The standard business model has changed over the last few decades, and increasingly more jobs are focused on specialization. IT is certainly no different, and perhaps has the most unique specializations. It is because of these unique niches that cross training becomes absolutely indispensable by saving money and increasing productivity.
Here are 4 reasons why you can’t afford not to cross train:
- Enhances abilities. Having a great understanding of how back-end development works will significantly enhance the ability of a front-end developer. Similarly, knowing how to build a website can help server maintenance run smoother. Understanding how each niche fits into the big picture will ultimately enhance the ability of individual associates, and hence, the collective skill of your team.
- Enriches collaboration. If an associate understands both parts of an equation, this will help them collaborate with co-workers on the other side of the equation. This remains true regardless of your team’s composition. Being able to understand each other’s challenges help to seamlessly collaborate.
- Increases flexibility. If someone on your team gets sick, walks out, or has a life emergency, what’s your contingency plan? These are worst case scenarios, but being an agile and flexible workforce can greatly increase your contingency operations. During the times where there isn’t such a drastic necessity, however, it does help smooth the flow of operations and avoid bottlenecks in the process.
- Leadership. A leader can lead best when he or she comprehensively understands what’s going on. Being able to discuss on a functional level what needs to happen is a pre-requisite for accepting a position, and the more diverse skillset, the more workers one can effectively lead.
Cross training is a vital function for every company. Not only does it enhance the abilities of It professionals, thereby maximizing productivity, but it also enriches collaboration, increases flexibility, and bolsters superior leadership long term. Cross training increases the soft dollar savings in flexibility and efficiency, and increases revenue from higher productivity. The only question is – why isn’t your company doing this?
At CERS, we can help. We recruit and retain talent from across the South Florida area. Our wide network of talent can help place the ideal candidates in with your business for cross training or niche specialties, and can help your business perform at peak efficiency. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
