Why Training Your Team Pays Off—Even If They Leave
Lia Garvin
"Team Whisperer" doing workshops, trainings, & keynotes to help companies build better teams | Ex-Google, Microsoft, Apple | 2x Bestselling Author & TEDx Speaker | Host of the Managing Made Simple podcast
In today’s fast-paced business world, training often feels like a luxury—especially when there’s a chance the investment may benefit another company if team members leave. But here’s the real question every business owner should ask: What if they stay?
This week on Managing Made Simple, I’m unpacking the overlooked cost of not investing in your team. Whether you’re a corporate leader or a small business owner, building a team culture that prioritizes development is essential for long-term success. Here’s why investing in people is always worth it and how a well-trained team can transform your company’s bottom line and culture.
The True Cost of Doing Nothing Imagine this: an underperforming team member who’s struggling due to a lack of training stays on board, creating delays, missed opportunities, and eventually impacting the entire team’s morale. The hidden costs of inaction are high. An untrained team member can significantly reduce productivity, add stress to high performers, and lead to customer dissatisfaction.
In contrast, training allows team members to feel supported, build confidence, and develop skills they’ll use to deliver stronger results. And if someone does decide to move on? The lasting impact of having a well-trained, effective team makes the initial investment well worth it.
Investing in People Creates Loyalty One of the biggest myths about training is that it encourages people to leave. But the reality is, employees are more likely to stay with a company that invests in them. Development opportunities signal that you’re committed to their growth and success, building loyalty that goes beyond a paycheck.
When employees feel seen, supported, and challenged, they’re less likely to seek new opportunities elsewhere. Companies that prioritize development create a culture of growth that retains talent and attracts high-performing new hires.
Training as a Competitive Advantage Whether you’re managing a corporate team or running a small business, your people are your competitive advantage. Upskilling allows team members to take on new challenges, adapt to changes, and bring fresh perspectives to the table. This adaptability and resilience can help businesses stay competitive, navigate change, and grow sustainably.
Investing in training doesn’t just benefit individual team members; it strengthens your entire organization. A well-prepared team is equipped to tackle projects more efficiently, collaborate more effectively, and innovate faster—all of which contribute to long-term success.
Why the Risk of Doing Nothing Is Greater Let’s be real: the risk of not training is far greater than the risk of investing. When team members lack the skills they need, productivity suffers, and valuable time is spent correcting mistakes, realigning priorities, and troubleshooting problems. All of this costs far more than the price of training.
Training also supports succession planning, ensuring you have qualified, knowledgeable people ready to step up when needed. In a world where agility is key, companies that invest in their teams are better positioned to handle challenges and seize opportunities.
Take the Leap: Investing in Your Team Pays Off If you’re on the fence about training, consider this: the short-term cost of upskilling is always less than the long-term cost of an untrained team. The choice isn’t about avoiding expenses but making a smart, future-oriented investment in your business.
Ready to get started? Tune in to this episode of Managing Made Simple to learn more about the power of team development and why the best time to invest is always now.