operators may be in the same storm, they are not all in the same boat. However, the one tool all programs have that can alleviate some of the burdens and help develop more resiliency is training. Don’t stop reading. I know the word “training” creates additional thoughts of burdensome work. The primary stepsofidentifying,planning,andscheduling training feel enormous. Developing training is even more of a burden, adding work to an already full plate. I contend, however, that now is the time to double down on your training efforts. Does training require more work, time, and additional staff pay? It can include those aspects upfront. However, over time, those expenditures will pay for themselves as you and your team become better equipped to handle the ever-present and new challenges in Child Nutrition Programs. There is a quote about training that has circulated in the military for decades, “He who sweats more in training bleeds less in battle.” The quote has been attributed to several military leaders, including General George S. Patton, Jr. No matter who said it, the premise is the same. The more prepared your staff is, the greater their capacity to handle adversity. It is an unrealistic expectation that staff will continually rise to the occasion without proper training. Training develops a system in which people do not need to rise up; instead, they can fall back on their training. By relying on their competencies, knowledge, and skills, each team member is more resilient when faced with challenges. Developing resiliency in your team also promotes trust and integrity when each team member knows they can succeed and can help their peers succeed as well.
Many aspects of training can occur without having to set up a formalized training program. Perhaps the most affordable and eye-opening piece of training you can provide your team is cross-training. I’m not talking about physical fitness, although that may be helpful; I’m focusing on training your team to work in various positions in the program successfully. Whether real or perceived, there is a hierarchy in kitchens. With that in mind, each person should be able to do the job of the person “above” and “below” in hierarchical rankings. Not only does this allow for flexibility to move people around during call-outs, but it also helps give team members a better perspective of each other’s daily work. This experience builds in a layer of mutual respect. It can also remove the phrase, “that’s not my job,” which I disdain with a passion, from the mindset of staff.When given the opportunity to learn more, your team sees that you are
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Training develops a system in which
people do not need to rise up; instead, they can fall back on their training. By relying on their competencies, knowledge, and skills, each team member is more resilient when faced with challenges.
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