In my experience, the most effective way to train someone is through on-the-job training. This approach allows trainees to learn by doing, and to develop relationships that might never have formed had they been closely supervised. I learned this lesson by accident when I was training and both of my supervisors were indisposed during an important student placement. Despite my apprehension, I found it was possible to fend for myself. By being thrown into the deep end, I learned how to swim and grew more in those three days than I would have in three months with a supervisor by my side.
Of course, this doesn't mean that you can abandon trainee staff. The good ones will show initiative and focus when you're unavailable. As leaders, it's important to be available to our team and willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed. Timing is everything, and being present when our team needs us can make all the difference.
Never give new staff a job requiring skills you lack. Instead set them up with some tasks you know well so you can see how they get on. When they do well increase the complexity of the task. If they don't cope, then give them something simpler to do. That way they're unlikely to be overstretched and lose confidence.
Using this approach, most staff will improve over time.
A good leader sees themselves as a coach, always ready and willing to help their team succeed. They are also a blocking back, willing to do whatever it takes to help their team advance towards their objectives. No job is too menial if it helps the team succeed, and a good manager is always willing to lend a hand. They carry their players' phone numbers with them and make sure reliable help is available to them seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. In return, they expect their team to be available on the same terms.
In conclusion, leadership is about being available to our team and willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed. This means being present when our team needs us, and being a coach and blocking back who is always ready to lend a hand. By doing so, we can create a culture of success and growth that benefits everyone.