Since this time last year, The Ian Martin Group (IMG) has been investing a lot of time and effort into formulating a new brand strategy. Throughout this journey, we’ve had to answer some tough questions about who we are and who we want to be. The exercise has been challenging, fun, tedious, invigorating, thought provoking and difficult at times – but, most of all, it has been unifying. The outcome is the basis of our ”Platform for Growth” Strategy designed to propel our organization to new heights.
As we embark on the implementation stage, we want to focus on the things that matter most. Two things have become resoundingly clear; we need more communication and better training.
“If you’re not actively engaged in your own professional development, you’re not standing still…you are falling behind.”
Change is constant – and rapid. Technology is eliminating the “knowledge” advantage. A vast amount of information is available to anyone who cares to look for it. If you’re not actively engaged in your own professional development, you’re not standing still…you are falling behind. Ongoing education is becoming “table stakes” for people who want a meaningful job, advancement opportunities and steady employment. Don’t wait for someone to bring education to you, go out and get it – and then share!
However, the best companies in the world are the ones that help cultivate learning and developing in their employees. They are often referred to as “Learning Organizations”. They keep people interested, engaged and motivated through skill enhancing programs. It creates a win-win situation – employees become brighter and better skilled and organizations benefit from better productivity, increased morale, motivation, loyalty and employees’ ability to adopt new business processes, technologies and strategies.
Starting today, IMG will look to become its own “Learning Organization” –committed to growing in an authentic way through the productive tension between stewardship and entrepreneurship. We will choose to honestly evaluate the merit of new ideas and then implement best practices, monitor trends and design smart programs to adapt. To do this, we need the support of every single IMG employee. It won’t happen overnight, in fact, I think it will take years to master. Learning will have to become part of our cultural DNA.
In truth, it has already begun. For example, some employees have taken the initiative to help implement a stronger “on boarding” program for all new employees to introduce them to our culture. Standardized training for our sales and recruiting staff will ensure that practices are adopted company-wide – that individual clients and candidates receive a consistent experience from office to office. IMG will strive to provide each of its employees with the tools needed to stay ahead of the curve.
All through the process, this space will be dedicated to the more practical aspects of education, training, development and learning. Look forward to meeting you here next time.
