Knowledge Sharing Library

When business slows, cutting training and marketing might seem smart - but it quietly weakens your team and brand. Savvy leaders know these aren’t expenses, they’re lifelines. Learn why protecting your people and visibility during downturns is the key to stronger, sustainable growth.

When companies invest in staff training, they often expect immediate improvement. But real change goes deeper than a workshop or a course. Training only works when the workplace culture supports it, encourages it and lives it every day. If the culture is weak or inconsistent, even the best training will fade the moment employees return to work. That’s why the most successful organisations focus on shaping their culture first - and it starts with leaders who walk the talk.

Many leaders worry about training staff who might leave, but the real risk is not developing the people who stay. Training only works when it’s intentional, i.e. supported by follow-up, clear expectations and leaders who walk the talk. When everyone plays their part, soft skills training can lift performance, morale and the overall quality of our workforce.

Here are useful tips on what to look out for in an interviewee’s response and how to probe further to avoid making inaccurate assumptions.