems of a personal or psychological
counseling and training to maintain standards.nature should be avoided and left to professionals in
To achieve continuous improvementthat field.
The best way to avoid problems is to keep ahead ofOn the Job training
them by being proactive. You must have a plan forTraining is almost a natural human instinct. We all train
each individual in your group and for the group as aour children without even thinking about it but when we
whole. In particular new and inexperienced grouphave the job of training someone at work we find
members need special treatment so that they canproblems.
meet required levels of performance.On the job training is often a one to one situation,
Counseling and training share many of the same skillsusually involving the supervisor and one of the group.
and in many cases they are used together to achieveThe supervisor uses the actual work as the training
your results.location, and works with the trainee to improve skills or
The following are typical signs of change to look forintroduce new tasks. This process is also referred to
then you must decide to initiate the counseling oras coaching.
training (or both) initiatives.Advantages of on the job training
TYPICAL SIGNS OF NEED FOR HELP* It is cost effective
Avoids difficult work* It strengthens relationship within the group
No co-operation* Feedback and support is easy
Lack of interestNearly all the problems associated with on the job
No initiativetraining are very simple to overcome. Like so many
Complainingother parts of our work they require us to take a
Making mistakesmore systematic approach to the situation.
Avoiding contactMost workers usually take pride in learning a new skill.
No communicationThe new skills gained are to our mutual benefit as it's
Depressedgood for the worker to improve his future employment
Poor qualityvalue and for us to have new capability in our groups.
ArgumentativeIn addition, by making learning possible, you earn their
Unsafe workingrespect and build enduring relationships.
Poor productivityThe supervisor is frequently the only person in the
Delegating to othersorganization that teaches the basic knowledge and the
Lazinessmany key skills that the group needs to learn.
AbsenteeismOn-the-job training should never stop.