Warning! Ignoring This Training Trend Could Cost Your Company Millions

You know that in today's fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of the curve is crucial.? For training and development directors, this means constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance employee skills and knowledge. One powerful strategy that's gaining even more traction is bringing in external speakers for corporate workshops. But why is this approach so effective, and how can it provide a tangible return on investment?

The Expert Edge

External speakers bring a wealth of specialized knowledge that can transform your team's capabilities. External speakers often have deep, specialized knowledge gained from years of focused work in their field. They may have conducted research, written books, or developed innovative methodologies that aren't readily available elsewhere. This expertise can provide employees with cutting-edge insights and techniques that can significantly enhance their skills and knowledge base.

According to a Training Industry, Inc. report, 87% of organizations using external trainers say they do so to access specialized expertise and knowledge.

Fresh Perspectives Fuel Innovation

When teams are exposed to new ideas and approaches, innovation flourishes. Outside speakers can challenge ingrained thinking patterns and habits within an organization. They often bring examples from different industries or contexts, helping employees see their work from new angles. This fresh viewpoint can spark creativity, innovation, and problem-solving approaches that might not have emerged from within the existing team dynamic.

A study in the Journal of Management Development found that external perspectives in training programs increased innovative thinking among employees by 23%. This fresh viewpoint can be the catalyst for breakthrough solutions and creative problem-solving within your organization.

Credibility that Drives Action

There's something powerful about learning from a recognized expert. When a recognized expert in a field speaks, employees often pay more attention and give more weight to the information presented. This perceived authority can increase the likelihood of employees implementing new ideas or changing behaviors. Additionally, management's decision to bring in a respected outside voice can demonstrate to employees the company's commitment to quality training and development.

Training Industry, Inc. reports that 78% of employees are more likely to implement new strategies when presented by external authorities. This increased buy-in can be the difference between a training session that's quickly forgotten and one that drives real organizational change.

Engagement that Sticks

Let's face it… internal training can sometimes feel routine. External speakers bring a novelty factor that captivates attention and boosts retention. A new presenter with a different style can break the monotony of regular training sessions. External speakers often use unique presentation techniques, interactive exercises, or real-world case studies that can captivate audience attention. This novelty factor can lead to better retention of information and higher participation rates in training activities.

While almost every recent survey of employee engagement shows more than 60% of U.S. employees are disengaged, an outside speaker workshop can counter this disheartening stat. And the Corporate Executive Board discovered that engaged learners are 12 times more likely to apply new skills in their daily work. This heightened engagement translates directly to improved performance and productivity.

Time and Cost-Efficiency

Developing comprehensive in-house expertise on every relevant topic is often impractical because it can be time-consuming and expensive. External speakers offer a shortcut to cutting-edge knowledge, allowing companies to tap into specialized knowledge quickly. This approach enables organizations to stay current with industry trends and best practices without having to maintain a large, diverse pool of internal experts.

The Brandon Hall Group found that organizations using a mix of internal and external training resources were 32% more likely to report improved business outcomes. This hybrid approach allows you to stay current with industry trends without overextending your internal resources.

Motivation that Lasts

Speakers do more than just inform; they can inspire employees by sharing success stories, overcoming obstacles, or presenting ambitious visions for the future. This inspiration can boost morale, increase job satisfaction, and motivate employees to set higher goals for themselves and the organization. The excitement generated by a powerful speaker can persist long after the event, driving continued growth and development.

Gallup research shows that employees with access to high-quality learning opportunities, including those from external experts, are 15% more engaged and 34% more likely to stay with their company. This increased motivation and retention can significantly reduce turnover costs and boost overall productivity.

Benchmarking for Excellence

External speakers provide valuable insights into how other organizations tackle similar challenges. This benchmarking allows companies to gauge their performance against industry standards and identify areas for improvement. It can also validate existing practices or reveal innovative approaches that the company hadn't considered.

Bersin & Associates found that companies effectively leveraging external benchmarking in their training programs are 2.5 times more likely to outperform their peers in key business metrics. This competitive edge can be crucial in today's market.

The ROI You Can't Ignore

Perhaps the most compelling reason to consider external speakers is the return on investment.

Forbes reported that when companies offer comprehensive training programs, they have 218% higher income per employee than companies without formalized training. These companies also enjoy a 24% higher profit margin. These statistics alone makes a strong case for incorporating outside expertise into your training strategy.

Making the Most of External Speakers

To maximize the benefits of external speakers:

1.??????? Align their expertise with your organizational goals

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4.??????? Integrate external insights with your ongoing internal development efforts

Bringing in external speakers for corporate workshops is not just about adding variety to your training program. It's a strategic investment in your team's growth, innovation capacity, and overall performance. By tapping into the power of outside expertise, you're not just training your employees – you're transforming your organization's potential for success.

As a training and development director, the question isn't whether you can afford to bring in external speakers. Given the potential for increased productivity, innovation, and ROI, the real question is: can you afford not to?

When you’re ready to realize the power of bringing in an external speaker for your organization, let’s set up a time to chat.

Lori Saitz is the CEO of Zen Rabbit, a forward-thinking health and wellness company specializing in helping corporations build healthy and high-performance focused teams and workplaces. She’s also the host of Fine is a 4-Letter Word. As an award-winning author, speaker, and broadcaster, she has been published in Business Insider, and worked with various organizations, including AARP, Insperity, Women in Technology, Infinity Broadcasting, and JK Moving Services.