Training. Technology training to be more specific. Let’s forget that it’s the ultimate scapegoat for a moment. Who’s job is it to ensure it’s happening? Does it fall under human resources – as a professional development endeavor? Or under IT?, because it has to do with technology. Or both?
First, let’s separate the IT staff from the rest of the staff. Regarding IT staff training – clearly the head of the IT department is responsible to ensure the IT staff has a professional development plan that advances skills and knowledge relevant to each position and the organization’s needs. However, it is also each IT staff person’s responsibility to seek training opportunities and to inform their managers and leadership what type of training they need. IT staff need to demonstrate initiative and identify which type of training they feel is most effective for them. Do they need online courses available to them? Do they need a "boot camp" or hands-on classroom setting? Or are they a self studier and need just materials?
Regarding non-IT staff - what type of skills does each position need to be as efficient and successful as possible? Marketing professionals need different technology tools and skills than office management professionals. Finance officers need different technology skills than the CEO. This is why it is important for human resources and IT teams to work together to review each position in the organization and identify the necessary technology skills and training options.
But wait, there's more if you act now....by making IT skills and professional development accomplishments part of your review process and perhaps your compensation structure, you're helping to avoid the typical problem of offering training but no one taking you up on it.
